Graduation
& Title Criteria
Grade-specific requirements:
Grade 1:
This is a socialisation class. We cover all the exercises you will encounter in Grade 2, but
at this early stage, the emphasis is on socialisation, not how well the exercises are performed.
We also answer questions and discuss health & grooming issues, toilet training, and any other
dog-related subject you wish to raise. The dogs remain on lead.
While you're learning the required exercises, commands, signals and how to read your dog's
body language, your dog is learning how to behave around other dogs and people.
Most exercises are outlined in the 'Welcome to Dover' booklet you received at enrolment :
e.g: Watching
Leave it
Heeling on loose lead without pulling or dragging. Treats and or toys are encouraged
Keeping it fun is essential
Sit on command, again with the use of motivating toys or treats being encouraged.
Right about turn
Come : Recall backwards from heelwork. Later on, your dog will sit and 'present'.
Stand
Stay Leave your dog in a sit position for three seconds while you move away
Instructors assess class members individually for readiness to progress to Grade 2
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Grade 2 :
Work towards developing an 'On/off' switch for your dog
Build on the commands /exercises outlined above for Grade 1,
i.e: Watch, Heel, Leave it, Sit, Sit-Stay (about 10 seconds), Sit for Examination, Stand,
Right About Turn, Fun Recall (on lead and coming in to a Sit position facing the handler)
and introducing the Left About Turn, and the Drop position.
Graduation Requirements :
Heel on loose lead
Sit on command
Sit for examination by the handler's side
Stand
Sit stay - 10 seconds
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Grade 3
Heel on loose lead without pulling
Sit on command, gradually phase out the verbal command to sit -> Automatic Sit
Right about turn and introduce Left about turn and Circle Left/Circle Right
Stand on command, gradually phasing out physical support to the dog's position
Sit Stay 15 seconds.
Sit for examination, by the handler's side
Fun recall on lead : Backward run & recall : introduce recall from a 'Wait'
Drop
Introduce different paces (slow, medium and fast)
Graduation Requirements :
Heel on loose lead of a, higher standard than in Grade 2
Automatic sit
Stand for examination - The handler can use the left hand to support the dog
Drop - The use of food is acceptable at this stage.
Sit stay - 15 seconds
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Grade 4
Heelwork of a higher standard, incorporating all three paces, about turns & positions
Automatic sit
Stand on command and Stand stay
Recall from a 'wait'
Introduce finish
Introduce Figure-8
Graduation Requirements:
Heel on loose lead including all paces, turns & positions
Automatic sit
Stand for examination 90-second
Stays (30- second sit stay and the 90-second Drop Stay from any distance)
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Grade 5
Heelwork largely off-lead, of a consistent high standard, maintaining focus and incorporating
all paces, turns and circles, including the Figure-8, and all positions on the move.
Stand Free & Stand for Examination
Automatic sit
Finishes
Short recall off-lead, or if necessary, on a long lead.
Stays : 1 minute sit stay; 2 minute drop stay
Graduation Requirements :
Graduation from Grade 5 is evidenced by a 'Pass' in CCD or CD competition.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
and a little further down the track, the requirements for the titles of :
CCD (Community Companion Dog) CD (Novice) CDX (Open)
UD (Utility) UDX and OC (Obedience Champion)
are set out in the ANKC Rules for the conduct of Obedience Trials
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
back to top