Trials

The Club conducts trials approximately every 3 months (see Calendar Events for dates) giving members the opportunity to test theirs and the dogs skills required for each level from Bronze to Silver, Gold, Diamond and Diamond Excellent.

Members must achieve a pass at each level before they may trial for the next level (even if they have moved up to the next class level in the meantime). For example a member may proceed from Bronze to Silver or Silver to Gold or Gold to Diamond at any time they feel they have achieved to skills outlined for their current class, but members are required to trial and pass at each level before trialling at the next level.

Members can only trial at one level on each trial day. Members must first pass the Bronze trial then at the next trial day pass the Silver, then Gold, then Diamond.

On the day of the trials an area is marked out by cones. Owners and their dog are given specific directions to follow by the examiner who will score their performance on each specific activity. Marks are given or subtracted accordingly. The effective control of the dog by the handler is the measure by which success is measured for each specified activity.

The skills required for each level are as follows:

Introductory Class

  • Explanation of the structure and rules of HBODC

  • All exercises on lead

  • Focus, Sit, Sit/Stay (returning from the front only), Recall on Lead, Introduction to Heel

  • Socializing and Practical Exercises as below

  • Up to four weeks’ training, then move to Bronze Dogs. Introductory Class dogs are not to enter Fun Day Trials

 Bronze Dogs

  • All exercises on lead

  • Socializing and Practical Exercises as below

  • Sit. Drop.Sit/Stay, Drop/Stay (return from behind)

  • Heel with Turns: Right, left, right about turn, left about turn, left about pivot turn

  • Recall (on lead)

  • Effective control in the presence of a stranger

 Silver Dogs

  • All exercises on lead except recall  

  • Heel with Sit (all Turns), Drop & Stand

  • Sit/Stay, Drop/Stay, Stand/Stay (returning from behind)

  • Recall from a sit/stay 6 paces (dog to come to front and trainer to return from behind)

  • Introduction to Stand for Examination

  • Emphasis on hand signals

Gold Dogs

  • All exercises starting on lead (except recall) but with gradual introduction to “Off Lead” at Trainer’s discretion

  • Heel (all turns), Sit, Drop, Stay, Stand, Stand for Examination

  • Recall from a sit/stay at 6 paces (dog to come briskly and straight to front and trainer to return from behind)

  • Good use of hand signals

 Diamond Dogs

  • All exercises off lead

  • (Must also be able to demonstrate high level of competence on lead)

  • Heel (all turns), Sit, Drop, Stay, Stand, Stand for Examination

  • Recall from sit/stay (distance at Trainer’s discretion)

  • Introduce drop on recall

  • Introduce working with hand signals only (no voice)

 Diamond Dog Excellent

  • All exercises off Lead, and at a very high standard.  Repeat commands are penalized in Fun Day Trials

  • Heel (all turns), Sit, Drop, Stay, Stand, Stand for Examination

  • Drop on recall

  • Signals (no voice command)

Practical exercises (at all levels)

  • Regular canine health check

  • Grooming

  • Weaving and heeling amongst other dogs

  • Crating your dog, and safety in the car

  • Sitting at a café

  • Safety recall (getting out of dangerous situations)

  • “Leave it”

  • Creating patient and calm dogs / meet & greet / effective control in the presence of a stranger.

  • Drop stay – step over

  • Close proximity group stays

  • Control at a gate

  • Rear end exercises (cavaletti)

Members can also obtain a copy of this outline of the skills required for each class trial at the Registration Window.