Twenty years ago I bought a male Sheltie and planned to start showing dogs. The breeder had little use for me after she cashed my check and so when J Jay was 6 months old, I wandered into one of the largest shows in the country and was overwhelmed. I didn’t know anything about grooming or training or showmanship, I felt a little like a deer caught in the headlights of a semi-tractor trailer rig. To make a long story short, after standing at the end of the line with my pet quality Sheltie, I threw in the towel on conformation for a few years. Although many would say this sounds like a rather negative experience some good did come of it: I discovered obedience. I discovered that I had a lot to learn about show dogs and decided that a wonderful place to start learning was in the obedience ring. I was, of course, most fascinated by the Utility and Open classes. With seemingly little direction these dogs did such fantastic tricks. That was 20 years ago and I feel I am still learning today. I have trained 3 dogs in Utility myself and as of the writing of this article, have recently started working on a new obedience prospect.

For me, the process of training the dog is the heart and soul of obedience. It is not so terribly important what titles I earn with my dog. The training process, different with each dog, is fascinating. I became involved in obedience training because I wanted to compete at dog shows. Many people wander into obedience because they find themselves with a pet, in need of some basic manners. For whatever reason you decide to become involved in obedience you will need to keep a few basic ideas in mind. First, training is a process. Make each step small, and take one step at a time. Train with patience and kindness. Reward each and every honest attempt your dog makes to please you. Make a commitment to finish what you have started. Set small goals, which will lead to larger goals. Have a plan. Set aside a least 15 minutes each day or every other day to work with your dog. Never train in a hurry. Never train when you are upset. Make training time with your dog the best part of your day and your dog will reflect your attitude. There is an old saying in obedience “Every trainer gets the dog they deserve.” Training is your idea and it is up to you to teach and support your student.

Young trainer competes in Novice A at PWCCA 2000

Veteran Pembroke Corgi completes in Utility at 10 years of age.

If you are just beginning training with your first dog you may wish to join a local obedience class. Look for an instructor who will work with you and within your plan. If you wish to train your dog to eventually do Utility then make certain that even your beginning instructor has trained a dog or several dogs to this title. If you are setting loftier goals such as UDX or OTCH then try to find someone who has been competitive at those advanced levels of competition. If you are just starting out and are not sure how far you will venture into obedience, just try to find a class instructor who is kind and interested in helping you. If you do not live close enough to a training club, you can learn a great deal about dog training from books. Plus, with the Internet as a resource, information is literally at our fingertips these days.

Whatever approach you choose you can be successful. The great thing about obedience is that you need very little equipment, space or time. I have trained my dogs with just a few minutes each day in my yard at home. As you become involved in training your dog and you become aware of many different approaches to basic training, it can get a bit confusing. One trainer may use severe corrections, another never a harsh word, another may insist that food rewards are the key. Don’t let these different approaches worry you. Pick a method which seems to work for you and your dog and get started. Stay open to new ideas and allow yourself to be creative. The only thing all good trainers agree on is that there is no one way to train.

So you have decided to start training toward an obedience title and the fur ball on the other end of your leash is a darling, smart, opinionated, Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Corgis are very bright and in general, learn rather quickly. They are often extremely food motivated. Even picky eaters may turn somersaults for a tiny ort, hand delivered as a reward. Some people recommend training sessions which involve a good deal of drilling basic skills. Many beginning classes consist of nearly an hour of heeling in a circle. You may find that this approach is not very successful with your Corgi. Corgis often learn an exercise rather quickly and repeated drilling bores and depresses them. I have met success by keeping training sessions short and fun. I start the session with something easy, then do a little review and after that maybe challenge my dog with a new or more difficult task very briefly each day. Corgis thrive on success, so make sure you always end your training session with a triumph even if it means returning to a skill which is relatively easy for your dog. Any Corgi can be trained to do obedience. Although some experienced competitors may select a dog with certain characteristics in mind, many rescue Corgis as well as retired conformation dogs have found a new beginning in the obedience ring. There is relatively little jumping in obedience and many elderly or somewhat physically challenged dogs do obedience very successfully. So finish looking at our web site, rise up from your computer, arouse your snoozing Corgi and start training today.

Have fun and know your Corgi will.