Dog Training

Lesson 4: Final Steps to Training

Practice and Graduation

By now, your dog should be performing all the exercises with some degree of proficency. All dogs will learn on a curve, that is, they will be wonderful for a period of weeks and then seem to forget everything. Don't panic. It is a natural part of learning. Back up to the basics when you need to and don't feel that you are not suceeding. The dog will recover and you can move on.

It might be time to look at other things you can do with your dog. Agility is a fast-growing sport that involves training the dog to run an obstacle course. Most dogs absolutely love the challenge. It does take some equipment, but there are clubs and training classes almost everywhere. Look at some of the recommended books for more information on Agility.

The Canine Good Citizen test is a simple test that earns the CGC title for the dog. The test is now required for dogs to become certified Therapy Dogs who visit hospitals and some renters are allowing owners of dogs with a CGC to rent apartments closed to other dogs. The test is open to all dogs of any or mixed breeds. See the AKC website, akc.org for more information.

Scootering is another popular sport that is fun for both dog and owner. Even small dogs can get involved in pulling a light-weight scooter. Go to www.dogscooter.com to see what that is about.

Finally, there are the more traditional competitions of Obedience and Tracking and competitions geared for specific breeds, such as hunting tests for the hunting breeds and lure-coursing for the sighthounds. The akc.org site will have some information as well as specific clubs. There are many sites on the Internet as a seach will show. Explore and have fun!

  1  2  3  4