A book for the obedience handler. It will help you to avoid handler errors in the obedience ring, determine if your dog is ready to compete, prepare you properly, and score your best. For novice through utility competitors.
A quick, easy reference that will help you with those last-minute show brush-ups. Successful Obedience Handling, 2nd edition will teach you:
- Nine ways to proof your dog’s heeling
- How to avoid common handler errors
- How to select the proper attire and equipment
- How to tell if the dog that you have trained is ready for competition
- What you can and cannot do at the show
- How to score your best in the ring
- Common errors for each exercise
PUBLISHER’S COMMENTS
Revised and updated for 2002 AKC rules. Earn titles quicker and increase your scores.
AUTHOR’S BIO
Barbara Handler is an obedience instructor and judge.
REVIEWS
“Handler knows what judges are looking for and lets you in on the secret.” (Deborah Lawson, Philadelphia Inquirer)
“This excellent text gives tips on handling–the kind one could formerly learn only from a very knowledgeable instructor, from clinics, or from many, many years of experience...an outstanding text for all obedience classes.” (Fran Ennis, Off Lead)
“...not only offers the novice exhibitor a treasury of advice but gives tips for high scores to the active competitor. With each exercise, common handling errors are exposed, along with photo examples of ‘right’ and ‘wrong’. A bonus in the form of addresses appears in the appendix.” (Chris Walkowicz)
“…should be required reading for every competition obedience student.” (Front and Finish)
“…helpful in boosting the performance of an obedience handler, whether one trains alone or with a class situation.” (Flatiron Press)
“…a treasury of advice…gives tips for high scores to the active competitor…” (Chris Walkowicz, All About Dogs)
“…no-frills approach to explaining the ins and outs of exhibiting in obedience.” (Gazette)
“…this handy, well thought-out book should be required reading for every competition obedience student…” (Nordic Exposure)
“I would recommend this book to anyone considering showing a dog in obedience.” (Marilyn Miller, DWAA)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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 Sportsmanship, 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
About the Author
