Welcome to The Labrador Club

Obedience

LABRADORS AND COMPETITIVE OBEDIENCE

Throughout New Zealand many Labrador Retrievers attend weekly obedience training classes. They complete the Basic Domestic Training Modules and continue to be good ambassadors of the breed in their role of companion and family member. However, for a few, this introduction has led to the more serious side of dog training – Competitive Obedience Work.

The Labrador Retriever is capable of, the highest level of obedience, and a few have even obtained Obedience Champion statues. Working a Labrador in Obedience is not the easiest option, however it is rewarding. You learn to appreciate the little triumphs along the way. The Labrador is intelligent and will work well in all elements of competitive obedience – heelwork, recall, and retrieve exercises. I believe that the current methods are more effective with the Labrador, both FOOD and PLAY are wonderfully motivating rewards for competing, and work exceedingly well.

Good conformation is important for obedience as a healthy, active dog that moves well is going to be more focused on its work and its rewards. Most Labradors are sociable and confident which enables them to work comfortably alongside other dogs and within a range of indoor and outdoor environments.

If this sounds like something that you would enjoy, give your local Obedience Club a call, talk to the instructors and attend a few shows to see what competitive obedience is all about.

Once upon a time Obedience Clubs began training when a puppy was six months old, and puppies ran wild till then: it is now recognized that puppies can learn a huge amount while much younger. It is recognised that the socialisation period at about 7-14 weeks is extremely crucial too; whatever experiences a puppy has at this time of life stays with him for life. As a result, there are many puppy preschool classes in many of the training centres. Many veterinary clinics hold these classes too – they will certainly know of the closest to you. These classes use a reward system of training. The training is fun, effective, and most importantly starts puppies and owners on the road to good dog ownership in a safe environment. These puppy classes are not to take the place of Obedience classes, they are just the bottom rung of a long ladder.