Obedience training usually refers to the training of a dog and the term is most commonly used in that context. Obedience training ranges from very basic training, such as teaching the dog to reliably respond to basic commands such as "sit", "down", "come", and "stay", to high level competition within clubs such as the American Kennel Club and the Canadian Kennel Club, where additional commands, accuracy and performance are scored and judged.

Obedience implies compliance with the direction or command given by the handler. For a dog to be considered obedient rather than simply trained in obedience, it must respond reliably each time the command is given, by what is commonly known as its handler. A dog can go through Obedience training and not be obedient. If a dog is referred to as being Obedience Trained it should comply immediately with every command its handler gives. In the strictest sense an Obedience trained dog is an obedient dog.

German Shepherd DogTraining a dog in obedience can be an ongoing and lengthy process depending on the dog, the methods used, and the skill and understanding of both the trainer and the handler. The level of obedience the handler wishes to achieve with the dog is also a major factor in the time involved, as is the commitment to training by the handler.

Obedience training is often a prerequisite for or component of other training.

The actual training of the dog can be done by anyone, the trainer, owner, or a friend. Typically the individual who is caring for and living with the dog participates and trains the dog, as they will be the one who will be giving the commands. The relationship and trust between the dog and handler are important for success.

Basic or beginner's obedience is typically a short course ranging from six to ten weeks, where it is demonstrated to the handler how to communicate with and train the dog in a few simple commands. With most methods the dog is trained one command at a time. Though there may or may not be a specific word attached to it, walking properly on a leash, or leash control, is often the first training required prior to learning other commands.

Commands

The specific command word is not important, but consistency in usage is. There are certain commands that are accepted as standard and commonly used.

Basic commands

Sit: The dog is in a sitting position.
Down: A dog is typically down when its elbows (front feet) and hocks (rear legs) are touching the ground or floor.
Heel: The dog's head or shoulder is parallel to the handler's leg on the left side of the handler.
Come or Here: (referred to as the recall) "Call your dog" equals "come" or "here".
Stay: The dog must remain in the position (sit, down, stand) and location under which the command was given until it is released by the handler.
Beg: The dog is taught to literally beg for a given object in a fashion the owner desires (usually whining or standing).
Shake: From a sitting position the dog will extend one of its paws and "shake hands" with the one who gave the command. Side note: do not teach this to a dog directly after teaching it to sit. The dog will assume that they are both one trick and will start to shake immediately upon sitting down.

Advanced commands

Stop – a dog that will simply stop whatever it is doing and lie down on command no matter how far it is from its keeper is a dog that can be taken anywhere. Some handlers use the German word Platz (related to "place", i.e. stay in position) for this action.
Back up – keepers of large dogs or dogs with a reputation for aggressiveness can make strangers more comfortable by teaching the dog to back up on command.
Growl – the inverse of backing up. Some owners teach non-aggressive dogs to growl on a subtle command – not the word growl, usually a small hand gesture – as a way of letting strangers know that you and your dog value being left alone.
Steady – keep near by. The dog can walk free, but not dash off. Train to this command with a long leash, calling out Steady when the leash is taut. Continue off leash.
Stand – dog stands still. Train from lying-down position by lifting under belly while repeating command. Useful for grooming. Many dogs are groomed frequently and need to stand quietly during the process.
Go to bed, kennel, or get in: Directs the dog to go to its bed or its crate and to remain there until released. The dog has freedom of movement in that location to stand up, turn around, or lie down, unlike when placed in a Stay. Useful to keep a dog out from underfoot and safe in a busy or complicated situation.
Drop or drop it: Dogs pick up all sorts of things, some of which they shouldn't have. A dog that drops anything on command, no matter how attractive (and "attractive" to a dog can be "rotten and smelly" to a human), is a dog under control that the owner can prevent from eating dangerous items or from destroying valued personal property.
Leave it: An adjunct to Drop, directing the dog to not touch an item. Also useful before the dog has picked anything up. Leave it is also used in conjunction with Take it.
Take it: The dog leaves a desired object, such as a toy or treat, untouched until given this command. This can protect an owner's, visitor's, or child's fingers.
Give: The dog has an object in its mouth and "gives" it to its owner by releasing the object into the owner's hand. Object of choice in training is usually a light-weight dumbbell or a glove. This is useful for when your dog has one of your belongings and you want it back before the dog hides it or chews it up.
Speak: A dog, when taught this command, will bark once(or more) when told to do so.
Roll Over: When taught this command a dog will lie down, roll over, and stand back up.
Attack: A dog will attack something (or someone) when told to do so. Common commands are either "Attack" or "Sick'em".

Fetch: A dog will retrieve a thrown object (usually a ball or a stick) and bring it back to the one who threw it.

 Levels of Obedience

Novice (Basic or companion)

Open (Intermediate)

Utility (Advanced)

Rally Obedience

Rally Obedience is a sport where the "team" dog and drivers, are conducting a course wich has been designed by a rally judge. The judge would ask the team to start and then implements the team a runway with excellent exercises on the plates (10-20 exercises depending on severity).

The performance of each exercise is illustrated by images and text on billboards. The assessment is more generous than in traditional obedience.

The team conducting the runway in a brisk but normal speed, with the dog in the driver's left side. Dogs and drivers must radiate joy and cooperation throughout the implementation. The rally does not require a perfect fotgående but the dog is positioned in the driver's control. The team conducting the runway without instructions from the judge and the goal is to implement it as accurately as possible from start to finish with the leadership of the plates.

The driver can communicate fully with the dog by voice and / or characters command. Communication should be used to achieve the best possible implementation. The driver can talk, encouraging, clapping of hands or use other verbal encouragement reinforcements in order to achieve the best results. While countless repetitions of voice or gesture command is permissible and does not affect the assessment.

It is not allowed to give the dog rebuke, åthutande or for the dog unpleasant röst-och/eller characters command. The driver may not deliberately touching the dog.

Rally Obedience has the usual family dog in mind, and the emphasis is on joy and cooperation. The goal of training is to create a dog that works well in a home with the family as well as in public places or with other dogs. The team seeks flexibility and attention to positive charisma.

Race Shape rally offers variety and excitement with elements of traditional obedience, agility and freestyle.

A runway for Rally Obedience must be at least 15 x 20 meters, but a surface area of 15 x 24 meters is recommended. A number of plates are placed depending on the class you compete in. On these plates, it is texted what to do with the dog, what direction you should be swinging mm.

You can train for a race but, above all, this is really fun and gives a tremendous contact and compliance with your dog.

Fits all!

  Obedience part 1-5

Rally Obedience