Ford & Iroquois Counties 4-H Dog Obedience Handbook

Transcription

1 Ford & Iroquois Counties 4-H Dog Obedience Handbook University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment State/County/Local Groups/United States Department of Agriculture Cooperating If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, contact the Extension Office,

2 Ford-Iroquois Counties 4-H Dog Obedience Training The Dog Obedience Class is designed to help 4-H youth to have a hands-on experience of working with dogs, gain knowledge about dogs and their care, improve dog/master relationships, and encourage the development of life skills. The program is developed to accompany the educational aspect of dog care and health. All dogs participating in the training sessions held at Pells Park in Paxton for Ford County and the Fleming-Kidwell Residence for Iroquois County must have a current (within 45 days) health certificate from a veterinarian. The certificate must confirm: Current rabies vaccination DHLPP Cv vaccination Negative fecal exam (for parasites) It is advised, though not required: heartworm check and preventative medicine, Lyme s disease vaccination, and some preventative against kennel cough. Iroquois County instructors are Tina Fleming-Kidwell ( ) and Mike Behrends ( ). Ford County instructor is Linda Fleming ( ). Instructors have the right to remove any dog or handler who may impose upon the safety of the other participants. For example: a dog that is not under the control of the exhibitor/handler, or shows viciousness towards another dog, exhibitor/handler, or judge, may be excused from further classes and competition. In absence of listed instructors, other qualified substitute instructors will be available. It is our hope that you will enjoy this program and learn many transferable teaching techniques. Your 4-H Dog Project may include any or all of the following: Participate in Dog Obedience at County 4-H Dog Show Participate in Dog Agility at County 4-H Dog Show Participate in Conformation at County 4-H Dog Show Participate in Showmanship at the County 4-H Dog Show Exhibit an Animal Science display at the County 4-H Fair

3 Ford-Iroquois County Dog Obedience Training and Dog Show Animal Safety Information 1. The Obedience Instructors will have an emergency veterinarian number for animal care or emergency. 2. All pertinent forms (i.e., animal treatment and release forms, accident report forms, and fair rule forms) will be easily accessible to the Obedience Instructors. 3. Any act of vandalism or damage to buildings caused by 4-H participants or animals will be reported to the Extension Office. 4. Inclement weather - If a W appears on the TV screen for Iroquois or Ford County area, class will be cancelled. If in doubt, text or call the instructor. Animal Rights If violations are observed, the animals will be excused from exhibition and ordered to be removed from the grounds with all awards being forfeited. As determined by the instructors and/or Extension staff, any practice or deviation from normal humane husbandry practices, including but not limited to artificial manipulations, physical abuse, medical treatments or mechanical applications of any substance, other than on the prescription of a licensed veterinarian will constitute a violation of show rules and are subject to the above provisions.

4 Ford-Iroquois Dog Training and Dog Show Code of Conduct As participants in the Ford-Iroquois County Dog Training and Dog Show, you have the responsibility of representing the Ford-Iroquois 4-H program to the public. You are therefore expected to conduct yourself in a manner that will bring honor to you and your family, as well as to 4-H. 1. Treat everyone involved in this program with respect and courtesy. 2. Any distribution, possession, and/or use of alcohol, illicit drugs or medication(s) unapproved by program staff will result in disciplinary action for the offender(s). Disciplinary action(s) will include dismissal from the program and may include legal action by law enforcement authorities. 3. The possession and/or use of tobacco, firearms or fireworks and participation in gambling is illegal and prohibited at 4-H events. 4. Treat program areas with respect and care. You will be responsible for any damage, theft or misconduct in which you participate. 5. Dog training is meant to be a fun and valuable learning experience. Harsh or abusive language or actions toward any dog will not be tolerated. The offender may be excused from the class per the instructors discretion. As a participant in the Ford-Iroquois 4-H Dog Training program, I agree to follow the project guidelines and our code of conduct. I also understand that there are risks involved when dealing with animals and regardless of the precautions taken by the 4-H staff, or the 4-H ers, injuries may occur to me or my animal. These risks may include, but are not limited to, possible injury to the dogs by other dogs, or their handlers, injury on the agility equipment, injury to the children who are handlers of the dogs, the volunteers who are conducting the training or the public observing the training. The attached rules and precautions will help lessen those risks. I have read and understand the attached rules, 4-H Program Handbook pages and precautions and agree to abide by the rules and code of conduct.

5 Ford-Iroquois Dog Obedience Training and Show Rules 1. No hybrids or wolf crosses will be allowed. 2. Vicious dogs will be excused from the training. Any dog that threatens another human or other dog will be excused from the training. 3. Dogs will be on leash or under control at all times. 4. A parent/guardian must attend all obedience classes with youth under age 16. Adults should sit in the observation area in order not to disturb the dog s or youth s concentration. 5. Dogs must have proof of current vaccinations Distemper, Parvo and Rabies, (proof of immunizations/health history are available from your Veterinarian) on file at the Extension office prior to attending the first obedience class. 6. Youth must be an active 4-H member in Ford or Iroquois County and enrolled in Dog 1, 2, or The Ford and Iroquois County Fair Association, the Extension office, Paxton Park District, and Tina Fleming-Kidwell do not assume liability for any loss or injury. 8. All youth are responsible for cleaning up and taking with them any messes their dog makes during training and the fair shows. 9. All participants must be prepared for each class with appropriate leashes and collars, kennels if needed and water for their dogs. Participants who come to a class unprepared will not be allowed to participate in that class. 10. Dress appropriately; some training may be done outside. (No boots, sandals or open-toed shoes will be allowed). 11. Dogs that are ill and females in season, may not attend class but 4-H member is encouraged to still attend. It is important that 4-H ers and parents work closely and communicate with the volunteers in charge of the dog-training program to insure the safety and health of both the children and the animals. Precautions taken include: 1. Short-term event accident insurance has been taken out. 2. All participants must abide by the rules listed above and rules stated in the dog section of the 4-H Program Handbook. 3. Instructors have completed the University of Illinois Extension volunteer screening process. 4. Instructors will have access to a mobile phone. 5. Instructors will have an emergency action plan in place and access to a first aid kit.

6 Obedience Purpose of 4-H Obedience Competition The purpose of obedience is to demonstrate the dog s usefulness as a companion. Youth train their dogs to behave in the home, in public places and in the presence of other dogs in a manner that will reflect credit in the sport of obedience at all times and under all conditions. 4-H obedience competition demonstrates the handler s ability to work as a team with his/her 4-H dog project, following specified routines in the obedience ring and emphasizing the usefulness of his/her dog as a companion. Training makes dogs happy. By nature, dogs prefer a society with rules, where everybody knows his place. When you teach dogs the rules of your family, they feel secure knowing exactly what they are and aren't allowed to do. Dogs will test you from time to time, to see if anything has changed. That's one reason it's so important to keep the same rules and the same general routine every day. You Are the Trainer In class, we are training the trainers, not the dogs. We show you how - the rest is up to you! You set the stage for the successful training of your dog. Your most important tool is "positive reinforcement", getting the dog to do what you want with praise and reward. The other two critical tools are patience and firmness (never harshness). You must be confident while training, and you must be consistent. Your goal is to get the dog to respond to your request, delivered once, in a cheerful, business-like voice. It's up to you to set a positive, happy tone for training. Proper equipment is required for successful training: Collars Acceptable collars include well-fitting plain flat buckle or quick release collar, martingale collar or slip chain. No halters, head halters or prong collars without recommendation from instructor. Leashes Leashes may be of cotton/nylon web or leather and must be 6 feet in length for the Beginner class. For other classes, the leash need be only of sufficient length to provide adequate slack in the heel on leash exercise. Chain leashes and retractable leashes are not acceptable.

7 Practice Practice regularly. Success is 10% instructor, 20% dog and 70% practice. Training will not be effective unless there is a good deal of practice. Some dogs require more practice than others. If you are doing an exercise correctly, you will soon be able to gauge the amount of practice your dog will require for various activities. Plan to work your dog for minutes at least once (twice is ideal) each day. Keep training positive and fun. Stop if you feel bored or frustrated, and try again later. Additional Training Hints Some additional things to keep in mind when training your dog include the following: Be consistent. Always use the same words or hand signals each time you work your dog. Do not say lie down today and tomorrow say down. Say either lie down or down every time. Give commands once, with kindness and firmness. Do not plead or yell. Use your dog s name for action commands. Rover, come, Rover, heel. It is permitted by AKC rules to say the dog s name before giving a sit or down command. However, it is not permitted to use the dog s name on the stay command. Praise after every completed command. This is what the dog is working for. You cannot praise too much. Play with your dog after training as a reward for a job well done. Use correct posture. Learn to stand tall and straight when you work your dog. Do not bend over to get your dog s attention. This is a double command. Your dog should respond to either your voice or your hand signal. Never call your dog to you and then punish him. The dog will think that he is being punished for coming to you and that s the last thing we want. Become foot conscious. You and your dog must become foot conscious. Start walking off on your left foot when you want your dog to leave with you. Start walking off on your right foot if you want your dog to remain sitting, standing, or lying down when you depart. It will not take your dog too long to learn. Exaggerate the motions of the lead-off leg when you first start working with your dog. Explanation of the Obedience Exercises Please refer to the score sheet for each class for your specific class requirements. Complete rules can be found in the AKC Rulebook: At the beginning of each exercise the judge will say Are you ready?. The 4-H er should answer Yes or No. At the completion of each exercise the judge will say Exercise Finished. At this time it is appropriate for the 4-H er to praise his/her dog. In most cases, the judging of an exercise begins when the judge gives the first order. Heel Position Heel position can be used whether the dog is sitting, standing, lying, or moving. Heel means the dog should be in straight alignment and facing the same direction as the handler. The dog should be close to the handler s left leg without crowding. This permits the handler freedom of movement. The area from the dog s head to shoulder should be in line with the handler s left hip. First Year Exercises: Heel on Leash The purpose of this exercise is to demonstrate the ability of the handler and dog to work as a team. The judge s commands can be given in any order and include forward, halt, right turn, left turn, about turn, normal, slow, and fast. Orders for halts and turns will be given only when the handler is moving at a normal speed. In competition, the judge will conduct the same pattern for all handlers within the same class.

8 The leash may be held in either or both hands. Any tightening or jerking of the leash will result in the loss of points. The handler will enter the ring with the dog on a loose leash and stand with the dog sitting in the heel position. The orders given by the judge will be: Forward: Handler and dog walk briskly, in a natural manner, with the dog on a loose leash. The dog walks in heel position, without swinging wide, lagging, forging, or crowding. The dog must not interfere with the handler s freedom of motion at any time. The handler may use a command OR signal to heel. Halt: The handler stops when the judge says Halt. The dog should sit straight and promptly in heel position. This should be done without a command OR signal to the dog. The dog should not move until the handler again moves forward on the judge s command. After each halt, the 4- H er can give a command or signal to heel before moving forward again. Right Turn: The handler and dog make a ninety-degree turn to the right upon command from the judge. This should be done squarely. Left Turn: The handler and dog make a ninety-degree turn to the left upon command from the judge. This should be done squarely. About Turn: The handler and dog make a one-hundred-eighty degree turn, to the right, upon command from the judge. Slow: The handler and dog walk noticeably slower than normal. Normal: The handler and dog walk at a normal pace. Fast: The handler and dog run, moving forward at a noticeably accelerated pace. Figure Eight For the figure eight the handler and dog will stand facing the judge between two stewards standing about eight feet apart. The handler may choose to go in either direction and should go twice around with at least one halt during and another halt at the end of the exercise. There will be no about turn, fast, or slow during this exercise. Commands given by the judge are: forward and halt. Stand for Exam The purpose of this exercise is for the dog to stand and stay in position before, during, and after the exam without displaying resentment. The handler will take the dog to the place indicated by the judge and have the dog sit in heel position. On the judge s command, the handler stands the dog for the judge to examine. The handler may choose the method for posing the dog, within a reasonable time limit, before giving the command and/or signal to stay. While being posed, the dog may never have all four feet off the ground at the same time. The handler will leave from heel position, walk six feet in front of the dog, turn and face the dog. The judge will approach the dog from the front and using the fingers and palm of one hand will touch its head, back, and hindquarters only. On the judge s command, the handler will then return to the dog and stand in heel position. The dog must remain in standing position without moving its feet until the judge says exercise finished. The dog must show no shyness or resentment during this exercise. Commands given by the judge are: stand your dog and leave when ready and return to your dog.

9 Recall The purpose of this exercise is that the dog stays where left until called by its handler and then responds promptly to the handlers command or signal to come. The handler will take the dog to the place indicated by the judge and have the dog sit in heel position. Upon the judge s orders, the handler will command and/or signal the dog to wait. The handler will then walk to a designated spot in front of the dog, turn and face the dog. The handler s hands shall remain at the sides of the body. Upon command from the judge, the handler will call or signal the dog to come. The dog should come straight to the handler at a brisk pace and sit straight, centered in front of the handler, close enough for the handler to touch the dog s head without moving feet or stretching forward. The dog should not touch the handler or sit between the handler s feet. Upon command from the judge, the handler shall command or signal the dog to go to heel position. The method by which the dog goes to heel position is optional. Commands given by the judge are: leave your dog, call your dog, and finish. Long Sit The purpose of this exercise is that the dog remains in the sitting position for a designated amount of time. This exercise is done together as a group by all the competing dogs of one class. Upon the judge s orders, the handlers sit their dogs. Then upon the judge s orders, the handlers command and/or signal their dogs to stay, immediately go to the designated place and face their dogs (or leave the ring for out-of-sight stays). Upon the judge s orders, handlers shall return to their dogs, walk around and in back of the dogs to heel position. The dogs must not move from the sitting position until the judge announces the exercise is complete. Commands given by the judge are: sit your dogs, leave your dogs, and return to your dogs. Long Down The purpose of this exercise is that the dog remains in the down position for a designated amount of time. Executed in the same manner as the Long Sit, except that upon the judge s command the handlers shall down their dogs, without touching the dog or the collar. The judge will order the return of the handlers after the designated time. The dogs must not move from the down position until the judge announces the exercise is complete. Commands given by the judge are: down your dogs, leave your dogs, and return to your dogs. More Advanced Exercises: Heel Free The purpose of this exercise is to demonstrate the ability of the handler and dog to work as a team without the control of a leash. Executed in the same manner as Heel on Leash, except the dog is off leash. The left hand may be held against the front of the body centered at the waist or hang and move naturally at the handler s left side. The right hand should hang naturally at the right side of the handler s body. Drop on Recall The purpose of this exercise is that the dog promptly responds to the handler s command or signal to drop, and the dog remaining in the down position until again called or signaled to come. The dog will be judged on the promptness of its response to the command or signal. On order from the judge, the handler may give a command and/or signal for the dog to stay in the sit position. The handler will walk forward to the other end of the ring, then turn, facing his or her dog and stand naturally. On the judge s order or signal, the handler will either command or signal the dog to come. The dog must come directly at a brisk

10 trot or gallop. On the judge s arm or hand signal, the handler shall give the command or signal to drop, and the dog must drop immediately to a complete down position. The dog must remain down until the judge gives the order or signal for the handler to signal or command the dog to come. The dog finishes the exercise as in the recall. Commands given by the judge are: leave your dog, call your dog, then give a clear signal to drop the dog, followed by call your dog and finish. Dumbbell Recall The purpose of this exercise is that the dog performs a recall off leash, but with the dog holding the dumbbell. In addition to the regular recall, the additional features are that the dog promptly take, hold and deliver the dumbbell when commanded. The 4-H er will stand with the dog sitting in the heel position in a place designated by the judge. Upon the judge s orders the handler will present the dumbbell with one command. The dog must accept it readily and hold it. When the judge orders, the handler may give the command and/or signal to stay while he or she walks forward to the other end of the ring and turns to face the dog. On the judge s order or signal, the handler will command or signal the dog to come. When the dog is sitting in front of the handler, the judge will order, take it, and the handler will give a command and take the dumbbell. The finish will be the same as in the recall. Commands given by the judge are: give your dog the dumbbell, leave your dog, call your dog, take it, and finish. Retrieve on Flat The purpose of this exercise is that the dog retrieve the dumbbell promptly. The handler will stand with his or her dog sitting in the heel position in a place designated by the judge. On the judge s order, the handler will give the command and/or signal to throw it. If the handler does use a signal, that signal may not be given with the hand that is holding the dumbbell. After the dumbbell is thrown at least 20 feet, the judge will order the handler send your dog. The judge will require the dumbbell to be thrown again before the dog is sent if it is thrown less than 20 feet, or too far to one side, or too close to the ring s edge. The retrieve should be executed at a brisk trot or gallop. The dog will go directly to the handler without unnecessary mouthing or playing with the dumbbell. Without touching the handler or sitting between his or her feet, the dog must sit straight, centered immediately in front of the handler, close enough so the handler could touch its head without excessive bending, stretching, or moving either foot. On order from the judge, the handler will give the command or signal and take the dumbbell. The finish will be executed as in the recall. Commands given by the judge are: throw it, send your dog, take it, and finish. Retrieve Over High Jump The purpose of this exercise is that the dog goes out over the jump, picks up the dumbbell and promptly returns with it over the jump. This exercise will be executed in the same manner as the retrieve on flat, except that the dog will clear the high jump both going and coming. The handler will stand at least 8 feet, or any reasonable distance beyond 8 feet from the jump, but will remain in the same spot throughout the exercise, and will throw the dumbbell at least 8 feet beyond the jump. Commands given by the judge are: throw it, send your dog, take it, and finish.