We had an obedience test today to see if we were ready to go to the next level class. We have been in 'Transition' (not that that means anything, but it is the level immediately below KC competition level). After this there are a few options - we could do Rally-O, Novice (which is training for an obedience title) or Companion stream (which is more focused on the fun stuff like directed retrieves, send-away, jumping and scent work...as well as heeling, recalls, stays etc.). Anyway, we passed! And, much to my amazement, we got first place Can't believe it. We get our photo in the club magazine. Damon took a photo as the photographer was taking a photo (first place is a blue ribbon in Australia, second is red and third is yellow). Obi is wearing yellow because today the club was doing a photo shoot for Canberra's centenary and the theme colour for the centenary is yellow. Here's me and Obi with our friends Veronica and Katy (Katy is the dog). Veronica is the one who played the trick on me with the Labrador toy, for those who remember that story.... The things that we had to do for our test were: - heeling pattern with slow, medium and fast pace with turns and drops/stands on the move - stand for exam where the dog has to stand still while being stroked firmly by the judge - recall - one of either a retrieve, sit at a target or speak on cue (we did the retrieve) - position changes (at a short distance) - figure of 8 round cones in a heeling pattern - 1 minute sit stay (handlers about 10m away) - 2 minute down stay (handlers about 10m away) Our down stay was very exciting. In the next ring (separated by a rope, not a fence) another group were doing sit stays and a small Whippet decided that it'd be more fun to jump up and go for a run instead. Two other dogs quickly joined in the chase, up and down the field that we were doing our down stays in, even running in between us and our dogs. Few dogs in our group of 10 stayed down and I was thrilled that Obi was one of them - he didn't move a muscle. The proofing on the local sports oval paid off ;D Very proud of my yellow boy (now fast asleep). Thanks for indulging my brag
Re: Little obedience brag Oh I'm delighted for you Rachael,what a clever boy and you too of course ;D well done Obi for not getting caught up in the Whippet Frenzy!..... Your photos are lovely ,he's a very handsome boy and I love how he is gazing up at you,adoration or what! You both look very fetching in your yellow...but I'm glad to see that the first place ribbon is in my favorite colour and coordinates with Obi's usual accessories perfectly .First place all the way for the Obster! Now your friend,she looks like a really nice lady .....I think you made that Christmas story up I can't believe she would have such mischief in her ...........mind you you would probably say the same about me !!!! Hope you have had a nice time celebrating your success,well done to you all x
Re: Little obedience brag What a clever boy (and owner!). Good boy smart Obi! First place! That's fab. Does Obi get a treat? I think he should... What do you think you might do next from the options? I think you should do the obedience title thingy, Obi should have a title, I think. King Obi! Remind me again how long you've been training to get to this stage? How much do you do each week outside class?
Re: Little obedience brag Thanks so much, guys We might do the Companion stream, because the classes are fun. There are two levels - Primary and Secondary. It can take a couple of goes to pass Primary because there are a lot of new exercises (which is why it's fun ). You can still go in obedience competitions, which we might do. You have to get three passes at three different comps under different judges to get a title, the most basic of which is CD, which is Companion Dog. Obi got a LOT of roast chicken afterwards You are not allowed to take any treats into the ring so he had to wait. This is the fourth level of classes at the club (fifth if you count Puppy Kindergarten) and each class lasts for two months (one class a week for an hour). So we've been training for 8 months. As for training outside classes, well, we probably do a few minutes every second day. Obi seems to benefit from a bit of 'unconscious consolidation time' between sessions so I don't overdo it.
Re: Little obedience brag well done you and Obi! especially staying rock solid in the face of a chasey game. awesome!
Re: Little obedience brag Well done to the both of you , especially during the stay, it must have been very tempting for him to join in with the chase.
Re: Little obedience brag Thankyou very much, everyone! I really couldn't believe that Obi didn't join in the shenanigans during the stay. He would have been seriously tempted (especially when the dog to his left sat up and then the dog to his right got up and ran off). He was so good. Angela, I'm seeing Veronica on Wedsnesday night so I'll tell her that she at least looks innocent
Re: Little obedience brag That is such fab news Rachael! Well done!!! Gosh I was sooooo pleased when we managed a pass at the only obedience test we've been to - you must be thrilled with Super Obi, the Faery King!!!
Re: Little obedience brag So amazing Rachael and Obi and how proud you both look and deservedly so. Helen xx
