Is obedience training for the show ring only? Not at all! Let’s look at the requirements for earning the beginning obedience title, Companion Dog, and see just how useful those skills can be in real-world situations.
Heeling. If you’ve ever suffered the indignity of having your arm pulled out of its socket while your dog walked you down the street, you can appreciate the importance of this skill. A dog heels properly by walking to your left, staying patiently and alertly at your side, and matching his pace to yours.
Recall. Would it come in handy to have your dog come quickly when you call her name? A prompt, reliable recall means you’ll never have to chase your dog around the yard again! It can also be a lifesaver, if your dog ever gets into a dangerous situation – if she wanders into the road, for instance, and a car is coming.
Stand for exam. Does your dog wiggle and squirm when the vet tries to perform a simple physical exam? Once she’s taught the stand for exam, she’ll stand calmly and quietly as the veterinarian checks her out.
Long Sit and Down. There are many times every day when a dog needs to sit and stay, or lie down and stay. In the Novice obedience ring, dogs sit for one minute and lie for three, with the handler standing across the ring. In the next level of competition, the Open ring, the times get longer – three minutes for the sit and five for the down – and the handler is out of the ring, out of the dog’s sight altogether.
But be warned! Many people have started out with pet training in mind and then found the training process so rewarding, and the bond that forms between them and their dogs so powerful, that they decide to move on to the obedience ring.
