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Now that you have acquired a new dog,
it doesn’t have to be pure bred, you will be strongly advised to
do at least some basic obedience work with it.
This will
make life easier for your dog and you, as you will end up knowing
where you stand with each other, you will , if successful, be eligible
for a council discount. You will also be contributing to responsible
dog ownership. As a bonus, you and your dog may find that you can
have fun learning to understand each other.
"What
is responsible Dog Ownership?"
*
Caring
for your dog;
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Making
sure your dog is fed, watered, sheltered, exercised;
*
Taken
to vet when necessary.
Your
responsibility to the community:
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Your
dog is kept under control, walked on lead, doesn’t bark incessantly.
*
Registered
with council when it is eight weeks old.
*
Be
aware of Government by laws pertaining to dogs.
"What
breeds are suitable for obedience training?"
All types of dogs can benefit from training from small to huge,
pedigreed to crossbreeds. Dogs are to be 3mth + over and vaccinated.
"Where do I learn to train
my dog?
There are
a number of Dog Obedience clubs in ACT. Many clubs and schools also
conduct puppy socialization classes. These are an excellent way
to introduce your puppy to new experiences in an unthreatening and
enjoyable way. You may also be able to stop bad habits before they
start. The ACTCA conducts puppy socialization classes at Exhibition
Park In Canberra.
Watch for them advertised in the ACTCA
Journal magazine and on our Website actca.asn.au.
There
are many theories on the best way to train a dog. There are many
that have stood the test of time. Look around to find a school that
is convenient to you and where you feel comfortable.
"Can
I compete in competitions with my dog?"
If your dog training progresses well you may wish to compete
in obedience trials. Your training school will help you to decide
when you are ready.
Most clubs have a system of graduated
classes. When you have reached trial class, you may wish to go to
some obedience trials to familiarise yourself with what is required.
There is a rule book which is available from the Obedience Clubs
and the ACTCA Office which sets out the rules of competition.
"How do I enter a trial?"
You are required to be a member
of the ACTCA. Trials are conducted almost every weekend and are
advertised in the ACTCA Journal and on the website. Official entry
forms are available from the ACTCA and entries usually close two
weeks ahead.
"Can my
dog obtain a title?"
There are several obedience titles.
Companion Dog
(CD) also known as the Novice class.
Companion Dog Excellent
(CDX) Open class
Utility Dog (UD) the highest obedience
class.
"Can my dog become
an Obedience Champion?"
Yes, your dog becomes an "Obedience Champion (O.C.)"
if he gains C.D., C.D.X., and UD Obedience titles plus 5 additional
UD passes of at least 185 points, with three of these additional
passes having been a first place in the trial ring.
"How
do I get involved in tracking?"
The Tracking & Rescue Dog Club of NSW Inc run Trials, Tracking
Trials have been held in the ACT conducted by the ACT Companion
Club.
"What breeds are
suitable for tracking?"
All breeds can track. More agile working or huntin
g breeds
may find it easier to cover rough terrain, but some very small breeds
have been successful.
"How
do I enter tracking trials?"
In a similar way to Obedience trials. Tracking trials are usually
held in the colder months only.
"What
prerequisites are there for entering a tracking trial?"
Your dog must gain a pass in
a tracking qualification test to be eligible to enter a tracking
trial no obedience qualifications are necessary.
"What
tracking titles are available?"
Tracking Dog (T.D.)
Tracking Dog Excellent (T.D.X.)
and Tracking Champion (T. Ch.)
"How
can I get involved in agility/jumping?"
Some obedience clubs and private training schools conduct agility/jumping
classes.
"What breeds
are suitable for Agility/Jumping Training?"
The rules for agility/jumping trials allow for three variations
in jumping heights/lengths, to accommodate small, medium and large
dogs. Some dogs are more agile than others but individual dogs vary
in their ability to complete an agility course. Dogs must be 18
months old.
"How do I
enter an agility/jumping trial?"
In a similar way to obedience trials. Agility/Jumping trials are
often held in conjunction with obedience trials.
"What
prerequisites are required for entering an agility/jumping trial?"
No obedience prerequisites
are required. You will need to acquire a registered height certificate
for your dog.
"What agility/jumping
titles are available?"
Agility Dog (A.D.); Jumping Dog (JD), Agility Dog Excellent
(ADX); Jumping Dog Excellent, Agility Dog Masters (ADM); Jumping
Dog Masters (JDM).
"What
are endurance tests and what dogs are suitable?"
They are a test of the dogs
endurance. The dog is required to maintain fitness over a 20 kilometre
distance. Most breeds are suitable provided they are very fit.
"Are there any prerequisites
for entering an endurance test?"
No obedience prerequisites are required. A veterinary fitness
certificate is essential. The dog must be well prepared and conditioned
well before the event and 2 years of age.
"What
titles are available?"
Endurance test (E.T.).
Copies of the rules relating
to these disciplines are available from the ANKC
web site or sometimes the ACTCA Office.
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