Do's and Don'ts of Dog Obedience Classes
Some Do’s
Do – ask before you, your dog or your children approach someone else’s dog. (Don’t assume that because a dog that looks friendly will always be pleased to meet you).
Do – be conscientious with your homework – ideal training periods are 10-15 minutes per day. Long training periods can do more harm than good. Dogs can become bored and their attitude to training can sour.
Do – listen to your Instructor, even if their remarks are being directed to another member and even if you have heard the explanation several times before, there could be something you have forgotten, or it could be explained in a way you haven’t heard before.
Do – remember to praise your dog for every satisfactory response (not only at training but also around the house), otherwise how will your dog know when he has done the right thing!
Do – feel free to discuss your problems with our Instructors and Committee. If you have a grievance to make, please bring the matter to Committee whether it is about an Instructor, fellow Member or Committee Member.
Do – be guided by your Instructors.
Do – be a good sport and accept necessary constructive criticism and advice in the right manner; after all we are trying to help you.
Do – be patient with your dog. Try to analyse his reactions to increase your understanding of your dog’s behaviour.
Do – bring your children with you and leave them with a friend whilst you are training. They may even decide to start training their own dog one-day. What a better way to learn than to see Mum or Dad train.
Do – observe our club rules and avoid the embarrassment of being reminded.
…and some Don’ts
Don’t allow your dogs to roughhouse while playing, it usually ends in tears. Socialising is encouraged but not playing. 4 feet on the ground at all times!
Don’t allow your dog to exhibit dominant behaviour over other dogs e.g. standing on tiptoes or climbing over the top of them. Eventually someone will take offence.
Don’t allow your dog to mark territory (urinate or defecate) whilst at the Club. Try to get this done before you get to training. If your dog does defecate please ensure you pick it up immediately.
Don’t wear loose or floppy clothing i.e. skirts, dresses, baggy pants or any type of apparel that could flap in the dogs face/body. Avoid thongs or moccasins as they can distract the dog and you could quite easily lose your footing.
Don’t smoke in class.
Don’t be cruel. It will not be tolerated in any training sessions or anywhere on or in the immediate training area or grounds.
Don’t give up. Sometimes it takes several months before some dogs begin to show signs of improvement- With persistence you will achieve your training goals.
Don’t expect miracles. Remember, the only time success comes before work is in the dictionary.
Don’t forget to praise.
Don’t be discouraged if your progress is slower than others. You may end up with the better dog by doing things more thoroughly. Don’t be in a hurry!
Don’t leave your dog unattended.
Don’t discard the membership booklet! Re-read it from time to time to satisfy yourself that you are following the instructions and getting the most out of the club.
CLASS 1:
ALL EXERCISES ARE ON LEAD – Treats may be used for all exercises except loose lead walking
The exercises for each dog
- Heel on Lead.
- Stand for examination
- Fun Recall.
- 30 second Sit Stay.
- 30 second Down Stay.
To graduate dog/handler must pass each exercise to the required standard.
HANDLERS MUST KNOW THE FOLLOWING HAND SIGNALS:
Forward – Step of on the left foot
Stand – Clear, single hand movement from the centre of the body to dog’s nose
Halt/Sit – Plant the right foot and move the left foot to stop. Right hand to go from dog’s nose, straight up level with chest so dogs nose is coming up to draw a straight line with the tail.
Stay – Flat open hand placed in front of the dog’s nose
Down – Hand in front of dog’s nose and dropping the hand to the ground giving the command drop, the hand should go slightly in front of the nose along the ground or just behind the nose bringing the nose back towards the chest allowing the hind quarters to drop back
*Your dog appreciates getting praised every time he correctly completes a command*
- Heel on Lead
Principal Features: With the dog on lead, the dog and handler to work as a team.
Description of Exercise:
On order from the instructor “forward”, the handler may attract the dogs attention by saying its name then give a command to heel and walk at the directed pace.
The dog must work on a loose lead, any assistance must be penalised. At each order from the instructor to “halt”, the handler must stop and the dog must sit smartly at heel and not move until ordered to do so.
Orders from Instructor:
Forward, right turn, left turn, right about turn, halt, exercise finished
- Stand for Examination
Principal features: The dog must stand steadily beside you on the lead until completion of the exercise, and not show undue resentment or shyness.
Description of Exercise:
On order from the Instructor, the Handler will move forward and stand the dog. The Instructor will approach the dog within 2 meters from the right or left front but not directly in front and must not touch the dog.
The dog must remain in a standing position until after the Instructor orders ‘Exercise Finished’.
Orders from Instructor:
‘Forward’, stand your dog, exercise finished.
- Fun Recall
Principal Features: The dog is to respond promptly and obey the Handler’s command to come
Description of Exercise:
The instructor will give the order ‘forward’. The handler may attract the dog’s attention by saying its name once and walk with the dog at heel. On order from the instructor for a fun recall, take several steps backwards while giving a command to come. The dog must come straight to its handler at a brisk pace and sit directly in front. (A sit command is acceptable).
The dog must not move from the sitting position until after the instructor has ordered return to your dog. ‘exercise finished.”
Orders from Instructor:
‘Forward’, fun recall, return to your dog, exercise finished.
- 30 second Sit Stay
Principal Features: The dog to stay in a sit position until completion of exercise.
The instructor will give the order ‘forward’. The handler may attract the dog’s attention by saying its name once and walk forward with the dog at heel, on order from the instructor to halt the dog must be in a sitting position, the instructor will then give the instruction to leave your dog for a sit stay, the handler will give their dog a command to stay, walk to the end of the lead then turn and face their dog. The dog must not move from the sitting position until the exercise is finished. The instructor will give the order to return to your dog, exercise finished.
Orders from Instructor:
‘Forward’, halt, leave your dog, return to your dog, exercise finished.
- 30 second Down Stay
Principal Features: The dog to stay in the down position until the completion of the exercise.
The instructor will give the order ‘forward’. The handler may attract the dog’s attention by saying its name once and walk forward with the dog at heel. On order from the instructor you will down your dog. The instructor will then give the instruction to leave your dog for a down stay, the handler will give their dog a command to stay, and walk to the end of the lead then turn and face their dog. The dog must not move from the down position until the exercise is finished.
The instructor will give the order to return to your dog, exercise finished.
Orders from Instructor:
‘Forward’, down your dog, leave your dog, return to your dog, exercise finished.
Deductions:
Disqualification: For a dog which attacks.
Zero Score: For a dog which shows an obvious tendency to attack or breaks position.
Minor: For a dog that requires a second command to follow handlers instruction, or for failing to carry out any of the lesser points of the exercise.
CLASS 2
All exercises are on lead except recall
The exercise for each dog
- Heel on Lead
- Stand for Examination on lead
- Recall
- 60 second sit stay 1 metre in front of dog
- 30 second stand stay 1 metre in front of dog
- 60 second down stay 1 metre in front of dog
To graduate dog/handler must pass each exercise to the required standard, (75%)
- Heel on Lead
Principal Features: With the dog on lead, the dog and handler to work as a team.
Description of Exercise:
On order from Instructor “forward”, the handler may attract the dogs attention by saying its name then give a command to heel and walk at the directed pace. The dog must work on a loose lead. Any assistance must be penalised. At each order from the Instructor to ‘Halt”, the Handler must stop and the dog must sit smartly at heel and not move until ordered to do so.
Orders from Instructor:
Forward, Right About Turn, Left turn, Right turn, Halt, Left about turn, exercise finished.
- Stand for Examination
Principal Features: The dog to stand steadily on the lead until completion of the exercise, and not show undue resentment or shyness.
Description of Exercise:
On order from the Instructor, the Handler will move forward to the front of the dog, turn around and stand facing the dog.
The Instructor must approach the dog from the right or left front and not directly in front. The Instructor will place a hand directly in front of the dog’s head only. The Instructor will then give the order to return, the dog must remain in a standing position until after the Instructor orders ‘Exercise Finished’
Orders from Instructor:
Forward, stand your dog for examination, leave your dog, return to your dog, exercise finished.
3: RECALL
Principal Features: The dog to sit where left off the lead and promptly obeys the Handler’s command to come.
Description of Exercise:
On order from the instructor, the handler will forward and then halt. On order from the instructor for a recall leave your dog, you will give the command to wait and leave the dog in a sitting position and walk at least 2 metres, stop and face your dog. On order from the instructor the handler may attract the dog’s attention by saying its name once and call your dog, the dog must come straight to its handler at a brisk pace and sit directly in front without further command.
The dog must not move from the sitting position, the Instructor will order return to your dog, exercise finished.
Orders from Instructor:
Forward, halt, leave your dog for a recall, call your dog, return to your dog, exercise finished.
- 1 minute Sit Stay
Principal Features: The dog to stay at the end of a loose lead in a sit position until the completion of the exercise.
Description of Exercise:
On order from the Instructor, the Handler will forward then halt. The order from the Instructor will be for a sit stay leave your dog. You will give the dog a command to stay and then immediately leave and walk to the end of a loose lead and face your dog. On order from the Instructor you will return to your dog. The dog must not move from the sitting position until after the Instructor orders exercise finished.
Orders from Instructor:
Forward, halt, for a sit stay leave your dog, return to your dog, exercise finished.
- 30 second Stand Stay
Principal Features: The dog to stand at the end of a loose lead in a stand position until the completion of the exercise.
Description of Exercise:
On order from the Instructor, the Handler will forward then halt in a stand position. The order from the Instructor will be for a stand stay leave your dog. You may give the dog a command to stay and then immediately leave and walk to the end of a loose lead and face your dog. On order from the Instructor you will return to your dog. The dog must not move from the standing position until after the Instructor orders exercise finished.
Orders from Instructor:
Forward, stand, for a stand stay leave your dog, return to your dog, exercise finished.
- 1 minute Down Stay
Principal Features: The dog to stay at the end of a loose lead in a down position until the completion of the exercise.
Description of Exercise:
On order from the Instructor, the Handler will forward then down their dog. The order from the Instructor will be for a down stay leave your dog, you will give the dog a command to stay and then immediately leave and walk to the end of loose lead and face your dog. On order from the Instructor you will return to your dog. The dog must not move from the down position until after the Instructor orders exercise finished.
Orders from Instructor:
Forward, down your dog, for a down stay leave your dog, return to your dog, exercise finished.
Deductions:
Disqualification: For a dog which attacks.
Zero Score: For a dog which shows an obvious tendency to attack or breaks position.
Minor: For a dog that requires a second command to follow handlers instruction, or for failing to carry out any of the lesser points of the exercise.
Dog Class (Class 3)
The exercise for each dog
- Heel on loose lead
- Stand for examination on lead
- Recall
- 1 minute sit stay
- 2 minute down stay
- 1 minute stand stay
- Drop on the move
To graduate dog/handlers must obtain 85% or better to graduate to class 4.
- Heel on Loose Lead
Principal Features: The dog on the lead, and the handler to work as a team.
Description of Exercise:
On order from the instructor ‘Forward’ the handler may give a command to heel and walk briskly forward.
The dog must work on a loose lead, any tightening or tugging of the lead must be penalised.
At each order from the instructor to ‘Halt’, the handler must stop and the dog must sit smartly at heel without command. The handler and dog must execute a ‘Figure Eight’ at normal pace in which they must heel at least twice around two stewards standing approximately three (3) metres apart. There must be at least one ‘Halt’ during this portion of the exercise.
Orders from Instructor:
Forward, right turn, left turn, right about turn, left about turn, fast pace, slow pace, normal pace, halt, down (down your dog), stand (stand your dog), figure eight, exercise finished.
- Stand for Examination
Principal Feature:
The dog to stand steadily on the lead until completion of the exercise and not show undue resentment or shyness.
Description of Exercise:
On order from the instructor, the handler will move forward and stand the dog. On further order from the instructor, the handler may give a command to stay and will walk forward to the front of the dog, turn around and stand facing the dog.
The instructor must approach the dog from the right or left front and not direct front. The instructor will touch the dog’s head and body only, the mouth, tail and legs must not be examined.
The instructor will then give the order ‘Return to your dog’ whereupon the handler will return to the dog. The dog must remain in a standing position until after the instructor orders ‘Exercise finished’.
Orders from Instructor:
Forward, stand your dog, leave your dog, return to your dog, exercise finished.
- Recall
Principal Feature:
The dog to sit where left off the lead and promptly obey the handler’s command to come.
Description of Exercise:
The instructor will give the order ‘Forward’ and then ‘Halt’. On further order from the instructor, ‘Leave your dog’, the handler may give the command to wait and will leave the dog in a sitting position and walk at least six (6) metres away from the dog., the handler will about turn and halt. On order from the instructor, the handler may attract the dog’s attention by saying its name once and then give a command to come. The dog must come straight to its handler at a brisk pace and sit directly in front without further command. On further order from the instructor, ‘Return to your dog’, the dog must not move from the sitting position until after the instructor has ordered ‘Exercise finished’.
Orders from Instructor:
Forward, halt, leave your dog, call your dog, exercise finished.
- 1 minute Sit Stay
Principal Feature:
The dog to stay off the lead in a sit position until the completion of the exercise.
Description of Exercise:
The handler will start with their dogs sitting in the heel position. On order from the instructor ‘Leave your dog’ the handler will give their dog a command to stay and will immediately leave and walk approximately five (5) metres and turn to face their dog.
The instructor will give the order ‘Return to your dog’. The dog must not move from the sitting position until after the instructor orders ‘Exercise finished’.
Orders from Instructor:
Leave your dog, return to your dog, exercise finished.
- 2 minute Down Stay
Principal Feature:
The dog to stay off the lead in a down position until the completion of the exercise.
Description of Exercise:
The handler will start with their dog in the dropped position. On order from the instructor ‘Leave your dog’ the handler will give their dog a command to stay and will immediately leave and walk approximately six (6) metres and turn to face their dog.
The instructor will give the order ‘Return to your dog’. The dog must not move from the down position until after the instructor orders ‘Exercise finished’.
Orders from Instructor:
Leave your dog, return to your dog, exercise finished.
- 1 minute Stand Stay
Principal Feature:
The dog to stay off the lead in a stand position until the completion of the exercise.
Description of Exercise:
The handler will start with their dogs standing in the heel position. On order from the instructor ‘Leave your dog’ the handler will give their dog a command to stay and will immediately leave and walk approximately three (3) metres and turn to face their dog.
The instructor will give the order ‘Return to your dog’. The dog must not move from the standing position until after the instructor orders ‘Exercise finished’.
Orders from Instructor:
Leave your dog, return to your dog, exercise finished.
- Drop on the Move
Principal Feature:
The dog to sit where left off the lead and promptly obey the handler’s command to come, when half way back the handler will ask the dog to drop, then call the dog again to come.
Description of Exercise:
The instructor will give the order ‘Forward’ and then ‘Halt’. On further order from the instructor, ‘Leave your dog’, the handler may give the command to wait and will leave the dog in a sitting position and walk at least six (6) metres away from the dog., the handler will about turn and halt. On order from the instructor, the handler may attract the dog’s attention by saying its name once and then give a command to come.
Halfway back the handler gives the command to drop, once the dog has dropped then the handlerrepeats the command to come. The dog must come straight to its handler at a brisk pace and sit directly in front without further command. On further order from the instructor, ‘Return to your dog’, the dog must not move from the sitting position until after the instructor has ordered ‘Exercise finished’.
Orders from Instructor:
Forward, halt, leave your dog, call your dog, exercise finished.
Deductions for all Exercises:
Zero score – for a dog which is unmanageable, attacks another person or dog,
Substantial – If the handler gives the wrong commands, does not have the dog on a loose lead, for a dog who breaks from position
Minor – minor movements, eg fidgeting, requiring a second command, for a dog that fails to sit automatically when the handler halts
Class 4
The exercise for each dog
- Heel free
- Stand for examination
- Recall
- 1 minute sit stay
- 3 minute down stay – out of sight
- 1 minute stand stay
- Drop on the move
- Change Position (choice of 1 out of the 3 positions)
To graduate dog/handlers must obtain at least 85% or better to graduate.
- Heel
Principal Features: The dog and the handler to work as a team.
Description of Exercise:
On order from the instructor ‘Forward’ the handler may give a command to heel and walk briskly forward.
The dog must work off lead, any unusual act, signal or command, which in the opinion of the instructor gives the dog assistance must be penalised.
At each order from the instructor to ‘Halt’, the handler must stop and the dog must sit smartly at heel without command. The handler and dog must execute a ‘Figure Eight’ at normal pace in which they must heel at least twice around two stewards standing approximately three (3) metres apart. There must be at least one ‘Halt’ during this portion of the exercise.
Orders from Instructor:
Forward, right turn, left turn, right about turn, left about turn, fast pace, slow pace, normal pace, halt, down (down your dog), stand (stand your dog), figure eight, exercise finished.
- Stand for Examination
Principal Feature:
The dog to stand steadily until completion of the exercise and not show undue resentment or shyness.
Description of Exercise:
On order from the instructor, the handler will move forward and stand the dog. On further order from the instructor, the handler may give a command to stay and will walk approximately 2 metres in front of the dog, turn around and stand facing the dog.
The instructor must approach the dog from the right or left front and not direct front. The instructor will touch the dog’s head and body only, the mouth, tail and legs must not be examined.
The instructor will then give the order ‘Return to your dog’ whereupon the handler will return to the dog. The dog must remain in a standing position until after the instructor orders ‘Exercise finished’.
Orders from Instructor:
Forward, stand your dog, leave your dog, return to your dog, exercise finished.
- Recall – Finish
Principal Feature:
The dog to sit where left off the lead and promptly obey the handler’s command to come.
Description of Exercise:
The instructor will give the order ‘Forward’ and then ‘Halt’. On further order from the instructor, ‘Leave your dog’, the handler may give the command to wait and will leave the dog in a sitting position and walk at least fifteen (15) metres away from the dog., the handler will about turn and halt. On order from the instructor, the handler may attract the dog’s attention by saying its name once and then give a command to come. The dog must come straight to its handler at a brisk pace and sit directly in front without further command. On further order from the instructor, ‘finish’, the handler must give a command and the dog must go briskly to the heel position and sit.
Orders from Instructor:
Forward, halt, leave your dog, call your dog, finish.
- 1 minutes Sit Stay
Principal Feature:
The dog to stay off the lead in a sit position until the completion of the exercise.
Description of Exercise:
The handler will start with their dogs sitting in the heel position. On order from the instructor ‘Leave your dog’ the handler will give their dog a command to stay and will immediately leave and walk approximately twelve (12) metres and turn to face their dog.
The instructor will give the order ‘Return to your dog’. The dog must not move from the sitting position until after the instructor orders ‘Exercise finished’.
Orders from Instructor:
Leave your dog, return to your dog, exercise finished.
- 3 minutes Down Stay – out of sight
Principal Feature:
The dog to stay off the lead in a down position until the completion of the exercise.
Description of Exercise:
The handler will start with their dog in the dropped position. On order from the instructor ‘Leave your dog’ the handler will give their dog a command to stay and will immediately leave and walk to a position directed by the instructor that will be out of sight of your dog.
The instructor will give the order ‘Return to your dog’. The dog must not move from the down position until after the instructor orders ‘Exercise finished’.
Orders from Instructor:
Leave your dog, return to your dog, exercise finished.
- 1 minute Stand Stay
Principal Feature:
The dog to stay off the lead in a stand position until the completion of the exercise.
Description of Exercise:
The handler will start with their dogs standing in the heel position. On order from the instructor ‘Leave your dog’ the handler will give their dog a command to stay and will immediately leave and walk approximately ten (10) metres and turn to face their dog.
The instructor will give the order ‘Return to your dog’. The dog must not move from the standing position until after the instructor orders ‘Exercise finished’.
Orders from Instructor:
Leave your dog, return to your dog, exercise finished.
- Drop on the Move
Principal Feature:
The dog to sit where left off the lead and promptly obey the handler’s command to come, when half way back the handler will ask the dog to drop, then call the dog again to come.
Description of Exercise:
The instructor will give the order ‘Forward’ and then ‘Halt’. On further order from the instructor, ‘Leave your dog’, the handler may give the command to wait and will leave the dog in a sitting position and walk at least twelve (12) metres away from the dog., the handler will about turn and halt. On order from the instructor, the handler may attract the dog’s attention by saying its name once and then give a command to come.
Halfway back the handler gives the command to drop, and then repeats the command to come. The dog must come straight to its handler at a brisk pace and sit directly in front without further command. On further order from the instructor, ‘Return to your dog’, the dog must not move from the sitting position until after the instructor has ordered ‘Exercise finished’.
Orders from Instructor:
Forward, halt, leave your dog, call your dog, exercise finished.
- Change of Position
Principal Feature:
The dog to promptly respond to the handler’s command ‘down’ given from a distance.
3 positions to choose from – sit to drop, stand to drop, drop to sit
Description of Exercise:
The instructor will give the order ‘Forward’ and then ‘Halt’. On further order from the instructor, ‘Leave your dog’, the handler may give the command to stay and will leave the dog in either a sit, stand or drop position and walk at least two (2) metres away from the dog., the handler will about turn and halt. On order from the instructor, the handler will ask the dog to change position (depending on what position has been chosen).
The dog must remain steadily in that position, the instructor will give the order ‘Return to your dog’, the dog must not move from that position until after the instructor has ordered ‘Exercise finished’.
Orders from Instructor:
Forward, halt, leave your dog, command change of position, exercise finished.
Deductions for all Exercises:
Zero score – for a dog which is unmanageable, attacks another person or dog,
Substantial – If the handler gives the wrong commands, if the dog doesn’t stay with the handler, for a dog who breaks from position, slow response to commands
Minor – minor movements, eg. fidgeting, requiring a second command, for a dog that fails to sit automatically when the handler halts, poor sits or finishes