It is most important to choose a dog — regardless of whether it is a pedigree or mongrel — whose size and temperament suits the family. By general consent the middle-sized dogs such as the Border Collie, the Labrador and Golden Retrievers, number among the quietest and most agreeable of companions. They are known for … Read more
At one time a separate exercise this is now incorporated in class C heel work. At sometime during this test, at the discretion of the Judge, the dog shall be required, whilst walking to heel at a normal pace, to be left at the Stand, Sit and Down in coy order ( the order to … Read more
This exercise is the same in classes B and C. On command of Judge to handler, dog to be sent away in direction indicated by Judge. After the dog has been dropped handler will call the dog to heel whilst walking where directed by Judge and both will continue forward. No obstacle to be placed … Read more
CLASS A Handler’s scent on handler’s article. The total number of articles shall not exceed ten, all of which shall be clearly visible to the dog. CLASS B Handler’s scent on article provided by Judge. A separate similar article to be used for each dog and the total number of articles shall not exceed ten, … Read more
When I heard that the new Obedience Regulations included a temperament test in Novice and Class A I was delighted. I had agitated for something of that sort ever since I became interested in obedience. Alas, when I read the new regulation, I found that it was not a test of temperament at all. Temperament … Read more
We now come to an exercise which may require literally no training at all or which you may find the most difficult of all to teach — depending more on your dog than on your training ability. Most training authorities will tell you that there are two methods of teaching a dog to retrieve — … Read more
The first thing many people do when they bring a puppy home is to start house training it. And I am certain that efforts in this direction completely ruin the temperaments of many good dogs for life. The first essential to any success in training any animal (by success I mean an animal that works … Read more
So far I have dealt with the choice of a puppy, but many of the best dogs I have owned have come into my hands at varying ages right up to nine years. And I have acquired most of these because someone else could not cope. There are many advantages in starting with an adult … Read more
How do we go about finding a puppy likely to grow into the sort of dog we want? The most important guide at this age is to be found in the pedigree. I don’t mean that cherished piece of paper with all those illustrious names on it. I mean the dogs which go to to … Read more
First things must come first and one cannot train without a dog. And if you have hopes of any success in any branch of dog training you don’t just want a dog, you want a dog trainable for the purpose you have in mind. This I consider as important, if not more important, than the … Read more