Obedience Classes and Titles
There are two types of basic obedience courses: competitive and noncompetitive. The competitive courses are for those who intend to enter their dog in AKC-sanctioned obedience competitions, earning titles as they progress. Most people who take a beginner's course in obedience training do not plan to participate in AKC competition. Right now, putting an obedience title on little Pebbles might be the furthest thing from your mind.
Noncompetitive Classes
Informal noncompetitive obedience classes are often sponsored by the local humane society, 4-H clubs, and pet superstores like Petco and PetSmart. They will improve your dog's ability to walk on a leash, sharpen its responses to basic commands, and strengthen your leadership. Children are often welcome in such classes so training little Teddy can become a family affair.
For those who would like their dog to earn an obedience title as a Companion Dog (CD), you would begin basic obedience at either the novice or prenovice level, depending upon how much your dog has already learned and your own experience. A recognized obedience trainer who teaches classes for competition would be your best bet for this type of training.
Obedience titles are earned in a series of sanctioned matches. Your dog will need to demonstrate his ability to heel, walking closely at different speeds as if attached to your ankle. He will also need to come when called and to stay, remaining in a sit without being distracted by his canine classmates. When you call his name, Bowser must make a beeline for you, sit sharply in front of you, and then finish by circling your feet and sitting close by your left side. He must also stand on command for a simple examination by the judge.
Competitive Classes
Of course, it takes a good deal of class time and practice before you and your dog are ready to go into the obedience ring at an AKC show or trial. As you prepare, you can enter some matches, informal shows where you and your canine prodigy can check your skills in a practice competition. You won't be scored or win any prizes, but you will get a taste of being in the ring.
Once you enter an official AKC obedience trial, your dog will be scored on each prescribed exercise. There are three levels at which your dog can earn a title. Each level is more difficult than the one before. If you find this kind of intensive training lights your fire, a kennel club or breed club may be the best source of training. You need a trainer who specializes in preparing dogs for advanced competition. Most such trainers aim for a high score in the ring, not just a passing grade. As you pursue your goals, you will need this person's guidance and expertise every step of the way so you want someone who has the time and patience to give you and your dog the individual attention that you need.
Look upon the trainer as your partner in helping you shape the behavior of your dog so it can be happily integrated into your life. The dog is not the only one being trained — you must also learn your part in the human-animal equation!
Training Terms and Credentials
To help you distinguish between the many types of instruction and teachers out there, here are some terms, titles, and organizations that describe trainers and where they get their training:
Dog trainer: By itself, this title requires no formal credentials. Anyone can call themselves a dog trainer. Narrowly interpreted, a dog trainer teaches the dog the commands and then teaches the dog owner how to use them.
Obedience instructor: These people teach obedience classes, sometimes in groups and sometimes in private lessons. They will teach your dog to heel, sit, and come when called while helping you understand your dog's instinctual drives and motivations. Some offer classes for those who wish to compete for obedience titles. At the highest level, they train other trainers.
Animal behaviorists: These academically trained specialists have usually completed graduate work in psychology, neurology, biology, or zoology, with an emphasis on canine behavior. They usually work in conjunction with a veterinary school or hospital and have a background in observing and understanding dog behavior and correcting problems.
NADOI: Founded in 1965, the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors (NADOI) offers certification to trainers at different levels of expertise and experience. With members worldwide, its stated mission is “to endorse dog obedience instructors of the highest caliber; to provide continuing education and learning resources to those instructors; and to continue to promote humane, effective training methods and competent instructors.” You can find a member near you at www.nadoi.org.
APDT: Founded in 1993 by renowned training expert and veterinarian Ian Dunbar, this 5,000-member organization was established as the voice of professional trainers, promoting their image and professionalism. Primarily an educational organization, it hosts conferences and encourages its members to “make use of training methods that use reinforcement and rewards, not punishment, to achieve desired behavior.” Although it does not endorse or certify members, it offers a directory to those who visit its web page, www.apdt.com.
The National K-9 Dog Training School: Located in Columbus, Ohio, this school was opened in 1975. It trains obedience trainers, most of whom complete its six-week course to become a Master Trainer. You can find it online at www.nk9.com.
Many great trainers are also self-educated people whose natural skills in training became evident with family and friends first and who went on to increase their knowledge by attending courses and seminars. For some, this work has an underlying spiritual component. Within the realm of those who work with animals, there is room for the intangible — an innate ability to understand and connect with our four-legged friends.
