PROPOSED NEW OPEN OBEDIENCE CLASS – QUESTIONNAIRE

The Working Party set up by the Obedience Council to examine the viability of a new standard obedience class (open to all) produced “outline” ideas which were discussed at the last meeting of the Council.

It was agreed by Council that at this stage a questionnaire should be organised to determine “grass roots” support for the proposals from a broad base of obedience competitors.

The principal ideas for the class were highlighted as follows:

1                     Class designed to build dogs’ confidence whilst competing in the ring.

2                     Extra commands to be allowed (except in stays).

3                     Class to offer handlers some alternative exercises.

4                     Straightforward for Show organiser’s to put on.

5                     To be attractive to handlers.

6                     To be a standard class, NOT a “special” class – therefore would not compete against existing “charity” special classes. (Remember that a dog may only be entered in one “Special Class” at a Show).

7                     Entry for the class NOT to be compulsory but to count as one standard class IF an entry was made. So - if a dog was entered in this new class it could only be entered in one other “standard” class at the Show.

8                     The class not to be included in the “progress through classes system” – therefore no obligation to either enter the class or to win the class to progress to a higher class.

The principal elements of the class to be as follows:

1                     Retrieve of handler’s dumbbell – handler to choose a retrieve over a simple hurdle or a directed retrieve similar to that used in the World Cup.

2                     Heelwork off lead – 2 paces (handlers to decide which 2) – change of pace on the move – 2 to 3 minutes maximum with permitted turns as for Novice.

3                     Distant Control at a distance of 3 – 5 paces. Three positions is a sequence decided by the judge.

4                     Send Away – handler to rejoin the dog at end of exercise (no recall).

5                     Recall – handler to choose either Novice or Class A type recall.

6                     Prizes to be awarded separately to distinct sub-groups within the same class (for example – Collie types and non-Collie types or Pre-Begs, Beginners, Novice and Classes A,B,C).

THIS QUESTIONNAIRE IS OPEN TO ALL OBEDIENCE COMPETITORS, NO MATTER WHAT LEVEL YOU ARE CURRENTLY COMPETING AT OR HOW LONG YOU HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN THE SPORT.

PLEASE TAKE A FEW MINUTES TO COMPLETE THE FORM AND RETURN IT TO:

Roy Page (on behalf of the Obedience Council) at 2 The Glade, Shoal Hill, Cannock, Staffs. WS11 1JH

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