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Graduation!Graduation exercises are always exciting for both the dogs and the owners. To earn the coveted certificate each dog must show off their newly learned skills to the judge.These skills include Heeling at a normal, slow and fast pace plus the Figure 8 exercise, skills that will make that daily walk much more enjoyable for both, especially on a crowded sidewalk. The ability of the dog to allow a stranger (or the Vet!) to touch and exam the dog is tested in the Stand for Exam exercise. And finally the Recall exercise demonstrates that the dog will come when called which could save the dogs life if he suddenly started to run across the street in front of an oncoming car. Finally, the entire group of dogs is tested on being able to Sit and Down for an extended time without the handlers present. It sounds easy but is a real test of the dogs obedience to the commands of Sit or Down and Stay. It's all over! The scores are tallied and then the ribbons are given out. Even if the dog didn't win a ribbon, all dogs do receive the Certificate of Successful Completion of the Obedience course. But just graduating is not the end. All the dogs can now attend the Tuesday evening workshop to practice and hone everything they have learned in the Novice Class. Perhaps to continue training and compete in Rally Obedience or start the climb from Novice to Open to Utility to Obedience Trial Champion!
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