Obedience & Conformation

Honor and Nikki Brag!

Infiniti — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 18:41:17 GMT

I'm hoping no one will mind if I share exciting news about my girls! I am SO proud of Honor and Nikki! Friday night, both girls passed their CGC and TDI tests, and will join Eli in delighting others in therapy work! I'm ecstatic, and can't wait to get them out there!

And today, Honor received her first qualifying score in UKC Level 2 Rally! She ended out taking second place, and I am ecstatic! Level 2 is a big challenge for us, as she sometimes likes to run around and socialize instead of heel! :) I am so proud that we did it!

Thank you for letting me share! I'm so proud of both of them!

Old dogs LOVE new tricks! (Jewel)

jennie_c_d — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 01:26:29 GMT

So, I decided to teach Jewel some basic obedience. The other two girls are well trained, and reliable off lead. Jewel misses out on fun times, and she is still very eager to play and interact, at 8 years young. I'd like to get her CGC, and maybe her RN, if her health permits. She has great dog manners (thank you, Emma, and Bean), and is a generally decently behaved dog, just needs some guidance. I hadn't started her on anything, before this week. I'd been giving her time to get over being in season, being spayed immediately after, and being in a new home.

The night before last, we played "watch me!" with her dinner. She loved it! She picked up super fast. Last night, I took her to basic obedience class, and she met the trainer's new, 14 month old, rescue ( 4th home! Geez, poor guy!!) Border Collie. She did well, with him. When class started, she did watch mes, in front of the WHOLE class (which was a Yorkie, and two wild, large breed puppies, the BC pup off and on, and Jewel). I introduced "heel", with her meal in my nail apron. Tonight, I decided to arrange to work all three dogs, for dinner. It's dark, outside, by dinner time, so I put three crates in the wide open living room. I put bowls, with their topper, supplements, medications on top of each crate. Crated the dogs. Got out the kibbles to work them with. All of my dogs are chow hounds, so I knew it would work Emma worked first, which was annoying, because she was OMGSODISTRACTED. Jewel, second. She heeled without food in front of her face, worked more on watch mes, and figured out how to sit beside me. She is eating this UP! Lots of love, and hugs, and kibbles. Her tail wags like CRAZY. She is completely into it. I had no idea training an adult dog from scratch was so much fun

Rally Non-regular classes - anyone done them yet? (miranadobe)

miranadobe — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 06:39:33 GMT

I'm wondering if anyone on the forum has competed in any of the Rally Non-Regular classes -

Rally Pairs, Rally T Challenge, Rally T Challenge Team, or Rally Plus? If you haven't competed, has your club sponsored the classes at your trials? Have you seen any of these classes at any trials you've attended (as a spectator or competitor)?

Teaching "Stand" (sillysally)

sillysally — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 23:43:00 GMT

I have recently started seriously thinking about trialing Jack in Rally. We are in a Rally class now and jack does pretty good with most of the material, but I am not sure how to go about teaching him "stand." Any advice?

This should be fun!

oranges81 — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 19:40:58 GMT

I put Maze in to basic puppy obedience starting tomorrow!!! LMAO! I'm hoping *praying* that I can get her focus under control and maybe not get pulled down the street. Lol. She's a demon on the agility field but she's so bloody fast, I can't get her to focus and she takes pieces out of order.

So think of me tomorrow around 3pm. Lol

Rally O

georgie4682 — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 20:27:29 GMT

I have Finn in a CGC class right now and he is doing excellent. I love working with him and he loves working with me. We have so much fun when we're training and I have decided that he will be my rally dog. We will start classes after our CGC course, which won't be until October.

I had Benny, my pom, in rally and agility, but decided that he is just too overstimulated during trials (well, the one (agility trial) we entered), so I have work to do on him before I seriously consider taking him back to classes. But I know a little of Rally from having him in classes.

So, my question, what do need to know about trials for agility. I so don't understand the point system and whatnot, are there any websites that explain? Also, I want to know about rules and just other things that people might not tell you. I will be with my trainer, but there's only so much you can talk about in class so I'm wondering what you all know! Thanks!

UKC points - how do they tally?

Liesje — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 12:33:52 GMT

Nikon did several shows a while back but since he was under 6 months he was only getting ribbons, no points. Yesterday we did an impromptu show since SchH was cancelled, but I have no idea how the points are tallied. He won the male puppy class and was the only dog so he got a blue ribbon and a rainbow ribbon. Then he won over the other puppy (female?) and got a "Best of Winners" ribbon. Then another dog won the breed (obviously, since she is an adult grand champion and it was Nikon, a puppy, and another very young leggy dog). Then the second time he again won the male puppy and got the blue and rainbow ribbon, but the second judge chose the Am. line female puppy over Nikon so he was out. How does that tally up? I can't figure it out!

What was cool was that the bitch who won the breed both times actually won Best in Show for the first show and then Reserve Best in Show for the second show.

Handling classes

Pit_Pointer_Aussie — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 22:41:07 GMT

What is the best way to find conformation handling classes? It doesn't appear that any of the local clubs offer them, and since I am new to this, I think there must be other places to look that I am missing.

content edited, spam

WetNoseKatie — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 22:13:58 GMT

*content removed, advertising*

suggestions for obiedence when passing other dogs on a walk

mydog4ever — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 23:12:25 GMT

I've posted before about how we are begining training classes with my new 2 year old dog Trixie. She listened very well when we first got her, but i think alot of it was out of being scared in her new situation. She still listens fairly well, but it definitly needs work and consistancy as she becomes more outgoing and comfortable with her new owners.

On our walks i used to be able to get her to sit and stay sitting as another dog passed us on her walk. This was to preven the pulling and barking that sometiems occurs when they want to meet. my goal was to make it a calmer situation and if the dog is calm then they can smell, but i can't get her to sit anymore because she is paying so much attention to the oncoming dog.

Is there any suggestions of ways to go about controlling this?

Superior NW Training Facilities

zeeple — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 00:00:13 GMT

Hi there. My wife and I moved from Pittsburgh a few years ago where we had access to Misty Pines. Misty Pines is famous for its high quality instruction as well as its pay-as-you-go model. We are now in Seattle and desperately seeking a similar place to take our dog. What we really want is a pay-as-you-go (PAYG) dog training place so that we can take her on the Saturday's that we can, and skip those that we cannot, without having to worry about losing out on one sixth or one ninth (or whatever fraction) of the training package. Most places that we have found unfortunately only sell multi-week packages and focus on training untrained dogs as opposed to the on-going training of somewhat experienced dogs. Does anyone who lives in the northwest have any idea if there is such a place around? We are willing to drive up to an hour for a good Misty Pines style facility. Thanks in advance!

A List of Places the do NOT offer drop-in classes:

Argus Ranch - I had a really great conversation with a person from Argus Ranch. AR sounds like a really terrific facility and the person I spoke to seems really knowledgeable. Unfortunately they do not offer weekend classes :(
Washington State Obedience Training Club. Again, did not return call or email.
Riverdog. (At least the answer their phone :)

HUGE BRAG (jennie_c_d)

jennie_c_d — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 22:17:56 GMT

Today, we had a rally trial in Savannah. Ena was also entered in prenovice obedience, which was way too late in the afternoon. She fell asleep on the long down, but that's not the point of this post :D

Emma earned her RAE today! I forgot to give her the first dose of phenobarbital, this morning, so she went in without it. She scratched, a lot, and ended up with an 85 in excellent. I went out, gave the poor girl her medicine, and played with her a little, before her next run. She got a 97 in advanced, with a beautiful run! This dog has gone from biting people, to friendly and happy, wagging her tail in the ring, and having a blast. I'm ridiculously proud of her!

Second HUGE brag of the day. I've been showing actively since October 13, 2007 (Emma's 4th birthday was her first show). I've never gotten a perfect score. UNTIL NOW! Ena Bean went in for advanced a, today, and got her second leg with a score of 100!!!!!!!! For those who aren't familiar with rally, advanced is all off leash, and there is no touching the dog. Ena had to jump over an 8" jump, while remaining in control. The heeling was fabulous. Head up, attention, the whole course. I was so happy, I almost cried!

Also, I ate a giant, Coca Cola cupcake. My life is now complete :D

Judge Dorothy Nickles

rwbeagles — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 15:48:36 GMT

aww. I am hearing she has only days left and is hospice care. It's sad.

She was one of the few judges I have ever personally shown for and I was TERRIFIED...but she put me at ease and was very nice and encouraging and gave me handling tips in the ring in a very nice way.

My vet is apparently very close with her and went to school with her I think! He will be so sad...

rw-well, Miss Ellie

rwbeagles — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 18:20:43 GMT

apparently took a Major this weekend.

I iz happee. These are her first pts...tho she's been Reserve to a couple majors already. *dancin*

Honor's Great Rally Weekend

Infiniti — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 14:55:25 GMT

I just wanted to share how proud I am of Honor. This weekend, Honor had four APDT rally trials in Level 1B. She's currently going for her Level 1 Championship title while we prepare for Level 2. You need 10 qualifying legs in order to receive your RL1X, and Honor had 4/4 Qs this weekend! I'm so proud of her because she received some of her highest scores to date: a 187, 192, 194, and an all-time high of 200!!! Hopefully she'll repeat her wonderful performance at Premier next weekend. :)

This is a video of her 200 run: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNPquLpxRG8

We lost 5 points on the Halt-Stand at the beginning because she produced an extra sit, and I mistakenly thought that we should retry the exercise then. And we lost 2 points for tight lead, but she received 7 points for the bonus exercise so it was a wash at 200! I'm very proud of her. We've both come a long way from our disasterous first trial where I was a nervous basketcase and ended out NQing by touching her. I'm so excited because she's shown that she really loves rally, and I'm looking forward to preparing for Level 2 with her!

The pretty girl with her Q ribbons:

Thanks for letting me share!

Training Question

oranges81 — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 21:42:59 GMT

I'm working towards teaching Sandy Rally O. So far she's doing pretty good. BUT I can't lure or treat her without her jumping up to snatch the treat. I don't give it to her but it's kinda difficult to lure a dog that doesn't even come up to my knees. Lol.

Any suggestions to make luring and treating easier? I've read somewhere that a lady used a wooden spoon with PB on it.. Hmmm

Junior Handlers...

Bonita of Bwana — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:33:30 GMT

Jr Handlers are a wonderful asset for any show kennel, they have a lot of energy, they obviously love dogs and when teaching and watching them you improve your own skills by leaps and bounds. So I thought since I have already promised another post about indoor showing with photos from the big Jackson Ms show in a couple of weeks I may as well offer another thread on the wonderful world of Juniors...

FAQ.... Where do I get a Junior Handler?? Well we strongly reccommend picking them out carefully !!

Try to find one who seems eager to please and happy to see you..... hee hee hee.. Then you train and train and train ,,, here is our youngest daughter, Crystal, showing one of our dogs in Chula Vista California , THAT was a Great Road trip best saved for another thread!

Bonita of Bwana

Pre novice

jennie_c_d — Sun, 31 May 2009 20:07:11 GMT

It says it's all done on leash, but I've never done pre novice (Emma is *worse* on a leash than off, by a long shot, for her stands). Ena Bean would benefit from doing the novice exersizes on leash. There is a show coming up, and I want to enter her. How are the long sits and downs performed?

The different types of Sit

oranges81 — Sat, 30 May 2009 04:44:08 GMT

Sandy heels beautifully on both my left and right side. BUT! When I slow down to a stop, she swings out and either does a front finish or sits on an angle. I can lure her in to the sit but she still sits on the angle.. It's like there's a magnet in her butt that's reacting badly with my leg. LOL!

Also I'm trying to teach her a left side swing... Like for Rally. Circling around the right to finish on the left in a sit.. It ain't happening.. I've got her on leash and am using food to lure her around. She'll get to my right hip then she refuses to move any further. I don't really want to drag her around by the neck but the food isn't working..

Any ideas??

Eli, CGC TDI!!!

Infiniti — Sun, 17 May 2009 20:20:55 GMT

I am ELATED to announce that Eli is now officially RBIS GrCH 'PR' AliAK's Aint No Mountn Hi Enf, CGC, TDI!!!

Eli and I went for his CGC/TDI tests this afternoon, and he passed with flying colors!!! I'm so incredibly proud of him. He was totally unphased by the use of walkers and crutches in the "walk through crowd" part, and was more than happy to cuddle with the elderly woman testing the "greet people" portion of the TDI. The "distraction/startling noises" part was very difficult, as it involved a girl shaking a can full of coins and pulling a wagon across our path. Eli just kept walking like "What noise?? We're out for a walk!". I'm so proud because I had a few nice comments about how well he stayed and recalled, especially being a northern breed.

It's especially wonderful because both Eli's grandsire and dam are therapy dogs. There aren't many AKK who are therapy dogs, and I'm so proud that Eli is a great ambassador for the breed.

After we got our results:

Yay! I'm so excited to start therapy work with him! He's such a good boy.

Misc. Group, please explaine

Sowilu — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 03:29:07 GMT

Can somebody explaine to me the miscellanious (spll?) group for the AKC, I mean like how does it work. I am really interested in the Xoloitzcuintle but Tracy tells me they are in the miscellanious group and she doesn't know how they get the points and so on. I don't know if I make sence but I hope I do.

"Heel" (Stationary v.s. Moving)

JD_Shelties — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 16:35:36 GMT

Working with my own little one right now the most (yes I'm a little biased at the moment... hehe)

In your opinion, what is more important to learn first:

"Forward Heel" moving
"Heel" / "Halt" stationary, proper positioning

I spoke with an evaluator that I know who work at one of our local AKC clubs and she said in her opinion stationary was more important becasue re-training proper posture is a pain.

My little one is having a hard time throwing the stationary behavior at me. If he is on lead he'll sit & heel/halt perfectly after moving, but the whole concept of just me standing here and having him come closer really seems to confuse him...

Either way I'm going to work on all of it... but in your opinion what would you work on first???

Obedience folks, have a Q for you

Jewlieee — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 16:51:34 GMT

What steps do you go through in training the attention heel? Do you use a treat lure, watch me + heel? I need to get something like this going for Abbie.

Thanks!

Heeling Help with Strauss Please :-(

Xeph — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 23:43:52 GMT

I'm having an issue with Strauss that I don't know how to correct. He's constantly barking during his routine (if he's not barking, he refuses to heel).

At different areas of practice he's fine...we get to a trial and he won't show. He is either excused for excessive barking or for being inattentive.

I cannot find a balance with this dog...if I let him show "as is" he's flat and extremely laggy/inattentive. If I try and get him and KEEP him in drive, all he does is "Yell" at me. It's especially bad in exercises where he must stop motion (the normal recall, drop on recall, retrieve on flat, retrieve over wall jump, broad jump).

Physical corrections do nothing but make him worse. A calm attitude has no effect (calm rewards and soft but straight forward commands). I will have video available tomorrow for you all to view because I know it's hard to suggest anything without it, but if you could maybe give me some initial pointers it would be good.

This dog is UD material, but I can't even get him through his CDX because he either won't heel or won't shut up. He is currently only being worked in training or match situations, no shows.

Kaiser is a Champion!

KarissaKS — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 12:35:54 GMT

Kaiser's first conformation show (UKC) was this past weekend up in Minneapolis, MN! We had four Klee Kai total -- two "class dogs" (one being Kaiser) and two dogs with their GRCH (Grand Champion). Kaiser did *GREAT* and the judges really loved him!

He was the only male class dog, so he won that + his variety in every show (there are two per day). Then he went into the ring with the female class dog to compete for Best of Winners, which he won every time. She's going to be a nice dog when she grows up a bit more, but at 10 months she was a little awkward and squirrely.

Kaiser took Best of Breed over one of the GRCH bitches in the first show on Sunday and then placed 3rd in the Northern Group. In the second show he was up against the other GRCH bitch and she took Best of Breed -- this judge didn't place a class dog over a GRCH all day, so it wasn't really a surprise.

On Sunday, the points Kaiser earned in his Best of Winners from the first show earned him his Champion title! He took Best of Breed again in that show, but I did a dismal job showing him in Group and placed 4th (I nearly missed the class and was late to the ring -- totally flustered!).

For the fourth (and final) show he was moved into the Champion class, which didn't have any other dogs -- But because he moved into CH, that meant we had three dogs in the Best of Breed ring (class dog, CH & GRCH). You need to have at least this many in order to win a point towards your GRCH -- and Kaiser took Best of Breed again!

Kaiser was really "on" when we went into the Group ring -- He's figured this show stuff out and has decided that he really likes it! He showed beautifully and placed 2nd in Group behind a *gorgeous* Siberian Husky that had been placing 1st or 2nd all weekend. It was a great way to end the weekend!

There was a great photographer there this weekend and I ordered a picture CD -- so as soon as it arrives, I'll be sure to share pictures!

So now Kaiser's full name is CH 'PR' Alasco's Kvichak.