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I have taught my dog Dodger the basics of obedience and I have also mastered the hurdles. Where dowe move onto next? I dont have a clue. Also, any training tips?
Thanks,
Brin

>>I have taught my dog Dodger the basics of obedience and I have also mastered the hurdles. Where dowe move onto next? I dont have a clue. Also, any training tips?
>>Thanks,
>>Brin

If you want to participate in dog events, you need to work your dog in classes with other dogs so you both get used to it.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series at www.veterinaryforum.com

Kathy's right, you need to get your dog into obedience classes around unknown dogs and people if you haven't done so already. Work at home is nothing like a competition atmosphere.

Also, is your dog registered? I know there is a Rally-O that doesn't require registraion, but in my area only AKC events are available. If your dog isn't registered, and AKC events are the only thing available to you, you need to get an "ILP" number. That means you dog need to look a lot like a purebred registerable by the AKC and you need to submit photos to prove it. If you have an obvious "all american" that doesn't really look like any one breed, you will have to hunt for Rally-O and I can't help you with that.

If you have already done all that, then you should probably get the signs from the AKC site and make sure you know and understand them.

Then you may be able to start competing. Rally obedience is not quite as easy as people are making it out to be. Yet, right now the qualification rates are fairly high because those who are doing it have been working towards regular obedience titles and are taking this path along the way. Yet, if you don't have the groundwork, you will not get a qualifying score.

So, if you think you are to the point of competing, you can check out www.akc.com and look under the "events" page. Search for "Rally" in your state. It will give you a list and show you when entries open and close. Go to the suggested superintendent site and get the premium list. Fill out the entry form and make sure it gets to the superintendent's office prior to the closing date. Wait to get your judging assignment in the mail. Follow the directions in your judging assignment as to when and where to check in on the day of the show. Go to the show and have fun participating in the ring with your dog.

If you can find a local dog club that is hosting a "Show and Go" or a "Fun Match" prior to get an idea how your dog does in a mock show atmosphere before spending a lot of money on AKC entry fees, that might be a good idea. Also, many local clubs in my area have started offering classes for Rally to practice the signs. There are some nuances to Rally that it helps to be verbally told by someone and practiced- especially the 1,2,3 halt/sit station or left about turn. The off-leash portions at higher levels are also more difficult and tight leashes are unacceptable in rally.

Hope that helps some.
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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles