Keilor Obedience Dog Training Centre

Whilst not an actual class, the Socialization Walk is an important part of training at Keilor.  Some people think that the Socialization Walk is the most important thing we do. All new and existing members are encouraged to attend as much as possible.  The Walk gives dogs the opportunity to learn how to relax and interact in an appropriate manner with other dogs of all different ages, sizes and breeds.  During these walks members have the opportunity to learn to read their dog’s body language around other dogs.  It is important that during these walks, members watch their dogs carefully at all times.

 

Members are responsible for their dog's behaviour during the walks.  It is not unusual for more than 30 dogs and owners to attend, so it is imperative that members be aware of what is going on around them at all times.

Foundation Class is the starting class for our new members and is a subgroup of Class 1.  It is 30 minutes in length whereas Class 1 lasts approximately 45 minutes. The shorter time is designed to give new dogs and their handlers a gentle start to their training, with some dogs having difficulty focusing for even the shorter 30 minute period.  Because our Foundation Class includes only the new members from a particular month and our intakes are restricted in number, our Foundation Classes are nice and small, typically 4-6 dogs.  This gives new members the optimal environment  to begin to understand, and start applying the principles of positive reinforcement training upon which all of our classes and activities are bases. .  

 

In Foundation Class we begin to focus on teaching our handlers how to read their dog's body language and deal with excitable and distracted behaviour.  Calm doggy behaviour and good manners is our goal!  The concept of the 'bridge' word is introduced and handlers start to learn how and when to use it for maximum effect. The aim is for your dog to want to repeat the desired behaviour in order to be rewarded! 

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When a new Foundation Class starts at the beginning at a month, that group is in Foundation Class until the next Foundation Class starts, usually at the beginning at the next month. At that time the older Foundation Class joins Class 1 at 9.45am.  There is no assessment in order to join Class 1.  Foundation class is a part of Class 1. 

 

 

   

In Class 1 we continue to focus on teaching our handlers how to read their dog's body language and deal with excitable behaviour.  We aim to distract the dog and reward it when it is giving the desired behaviour.  Calm doggy behaviour and good manners is our goal!  In class 1 you will continue to learn how and when to use the 'bridge' word for maximum rewards so your dog will want to repeat the desired behaviour in order to be rewarded for it!  In class 1 your dog will learn to focus on you, sit, stand and drop and we introduce the stays.  We will be practicing loose lead walking (with patience) and learning how to settle calmly on the mat.  Remember it is not a race – all dogs and handlers complete the classes in different time frames as we are all different. Practice your triple P’s , be patient, be positive and practice!

 

MANDATORY EXERCISES

• Condition to bridge word/Bridge & Release word

• Look at me for 10 seconds, 

• Sit/Down/Stand 

• Loose leash walking & Close walking 

• Polite sit to greet, instructor approaches handler and dog 

• On your mat. Dog is sent to the mat (handler stands next to mat) and settles to a count of 10. Dog to get on and off the mat when requested.

• Sit stays (10 seconds and handler is in front of the dog)

• Trick of the handlers choosing.

• EXTRAS – any other activity that the Instructor feels is safe and suitable for class 1.

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CLASS 1 – TO GET PROMOTED

• Condition to bridge word/Bridge & Release word

• Look at me for 10 seconds, no food lure 

• Sit/Down/Stand – no food in hand

• Loose leash walking & Close walking 

• Polite sit to greet, instructor approaches handler and dog 

• On your mat. Dog is sent to the mat (handler stands next to mat) and settles to a count of 10. Dog to get on and off the mat when requested.

• Sit stays (10 seconds and handler is in front of the dog)

• Trick of the handlers choosing.

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In Class two we build on the skills learnt in class one and we introduce more movement activities. 

We continue to build on attention, build more distance and time length in stays, and we introduce

formal heeling and turns. We also have a sit for exam where the dogs stays sitting whilst being

patted and the important recalls – come when called.

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CLASS 2 EXERCISES

• Bridge & Release word

• Look at me for count of 15

• Sit for examination

• Sit stay (15-30 seconds with minor distractions & release)

• Down stay (15-30 seconds with minor distractions & release)

• Recall on normal lead and long line

• Drop from stand position

• Heel for 20 paces (straight line)

• Stand – lure from drop position

• Let’s go/free heel

• Tolerating separation from owner

• Handling for veterinary examination

• Reaction to another dog

• 2 Tricks

• EXTRAS – any other activity that the Instructor feels is safe and suitable for class 2.

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CLASS 2 – TO GET PROMOTED

• Look at me for count of 15 – NO FOOD LURE

• Heel for 20 paces, straight line – NO FOOD LURE

• Sit stay (15-30 seconds with minor distractions & release)

• Down stay (15-30 seconds with minor distractions & release)

• Drop from stand position

• Stand

• 2 tricks of the handlers choosing

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Once again in Class 3 we extend our heeling exercises, add more duration and distance

to the stays and recalls. A stand for exam and stand stay is added to our exercise list. 

We also add different positions in our heeling and exercises, include tricks and more

distractions.  Class 3 is a step up and we are refining our learnings from class 2.

 

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CLASS 3 EXERCISES​

• Bridge & release word

• Heel – 40 paces, right about turn, right turn, left turn, 

• Drop from heel

• Stand

• Stand stay (15 - 30 second duration, handler in front of dog)

• Sit stay (1minute, some distractions, lead on ground)

• Down stay (1minute, some distractions, lead on ground)

• Recall – on long line with dog sitting in front

• Let’s go/free heel

• Tolerating separation from owner 2

• Reaction to distraction

• Tricks

 

 

CLASS 3 – TO GET PROMOTED

• Heel – 40 paces, right about turn, left & right turn, fast & slow pace

• Drop from heel

• Stand

• Recall with dog sitting in front

• Sit stay (1 minute with distractions)

• Down stay (1 minute with distractions)

• Stand stay (15-30 seconds, handler in front of dog)

• 3 Tricks

In Class 4, dogs and handlers are very skilled and may even be competing in

obedience trials and rallies. We practise all the exercises of Class 3, with

extension activities such as exercises are completed off lead at times.

 

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CLASS 4 EXERCISES

• Heel – right & left about turn, right & left turn, fast & slow pace, 

• Heel off lead

• Stand for examination (handler in front of dog)

• Finish

• Drop from stand, handler in front

• Recall – off lead

• Sit stay – 1 minute

• Down stay – 2 minutes

• Wait to go through gate/doorway

• Tricks

 

 

CLASS 4 TEST

Test to be assessed under test conditions which means no food on the handler but dog can be rewarded with food, praise between each exercise, no speaking to dog during heeling except to give commands

Test exercises are below and handler and dog must pass all of them.

 

• Heeling (on lead, must include 1 each of Sit, Drop, Stand, Right About Turn, Left About Turn, Left Turn & Right Turn)

• Stand for examination 

• Recall off lead (distance 10 metres)

• Sit stay (1 minute duration, handler 10 metres away) – group exercise

• Down Stay (2 minute duration, handler 10 metres away) – group exercise

• 4 Tricks of handlers choosing

                                                                                                              (updated Nov 2024)