APAW – Poodle Pups for Working Roles

Haven and Harry had started working on their UKC Rally Obedience 1 titles last year just before the show season ended, and finished them at the first show we made it to this year!

Rally is a fun sport where the dog and handler follow the directions written on signs that are set-up to make a course, while a judge watches and deducts points for sloppiness or mistakes. At the first level the signs give instructions such as telling the dog to sit and stay while the handler walks around the dog in a circle, heeling around 270* of a circle (in other words, a 3/4 turn), speed changes, and weaving between a line of cones. Level 1 is completed while on-leash, and at all levels of rally you may speak to your dog and verbally praise them throughout the course.

We didn’t have “pretty” runs this day but both pups had fun and qualified to finish their titles, and that’s my main goal these days. I’m too busy with little kids to put in the training time to expect flashy performances or top scores!

Both dogs also completed their Socialized Pet Obedience Test with the top score of Outstanding Neighbor. This test is comparable to the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen test, though some exercises are a bit different. Exercises include stuff like sit/down/stay/recall, remaining calm in a crate while another dog walks by, allowing the judge to examine their teeth/ears/feet, and remaining under control while the handler carries a large object.

Stay tuned for an official announcement post soon here on my website, but the above photo offers a sneak peek at why I haven’t shown and have barely trained since end of last year… <grin>