Traditional Dog Sports

Many people start in dog sports with Obedience or Conformation.

 

Obedience

Bayla & I practicing novice obedience exercisesObedience training is useful, satisfying and relationship building. It can range from basic household manners to high level obedience competitions where a team is judged on their performance and scored on responsiveness and precision. I used to consider obedience training a necessary evil. As training has evolved and I’ve evolved in my own methods and philosophies, I've come to realize it does not have to be boring, it can be fun! My attitude plays a big part. While it is important our dogs have skills that will keep them safe, and we want them to be a pleasure to be around for us and others… it’s also true that teaching those skills can be joyful and fun!

Many instructors and training mentors have influenced my growth and helped me throughout the years. I am very grateful to Ellen Hardin, Laurie Bandy, Cindy Brick and Beth Knotts for their guidance, support and encouragement! To get results, I use many different methods and strategies. I favor positive reinforcement, shaping behaviors (with and without a clicker) and playing lots of games. Susan Garrett has also been a huge influence! I've taken her online Recallers©, Puppy Peaks©, and Handling360© courses. I highly recommend her online courses to anyone; whether your goal is a wonderful companion and/or a high level competition dog!

"Your dog is a reflection of your ability as a dog trainer”
- Susan Garrett. 

That quote is close to my heart and always at the forefront of my training, it reminds me;
•  it takes two to effectively communicate
•  we all have our good and not-so-good days
•  make time; give energy to what's important and matters most
•  always listen to and learn from my dog
•  be careful what I reinforce~ I'll see more of that behavior

Entlebuchers have been a fully recognized AKC Herding breed since January 1, 2011. Data earned his AKC Obedience Beginner Novice title (BN), March 2012. The AKC Beginner, "Pre", and Graduate Obedience classes were added in 2010 as optional titling classes. What a smart, fun and useful addition to the AKC Obedience program! The optional classes combine skill elements and are a wonderful transition for training and competing. Working your dog in the optional class skills helps build confidence and allows smaller growth steps toward bigger goals. That makes so much sense for success, keeping sharp, plus having fun!

Data earned his AKC Novice Obedience Companion Dog title (CD), March 17, 2013 in Madison WI at only 28 months old! We earned a respectable score of 190 with a 3rd place. He was a special boy with incredible focus, work ethic, a wonderful attitude and a lot of heart! You can see he was a willing, happy worker! Watch the 3rd leg of our CD title performance. Data earned his Graduate Novice title (GN), July 19, 2015 in Rothschild WI. He was competing in "Open A" but unreliable dogs made the 'out of sight' stay exercise unsafe for him. Data had been stared down menacingly, lunged at, jumped and humped at trials during or before the out of sight exercises. It ruined his attitude, sense of safety and our hard work. We took a break and chose to do other sports. As of May 1, 2018 the out-of-sight stays were eliminated and replaced with hand signal exercises for the transition to Utility in formal AKC Obedience. We embraced the opportunity to train the new exercises and Data finished his Open, Companion Dog Excellent title (CDX), February 3, 2019 at Camp Bandy during the Timber Ridge club trial (my home club)! That also earned him the next level Versatile Companion Dog 2 (VCD2) designation from AKC for achieveing higher levels in the 3 sports of Obedience, Agility & Tracking. Data far exceeded my expectations and taught me to dream bigger.

Jaylah doing beginner novice obedienceJaylah earned her Beginner Novice Obedience title (BN) March 16, 2018 in Louisville, KY with a 3rd place in a larg class of 18 dogs. It was also a large, noisy venue with many distractions and environmental challenges plus she was only 17 months old. I was so proud of her performance; she was very focused and handled herself with an incredible attitude and maturity. Jaylah earned her AKC Novice Obedience Companion Dog title (CD), January 15, 2022 at our home club which is very special among training friends!

Major growth for me was learning to enjoy obedience, for the sake of obedience. Along my journey, I came to the realization it really IS a matter of attitude and my choice to be positive and make it fun. A resource that helped me discover the joy, fun and enthusiasm in obedience and especially heeling, is Fenzi Dog Sports Academy. I have taken Denise Fenzi's Precision Heeling & Heeling Games classes and will look forward to others! She has a wonderful, clear way of demonstrating and explaining techniques, she posts enlightening videos, plus she is positive and you can see how much she herself loves obedience, training, and relationship building with her dogs!

Rally Obedience

* Jaylah Photo Courtesy: Rob Duberstein

Rally Obedience is all about teamwork. It's very enjoyable; more relaxed and you can talk to your dog- which makes it more personal and fun for me. Thinking up a strategy and executing the course exercises together is a thrill. Our Entlebuchers enjoy the mental challenge, bonding, special treats and attention they get whether training or competing. The dogs seem to have their favorite "moves." You can see them light up when they get to do a rally sign/command they like.

Data & I doing rally obedienceA great benefit becomes enjoying a well trained dog that is accepted and welcomed more places! Through working together you enjoy each other's company more then you want to take them as many places as possible.

Entlebuchers and Rally

They love it! There are many Rally-O titledEntlebuchers. In 2011 NEMDA offered their first AKC sanctioned Rally (and Obedience) trials. It was a special treat to observe just how much fun everyone had while working with their dogs. And teamwork was impressive too!

Bayla had 8 of the 10 double qualifiers needed toward her AKC Rally Advanced Excellent title. She never missed! Every time she competed in rally obedience
she qualified, throughout her entire career. Bayla loved to work! Kai earned her Rally Advanced title (RA) at the 2011 NEMDA Specialty. Data earned his Rally Advanced title (RA) at the 2012 NEMDA National Specialty.

* Data Photo courtesy: Marie Murphy

Conformation Showing

Data 3rd place Herding Group Elgin Illinois Data & I explored conformation showing as a learning experience and new adventure we could do together. Each sport has its own lingo, nuances and culture. I found out that there is much more to conformation showing than I had imagined. My previous dog sport knowledge and experiences had given me some distinct advantages and also some challenges from patterns and habits I had already established. It was a giant step outside my comfort zone to embrace the role of owner-handler in conformation! Data was an easy partner and amazing first conformation dog, he made me look good! It helped that Data was outgoing and "showy"~ he loved attention.

We hoped that Data would mature to be an excellent example of the Entlebucher breed and become a stud dog. To me that meant I owed it to the breed, Data and his breeders to at least try to show him. I thought about hiring a professional handler, but was encouraged to try it myself, first. I committed to put in the time, work and a good faith effort, also believing a championship would have more meaning if we could achieve it together. My goal was to earn Data's CH (owner-handled) by the time he was 3 yrs old then re-evaluate.

* AKC Judge: James "Jimmy" Moses, Joyce & Data
Herding Group 3rd - August 26, 2017

We began with classes at the Wisconsin Rapids Kennel Club and continued with Carlin Rasmussen. Data entered his first show at 6 months, 1 week old. To my shock and delight, he took Best of Breed one of the days. That gave me the desire to work harder and learn more. Together we experienced a magical, fairy tale road to his Championship and Grand Championship! Data Earned his Championship with points from 6 different judges, in just 10 days of showing. Data earned "Best Opposite" in Puppy Sweepstakes at our 2011 National Specialty. Data was the 9th Entlebucher to earn an AKC Champion title (CH) and the 26th Entlebucher Grand Champion. Funny thing, I did not expect or plan to continue. I thought maybe I would "Special" him at bigger shows like Nationals or if he was needed for Judge's Education presentations. We focused on other sports goals and showed in conformation infrequently. When Jaylah joined our family and I started showing her I figured, why not? As a Special, Data was on fire successfully going BOB- Best of Breed at most every show we entered plus earning some wonderful Herding Group placements. Data earned his Grand Championship with points under 8 different judges, in just 12 shows to reach the magic number for his Grand Champion status (GCH). Impressive in a rare breed!

Photo taken by Canine Chronicle after winning the Entlebucher Specialty In 2014 we set out on a grand, ambitious adventure to show in multiple sports at our National Specialty. Data ran agility and earned a QQ (Double Q) in the morning, then went on to win BISS (Best in Specialty Show) at the 2014 Entlebucher National Specialty in the afternoon under judge Carolyn Herbel. That places Data in a very elite class being an agility Champion athlete (MACH) that won his breed's National Specialty. Data is also the 1st and currently to date, still the only Entlebucher with dual Championship titles. He was an extraordinary dog and I was so lucky to have him as a teammate, partner and 4-legged best friend!

There are not many Entlebuchers showing in AKC conformation. They are considered a low entry breed. Personally I have a hard time with the politics, lack of meaningful feedback, and outrageous expenses for such very little ring time. I will exhibit at bigger shows or if Entlebucher friends want to get together as part of a fun, social outing. I do understand the need for our rare breed to be seen and experienced by judges and the public but it is hard for me to justify the time and expense when I can choose from multiple fun performance sports any weekend. Really, if there are no other Entles showing, it is pointless (pun intended). The commeraderie and friendships add to my enjoyment of dog sports. I have amazing dog friends in other breeds that show in conformation but it's just not the same when you have to show alone without others from your breed.

Our female Kai was also shown in conformation. Kai was pretty and structurally a nice example of a female Entlebucher though she was a bigger, "doggy" female (not as feminine & got mistaken for a male). Kai was not naturally "showy" and hated strangers touching her. I worked hard at making it fun hoping she could learn to enjoy it. We gave it our best shot but Kai retired from conformation having both majors and 13 of 15 points needed toward her Championship. I believe in the partnership and bond that develops by working together as a team and felt the experience was good for Kai but after a while it did not seem fair. Looking into her eyes anyone could see how much she hated conformation showing. And if it's not fun, why do it? I asked myself, if we get her championship, what would it mean? I did what I felt was right. Kai had many gifts and abilities, the relationship was best served pursuing activities of mutual enjoyment!

Entlebucher Jaylah's conformation ChampionshipJaylah entered Oshkosh Kennel Club as her first conformation show, it is close to home. She was almost 8 months old, we went in with no expectations. Jaylah is super friendly but had a hard time standing calmly without kissing, wiggling or giving her signature {hugs} to everyone she meets. I would have called it a success if she could have just stood still for exam and had a positive experience. To my surprise, her first day she earned her first conformation point. Then in her second show she turned a 4 point Best Winners into a coveted 5 point major by going BOS-Best Opposite Sex (beating a Special) to BOB- Best of Breed.

Jaylah finished her Conformation Champion title (CH) October 21, 2017 at 13 months. She earned her Championship at the same show Data had 6 years earlier. It only took Jaylah 5 shows under 4 different judges to complete her title. I am proud and honored to be her partner! Jaylah is very balanced and has a lot of nice structural qualities and she is full of confidence and attitude! She displays strong natural athletic talent plus the ability to switch sports almost effortlessly with focus and enthusiam. Jaylah continues to make her "Czech" mark on the Entlebucher breed in the U.S.

* AKC Judge: Mrs. Sulie Greendale-Paveza
Joyce & Jaylah (13 mo.) New Champion - October 21, 2017

Risa and Geordi both made their debuts in the AKC Conformation ring in 2023. Time will tell if Risa sparks to it. She is not fond of strangers touching her and wants more action but thinks the high value bait is really worthwhile; the verdict is out yet for her! Risa has some really nice qualities including a beautiful head and being well balanced, she is on the tall/big end of the standard being a more "doggy" female. Given the opportunity I think she could earn her championship with a little effort. Risa has earned points for 1 Major toward her AKC Championship requirements. Geordi is much like his dad (Data), Geordi loves attention and thinks the world revolves around him. He has a more "showy" look-at-me quality and is structurally put together well; his movement is stunning and he will have a stellar conformation career when he matures, if we can find shows with competition to attend. He should finish easily. Geordi has earned points for both Majors toward his Championship.

Thoughts on Conformation Showing

To give Risa more experience and additional socializing exposure after covid, I showed Risa in IABCA (International All Breed Canine Association) where she earned her International Championship (IntCH). I enjoy IABCA, it's a European-style showing venue! All dogs receive written critiques against their breed standard from the judges. The atmosphere was relaxed and friendly. It was refreshing and ideally what I imagine conformation should be. Showing in IABCA provided the value of multiple shows in a day, quality amount and length of time in the ring, plus being able to talk to the judges regarding their expertise and impressions while learning about your dog. The experience made it very clear to me; conversely, the value lacking in AKC where the judge's spend a minute (if that) hands-on, going over your dog. AKC has many unwritten "cultural" norms and procedures that are intimidating, they do not encourage conversation and generally give no feedback for their impressions or decisions. AKC Conformation is not warm or friendly to beginners and there is a steep learning curve. IABCA felt very welcoming. They encourage learning, questions and give helpful tips. By giving written critiques, the judges have the breed standard in front of them and are focused in going over the points with you. They take more time allowing your dog to get comfortable so the dog can show better. Honestly, there have been times in the AKC rings I felt the judge was behind schedule and was pushing to get through quickly. There have even been times the judge did not know our breed standard. Sadly in 2022, I had a judge tell me my dog was not in the Herding group (breed recognition in the AKC Herding group was 2011). I have left AKC conformation shows feeling like it was a waste of my time and effort. I do not expect to win or place in the groups but to feel like the judge did not even give my dog the fair look and time, attention it deserved is a shame. I also believe it is insane and unrealistic for a judge to remember the subtleties of so many breed standards, especially under time pressure and constraints. I am not surprised that AKC Conformation numbers/entries have declined and if their system does not change, they could become irrelevant. They could learn from IABCA and incorporate more value if they expect to compete for the hard earned dog sport dollars available any given weekend.

Conformation Links

Info Dog- Conformation Showing Resources
AKC Conformation- Link to information on getting started in AKC
IABCA- International All Breed Canine Association "European-style" shows
The Canine Chronicle- magazine with events calendar, articles, and statistics
Judging To Standard- Great article by AKC Judge Katie Gammill
The Functional Saluki- by Dan Belkin, phD; Excellent article on breeding for functionality vs just appearance. Important insights & wisdom across all breeds!

 

 

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