[Oagdu] obedience competition and state convention planning

[Abigail Bolling]

for judges, I think that people who are either currently guide dog users, or have been a user should be the only ones judging. 
Some things that I have seen in competitions are Puppy Ups, short leash stays, long leash stays, flex leash stays and then a come every so often. heel positioning, masters positioning.
the judges also look at the level and how often the handler has to correct or treat for desired results. 
For obstacle courses and guiding competitions, I would personally look for how quickly (but safely) the dog can get the handler through the course, if the dog in fact does take the most direct route, how often the handler has to correct for the dog not clearing obstacles correctly. 
Something that should be a factor in both events would be to look for how often the handler has to direct the dogs attention back on them. 
Also, for the obedience competition, there should be some different levels. For example, if my friend who has an 8 month old service dog in training, she would want him to be in an easier competition than my 17 month old Leader Dog. But that will only work if we have enough longer puppies.
Also, I think there should be regular obedience, and then cruel and evil people walking around trying to distract the dogs with food, toys, stuffed animals, and if possible other dogs, for distracted obedience!
We have to make sure that all handlers are confident with their dogs to do that though, so that would take some more discussion.

What do you guys think of these?

Abby and Cricket.
> On Sep 14, 2015, at 1:04 AM, Chantel Cuddemi via Oagdu <oagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Pilot Dogs does an obedience competition at their conventions. I am not sure how it's done though.
> 
> Chantel.
> 
> On 9/13/2015 11:31 PM, Abigail Bolling via Oagdu wrote:
>> I can talk to my Leader trainer who competes with her dogs in obedience competitions to see what kind of things they do.
>> 
>> Abby and Cricket
>> 
>> On 9/13/2015 8:40 PM, Aleeha Dudley via Oagdu wrote:
>>> Only one more after this, I swear.
>>> It’s time to plan for state convention. What are your thoughts on the obedience competition and the obstacle course at convention? What kind of space do you see it taking? What form do you see the competition taking?
>>> Any other thoughts about convention?
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> 
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