Our class structure is listed below.
Please talk to Jim or Vera if you are unsure of which class to attend.

Introductory & Socialisation Class:

Socializing, Basic Heel & Sit. 2 to 4 weeks training, then move to Bronze Dogs.
Read Janettes class rules below.

Bronze Dogs:

Socializing, Heel, Sit, Drop, and introduce Stay.

Silver Dogs:

Heel & Sit, Drop, Stay, Stand, and introduce Stand for Examination.

Gold Dogs:

On Lead: Heel & Sit, Drop, Stay, Stand, Stand for Examination, Recall.

Diamond Dogs:

Off Lead: Heel & Sit, Drop, Stay, Stand, Stand for Examination & Recall.
On Lead: Heel & Sit, Drop & Stand.

Diamond Dogs Excellent:

Read more about the requirements below.

In my class, there are taboos:

• No smacking (I hope that rule is very clear. Do I really need to say this?).
• No yelling! (We may learn about special times when yelling is acceptable, but we will do that under controlled conditions).
• No harsh jerking on the lead! We don’t want to choke our dogs! We will learn to guide them using the lead, but not to pull their heads off!
• No extension leads! They just confuse your dog.

In my class, there are expectations:

• Have fun (that applies to you and to your dog).
• Ask questions. I talk a lot, so feel free to interrupt me.
• Reward, pat, cuddle and get excited when you have success.
• Talk to your dog. Be interesting. Be more interesting than the dogs in the other class, or the smells on the grass. Make him want to be a part of your team.

It’s supposed to be FUN

• Make sure that training is FUN for both you and your dog. It is a hobby, and not a challenge or a chore.
• Don’t overtrain your dog, so that he hates training sessions. Just a few minutes at a time are sufficient.
• Find out what your dog responds to – what does he like? What can you use as a reward after training? It might be a ball-game, a cuddle or a food reward.
• If you or your puppy is exhausted but the lesson has not finished yet, it is OK to step out and rest. You can learn a great deal from watching others. Don’t overwork your dog! You don’t need to ask permission – it is up to you to know your own dog and its needs.

You need to understand each other!

• We all love our dogs. However it is absolutely imperative that we (both the owner and the dog) understand who the Boss is.
• Your dog expects you to guide them and to show them where they fit into the pack order. If you are not clear on that, and how to assume the leadership role, then see your Trainer quickly.

Let’s communicate!

• We don’t need to yell at our dogs. If they don’t respond to your commands, it is probably YOUR fault.
• Your dog may not know you are talking to him (say his name first!).
• He may not understand you (more explanation is needed – he is not a mind-reader).
• You may be using a word that he does not recognise (make sure you use the same commands every time!).
• Be clear that you are not ASKING your dog to obey you. You are (gently) TELLING him to obey you, and that you will be very happy when he does obey. He will want to please you.

Have patience... It won’t happen overnight, but it will happen.

• Some days your doggie will work brilliantly. Other days he will be as silly as a wheel, and will act as though he has had no training at all.
• Don’t panic. Think of your own childhood. It’s probably just part of growing up, and things will improve.

Specifications:

1. Dog and handler must have attended the Club for at least 50% of the previous 1 year’s training sessions.
2. Dog and handler must have successfully passed at the level of Diamond Dog, not less than 6 months prior to first attempting Diamond Dog Excellent.
3. The test for Diamond Dog Excellent will be carried out separately from Diamond Dog, and will not be considered for awards as part of the Diamond Dog trial.
4. The testing requirements for Diamond Dog Excellent will be the same as for Diamond Dog, except that no greater than 10 points can be lost in total.

Diamond Dog Excellent Requirements:

• At all times the dog and handler must work as a Team.
• All exercises must be carried out promptly and accurately on the first request from the judge.
• The handler must give the dog one command for each exercise only.
• Repeat or additional commands will result in non-qualification for that trial.
• Physical guidance of the dog into position is not permitted.
• The dog’s name can be used to attract its attention at the start of each exercise only.
• The dog must work as close as practicable to the left side of the handler unless special dispensation is granted prior to the trial.
• There must be no tightening or jerking on the lead during the “on lead” exercise.
• During the Stay exercises, the dog must remain in the precise position in which it is left by the handler.
• During the Stay exercises, the club will ensure that there is at least one dog positioned on either side of the trialing dog. If necessary, these additional dogs can be substituted from another class and may remain on lead with their owners standing in front.
• During the 1 and 3 minute Stay exercises, any movement from that position will result in Non-qualification.
• In the Stand for Examination exercise, 2 points will be lost for each foot that is moved by the dog once the handler has given the command to Stay. If a dog moves all 4 feet before the end of the exercise is signalled by the Judge, this will result in non-qualification for that trial.
• In the Down Stay, the dog must not lie in the “dead dog” position without substantial deduction.
• Reprimands cannot be used in the ring under any circumstances.
• Praise is permitted and is encouraged!

Judges will reward:

• A dog’s willingness and enthusiasm to work.
• Gentleness and smoothness of handling.

Available Point Allocations for each exercise:

1. Heel and Sit on Lead - 30 points
2. Heel and Sit off Lead - 30 points
3. Stand for Examination off Lead - 30 points
4. Stand Stay off lead - 20 points
5. Recall off lead - 30 points
6. 1 minute sit stay off lead (performed alongside Diamond or Gold trialling dogs) - 30 points
7. 3 minute down stay off lead (as above) - 30 points