Obedience Training your Labrador for Competition

Are you interested in getting more out of your Labrador?
Would you like to try Obedience Training, but not sure where to start?

Puppy preschool:

This is a great way to Socialize your Puppy with others of similar age.

After Puppy Preschool its time to move onto a Dog/Training Facility.

There are many different Training Facilities & Clubs around South Australia. It is best to make Enquires about what type of training each Club teaches ( Eg. Obedience, Agility, Flyball.) and The Basic requirements for each discipline.

Most recognised clubs are affiliated with the South Australian Canine Association (SACA) and This will be beneficial to you and your Labrador if wishing to compete in either or all of the Above Disciplines. Clubs that are not affiliated may teach the same principles but may not teach the Requirements for competition.

Once you have made contact with the clubs in your local area, ask if you can attend a training session to get a feel for the club and the type of training that they do. Most clubs offer 1st week free.

Join a Club.

Once you have joined a club, you will be placed into a class relevant to the age of your dog and its abilities. Each month graduation takes place. If you have put in the practice and your dog is performing to the requirements of the Class you may be graduated to the next class. Most clubs offer a Basic obedience Certificate once you have Graduated from Class 3 into Class 4. (In most councils a discount is offered on your registration for training to this level).

Competing in Obedience Trials.

Once you have put in plenty of training and practice to reach Class 5 you will be just about ready for the Competition Ring. Speak to your instructor about working towards achieving the level required for competition. Before Competing you will need to become a member of SACA and your dog must be registered (with or without Pedigree) with the Association. Once you are a member you will receive a monthly journal, which includes schedules for all upcoming Shows and Trials. To enter a trial complete an entry form (Rule books and Entry Forms are available from (SACA) and forward with the relevant fee to the Event Secretary/Convenor.

On the Day.

Arrive at the trial grounds early enough to give yourself plenty of time for Vetting prior to the nominated start time. Vetting is the procedure to determine whether or not the Bitch is in season and can be held up to 1 hour prior to the start time. If you can provide Proof of de-sexing vetting isn’t required. (Bitches in Season are not allowed on the trial grounds). Collect your entry number and Catalogue from the Show/Trial Secretary and determine where your trial ring is situated. It is important to keep a close watch on your ring to make sure you don’t miss your Call. The Ring Steward will call your number and if you fail to answer by the 3rd call you will be eliminated from the competition. If competing with more than 1 dog advise your Ring Stewards before competition commences that you may be competing in another ring if not present when called, they will take this into consideration when calling your number.

When in the ring you must follow the orders given by the Judge or Steward at all times.
You must not reprimand your dog when in the ring in any way as you will be penalised.
Any misbehaviour will also incur penalties. The Judge will go thru each exercise and give you a score. Between exercises you must not physically handle your dog. Praise is highly recommended.

After completing your Heel work which includes Heel on Lead, Stand for Examination, Heel of Lead, Stand Stay and Recall, don’t forget to remain in the vicinity of the ring for the Stay Exercises. The Judge will determine when the stay will be done according to how many dogs are being judged.

To gain your Novice (CD) Obedience Title you have to have pass 3 Novice Test’s with a passing Score of 170 or more, to gain your Open (CDX) Obedience Title you have to pass 3 Open Test’s and Utility (UD) Title, 3 passes in Utility. Each under at least 2 different judges. You must achieve your CD Title before commencing your CDX and so on.

Remember to have Fun with your Dog and enjoy yourself.

Achieving a Title is a great achievement for both you and your Labrador.

This page was last updated:
Mon, February 18, 2008 5:54 PM