Competition Obedience
At TNT we teach CKC/AKC competition obedience from pre-novice through to the highest level – Utility. Our students earn multiple titles and awards at obedience trials through-out the year. Our class enviroment is fun! Come and learn how to be unpredictable in your training, we do not pattern train at TNT! Proofing and distraction training is covered so that dogs are familiar with it and thus can concentrate better at the trials.
Training curriculum are based on TNT’s own, Janice Gunn’s proven training methods. Below you will find a listing of our competition classes and below that you will find descriptions of what each level teaches. You need to start at the beginning level and work your way up through the ranks to utility.
Competition training is a HOBBY and a great on going activity to do with your dog. To be successful at competition you must build a working relationship with your dog which in my opinion is extremely worthwhile and rewarding. TNT Training has monthly student update newsletters and also an annual awards party. We like to ensure that all our competition students get to know each other and we have a “club” type atmosphere where we all support each other.
Length: 5 Weeks – 1 hour class
Discount: A competition student entering a second dog for classes (or the same dog in two different classes) receives a discount of $5.00 on the second class. Must be the same owner/handler of the dog.
Competition Class Schedule
| Instructor | Class | Day | Time | Start Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kelly Thorburn | Pre Novice – FULL | Thursdays | 10:00 am | Sept 13, 20, 27, Oct 4 & 11, 2018 |
| Linda Moran | Novice | Wednesdays | 6:00 pm | Sept 5, 12, 19, 26 & Oct 3, 2018 |
| Lori Little | Novice | Sundays | 2:15 pm | Sept 9, 16, 23, 30 & Oct 14, 2018 (Please Note: No Class Oct 7, 2018) |
| Lori Little | Novice | Sundays | 6:00 pm | Sept 9, 16, 23, 30 & Oct 14, 2018 (Please Note: No Class Oct 7, 2018) |
| Maureen Murray | Open | Tuesdays | 12:45 pm | Sept 4, 11, 18, 25 & Oct 2, 2018 |
| Maureen Murray | Open | Tuesdays | 2:00 pm | Sept 4, 11, 18, 25 & Oct 2, 2018 |
| Linda Moran | Open | Wednesdays | 7:15 pm | Sept 5, 12, 19, 26 & Oct 3, 2018 |
| Lori Little | Open | Sundays | 3:30 pm | Sept 9, 16, 23, 30 & Oct 14, 2018 (Please Note: No Class Oct 7, 2018) |
| Lori Little | Open/Utility | Sundays | 4:45 pm | Sept 9, 16, 23, 30 & Oct 14, 2018 (Please Note: No Class Oct 7, 2018) |
| Maureen Murray | Utility | Tuesdays | 11:30 am | Sept 4, 11, 18, 25 & Oct 2, 2018 |
What is involved in Competition Obedience?
3 legs are required to earn a CD – CDX & Utility titles. This means the dog and handler must compete in the ring 3 times under at least two different judges
A perfect score is 200, A minimum score of 170 must be achieved to qualify & earn a leg. Dogs must qualify in each exercise, and will not earn a leg if they fail any of the required exercises.
In standard classes there are three levels of competition: Novice in which the dog and handler compete towards their Companion Dog Title (CD), Open in which the dog and handler work towards their Companion Dog Excellent Title (CDX) and finally Utility which when complete gives them the Utility title (UD). The title for each level must be earned before the dog and handler pair can compete in the next level.
Levels in Competition Obedience
Pre-Novice
This is the entry level to competition obedience. Unlike the more advanced levels of competition this level is scored with a simple pass/fail.
The Pre-Novice exercises are:
- Heel on Leash
- Figure 8
- Sit for Examination
- Recall
- Long Sit
Novice – Companion Dog Title (CD)
On average, it takes approx. 1-2 years to train a dog to a competitive CD level
The CD exercises are:
- Heel on Leash
- Heel off Leash
- Recall
- Long Sit
- Long Down
Companion Dog Excellent (CDX)
The CDX exercises are:
- Heel Free
- Drop on Recall
- Retrieve on Flat
- Retrieve Over High Jump
- Broad Jump
- Long Sit & Down with handler out of sight (3 minutes)
Utility (UD)
Most dogs are 4-5 years of age by the time they are competing in Utility. It takes time and dedication to train to this level, but the teamwork and bonding that is built thru this process is beyond what words can describe. Obedience is a very rewarding hobby, and communication with your dog is at an all time high.
The Utility exercises are:
- Seek Back
- Scent Discrimination
- Silent Signals
- Moving Stand
- Direct Jumping