May 26th, 2009 by admin

WORKING TRAILS

Working trials can be entered by any well-trained dog of any breed, not just Gundogs or Working dogs. Many dogs the earn the Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog award choose to participate in a working trial. There are five stakes at both open and championship levels: Companion Dog (CD), Utility Dog Companion Dog (UD), working Dog (WD), Tracking Dog(TD) and Patrol Dog (PD). As in conformation show, dogs compete against shows, dogs compete against a standard and if the dog reaches the qualifying mark, it obtains a certificate. Divided into groups, each exercise must be achieved 70 percent in order for the dog to qualify. If the open level, it receives a Certificate. At the CD stake, dogs must participate in four groups: Control, Stay, Agility and Search (retrieve and Nosework). At the next three levels, UD, WD and TD, there are only three groups: Control, Agility and Nosework.

Agility consists of three jumps: a vertical scale up a six foot wall of planks; a clear jump over a basic three-foot bar; and a long jump across angled planks stretching nine feet.

To earn the UD, Wd and Td dogs must track approximately one-half mile for articles laid from one -half hour to three hours previously. Tracks consist of turns and legs, and fresh ground is used for each participant.

The fifth stake, PD involves teaching man work, which is not recommended for every breed.

AGILITY TRIALS

Agility trials began in the United Kingdom in 1977 and have since spread around the world, especially to the United States, where they are very popular. The handler directs his dogs over an obstacle course that includes jumps (such as those used in the working trials), as well as tyres, the dog walk, weave poles, pipe tunnels, collapsed tunnels, etc. the Kennel Club required the dogs not be trained for agility until they are 12 months old. This dog sport is great fun for dog and owner and interested owners should join a training club tha has obstacles and experienced agility handlers who can introduce you and your dog to the ropes (and tyres, tunnels, etc.).

CLASSES AT DOG SHOWS

There can be as many as 18 classes per sex for your breed. Check the show schedule carefully to make sure that you have entered your dog in the appropriate class. Among the classes offered can be: Beginners; Minot Puppy (ages 6 to 9 months); Puppy (ages 6 to 12 months); junior 9ages 6 to 18 months); Beginners( handler or dog never won first place) as well as the following each of which is defined in the schedule: Maiden; Novice; Tyro; Debutant; Undergraduate; Graduate; Postgraduate; Minor Limit; Mid Limit; Open; Veteran Stud Dog; Brood bitch; Progeny; Brace and Team.