I've been doing general Obedience with all our dogs since first bringing home Willow in 2002. Willow, Ti, Indi & Rudi (our Border Terrier) have been trained in general owner Obedience and it has been our home learnt and taught obedience. This changed when we brought Indi home, she showed an excellent ability for Obedience at higher levels and as a result we attended classess locally to advance my knowledge and for the socialisation, and to help Indi learn how to focus and be obedient under different conditions. This is not something that we do at competitive level but it is fun.

What is Obedience?

There are many types of Obedience work, from Kennel Club Good Citizenship to competitve trials and each needs total discipline, requiring many, many hours of hard work. We are not talking about everyday obedience that each dog should know, such as commands like, sit, stay, down, and come. More advanced things like walking to heal off the lead, the finish (when you request your dog to go around you to your side and sit), to 'stop' on command, the leave, the away, the retrieve, the 5 - 15 minute down stay, the 5 - 15 minute sit stay, the send away, scent retrieval, distance commands and many more.

How do I go about joining a group?

The Kennel Club will be able to recommend a group in your area but you could try looking on the internet or yellow pages for training groups in your area or ask at your local vets.

Will I be able to start agility straight away?

You may have to join a waiting list but some groups can take people soon after an enquiry.

Will I have to do any special training beforehand?

No all your training will be done at club but it never hurts to practice at home or get a book on obedience to learn some terms and instructions before you go.

Will it cost a lot of money?

You may have to join your club for a small fee, our club cost £15 for a years membership. Each session which is 3/4 of an hour or 1 hour depending on the age of your dog cost £2.50 per class, but this may vary depending on the group you join.

Do I need to buy any special equipment?

I would recommend taking a specially made 'treat bag' to put the dogs rewards in (sausage or whatever your dogs favourite treat is).

Will my dog need any special equipment?

A good lead and collar. Always take a spare of each in case one breaks.

Will 'I' need any special equipment or clothing?

No. but comfortable shoes is a good idea.

How old do Leo's need to be before they can do Obedience?

You can start obedience with your Leo from puppy, in fact, its probably best to start as soon as you can. Register with a group before you get your puppy and then you will find you won't have to wait to long. When your puppy has had their vaccinations join a club and take them to the puppy class, you can then progress as your puppy grows up.

EVERY RESPONSIBLE OWNER SHOULD DO SOME SORT OF OBEDIENCE AND SOCIALISATION TRAINING WITH THEIR DOG.

I hope that the above has given you some clue as to what to expect and how to go about getting involved in Obedience. I really enjoy taking my dogs to class and it gives them something to think about - Leo's are clever dogs and do really well at this activity.

Good luck and have fun.