More questions about novice obedience.

So, I am watching youtubes (as you know.) I watched one novice trial where there was... heeling on and off lead. Recall and finish. Figure 8. Long sit and down. (One of the dogs that placed was sorta casual about the whole heeling thing. Don't know what the scores were, of course.

But then, I saw one where there was the on and off leash heel and figure 8, but then a SIT for exam, no stand. Then... and I don't know what you would call the exercise, the lady put her dog on a sit stay, and the judge had her go on a little walk-about around the entire ring and return to her dog's side. What was that all about?

Are those just permutations that judges have the flexibility to do?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by TuMicks

So, I am watching youtubes (as you know.) I watched one novice trial where there was... heeling on and off lead. Recall and finish. Figure 8. Long sit and down. (One of the dogs that placed was sorta casual about the whole heeling thing. Don't know what the scores were, of course.

But then, I saw one where there was the on and off leash heel and figure 8, but then a SIT for exam, no stand. Then... and I don't know what you would call the exercise, the lady put her dog on a sit stay, and the judge had her go on a little walk-about around the entire ring and return to her dog's side. What was that all about?

Are those just permutations that judges have the flexibility to do?

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Those would have been Beginner Novice, but that should have been all on lead. No off leash healing in BN.

BN Excercises:

Heal on lead using Rally signs for the pattern
Figure 8
Sit for exam
Stay (dog sit in center of ring and you walk the perimeter)
Recall.

Ah... Got it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by barry581

Those would have been Beginner Novice, but that should have been all on lead. No off leash healing in BN.

BN Excercises:

Heal on lead using Rally signs for the pattern
Figure 8
Sit for exam
Stay (dog sit in center of ring and you walk the perimeter)
Recall.

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Yes, Barry is right - that sounds like Beginner Novice. Beginner Novice is what is called an “optional titling” class, meaning that it does not have to be part of the traditional progression of titles (which goes Novice, Open, Utility). It’s a nice introduction to the ring, especially for young dogs and/or novice handlers. My young dogs both got their Beginner Novice titles at Nationals and it’s the first time I’ve shown in that class (Chloe was already ready to come out in Novice when it was introduced so I didn’t bother). It gave me a great opportunity to see how they handled the pressure of an actual trial, in a class where I wasn’t that concerned with placements, etc.

I'm pretty sure based on your description of the classes the place was offering that they were going to train for the BN and CD (Beginner Nov and Companion Dog) title events. That's what I'd suggest to you--- that or Rally. Either way, it sounds like the environmental aspect will be good for your girl. Rally will be looser as far as being able to talk to your dog and lure, which helps in TEACHING the heel position. Obviously then for the BN etc, it becomes more "serious" in that you are limited greatly as to what you can say and do signal wise. A good instructor will teach you all this. I plan to do the Rally Intermediate and Beginner Nov type levels w/ Pippin this fall/ winter in classes if our club ever can get it together to offer some classes. Very hard to train in the winter here w/o a building rented however!

Yeah, I guess our town is lucky. This club has been around for many years. They've been through 3 buildings that I know of (I moved here in '89) and judging by what I see on line, this is a very nice facility.