By JO HARRISON
SOME 833 dogs and around 100 handlers from across NSW competed in the Dog Agility, Obedience and Rally Trial held by the Armidale Dog Training Club at Charleston Willows in Armidale last month.
Disciplines included the new sport of Rally Obedience. Similar to horse showjumping, handler and dog complete a series of numbered stations in order.
The obedience section comprised Community Companion Dog (lowest level with on-lead exercises), Companion Dog (off-lead exercises), Open level (slightly more complicated exercises off lead), Utility Dog (difficult exercises including directed jumping and scent exercises), and Utility Dog Excellent (very difficult exercises including scenting with dummy objects).
Lastly the Agility sections included Jumping in three levels of difficulty, Agility and Gamblers Agility in three levels of difficulty.
“Dog sports attract people from many walks of life who are dog lovers and want to do something that is both entertaining and competitive, as well as keeping both dog and handler fit,” secretary of the Armidale Dog Training Club, Lorna Patton, said.
“Agility is a discipline which is growing in popularity and is such fun for the dog and handler team.”
The relatively new sport of Rally Obedience has been popular in other Australian states, but was only introduced to New South Wales at the start of 2012.
“It has proved to be overwhelmingly popular, as it is an easy way to begin trialling and most dogs can achieve a pass fairly easily,” said Lorna.
“After three passes, a dog has gained its first title, and then can progress to the next level of Rally Obedience.
“Handlers can gain confidence in the Rally Obedience code, which makes progress to higher levels or to the Obedience competition easier.”
Armidale Dog Training Club offers training for handlers and dogs in every discipline. Beginner Obedience is the starting point with a six-week course now on offer from July this year.
“Once dogs can sit, down, stay and come when called they are ready to progress to beginner agility,” Lorna said.
“The club offers a 10-week agility course twice a year.”
For more information visit www.armidaledogtraining.com.au
