Page 44 - Chow Life - Summer 2017

Beginning Novice Obedience

The Performance Chow Chow
by Louise Wilson, CCCI Performance Chair

ODDS AND ENDS

In my last article, I described how I Redwood Coast Chow Chow Club, and the RI title is not required to enter the
was going to Train Bruno for Beginning which several years ago offered obedience Advanced class. They also announced a
Novice. I followed the regime I laid out, at their specialties, has agreed to offer Master class and associated title (RM), as
but Bruno has his own ideas on train- rally. We have begun the adventure that well as the Rally Champion title (RACH),
ing. I found, as I had guessed, that the is AKC to get this added. We contacted both of which will provide additional chal-
problem areas would be the long sit and the Companion Events Department of lenges for dedicated rally exhibitors. To
the recall. I worked with him on these, the AKC. They provided us with a list of earn the RACH title (sounds like “ROCK”)
until he seemed to be fairly consistently things we needed to do to qualify. One requires the team to earn 20 triple qualify-
successful. I entered him in an obedience of the things was a Constitution that in- ing scores; qualifying in the Advanced B,
trial. When I entered the ring with him cludes obedience. This was already in our Excellent B and Master classes at the same
and met the judge, I related to her, that Constitution. Then we needed to provide trial, at 20 separate events, plus earn 300
Bruno has poor peripheral vision, and that a club roster listing what rally experience RACH points from the Excellent B and
when she reaches to pat this head during the members have had, particularly as Master classes. Points are determined by
the sit for examination, he would probably ring stewards, etc. Many of our members a dog’s score. At least 200 RACH points
follow her hand with his muzzle and that have done this. We have been notified by must be earned from the Rally Master
he is a friendly dog. She thanked me (it AKC that we can hold mentored rally trial class. In addition, the AKC is offering titles
turned out he was the first Chow she had and plan on doing this in October at our in Tricks! I do not know much about this,
judged) and it went very well. Then we got specialty, sharing a judge and ring with an- but it sounds fun. These are the require-
to the long sit. Bruno stayed for 3/4’s of other breed. We hope to have nice entry. ments: Perform the tricks (from the check
my walk around the ring and then got up I am aware of a number of ways to reduce list in the Title Application) in the pres-
and sauntered over to me! He then refused the cost of ribbons and trophies. Will let ence of an AKC Approved CGC Evalu-
to sit for the recall. The highlight of that you know how it goes. ator. The Title Application will need to
obedience/rally trial for me was observing accompany the check list for the particular
Cindy Wyett with her very nice special * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * title you are applying for. More informa-
getting a score of 92 and third place in SOME INTERESTING NEWS tion is available at the AKC website. AKC
Rally Novice! Good job! I have let a couple FROM AKC REGARDING PER- is going to start offering nosework titling.
of weeks go by and will start taking him FORMANCE EVENTS I contacted AKC and they stated that “the
to “Club Night” at Davis Dog Training. The AKC in response to many rally AKC program is not drawing a distinction
We will see how this will go! Meanwhile, handlers who have won the Rally Novice between "full titles" in which all elements
I started training Ellie in Rally. We have title, saying they are not ready to move are passed on the same day, or element
been attending training at Chief Solano up to the Advanced level class, which titles. Essentially, every title in AKC
KC in Elmira, which is fairly close to Davis requires the dog to work off-leash. AKC Scent Work is an element specialty title.
where I reside. At the end of each 7 week has created a new class and title for dogs However, passing all elements at the same
session, they offer the CGC test. I request- that have won the Rally Novice title, but trial is still valuable, because it means your
ed that Ellie and Bruno be tested for the have not yet earned a qualifying score in dog is eligible for the High In Trial award.”
CGC Advanced. I was not really surprised the Advanced class. The Rally Interme- Also, nosework titles from AKC will need
when Bruno passed, but am delighted to diate class and associated title (RI), will to be earned under their auspices.
say Ellie passed with “flying colors” also. provide a stepping-stone class to help
I encouraged you all to take your chows prepare teams for the off-leash perfor-
through the three CGC tests for titles. It mance required in the Advanced class.
is good preparation for Rally and minimal The Intermediate course is a mirror image
obedience that every dog should of the Advanced course without a jump.
know for his/her safety.
It is the Novice exhibitor’s choice to take
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * advantage of this additional opportunity
42