We require Obedience Training as a
condition of ownership. As ethical breeders, we insist that if at
any time the owner has to place the dog elsewhere, the
breeder must be notified and given the opportunity to take
the puppy/dog back or assist the buyer in placing the dog. We wholeheartedly support puppy training and socialization,
but that is not enough. German Shepherds are among the smartest of
canine breeds. A German Shepherd enjoys learning and this
attribute makes them easier to train. Obedience training is
for both you and your dog.
Proper training teaches them to be constructive members of
your family and keep their drives in check. German Shepherds are smart! Really smart! Their
high intelligence makes them eager to please. The German
Shepherd Dog is eager to learn new things and is happier when kept
active and given a job to accomplish.
Read more about AKC Obedience Training.
The AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Program is a 10-step Canine Good Citizen test. At
the beginning of the CGC test, handlers sign the Responsible
Dog Owner’s Pledge before taking their dogs through the 10
step test with an AKC Approved CGC Evaluator.
We encourage as a minimum, the dog receives enough training
to pass the
Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test and get the CGC Certification.
This AKC Program also includes the
AKC CGC Responsible
Dog Owner Pledge. We not only want our dogs to learn to
conduct themselves properly, we also want owners to learn
how to be responsible dog owners. After this certification, there is a
wide variety of activities that you can participate with your
dog. Canine Good
Citizen training will make your dog a joy to live with, and
it will provide your dog with intellectual stimulation and a
high quality of life. Canine Good Citizen training provides
a solid foundation for all other training. After CGC, your
dog can move on to more advanced training for sports and
events such as the
AKC Community Canine (advanced CGC),
the
Urban
CGC, the
AKC Trick Dog, the
AKC Therapy Dog Program, obedience, agility, tracking, and
other fun performance events.
The Beginner Novice class is a great “next step” for CGC
dogs since it works on advancing the skills your dog has
already learned – Walking nicely on a leash, acting mannerly
while being petted, performing a stay and coming when
called. And now, ALL dogs, including mixed-breeds, are
eligible to compete in AKC Obedience trials through AKC
Canine Partners. Beginner Novice is an optional titling
Obedience class. All exercises are conducted with dog on
leash with the exception of the recall. The Heel on Leash
pattern is established with Rally signs, and handlers are
allowed to give one verbal encouragement.
Exercises are:
Heel on Leash 40 points
Figure Eight 40 points
Sit for Exam 40 points
Sit Stay 40 points
Recall 40 points
Maximum Total Score: 200 points
Dogs must qualify with a score of 170 or
better three times to receive the BN title, which goes
at the end of the registered name.
The AKC Obedience Title of
Beginner Novice
AKC titles can only be earned at an AKC-licensed or member club trial. The Novice (CD) title must be completed before an exhibitor can enter the Open class. The Open title (CDX) must be earned before an exhibitor can enter the Utility class.
Companion Dog (CD) — The letters CD may be added after a dog’s registered name when it has been certified by 2 different judges as receiving qualifying scores in Novice classes at three licensed or member obedience trials.
Companion Dog Excellent (CDX) — The letters CDX may be added after a dog’s registered name after it has been certified by 2 different judges as receiving qualifying scores in Open classes at three licensed or member obedience trials.
Utility Dog (UD) — The letters UD may be added after a dog’s registered name after it has been certified by 2 different judges as receiving qualifying scores in Utility classes at three licensed or member obedience trials.
Utility Dog Excellent (UDX) — Dogs with UD titles must earn qualifying scores in both Open B and Utility B at 10 trials in order to add the UDX title after their registered names.
Obedience Master (OM) — The letters OM may be added after a dog’s name when it has earned a total of 200 OM points awarded to dogs earning a 190 or better from the Open B and Utility B classes based on the schedule of points established by the AKC Board of Directors. The OM will be followed by a numeric designation indicating the number of times a dog has met the requirements of the OM title up to 10.
Grand Master (OGM) — The letters OGM may be added after a dog’s name when it has earned the 10th level of the Obedience Master title. Only one OGM title will be awarded.
Obedience Trial Champion (OTCH) — Dogs with UD titles must win 100 points and a first-place in Utility B and Open B, plus a third first-place win in either class, under three different judges.
National Obedience Champion (NOC) — The AKC awards this prestigious title annually to the dog that wins the AKC National Obedience Invitational. The letters NOC are placed before the dog’s AKC-registered name and become part of the dog’s permanent title.
Beginner Novice (BN) — The letters BN may be added after a dog’s name when it has been certified by 2 different judges to have received qualifying scores in Beginner Novice classes at 3 licensed or member obedience trials.
Graduate Novice (GN) — The letters GN may be added after a dog’s name when it has been certified by 2 different judges to have received qualifying scores in Graduate Novice classes at 3 licensed or member obedience trials.
Graduate Open (GO) — The letters GO may be added after a dog’s name when it has been certified by 2 different judges to have received qualifying scores in Graduate Open classes at 3 licensed or member obedience trials.
Versatility (VER) — The letters VER may be added after a dog’s name when it has been certified by 2 different judges to have received qualifying scores in Versatility classes at 3 licensed or member obedience trials
Preferred Novice (PCD) — The letters PCD may be added after a dog’s name when it has been certified by 2 different judges to have received qualifying scores in Preferred Novice at 3 licensed or member obedience trials.
Preferred Open (PCDX) — The letters PCDX may be added after a dog’s name when it has been certified by 2 different judges to have received qualifying scores in Preferred Open at 3 licensed or member obedience trials.
Preferred Utility (PUTD) — The letters PUD may be added after a dog’s name when it has been certified by 2 different judges to have received qualifying scores in Preferred Utility at 3 licensed or member obedience trials.
Preferred Utility Dog Excellent (PUDX) — The letters PUDX may be added after a dog’s name and will be followed by a numeric designation indicating the number of times a dog has bet the requirements of the PUDX title as defined in the regulations. eff. 12/1/15
Preferred Obedience Champion
(POC) — The AKC will permit the use of the
letters POC preceding the name of each dog that meets
the requirements and will be followed by a numeric
designation indicating the number of times a dog has met
the requirements.
Read More...
AKC YouTube Channel For Obedience and Rally Videos
AKC
Obedience Regulations
Think of an
AKC Rally® Event
as any team sport: You and your dog navigate a course,
side-by-side, as you steer him through a course of 10-20
different signs. Each of these signs provides instructions
regarding the next skill that is to be performed. The dog
and handler move continuously throughout the course with the
dog under control at the handler’s left side. There is a
clear sense of teamwork between the dog and handler both
during and between the numbered signs. Although each
performance is timed, having a good race time is not the
goal; it’s all about working as a team while performing the
skills, with the dog under control.
Unlimited communication from the handler to the dog is to be encouraged and not penalized. While touching isn’t allowed, you can use verbal commands, clap your hands, pat your legs and use hand signals to praise and encourage your dog. Scoring in Rally is less rigorous than in other competitions like traditional obedience or agility. You begin with a perfect score of 100, with points deducted along with way. If you retain a score of at least 70 points, you will qualify toward earning a title. As you qualify the required number of times, you will move onto the next level.
Novice is for those just getting started:
All exercises are performed with your dog on leash.
There are 10-15 signs.
Exercises vary from turning 360 degrees to changing paces during the course.
You may talk, clap your hands and/or pat your legs to encourage your dog.
To earn a title it takes three qualifying scores. Intermediate or Advanced is the second level with more challenging exercises:
After Novice, handlers may choose which class they are ready to participate in, either the Intermediate or Advanced level.
All exercises are performed on-leash in the Intermediate level and there is no jump required.
All exercises are performed off-leash in the Advanced level and there is one jump required.
There are 12-17 signs.
To earn a title it takes three qualifying scores.
Excellent is the next level of competition. The course is similar to the Advanced level (above), but with some more challenging exercises.
All exercises are performed off-leash.
Handlers are not allowed to pat their legs or clap their hands to encourage the dog.
Dogs must jump twice.
There are 15-20 signs.
To earn a title it takes three qualifying scores.
Master is the highest level of competition. The course is similar to the Excellent level (above), but with some more challenging exercises.
All exercises are performed off-leash.
Handlers are not allowed to pat their legs or clap their hands to encourage the dog.
Dogs must jump twice.
There are 15-20 signs.
To earn a title it takes ten
qualifying scores.
More AKC Rally Information
AKC
Rally Rules and Regulations
The time you spend training your German Shepherd Dog creates a bond between you and your dog. It helps both of you learn each other's personality and build a trusting relationship with each other. Obedience training teaches your dog the rules and boundaries, as it learns to become your dog. We recommend starting obedience training classes within a few weeks of bringing your dog home. When your dog understands you and your rules, the dog is more happier and so are you!
A well-trained dog is a happier dog. Owners are much more happier when they have a well-trained dog. As your puppy grows it will continue to test its boundaries including you. Owners must be patient and firm. Until the dog is approximately 2 years of age, it is and will act like a puppy.
Fun Facts: There are 361
bones in a German Shepherd Dog.
