Obedience Competition

[RKCM]

Do any of you work in obedience competition? Agility? Etc.

We have always trained our dogs to live with us. They all go off lead, stay and all that. But there are procedures on talking to them, touching them, that we really didn't know. Taking classes and joining our local obedience club has been a joy. Nice people and the dogs absolutely love it. I had handled toy dogs in conformation, years ago but never thought about obedience competition. Actually, encouraged to compete by another breeders and by the owners of several of our dogs that earned utility, agility, etc....awards. It's a work in progress to train us. I would like to say that in training for obedience competition, it is more about training me with the rules than training the dog. Did any of you feel this way?

We are lucky that we had a very nice training club in our area. I'd like to hear how some of you started in obedience competition and encourage others. Whether you show in conformation or not, I'm here to say just training is FUN for you and the dog!

[Dobs4ever]

Good points and discussion - so of course I will jump right in. I started with my dogs as a kid and always trained them to do the standard stuff. Sit, down, roll over, speak but when I got my first Doberman I wanted more. I hired 4 or 5 private trainers and was disgusted with them all.

Then we moved and I joined a kennel club that was very active - I took 2 classes a week for a year and then really jumped in and took 3 years of competition obedience classes 2 X's a week. I was hooked the first time I walked into the ring. I LOVEd it. I learned I had two left feet and handled correctly the dog learned faster than I did. I quickly learned that many of the things I learned I had to correct or change when we got actually ready to go into the ring so now I just train it the way I use it.

But yes I am still the biggest problem my dobes have.

[Sue J]

I'm a beginner and don't show but because dobs4ever said she was the biggest problem her dobes had (which I can't imagine) I had to share this. Jett graduated from her first obedience class after I had finished all the exercises with her, put her in down and stopped in front of the instructor. I didn't look down at her until the instructor busted out laughing. Jett had put her paws over both eyes! Told the world just how bad I was!!! LOL

[RKCM]

Well, 4ever that makes me feel better. I thought I was slower at this than anyone.....and maybe. LOL. I took 3 classes and am still working with one of our dogs to compete. We've passed but still working on exactness etc. I think the hardest thing for me is not talking to the dog. That is something I've always done. Then, having two left feet did not help. All the footwork had me baffled. Lol. I was lucky to have a doberman person as a trainer. Our training club is actually a great place. They put on a lot of shows during the year and they are local. Plus they have speakers and just all kinds of educational programs. It's a good place for the dogs and the people are great dog people.

I was so nervous on testing day. I don't know why because I have shown in conformation and didn't feel that way. Part of my nervousness is knowing the pattern and exactly what I need to do. My dog was like what do you want now.

I took him to a rally class but found it was boring to him. I liked that you could talk with the dog etc. but obedience is more my cup of tea. I thought about agility, as he loves the tunnel and running up things. It took no training to get that done. A neighbor has all the equipment and gives classes. It has just been too hot to think about it for now and I am determined to get at least a CD on him. I'll start new classes in the fall.

Just want to encourage any of you that haven't worked your dog in obedience to do this. My dogs were trained to go off lead and live with us but this is a whole different challenge and the dogs love it. It is more about training me to compete. The dogs learn a lot faster.....lol.

[RKCM]

Sue, I hope you will continue working with your dog in classes. Sounds like you have taken him to obedience and good for you. Your dog sounds like quite a character. I loved that story! I'm sure mine felt the same way.

Also, you know the CGC is a easy certification to get on your dogs. In our club with the instructors recommendation, it allows you to join the therapy group. Therapy is a great way to show our breed in a good light. So many consider dobermans to be a unstable dog. I had done therapy with handicap children prior to that but the CGC gave me access to more opportunities. And the obedience people are a great group! They are willing to help you and really want you to succeed. Not that other venues don't, but it is really more on what you and your dog can do as a team.

[Dobs4ever]

Sue I just love that story, itis priceless - Hey if you can't be truthful about yourself and have a good laugh then what the heck. The best memories I have and the things I share are the times we ended up doing something really goofy - Not the brag about the leg. I could write a book about Gunner Stories alone and our adventures.

One of my biggest problems is switching from AKC to Schutzhund obedience out in an open field and no judge to call the pattern. I have to drill myself without the dog so I can remember where I am and what is next.

I have a routine that we practice an exercise 3 times then move on to something else. If it is not right after 3 times then max 2 more times to try to fix it. Gunner has really picked up on this to the point that he now corrects his own mistakes in a trail which does not help us. In fact we NQ because of it. BUT I love his inventiveness and I would not change him. If he gets it right the first time - he knows it and goes into his little Gunny Dance because he thinks he has really made me happy.

Unfortunately I have seen too many people both in showing horses and dogs that get just furious with the dog if it does not do right. I feel sorry for the dog that has to go home with that person. I would quit if it was that important to get a stupid leg. We go out to have fun and share a special time together and do the best we can. When we mess up - it is because I misqued NOT THE DOG!!!

[RKCM]

Yes, misques are the hardest for me. The dog picks up on body movement much more than I realized. I'm in training....lol.....and one of the hardest to master for me anyway.

I see few people really getting down on their dogs for not performing as the owner wants. Our training club does not promote that or really allow it. Light corrections but I know there are some people that work only for that title. Their own ego, maybe?? I have to say that I have that as a goal but getting there will be fun for the dog and me or I'm not doing it. I always look at what I can do to correct it without harshness. I don't even use those pinch collars but a lot of people do. They are ok if you had a dog that was out of control, I guess. My dogs just are so eager to please and just see no reason to use one. Sometimes they get bored and I mess up but they are not the issue. I'm not expert but am learning and agree fun is what obedience should be for everyone.

Life is too short to waste for us and our loyal breed!

[Sue J]

RKCM "Their own ego, maybe?". We were at a trial watching a man upset at his dog because he wasn't winning and a wise old dog man told me "a man's ego is a heavy burden for a dog to carry". I've never forgotten that.

[Dobs4ever]

Sue - what an awesome quote. Thanks for sharing. I always remember and tell people I am trianing - IT IS NEVER the dogs fault. It is always a human error. It is more important for my dogs to enjoy working with me than to be high scoring or worse yet to dread it.

[Dravens]

A big part of the Ivan Balabanov method is teaching the dog to ignore body movements.

[Dobs4ever]

I love Ivan Balabanov - I have watched a couple of his DVD's - I did not pick up on the not watching body language because you can't move without the dog picking up on the movement, but I have not watched them for a while. I need to pull them out again. I do love his play play play and have used it for several years now. It keeps the dog motivated and engaged at all times. He is a master trainer for sure.

[Dravens]

If you notice on his dvd the majority of what is taught is done with a lot of walking in place and position changes so that the dog does not anticipate the next command based on the handlers posture or position. He fades gestures to only voice command. Rewatch ch. 6 of the game dvd.

[Dobs4ever]

Interesting - There is still a lot of movement with the tuggy toy for motivation and I love his technique for keeping the dog in high drive. I am sure because I am a little slower that mine are picking up on body language. I will pull it back out and watch again. Glad you brought it up as we all forget from time to time.