WHAT IS OBEDIENCE?

Obedience is an AKC recognized canine performance event that demonstrates teamwork between the owner and the dog, as the dog follows various commands both on-leash and at liberty. Basic obedience training includes walking with the owner in heel position at various speeds, sitting in heel position, staying in a sit and down position for a period of time and coming when called. As the team advances, the training will include retrieving a dumbbell on the flat or over a jump and clearing a broad jump. More advanced training will include scent work, use of hand signals, directed jumping and directed retrieves. A well-trained dog is a happy dog and will be a great canine partner both in the house and outside and basic obedience training can be the first step to that great partnership.

ARE THERE LOCAL OBEDIENCE TRIALS?

BOTC holds both an obedience and a rally trial each November, currently at The Edge in Williston. This weekend trial is open to the public and is a great place to see dogs performing at the various levels of obedience: the basic obedience level recognized by AKC, the CD or Companion Dog level; the next level, which is the CDX or Companion Dog Excellent level, and the highest level, the UD or Utility Dog level. The premium for this trial held November 5 and 6, 2011 is available here. There is also another AKC obedience trial in this area sponsored by a local all-breed club, the Champlain Valley Kennel Club. This trial is also open to the public and will be held in October of 2011 at the Champlain Exposition.

WHERE CAN I LEARN TO TRAIN MY DOG IN OBEDIENCE?

BOTC holds classes on an irregular basis in the various levels of obedience which are open both to members of the club and, if space allows, to non-members. Information about these classes, when available, can be found here. There are several independent dog training schools in the area which also offer obedience classes at all levels.

CAN I PRACTICE OBEDIENCE WITH OTHERS LOCALLY?

BOTC holds regularly scheduled practice sessions in obedience which are open to all members of the club. A representative from the club sits on the Training Council for BOTC and is responsible for scheduling times and locations for members to practice obedience exercises with their canine partners. A schedule of the practice sessions can be found by clicking here.