Home

The Brittany Spaniel

Training & Activities

Dog Care

Hunter's Heart Brittanys

About huntersheart.com

Obedience Classes & Trials

Home: Training & Activities: Obedience Classes & Trials
Page Updated March 26, 2004

Topics included in this section:
* What Types of Dogs & People Take Obedience Classes?
* How to Find a Good Obedience Class
* The Main Categories of Obedience Classes
* The Canine Good Citizen Program
* Considering Household vs. Competitive Obedience?
* Obedience Schools in Calgary
* Description of Obedience Competition

  Many obedience classes fill quickly, especially puppy classes, so make arrangements early to avoid disappointment!

    Obedience classes aren't just for people interested in advanced classes preparing for obedience competition!  There are obedience classes for all ages, breeds, expectations, methods, and level of experience.

    Classes are a useful way of getting some feedback about how your training is going. They are also a useful way of socializing your puppy. (A book can never take the place of a good class where these benefits are concerned.)  If you feel like your dog might pull your arm out of its socket every walk, or your dog is aggressive towards other dogs or people, it might be a good idea to take a class & get some help. (Once your dog is better behaved, you and your dog can actually enjoy each others' company.)

    Many people & dog teams also enjoy the challenge of advanced obedience training & competition. It's a sport that keeps the dog/human team active and every effort is made to include disabled handlers. In general, the more the dog learns, the more they want to learn. Not every dog/owner is suited to obedience competition. But it can be a fun activity that brings dog & owner closer together.

  And remember, basic obedience is required before you start training for hunting or agility.

   For you & your dog to learn well, you must both be comfortable with the type of training being offered. We suggest that you call the contact person for any class you are interested in, & discuss your training needs. Ask what methods the instructors use to motivate & to correct the dogs (to see if you agree). Ask the ratio of instructors to students. Ask if the instructors continue to educate themselves by attending seminars, etc.... Make sure the obedience class requires up to date vaccinations. If you are looking into competitive obedience, ask how many obedience trial champions the school has taught. If possible, observe a class in progress before you commit yourself.

  The main categories of classes are:

   Canine kindergarten for puppies (usually up to 6 months of age) to learn basic lessons in behaving well & to socialize with other people & dogs. The owners also learn how to train, care for & discipline puppies. Current vaccination is essential (at least the 12 wk shot is required). It is even better if your puppy has had the kennel cough (aka. Bordetella)  vaccination.

   For more information about puppy vaccinations, go to Health Information.

   If you can only attend one type of class, puppy (kindergarten) classes are  probably the most important. That's because puppy pre-training (aka. "fun" training) shapes your dog's attitude towards learning for the rest of his life.

   For the average pet owner who is not concerned about the fine points of obedience competition but wants a well-behaved companion;  all breeds or mixes eligible.

   This program isn't a formal competition. It's a course with a test at the end. The CGC Program requires a significant amount of training, but the dog & owner don't need to perform with the precision required for obedience trials. Well behaved dogs that pass all areas that are tested receive a certificate of completion.

  Under the Canadian & American Kennel Club rules, only purebred (registered) dogs, fixed or intact, may participate in obedience trials. (Some other kennel clubs do accept mixed breeds of dogs.)

   Trials sponsored by the CKC & AKC are offered at 3 increasingly difficult levels - Novice, Open, and Utility. The rules about how to perform exercises are strictly enforced at trials, and dogs must perform with precision. (e.g. When you want your dog to come you must use either a brief, inaudible signal or a vocal command. The dog must come to you briskly in a straight line and sit directly in front of you, facing you, close enough that you are able to touch his/her head without moving either of your feet, or stretching forward.)

   Click here for a more detailed Description of Obedience Trials.

   The AKC (American Kennel Club) developed this standardized test to reward dogs with good manners at home & in public. Considering growing anti-dog feelings in our society, it is important to make sure that dogs continue to be valued & accepted community members. The CGC Program is the only AKC event open to mixed breed dogs and is rapidly growing in popularity. Owners who have trained their dogs at home can participate in the complementary course to work on weak areas, or just have their dogs tested. The only requirement is that all dogs entered must have full & current vaccination status.

   Dogs who pass the test receive a certificate & are entered into the CGC Archives. Note that the CGC title does not appear in a dog's registration papers or pedigree. (That's because the evaluators aren't "licensed AKC judges", so it's not an official event.)  Show off your dog & promote the role of dogs in our society by taking part in the CGC Program.

   The following is a short description of the 10 areas tested & requirements for passing each of them. (We've listed the exercises in the order they're usually tested. But the organization offering the test has the option of rearranging the order as they see fit.)  There isn't any scoring; you either pass or fail. To receive the CGC award, you & your dog must pass every one of the 10 tests. (At the end is a list of "additional considerations" for evaluators that you should be aware of before taking the test.)

1)  Accepting a Friendly Stranger
  This test shows that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to approach him & speak to the handler in a natural, everyday situation. The evaluator & handler shake hands & exchange pleasantries. The dog must show no sign of resentment or shyness, & must not break position or try to go to the evaluator.

2)  Sitting Politely for Petting
  This test shows that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to touch him while he is out with the handler. The dog should sit at the handler's side as the evaluator approaches & begins to pet the dog on the head & body only. The dog may stand in place to accept petting. The dog mustn't show shyness or resentment.

3)  Appearance & Grooming
  This practical test shows that the dog will welcome being groomed & examined & will permit a stranger, e.g. a vet, groomer or friend of the owner, to do so. It also shows the owner's care, concern & sense of responsibility. The evaluator inspects the dog, then combs or brushes the dog, & lightly examines the ears & each front foot.

4)  Walking on a Loose Leash
This test shows that the handler is in control of the dog. The dog may be on either side of the handler (whichever the handler prefers). There must be a left turn, a right turn & an about turn, with at least one stop in between & another at the end. The dog doesn't have to be perfectly aligned with the handler or sit when the handler stops.

5)  Walking Through a Crowd
  This test shows that the dog can move about politely in pedestrian traffic & is under control in public places. The dog & handler walk around & pass close to at least 3 people. The dog may show some interest in the strangers, without appearing over exuberant, shy, or resentful. The handler may talk to the dog & encourage/praise him throughout the test. The dog shouldn't be straining at the leash.

6)  Sit, Down & Stay on Command
  This test shows that the dog has training, will respond to the handler's command to sit & down, & will stay in place when commanded by the handler (in the sit or down position, whichever the handler prefers). The handler may take a reasonable amount of time & may use more than 1 command to have the dog sit and/or then down.  When instructed by the evaluator, the handler tells the dog to stay & walks forward the length of a 20 foot leash. The dog must remain in place, but may change positions.

  You should be aware that household obedience & competitive obedience classes are very different.

  In some cases, the instructors of household obedience classes may not know very much about competitive obedience. If your dog will definitely never participate in competitive obedience, there isn't any problem.

But, if there is a possibility that your dog may enter competitive obedience, you may have to re-teach many commands in a very different way. This will double the work involved, and be quite frustrating.

So it's a good idea to consider your future goals before you choose an obedience class.

The following is a partial listing of dog training classes in Calgary, and a short "blurb" about what types of classes they offer. (Unless otherwise stated, classes are group lessons.) 

Note: Don't forget to have your puppy vaccinated for canine kennel cough and/or the third puppy vaccination before starting classes.

The Educated Canine (SE & SW)
Sandra Howarth,  ph: 236- 3301edcanine@cadvision.com
www.educatedcanine.com

• Carla has enjoyed all levels of Sandra's classes with numerous Britts, and recommends Sandra's Puppy classes to Calgary families.

• Small group classes with relaxed & supportive environment,  individual attention, includes children in care & training of puppy/dog.

• Novice classes teach the basic commands & behavioral problem solving, e.g. handling jumping up, chewing (1 hr/week, most puppies are 5-8 months old). Intermediate classes polish skills learned in Novice, e.g. off-leash work. Adds fun introduction to agility.(1 hr/week). Offers a unique and fun obedience/agility combination class.

• Sandra Howarth has many years experience with all breeds and mixed breed dogs.  She has owned and titled numerous sporting dogs, including German Shorthaired Pointers and Springer Spaniel, and is familiar and comfortable with Brittanys.  She is an author of a dog training book, has shown in conformtion, judged obedience, and competed at the highest levels in both obedience and agility. (June 2003)

Beta Puppy Training (SW)
Linda Verges,  ph: 247-6942
hverges@shaw.ca

• Specialists in Puppy Kindergarten. Taught be 4 experienced instructors, with small puppy to instructor ratio. Basic obedience through positive reinforcement, including basic care of puppies, and involvement of all family members. Methods provide a suitable foundation for puppies that go on to competitive obedience or for well-mannered pets.

• Linda has over 20 years experience with all breeds and mixed breed dogs, including membership in Calgary Associated Dog Fanciers, organizing CERF eye clearance clinics, and obedience chair for numerous shows. She has trained and handled dogs to title at all levels of obedience competition (CD, CDX and OTCH).As a breeder of Golden Retrievers, Linda has lots of experience with Sporting dogs and their temperament. Numerous Hunter's Heart Brittanys have enjoyed classes at this school, and Carla recommends Beta Puppy training to Calgary families. (June 2003)

Heelaway Dog Obedience (SE)
Tubby Miller,  ph: 255- 4842

• Novice, Open & Utility training for competition or household obedience. (No puppy classes.)  Willing to train small breeds, and aggressive dogs & fear biters. Prefers "choke   collars". But will suggest a combination of different training techniques until you and your dog find a way that works for you.

• Tubby Miller has been a successful handler & obedience instructor for many years. (June 2003)

Calgary Canine Centre (SW)
ph: 571-DOGS (3647), fax: (403) 571-3640
6304 - 6A Street S.E. Calgary, AB, T2H 2B7
k9centre@telusplanet.net
www.calgarycaninecentre.com

• Classes in household obedience, puppy socialization, show handling, flyball & agility. Group, semi-private & private lessons available. Dog & puppy daycare and dog wash. Host of numerous dog seminars and competitions. For 7$, you can drop in to use the space for obedience or the equipment for agility. (Dec. 1999)

Dog Obedience Partners (SE)
Jackie Hastie,  ph: 271- 9125
twozerozero@myalberta.com

• Puppy classes for all types of dogs. Prefers using pinch collars for working dogs in  Novice, Open & Utility  classes. Emphasis on attention work for achieving your best in obedience competition. (Sept. 1999)

Sit Happens! Companion Dog Training (a Dekens Veterinary Services Company)
Tammy Dekens, ph: (403) 295-1429
tdekens@shaw.ca

• Canine and feline behaviour counseling and private dog training (specializing in dog/dog aggression) available. Rally Obedience classes.

• Tammy is a Rally Obedience Judge, Canine Good Neighbour Evaluator, and has hosted many interesting canine speakers in Calgary. (June 2003)

Especially for Pets
Kim Zippel, ph: 277-0547
436 - 16th Ave. NE
T2E 1K2
wynot@especially4pets.com
www.especially4pets.com

• "A New Dog" classes in Obedience, Puppy training, Behavior modification, Grooming, Conformation. This is a great pet supply store. Huntersheart Snowdon (aka "Cuervo") recommends their doggy daycare.  Some of the products I like include: Innova (premium food), puppy milk replacer, Bags on Board, slip leashes for agility, obedience scent utility articles and training aids, dog beds, and wet coats to cool dogs down during summer. Grooming for pets and show, self dog wash, dog food delivery, video rentals, drop box for premium lists and entries, and in my opinion, Calgary's best selection of dog books. ( June 2003)

Auburnmist Kennels
Keith & Wendy Petkau, ph: 938-6733
http://auburnmist.com
mail@auburnmist.com

• Private obedience instruction and obedience dropins (8pm Mondays).  Boarding, agility classes, and conformation handling dropins at 7pm Mondays. ( June 2003)

Pawzee Tracks Dog Training Centre (SE)
Noel Duruisseau,  ph: 243- 3519

• Puppy classes, obedience classes with emphasis on positive  reinforcement, classes for senior citizens (human). Also flyball & agility classes. (Sept. 1999)

Calgary Humane Society
http://www.calgaryhumane.ca/

• Click on Education, then obedience classes for an up to date listing of the Calgary Humane Society's upcoming obedience classes.  Animal seminars and courses are also listed under Education then Courses/Seminars.  Classes include puppy kindergarten, basic and intermediate household obedience using positive techniques and life rewards, and classes for dogs that need to learn how to appropriately interact with strange dogs. (Participating dogs must be spayed or neutered.)  
  The website also offers the opportunity to browse through photos of dogs looking for adoption. 

• And the Humane Society also runs an Information Hotline for Behavioral Concerns; ph: (403) 250-7722, ext.344, where experienced volunteers available to answer questions on behavioral concerns, for all breeds of dogs and cats, ( including those not acquired from the SPCA). (Jan. 2002)

Petsmart (SW)
Shauna,  ph: 212-0888

• Puppy kindergarten & Basic household obedience. Learn to teach your dog to be a Canine Good Citizen in the intermediate obedience class. Or for 10$, you can just take the test. 
• Petsmart isn't involved with competitive obedience.
• Shauna owns a Pomeranian & they also enjoy agility & flyball. (Jan. 2000)

Elm Obedience School (SW)
Eda Milne,  ph: 281- 7937

• Household & competitive obedience classes. No  puppy classes.
  (Sept. 1999)

Calgary North Veterinary Hospital's Puppy Parties (NE)
Wendy Schwindt,  ph:230-1160,ext.777

• Only available for clients of Calgary North Veterinary Hospital & its Associate Veterinary Clinics. It's a single session about everything you need to know about owning a new puppy. Lots of opportunities to ask questions & to socialize with a few other puppies. (Sept. 1999)
  

Superdog Spectrum (SW)
Shannon Faltner or Laurie, ph: 217- 8737
superdogspectrum@cadvision.com
http://www.superdogspectrum.ca

• Canine Good Citizen courses, competitive obedience from Novice through Utility level (focus on various positive enforcement techniques),  monthly seminars (refer to Calgary newspapers), daycare, puppy classes, grand prix racing, grooming, & games. (Dec. 1999)

  If you are unfamiliar with obedience trials, the best way to get an idea of what's involved is to attend a dog show. The background information presented here may give you some insight into how trials operate. But it's only an introduction: there's a lot going on "behind the scenes".

Some of the basic rules of obedience competition are as follows:

• Food rewards are not allowed in obedience competition.

• Handlers are not supposed to train their dogs on the show grounds. They may only heel their dogs on leash as required to get them to the ring reasonably.

• Handlers cannot correct or discipline their dogs:   both inside & outside of the ring. (The exception is where a sanctioned or fun "correction match" is held. These are basically practice matches used to prepare for the real thing.)  Plain buckle or choke collars are allowed, butpinch/prong collars are not.

• And each handler is allowed to give only one command. (Or a single verbal command given at the same time as a single hand signal as specified for certain exercises e.g. for the group "sit-stay".)     

   CKC (& AKC) regulated obedience trials are offered at 3 increasingly difficult levels - Novice, Open, and Utility classes.(AKC competitions are similar to CKC trials, but some of the exercises are different.)  Within each level, each dog/handler team will start with an individual performance. At the end of the class, all of the dog/handler teams will enter the ring & perform group exercises, i.e. stay exercises.

   In all levels of obedience competition, failing even one exercise (scored zero for that exercise due to a major flaw in the performance) results in "non-qualification". This means that the dog/handler team is not eligible for any placement, prizes or credit towards an obedience title from that obedience trial. Even a team that passes every exercise may lose so many points on repeated minor flaws that their total score isn't high enough to qualify. If a judge decides that a dog isn't under control, that dog & handler will be excused from that competition.

   There's always next time. "Every dog has his day & so does every handler!"

Exercises tested in Novice Class include the following (tested in the order they are listed):

Heel On Leash
Stand for Examination
Heel Off Leash
Recall( i.e."Come")
Long Sit (group exercise)
Long Down (group exercise)

Heel Free
Drop on Recall (i.e. "Down" at a distance)
Retrieve on Flat
Retrieve Over High Jump
Broad Jump
Long Sit (group exercise)
Long Down (group exercise)

Seek Back
Scent Discrimination (articles 1, 2, and 3)
Signal Exercise (i.e. using silent hand signals only)
Directed Jumping
Long Stand for Examination

   For more information on Obedience training, go to our Reading List.

Copyright © 1999-2003 Imagineering Solutions Inc.