 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| I have worked and trained my Samoyeds in several venues. Samoyeds can compete in many activities. |
| Competition with Samoyeds |
Competitive Obedience
Samoyeds are not famous for obedience, like the Nordic dogs in general. This is not for lack of
intelligence or goodwill -- they are just very independent dogs.
Sammies can learn and compete in obedience -- as long as you train appropriately and you don't
mind surprises. For example, in 1997 (the year Nico did it) there were five Samoyeds who earned
the title of Companion Dog Excellent (CDX) in American Kennel Club obedience trials (and 262
Golden Retrievers). Two Samoyeds earned the Utility Dog title (UD) (and 120 Golden Retrievers
did). At the higher levels of competition, it is not so much about blind obedience as about
teamwork, respect, and mental challenges like staying focused and attentive.
I recommend that every dog and owner earn the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certificate. This is a
non-competitive title earned by passing a test in the basic good manners needed for a dog in
public places, and at home. Please help to reverse the tide of bad publicity for dogs by training
your dog in basic manners; and demonstrating to the public what a pleasure a well-behaved dog
can be.
Samoyeds are not famous for obedience, like the Nordic dogs in general. This is not for lack of
intelligence or goodwill -- they are just very independent dogs.
Sammies can learn and compete in obedience -- as long as you train appropriately and you don't
mind surprises. For example, in 1997 (the year Nico did it) there were five Samoyeds who earned
the title of Companion Dog Excellent (CDX) in American Kennel Club obedience trials (and 262
Golden Retrievers). Two Samoyeds earned the Utility Dog title (UD) (and 120 Golden Retrievers
did). At the higher levels of competition, it is not so much about blind obedience as about
teamwork, respect, and mental challenges like staying focused and attentive.
I recommend that every dog and owner earn the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certificate. This is a
non-competitive title earned by passing a test in the basic good manners needed for a dog in
public places, and at home. Please help to reverse the tide of bad publicity for dogs by training
your dog in basic manners; and demonstrating to the public what a pleasure a well-behaved dog
can be.
Agility
Agility is a dog sport where the dog runs an obstacle course at the direction of the handler,
competing on both speed and accuracy. The handler uses voice, body language, and body
signals to direct the dog over the course at high speed. It takes a lot of fast teamwork and the dog
has to be able to work at a distance from the handler. The dogs love it. Some Samoyeds have
excelled at agility.
Agility is a dog sport where the dog runs an obstacle course at the direction of the handler,
competing on both speed and accuracy. The handler uses voice, body language, and body
signals to direct the dog over the course at high speed. It takes a lot of fast teamwork and the dog
has to be able to work at a distance from the handler. The dogs love it. Some Samoyeds have
excelled at agility.
Freestyle
Freestyle is a new canine sport -- dancing with your dog. It combines obedience work with tricks
and other interesting moves for the dog. The human and canine team perform a routine to a piece
of music. Fiona and I trained in canine freestyle, and went to some freestyle competitions together.
I belong to the World Canine Freestyle Organization.
Freestyle is a new canine sport -- dancing with your dog. It combines obedience work with tricks
and other interesting moves for the dog. The human and canine team perform a routine to a piece
of music. Fiona and I trained in canine freestyle, and went to some freestyle competitions together.
I belong to the World Canine Freestyle Organization.
