Testing for graduation to the next class is held on the last Sunday of the month, unless this clashes with a Dover Obedience Trial (check important dates) or long weekend, in which case graduation occurs the week before.

Testing is performed during the class by 1-2 instructors who are not your regular weekly instructor.

You need to remember your badge so when you and your dog pass, the tester can clip it to indicate graduation. You will be issued with a certificate which you can collect at the Dover Gardens Office.

Check out the handy hints in Trialing information before proceeding.

If you are feeling down about your speed of progress, you might feel better knowing that some dogs advance faster than others, and there are many reasons for this:

• some breeds mature quicker than other breeds
  
• their owners have been spending lots of time with their pup or dog
  
• the puppy may have been taught from an early age
  
• some breeds are more independent and harder to train
• dogs who are willing to do anything to please their owners will be easier to train
• some people may have trained other dogs to a high level before. If this is your first attempt at obedience training, it will take time to learn the commands and teach your dog.

Just remember that this is not a race. Don't put pressure on yourself to train your dog quickly. You have plenty of time and the instructors are there to help you.