Obedience

At all levels, training is focused on getting the dog to understand what it needs to do with confidence and enjoyment. The handler is guided into being a better dog handler through understanding the dogs behaviour and its method of learning and improving their guidance and communications with their dog.

The approach is positive and rewarding for both dog and handler.

Competitive Obedience leads the dog and handlers along the path to achieve success in classes from Novice to Test C.

Requirements for enrolling in Obedience classes

Handlers should have passed Canine Good Basics or similar.

Competition Obedience

Obedience as a competitive sport can be compared to the equestrian sport of dressage, with an emphasis on precision, responsiveness, and versatility. The extensive range of skills required provides plenty of variety and challenge for both dog and handler.

Dogs perform a series of set exercises, including heelwork, recalls, retrieving, scent work, stays, and distance work. The difficulty, length, andcomplexity of the exercises increases at each of the five levels of competition.

As well as competing for placings, a variety of awards and titles can be earned by Obedience dogs. This is a Dogs NZ recognised sport.

Modern training methods for Obedience are based on rewards and enjoyment. While points are not awarded for style or eagerness, a good competitive dog should be keen to work, full of confidence, quick and responsive, and obviously having fun!

This sport requires you to have a firm commitment to training to get the best results.The dogs love it and the handler learns a great deal about everything to do with dogs which can be very addictive.