Dog Community

akc obedience trials

Posted : 9/8/2010 10:20:37 PM

So I'm headed to a show n go on Sunday with Kes just to see what we can do in obedience without really having spent time working on anything formally. It has been ages since I looked at how trials in obedience are structured, so I was wondering if anyone could give me a quick summary of the exercises and which order they come in. The AKC site gives the bare bones, but not the moderate detail I need.

I know there will be an on leash and off leash heeling pattern, is there a common set up for the patterns?

I know there's a stand stay - am I remembering correctly that the handler is supposed to be 6' from the dog?

And I know there's a come with a front and return to heel, but what is the distance for the recall?

Thanks!

BEVOLASVEGAS

Posted : 9/8/2010 11:13:06 PM

The judge will determine the heeling pattern. It will be the same pattern for everyone. It will have two change of paces, as well as two halts.

In the figure 8, you have the option of going either way.

It is 6' for the stand for exam.

The recall distance is left up to the judge as well, It, too, has to be the same distance for everyone in the class. It is usually the length of the ring.

After the class is completed, you will do the long sit & down.

Somebody, please correct me if I screwed up somewhere.

micksmom

Posted : 9/9/2010 7:04:01 AM

BEVOLASVEGAS

The judge will determine the heeling pattern. It will be the same pattern for everyone. It will have two change of paces, as well as two halts.

In the figure 8, you have the option of going either way.

It is 6' for the stand for exam.

The recall distance is left up to the judge as well, It, too, has to be the same distance for everyone in the class. It is usually the length of the ring.

After the class is completed, you will do the long sit & down.

Somebody, please correct me if I screwed up somewhere.

No corrections, just addtitions. Smile Heel on lead is first, followed by the figure 8, the stand for exam then heel off lead (which will be the same pattern as the heel on lead). T he recall will be last .

Hint for the figure 8- while the rules say you can go in either direction, for most dogs it works out better if you go to your left first. Your dog has a better chance of lagging off the bat if you go to your right first. Also, remember to start out a few stepts away from the center. Just some handy tips we were given eons ago!

miranadobe

Posted : 9/9/2010 10:41:13 AM

Yes, you need to set up between the two posts, a few steps before center and wait for the judge to ask if you're ready and "Forward".

Remember to wait for the finish after the recall - the judge will signal w/his or her hand or a nod for when he wants you to finish the dog. (No auto-finish)

Be absolutely certain the leash is attached before you even get close to leaving the ring.

No tags or ANYTHING on the collar in the ring.

Remember to remove your arm band and leash and place them facing the judge so he/she can read your number when you leave the dog for sits & downs, and put them back on before you leave the ring.

micksmom

Posted : 9/9/2010 4:50:19 PM

miranadobe
...No tags or ANYTHING on the collar in the ring...

Oh, good point! I keep forgetting not everybody knows that.

stardog85

Posted : 9/9/2010 5:22:18 PM

I think I'm glad this is just a show n go! So many things to remember! Surprise

Are martingale collars allowed or is it flat or choke only?

micksmom

Posted : 9/9/2010 5:43:03 PM

stardog85
...Are martingale collars allowed or is it flat or choke only?

I was told it depends on the judge. I keep an extra flat collar in the trianing bag just incase.

miranadobe

Posted : 9/10/2010 9:44:44 AM

micksmom

miranadobe
...No tags or ANYTHING on the collar in the ring...

Oh, good point! I keep forgetting not everybody knows that.

This ancient man showed up to Rally and put his dog through the routine and he struggled, but managed to get a qualifying score... Nobody had the heart to point out to the judge that he had 3 or 4 tags hanging off the dog... But she saw it and dealt with it. It's one of those small rules that will disqualify your entire run.