Dog Training Advanced Obedience and Competition Training

Question 1

In AKC Novice obedience competition, what is the required heel position relative to the handler?

Accepted Answer

Dog's shoulder aligned with handler's left leg

Answer

In AKC Novice obedience, the dog heels on the handler's left side with its shoulder aligned with the handler's left leg.

Question 2

What does 'proofing' a behavior mean in advanced dog training?

Accepted Answer

Practicing a cue in varied environments and with distractions until the dog performs reliably

Answer

Proofing means systematically exposing the dog to different locations, distractions, and contexts so the behavior generalizes reliably.

Question 3

Which principle describes teaching a dog to respond to a cue even when the handler is out of sight?

Accepted Answer

Distance and duration work

Answer

Distance and duration work involves extending a dog's ability to hold a behavior or respond to cues while the handler moves away or out of sight.

Question 4

What is a 'go-out' exercise in AKC Utility obedience?

Accepted Answer

The dog runs straight ahead to a target point and sits on command

Answer

In the AKC Utility go-out, the dog runs straight to the far end of the ring, sits on command, then jumps a directed obstacle.

Question 5

When teaching a formal retrieve, what common error causes a dog to drop the dumbbell before presenting it?

Accepted Answer

The trainer takes the dumbbell too quickly, teaching the dog to release early

Answer

If the trainer consistently grabs the dumbbell immediately, the dog learns to release it before the formal 'out' cue is given.

Dog Training Practice Test