Obedience Stories

Jonathan Grobbel & Emerald
Emerald and I had a lot of fun earning her CD title. My dog Em is a three-year-old sable and white Shetland Sheepdog.

I started training her in August 2003. Before I started my mom was training her dog named Misty. Every evening when my mom would train Misty in the backyard, Em would go to the window watch, and whine. When I decided to train Em, she would run up to Misty as if to say "I get to do it, too." Em caught on very quickly and in four shows she got her CD title.

Later on I started the Open level. When I practiced with the dumbbell and she could not get the idea she would go to our black leather chair and pout. The way I trained Em is this: First throw your dog's favorite toy then substitute it with the dumbbell. At first your dog will just pick it up by the ends but when you practice with your dog you can get him/her to take it from your hand by the middle. But believe me it is hard!! And I never could train Em to take the dumbbell from my hand. I recommend you rub a little flavor on it and when the dog picks it up reward him/her. Some dogs might just lick it but if you flavor it and force your dog to take it, he/she should learn to pick it up.

Training a dog for Obedience is a challenge!

Dakota Skellenger & Strike
My name is Dakota Skellenger and I am 11 years old. I own a four-year-old Shetland sheepdog named Strike. When I first got Strike he was three years old and did not even know how to sit! Now Strike has come a long way in obedience! After training for one year through my 4-H dog class, it took Strike and me three shows to get our title in Novice Obedience.

We have also earned two other titles, both in Agility. In addition to a lot of practicing at home, I go to an obedience class every Monday and also the last Friday of every month to train Strike. The hardest part in obedience for Strike is the off-lead heeling. He really likes to lag! So, I have been training him on lead, with lots of verbal praise, to let him get used to heeling by my side. He is getting much better! It has been great training Strike and as soon as he learns to retrieve (not natural for him!) we'll look forward to Open Obedience competitions.

Rori Skellenger & Dillon
Showing my Sheltie, Dillon, in obedience has been a wonderful experience! We have only shown in A.K.C. obedience for four shows and earned our CD by the end of the third competition. Dillon & I started learning obedience in my 4-H club. After finding it was our sport, we started in A.K.C. shows. Dillon and I have accomplished much in A.K.C. obedience. Our next show in obedience will be in the Open class, but we will have to practice a lot for Dillon to retrieve the dumbbell. I have had to start his training on the dumbbell by just rewarding him for touching it. Slowly, he has come to the point of taking it in his mouth and sometimes even retrieving it!

In my spare time I roller skate competitively, ride my horse, and practice my flute. I am also actively involved in my church and 4-H club.