Basic Obedience is almost over so...

[webangel2b]

where do we go from here?

Dixie has done really well - it's a GCS based class so she covered all the events you have to pass in order to get the cert. Do I go for the test right away or do more obedience/rally?

Rally looks like fun and I'm not going to compete with Dixie in Obedience (she's not that good). Mostly what I want from this is GCS - then what ever excites and motivates her/us from there.

Suggestions are welcome - I know I need to talk to the trainer and get her take on my specific dog however your opinions are valued as well.

KUDOS - We have a GREAT group here in Brevard county (BCDTC) that is AKC approved - anyone seeking help in my area does not have to go very far.

[AngelBunny]

Good for you for being interested in more training for you and Dixie! Maybe Dixie isn't that good in obed, but that's easily fixable by more training and practice. My do certainly wasn't that good in obed when I started training her, but she's gotten better. As my mom used to say Practice makes perfect.

The AKC says Rally is the bridge between the CGC and obed, so I see no reason why you can't set your sights on novice Rally and go from there.

[spidey]

Rally is a lot of fun, it's deceptively easy at the novice level, and is really very challenging by the higher levels.

[Mini Me]

Could someone post a link to these rally organizations for me? I grew up showing horses, and would really like to be able to do some sort of public/competitive stuff with my guy. Problem is, I have no idea where to start for my dog.

He did really well in Puppy k, and seems to love learning new things and showing off how smart he is.

[Ayoka]

I haven't done rally but am doing obedience now, it's not the same kind of "fun" but it is challenging.

Depending on the age of your girl there is always other sports besides the Obedience ones like flyball, agility, carting, tracking...the sky's the limit really.

[Sharon Marples]

And why do you say she is not that good? Making her "good" is YOUR job, the more training and the more obedience classes that you take will only make her better and better. It will all be due to whatever path you decide to lead her down.

She can probably do all the rally classes and get her CGC and her CD with no problem at all. YOU just need to apply yourself, get into a good, ongoing training class with a good instructor who can show you positive, motivational ways to make it fun for both you and your dog.

I'll look forward to hearing about your escapades in the rally and obedience rings during the next year. Good luck! You both CAN do it!

[webangel2b]

Oh yes, I'm well aware that in anyway that if she's not the perfect obedience dog that I can point the finger of blame right back at me :( **head hung low, tail between legs if I had one**

Promise we'll keep working on it and we'll both get better at our obedience. Practice, practice, practice!

For enjoyment sake don't you think that rally is best? I might have a slated view of obedience and to be honest we're just looking to have some fun :)

BTW - they (the local club) is holding a rally this weekend and we were invited to come and see what it was all about. That's now on my list of things to do this weekend :)

[AngelBunny]

There's no one activity you do with your dog that's best because it's most enjoyable. The best activities are what you and your dog enjoy.

The only way to find out is to try as many different activities as possible.

The world is your and Dixie's oyster!

Do go to the rally trial this weekend.

I commend you on your interest and enthusiasm. Dixie will benefit from both--and you'll get inspired by her enthusiasm. It'll be a win-win situation.

[Sharon Marples]

Rally is a wonderful start to a dog's obedience career. It is fun, you can talk to them in the ring, you can help them through the obstacles and the dog learns that going into the ring can be a fun experience. And going through the training is a great bonding experience for both you and your dog.

Definitely go to the rally trial and if it looks like something you think you and your dog would enjoy.....go for it! Be sure that you are there in time to watch the Novice classes. They are the ones that are on lead and that you would start out in. The Advanced and Excellent classes are done off lead.

You can get a RN, RE and RA and if you are still really enjoying rally and don't care to do the stricter obedience, go for that RAE!

Have fun!

[webangel2b]

We're excited about continuing, it's addicting. DBF was not so enthuzed about me taking her but now that he's seen how/what we are doing he's fully onboard. He even helps us practice - naturally with his voice he can get action out of her much quicker then I (practice for me).

He was afraid of crazy hand signals like my GF has to use. I think she goes to pet's mart of somewhere like that. I choose my training place the right way, thanks to this board.

[Carol Burke]

It sounds like Rally is the way to go. It is really fun especially for the dog, they usually love it. I may see you at the match this weekend.

[webangel2b]

Carol - I was there but only until the rain started. Guess that's just part of it. Did you have the rottie I held the treats for?

I loved it, lots of NICE, NICE people. Telling me about it and how it works etc. I'm going to talk to her trainer now see if she agrees. Then I'm going to sign up for the rally training classes. I'm really looking forward to it. RE here we come :)

Second thinking about another dog now - I want to give Dixie 100% of my time if we're going to do stuff like this.

[AngelBunny]

Originally Posted by webangel2b

I loved it, lots of NICE, NICE people. Telling me about it and how it works etc. I'm going to talk to her trainer now see if she agrees. Then I'm going to sign up for the rally training classes. I'm really looking forward to it. RE here we come :)

Rally is indeed fun.

Originally Posted by webangel2b

Second thinking about another dog now - I want to give Dixie 100% of my time if we're going to do stuff like this.

This is a wise decision on your part. It takes a lot of time (and $$) to work, train, and show one dog, never mind two.