AN INVESTMENT FOR LIFE

Obedience training is many things to different people – teaching their dogs to do a specific job (guide dogs, herding dogs, service dogs, K9 partners, etc.); teaching their dogs manners so they are better companions; teaching their dogs obedience in order to compete in many performance events (obedience trials, agility trials, rally trials, herding trials, tracking trials, water trials, lure coursing, earth dog trials, hunting trials, etc.).  And just like the beat, the list goes on and on and on.

The wonderful thing about obedience is there is a level for everyone…you can train at many levels, it is all up to you and your dog and your level of commitment.  To compete in any of the above events, you and your dog can go for broke and aim for the highest scores or awards, or just compete at a level comfortable for you both.

Novice obedience as seen in AKC obedience trials is the basis for all future work with your dog.  Once through novice obedience, you can continue on to unlimited levels of work in many venues or performance events with your dog, or be happy with a dog that minds and is a joy to have around…in short, a great companion.

And best of all, once your dog has a great foundation, it stays with him for life.  Your dog will never forget what he’s been taught – as well as never forget what he learned he could get away with – so be on your toes with your basic training; that will set the tone for your relationship with your dog, or any further training you decide to advance to.

Each community usually has obedience classes taught by professionals and amateurs alike.  Many dog clubs also offer obedience classes.  Visit their classes to see if you like their approach to training.  Once you find one you like, sign up for their next class and you’re on your way to owning a dog that not only you enjoy, but all your friends and family will enjoy as well. 

If you can’t find an instructor in your area, there are many books and videos on the subject you can buy or check out from your local library that will get you started.  Keep in mind, however, that anyone can write a book.  So as in visiting local obedience classes, be discriminating on which book or video you decide to follow…if it doesn’t sound right or make sense to you, keep looking for one that does.

Most dog shows offer obedience trial competition; a visit to them may also give you some insight on local trainers; talk to exhibitors you enjoy watching and find out where they train.

Obedience can open a whole new world for you and your canine companion(s), a world that may even become a way of life for you.

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Dalene McIntire has been involved in training German Shepherd Dogs since 1960 and is an AKC obedience judge as well as an AKC breed judge for German Shepherd Dogs.