[cjr]

Several folks have suggested that obedience classes can be a a good way to continue to work with your dog through the dark, cold winter. This sounds like a good idea to me and I'd like to look into it but I'm not really sure where to start.

Are these classes structured around competing in AKC obedience trials?

Would they object to having participants in the class who have no interest in the trials?

Can anybody suggest a place to look to find available classes in my area?

Thanks in advance.

Chris

 

[Daniel J Simoens]

I train at a AKC sanctioned club and I have no interest in any trials. The terminology and procedures I believe are done in a fashion that can be extended into formal AKC OB testing.


http://www.akc.org/events/obedience/training_clubs/index.cfm?action=search_state&state=CT

 

[Erin Lynes]

I would say that most of the participants in most of the obedience classes I have been to are not interested in trialling. Usually the instructor will find out who is and either provide a separate competition -prep class or direct them to someone who will.

I currently am taking a rally-obedience class with one of my youngsters. It is a little more fun than regular obedience and has some good applications towards field work, as there are several pivot type moves that are useful to teaching your dog to line up nicely.

If you contact your local kennel club, they usually host classes.

 

[hotel4dogs]

agility is another great way for keeping your dog's mind and body in shape during the long, cold winters! And learning to jump over anything in front of them isn't necessarily a bad skill in the field

 

[Richard McCullough]

My 2, older 4 year old and younger 6 month old have been going for a few weeks now and training dogs. Showing the new owners/handlers what they are supposed to do.

Finding a place, you can search the AKC web site, or ask a dog boarding place near you.

 

[Margo Ellis]

If you look you will find you are in the heart of some good OB clubs. CT is where I started training dogs and cut my teeth at the Northeastern CT dog club. Google dog clubs in Conn.
I may drag the beast to classes after the holidays if they are during the week, we tend to get back out into the fields on the weekends even during the winter so I don't want to miss that.

 

[cjr]

Thank you all very much for the replies.

Looks like it won't be tough to find classes in my area. I'll start digging around.