So the question is should you or should you not compete with your dog. Let's get into what these four areas are as some dogs maybe better qualified for one area more than another. Please realize this is the world of competing according to ME, so feel free to disagree. I am a little light in some of these areas knowledgewise, but will give it my best shot!
Conformation is competing against other dogs according to the standards of the breed. Each breed has a specific standard as far as looks, structure, gait, and temperament. A judge judges your dog against others of the same Breed first. After selecting the dog that meets the Breeds standards best, he/she goes against other dogs of the same Group (Sporting Dogs if you are a Springer fan). Then the Group winner moves on to compete in the prestigious Best in Show.
Ever channel surf on cable and all of a sudden you see a dog running up and down ramps, slaloming between poles, jumping thru hoops (Admit it you know you have!)? Well that is Agility competition. As you may well imagine, alot of practice is involved with this, however, what better way to spend an afternoon than with your dog. There are two different associations that have competitions as well as different levels of agility competition starting with a Novice division. My Springer Show Dog, Trevor is an incredible runner and leaper, so we have begun classes at a local Agility Club. It is a great way to bond with your dog as trust is your dogs trust in you is a big factor when doing agility. It has exceeded my expectations. I hope to have him competing by the end of the Summer of 2003.
Obedience competitions are the most amazing competitions to watch. Not as exciting as agility, but purely and simply amazing! This competition shows the complete bond and trust between owner and pet. A dog and its owner are asked to complete a specific set of tasks like healing, stopping (stay!), starting (come!), and retrieving (fetch or go find!). At the end of each task, the dog returns to the side of his owner. There is a lot more to it than this, but it is simply wonderful to watch.
Field Trials are more for the hunting breeds. Courses on large plots of land are set up in which the dogs compete with a strong emphasis placed on their hunting skills (especially their sense of smell). To tell you the truth, I cannot elaborate anymore on this as I have never viewed a Field Trial and don't have hunting dogs. Sorry! :-(
Out of the four areas of competition, clearly the MOST subjective is Conformation. You are at the whim of human judgement, and each judge might be looking for something a little bit different. I will not get too much into this, however, being a competitive athlete, it was often frustrating to watch your dog finish second knowing that he was far superior (don't all owners say that!) to the other dog. There is sometimes some politics that may also play a hand in who wins. The main thing is not to get discouraged. If the people you know (in the business of showing dogs) are reputable, than just listen to them and trust them. |
