Trialing is the competition level of Dog Obedience, an option available
after graduation from Grade 5. The entry-level class (CCD) is conducted
and judged mainly on-lead, while exercises in the higher level classes
involve more complex skills and challenges for both dog & handler, and
can progress to the titles of CD, CDX, UD & UDX which are added to the
dog's name, rather like a degree awarded at the succussful completion of
a University course. Many of the club's long-term members' & instructors'
dogs have achieved some of these (and other) titles and can be seen
'going through their paces' in the practice rings near the clubrooms on
Sunday mornings.
A 'Rule book' which details the exercises, equipment, requirements and
rules for the various competition classes and titles, can be down-loaded
from the web-site of the A.N.K.C., the governing body of dog competition
of all kinds in Australia, represented in South Australia by DogsSA.
'Dover' has had a long and consistent history of competition success in
Obedience, and more recently in Flyball. We're proud to have fielded the
winning team in the annual 'Balmead Shield' inter-club Novice (CD class)
event for the past three years in succession, with high hopes again for
2010 .... could that team perhaps include you ?
Dover Gardens Club's successful 2009 Balmead Shield Team
Obedience trials are held about every second weekend throughout the
year, hosted by the various DogsSA-affiliated clubs offering Obedience in
Adelaide and some regional centres. Information about other clubs, their
venues and training times can be found on the 'Clubs' page of this site,
and a list of Obedience and other dog-related events that you might be interested to observe or enter appears on the 'Calendar' page.
We host trials at Dover in May & October each year, with a Mock Trial
also scheduled for April, which is a good way to start your trialing career,
...... or to learn more about what's involved.
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All club members are invited and encouraged to aim for 'competition
standard' in their training, even if you have no intention of competing,
as it offers a benchmark to the exercises you're learning in class, and
the foundation for whatever you might want to achieve together with
your dog in the future. Many of our successful triallers initially joined
the club bringing a family pet for its general education or behaviour
management, with no aspirations for competition (most people don't
know such things exist) but found the experience so rewarding that
they've stayed on and became 'hooked' on 'Dogsports', some bringing
a succession of dogs through the classes over time; and sometimes
several generations of a family become involved.You don't have to be
the star of your class to take this up, but you do have to be prepared
to put in the time and effort to establish a good relationship with your
dog, and be prepared for some disappointment along the way. We all
understand the highs & lows of Dogsports, but competition success is
just one of many rewards of participating in the Obedience community.
You are all encouraged to talk to your instructor, or the Head Instructor,
if you'd like to aim for competition work. To enter a trial, you must first
become a member of DogsSA (The South Australian Canine Association)
and your dog must be registered with them too, either as a pedigreed or
'Associate' dog; but all that can wait until you're nearly ready to enter
your first event; though it's worthwhile to check out the costs involved
before deciding on a 'career' in Dogsports. Members receive a monthly
'Journal' in which the schedules for forthcoming events are published,
detailing venues, judges, cost, and where and when to submit entries.
Entry forms can be purchased from the club office, or from DogsSA, or
a computer-generated exact copy of the official form is also acceptable;
but you should be aware that Trial Secretaries can refuse to accept any
form which is incomplete or inappropriately presented (e.g: not signed)
