The amicable order of the young lieutenant, which was delivered afterthe stern, quick fashion of his profession, operated on the cluster ofdark figures that were grouped around the door like a charm; and as themen whom Barnstable had led followed their shipmates into the courtyard,the room was now left to such only as might be termed the gentlemen ofthe invading party, and the family of Colonel Howard.
To join a DTC you don’t have to register your dog with the Kennel Club, nor to enter Exemption Shows. However, when you compete in Club Matches with other KC registered clubs or enter Limit or Open Shows, your dog has to be registered (even rescue dogs, and crossbreeds have to be registered in their case, under the Obedience and Working Trials register).
Competitive Obedience is a sport, and has been such since the early fifties. People probably get involved in Obedience in the first place through Dog Training Clubs. Not all people who go to DTC’s are there to train their dogs for competition (in fact only a small proportion go on to this), the majority only going to give their dogs basic obedience and ‘socialisation’ with other dogs.
The clicker is a small hand-held device that makes a distinct, short sound to mark a desired behavior. (See clicker training for a more detailed discussion of this methodology.) It has gained popularity in recent years as being a means of training that does not involve physically correcting the dog, though it may be used in conjunction with these methods.
"This is not a situation for a child of Harry Howard, though she kneltin the presence, and before the throne, of her sovereign. Behold, mydear Cecilia, the natural consequences of this rebellion! It scattersdiscord in their ranks; and, by its damnable leveling principles,destroys all distinction of rank among themselves; even these rash boysknow not where obedience is due!"
"Gentlemen, the one may be as ready to receive as the other is toreject; but has the daughter of John Plowden no voice in this cooldisposal of her person? If her guardian tires of her presence, otherhabitations may be found, without inflicting so severe a penalty on thisgentleman as to compel him to provide for her accommodation in a vesselwhich must be already straitened for room!"
Often, the sit command will be one of the easiest for your dog to learn first. Next, you can train your dog to lie down. At the same time, work on teaching your dog to stay. In addition, your dog should be trained to come when called as soon as possible. This is one of the most important fundamental commands. Once your dog has mastered these dog obedience basics, you can move on to fun tricks and advanced commands.
In recent years, a new form of Obedience competition, known as Rally Obedience, has become very popular. It was originally devised by Charles L. "Bud" Kramer from the obedience practice of "doodling" - doing a variety of interesting warmup and freestyle exercises. Rally Obedience is designed to be a "bridge", or intermediate step, between the CGC certification and traditional Obedience competition.
We offer classes for puppies (up to 18 weeks of age), rescue dogs and adult dogs. Each class has at least two trainers and a maximum of six dogs, so you will be sure to get lots of individual help and support! When you book into Dog School, you will be invited to come along to an introductory session without your puppy or dog. This session is completely free and will introduce you to some of the important principles that make Dog School unique and prepare you to get started on classes! Check the lesson plans for each type of class below and get signed up with your nearest Dog School.
