OBJECTIVES

The primary objective of the Advanced Course is to have the dog and handler working as a team, with the dog working on a loose lead and showing a willingness to work with the handler. Reinforcement during training is acceptable but should be greatly reduced to that used at the Intermediate level. Use of head collars, food or training aids is permissible on Assessment Day, however, heelwork on a loose lead is a mandatory requirement.

On successful completion of Advanced, the handler can request an Obedience Trained Dog Certificate. This Certificate is recognised by the ACT Government and entitles the handler to a reduced registration fee for the Dog. The handler will also receive an "Obedience Trained" dog lead.

In order to be promoted to GRADUATE, a much higher level of teamwork between handler and dog must be achieved. The handler must give clear and consistent voice commands, hand signals and footwork to the dog. The dog must be attentive and responsive to all commands. Stays and the off-lead recall must be reliable.

NEW EXERCISES INTRODUCED

The clicker training method is used for the introduction of each new exercise.

New exercises at this level include:

1. Heel work:

- left about pivot turn
- fast pace
- downs and stands on the move at all paces
- figure of eight heeling around witches hats
- techniques for improving heel position

2. Stand for exam with handler beside the dog.

3. Off lead recall

4. Finish - on lead, around the back of the handler

ACHIEVEMENTS AND ASSESSMENT

An assessment day will be held in the last week of the session. Handlers will be assessed on:

1. Controlled walking (ie heel on lead at a high level): The dog must work willingly without lead control or luring with treats or aids, while undertaking the following exercises:

a) Normal, slow and fast paces, with automatic sits and downs and stands on the move at all three paces
b) Left and right turns
c) Left about "U" turn, right and left about pivot turns - handlers choice

2. Stand for Examination: Handler beside the dog, dog to be thoroughly examined in the STAND position and not show undue resentment or shyness.

3. Recall: 6 metres off lead to a 'sit in front' of the handler.

4. Finish: On lead, around the back of the handler - not at the end of the recall.

5. Sit Stay*: 1 minute - lead on the ground, handler 2 metres away. Return around back of of dog - the dog is expected to stay in position without additional reinforcement.

6. Down Stay*: 3 minutes - lead on the ground, handler 2 metres away. Return around back of dog - the dog is expected to stay in position without additional reinforcement.

*Stays are completed as a group exercise, with dogs approximately 1.5m apart.