Dogs are eligible for obedience trials, even sterilized dogs and those that do not meet breed standard criteria. The dogs must perform a wide variety of tasks, which are judged by human evaluators. Points (or scores) are granted for performance. These trials test the skills of both dog and owner, who must devote tremendous time in training and practice.
Junior Showmanship is a special category of club competition for people ages tento eighteen. In these competitions, the quality ofhandler, rather than the dog, is judged. Naturally, dog performance can enhance or detract from the overall performance, but any registered dog over six months of age can be used.
Hunting tests evolved along with field trial competitions, and the two share many characteristics. Hunting tests, however, evaluate the skills of a dog that willperform work. Dogs are judged against an optimum performance, rather than each other. Many clubs offer certificates, as well as titles, and usually divide thetests into skill-specific elements for a particular group of dogs.
Herding competition is divided into two main categories: Testing and Trials.
Many dog clubs sponsor Good Citizen tests. Dogs that pass the requirements earn a certificate which demonstrates their ability to behave in socialized, calm and friendly ways. The purpose of the test is to motivate owners to train their pets in ways that will encourage good behavior at home, in public and around other animals. The programs are not competitive, but will award any dog that can demonstrate the required traits of good citizenship.
Field trials allow certain breeds to perform the skills they have been bred topossess. The tests are open to Pointing dogs, Retrievers, Spaniels, Beagles,Basset Hounds and Dachshunds.
Lure coursing, is essentially a field trial for Sight Hounds Having been bred to track speedy prey over long distances, this race gives the dogs a chance to use their natural skills in a competitive arena.
A large number of dog shows are organized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and other national and international organizations. These sports are extremely popular around the globe, with hundreds of thousands of people entering each year. The AKC alone organizes more than 10,000 events annually. There are three main categories of dog show - conformation, field trials and obedience.
Unfortunately, dogs are often lost or stolen. There are a number of practical steps, however, that you can take to prevent loss. Choosing the most suitable method will depend on your personal needs, circumstances and preferences.
