Pet Pointers: Competitive obedience
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Every champion athlete had to start somewhere. Even obedience champions started with the basics.
Skeet is a top 20 competitor in the Australian Shepherd Club of America at the Novice Obedience level and loves to show off his skills.
During beginner obedience competitions, dogs are judged on how well they complete a series of exercises. The “L” pattern and the figure-8 are both done on leash. Then, off leash, they must “Stand for Exam” and complete another “L” pattern in what is called the “Heal Free” exercise and finally the “Recall.”
Obedience is now an all inclusive dog sport. The AKC has opened up obedience competition to all breeds as well as mixed breeds, as long as they have a PAL, ILP or AKC Canine Partners number.
If you think you might like to try obedience with your dog take a beginner class and attend some shows. You might be surprised at how much fun you and your dog have.
For details about the AKC requirements, click here.