Successful Obedience Handling Book

Introduction: Obedience Trials

Chapter 1: Is Your Dog Ready to Show?
Defining your Goals, AKC Obedience Titles, Other Options for Titles, The Obedience Trial Championship (OTCh), Utility Dog Excellent, Proof Training, Pattern Training (Run-Throughs). Matches, Sanctioned Matches, Fun Matches, Final Thoughts on Readiness

Chapter 2: Entering a Licensed Trial
The Premium List, The Trial Site, Handlers with Disabilities, Filling Out the Entry Form, Refunds, Which Class - "A" or "B"?, Novice A, Novice B, Open A, Open B, Utility A, Utility B, "A" Versus "B", Judging the Judge

Chapter 3: Trial Day Arrives
Looking Like a Pro, The Dog, The Handler, Equipment, Collars, Leashes, Other Supplies, The Judging Schedule: When Should I Arrive, At the Trial, The Catalogue, Special Awards Not Given at Shows, The Ratings Systems, Front and Finish Systems, Breed Club System, Sportsmanship, Corrections, Controlling Your Dog, Exercising Your Dog, Enforcement of Good Spotsmanship, The Rep, Final Considerations, What to Expect from the Judge, Handling Errors, Passing or Failing, Non-Qualification Versus Disqualification, Being Excused from the Ring, Misbehavior, When the Dog Leaves the Ring, Hands Off, Rejudging

Chapter 4: In the Novice Ring
Entering the Ring, Commands, Fouling the Ring, Individual Exercises, Heel on Leash and Figure 8, Footwork, Straightening Your Dog, Hand Position for the Heel on Leash, Anticipating Turns or Pace Changes, Proofing Heeling, The Figure 8, Proofing the Figure 8, Stand for Examination, Positioning Your Dog, Proofing the Stand, Heel Free, Hand Position, If Your Dog Leaves Heel Position, Proofing the Heel Free, The Recall, The Finish, Proofing the Recall and Finish, When the Recall Is Completed, Group Exercises, The Long Sit, Eye Contact/Body Movement, If Your Dog Breaks Position, If Your Dog Lies Down or Stands Up, Proofing the Long Sit, The Long down, Proofing the Long Down, The End of the Class, Exercise Break, Run-Offs, Photographs, Checking Your Score, Thoughts on Scores, Observing Cheating

Chapter 5: In the Open Ring
Measuring, Open Individual Exercises, Drop on Recall, Proofing the Drop on Recall, Criteria for a Good Drop, Retrieve on the Flat, The Dumbbell, Retrieve Over the High Jump, Distance from the Jump, Placement in Front of the Jump, Throwing Accuracy, If Your Dog Climbs the Jump, Proofing the Retrieve Over the High Jump, Broad Jump, Distance from Jump and Position in Front of Jump, Handler s Position After Leaving the Dog, Proofing the Broad Jump, Open Group Exercises

Chapter 6: In the Utility Ring
Individual Exercises, Signal Exercise, Giving Signals, Proofing the Signal Exercise, Scent Discrimination, Articles, Giving the Scent, The Turn and Send, Taking Care of Your Articles, Proofing Scent Discrimination, Directed Retrieve, The Gloves, The Turn Toward the Desired Glove, Directional Signals, Proofing the Directed Retrieve, Moving Stand and Examination, Proofing the Moving Stand and Examination, Directed Jumping, The Send Away, The "Sit" Command, Commands for Jumps, Turns, Proofing the Directed Jumping

Chapter 7: The Non-Regular Classes
Pre-Novice, Brace, Veteran s, Versatility, Graduate Novice, Team, Rally

Chapter 8: Reaping the Rewards
The Pleasure of Honest Handling, Giving Back to the Sport

Appendix I: Photo Acknowledgements

Appendix II: Important Addresses

Appendix III: Licensed Superintendent

Appendix IV: Dog Training Equipment

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