How can I get started in Obedience Trials on my own, and without belonging to a training club?

I already got a sour taste of AKC training club politics, but I do not know where else I can learn the skills and training to learn and teach my dog.

What alternate resources are available to me?

It used to be you could go to a OB trial and get a premium for THAT show but there will be an address on it where to apply for them for other shows sent to you. Once you get one in the mail you will be on a mailing list and get them on a regular basis. At least that's the way it used to be. I haven t been to and AKC OB trial since about '08 but will be getting started again within the next 6-8 months with my now 7 month old pup.
if I remember at class Thursday I'll try and get more info on the premiums.
Finding a good club is worth looking for.

Kirsten, of course you do not have to belong to an AKC training club to compete in AKC events, nor any formal training club, but there is a lot of helpful information on the site, akc.org.

Once there, click on the "Sports and Events" tab and enter the information for the type of event (obedience), the state(s) and dates you are interested in, then click on the link to "premium information" which will include an entry form (you'll have to scroll all the way to the bottom). Each AKC event is managed by a superintendent who has jurisdiction over a certain geographical area.

I have to tell you, though, it has been many years since I have been an active competitor, and just in doing a quick check this morning, I see a lot has changed. The superintendent for my area is MB-F, who has a website called infodog.com, and I see now that they charge a member fee for obtaining their services. I still think you can do everything you need through the AKC site if you have a printer and are willing to use snail mail.

Bob is right about attending a show and finding the secretary's desk, where, in my experience, they always have information available for upcoming shows, and you can pick up entry forms that way.

As far as training and preparing, and since you have had negative experiences related to AKC clubs, you could always look for a non-AKC-affiliated facility. There are many training facilities -- and private trainers who do one-on-one instruction --- that are not officially affiliated with AKC, though there's no guarantee you won't encounter "politics."

Additionally, there are other sanctioning organizations out there who are putting on dog events. Look into c-wags.org for obedience and rally (though they are geographically limited). If you're into agility or scent work, there are many different ones to choose from.

I'll give this some thought and will post more if anything else comes to me, but like Bob, I'm rusty with the competition aspect, though also like him, I may be getting back into it.

Well said Cheri.

 Quote: Bob Scott

Well said Cheri.

Ditto -- that's a boatload of useful info!

Kirsten, I hope we were helpful in some way, but if you have other questions that we didn't answer, please let us know and we will try to help.

Hey Kirsten- Good information from Bob & Cheri! I would add that Covid has changed the way our clubs meet and compete. Many of us were getting trial ready at home utilizing online training, virtual sessions, videos. I think clubs became very creative over the past year keeping things going without being able to meet as a group. Tap into the links Cheri provided, you will find what you are looking for.

The politics seem to leak into most clubs. I enjoy training in different environments, around other people, dogs, and distractions. So, I am with Bob, if you can find a good club, go for it.

Tammy, when it comes to training, that is such a great reminder about the many various types of online resources available! That had totally slipped my mind only because I haven't done any formal training in a long time (other than just occasional fun stuff around the house that my two seniors could handle), and I had forgotten about that option that is available from many private trainers or training facilities now, especially after the past year when in-person classes were non-existent. That opens up a much larger geographical area, too, rather than being confined to someplace within driving distance.

Of course, there are excellent online courses available right here on LB! They can be found many other places, too, just do your homework and make sure you are comfortable with the techniques and the reputation of the business and the instructors.

Of course, there are excellent online courses available right here on LB!

Yes there are

Indeed ...

https://university.leerburg.com/Catalog/categories/?utm_source=leerburg&utm_medium=internal&utm_campaign=header_louDropdown_louCatalog