"Bulldogs in Action!"
An Introduction to Performance Sports
Everyone loves a hard-working bully! In this link you will learn about the world of
obedience, rally, agility, tracking, carting and trick bulldogs. Please enjoy this link
highlighting the intelligence and athleticism of our beloved bullies!" Be sure to
look for the Orange cones on this page which shows a link to more information!
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(Left) Betty with Rainbow pulling the cart, Prize riding, during the shooting of an Animal Planet Christmas show.
(Right) Lucky doing heel work, very close to his owner, Ineke, with his eyes focused on her. This is the way heel work is done in UK-obedience. In this sport, precise and very tidy work is important and dogs are
marked off if any light shows between the handler's leg and the dog (that is why longhaired breeds like the collie are popular). The heelwork is trained in a very positive way, and the classes build up in
difficulty, so the dog learns to gradually do long pieces of heelwork in a very tidy and happy way.
For more information:
The Dutch Obedience Society:
Bertha doing the weave poles in agility.
Above:This one is of Bertha performing the 16 inch high triple jump in Excellent level agility.
Her full name is Lady Bertha of Page Manor, CDX MX AXJ CGC.
This photo was on the cover of the Dec 05 Bulldogger.
(Left) Redbrick's Budwiser Shining star (Bud), AXP, AJP, RA, NAC. The picture of him jumping over the triple jump at 12" height. Bud is the only boy bully to date to have earned both Standard and Jumper with weave poles at the Excellent level. Bud is 4 years old and still competing.
(Left) This is Sir Charles Barkley IX UDX2.
He's the first ever Bulldog to hold this title, he has 15 OTCH points, and has now been invited to the AKC National Obedience Invitational for the third time.
These four dogs successfully earned legs towards their Rally Novice titles in the first ever Bulldog Rally Trial held by the Bulldog Club of Greater Seattle.
They are clockwise from L-R:
Ch Tracyhill's Gentle Simon, CDX;
MnM's Piper's Pickled Pepper CD, RN;
Int Ch Validus Blackfaced Morgan, CD; and
Int Ch Beefeater's Ode To Joy of SBK, CDX.
The judge was "Uncle" Allan Immerman.
(Left) Betty Fisher and Copper competing (successfully) in Rally Novice B at 6 1/2 months
in May 2006. She finished her title in October
2006 at 11 months.
Melanie & Pepper doing rally.Pepper earned her
Rally Novice title at 9 years of age in three shows!
"Shez My Dixie Chick" awaits a command from her owner Jennifer.
Wolfgang in Rally competition.
Chubbs is holding her
bag of utility "goodies"
(scent articles & gloves)
in preparation for her
"utility work"
Jennifer and her 7 year old rescue, Dixie, are active in obedience and rally competition.
"Baxter" (1998-2005)
official name
Knockdowns Bodacious
Baxter CGC,TDI, CD
owned and shown by
Theresa Crowley
"OTCH pointed, BCA HOF "Beefeater's Amazin' Grace of SBK, UDX", was the first of the breed to earn the UDX title. Gracie was a multiple High in Trial & High Combined award winner".
2006 BCA National HIT winner Dixie shows of some of the heeling work with her owner Jennifer Wolfgang that earned them this award.
Unlike a breed championship, performance dogs earn titles whether or not they win against the competition. If you've done your homework and have learned to work as a team, you can put a title on your dog! Even if your dog is neutered or doesn't have full registration, they can still compete in AKC performance sports. Most performance events require only that the dog be at least 6 months of age and in good general health. There's nothing more rewarding than having a good, working relationship with your dog, so check out the information on various performance events and get going!
No AKC papers? No problem! Check out the info on how to obtain an "ILP" number to compete with your purebred dog at: http://www.akc.org/reg/ilpex.cfm
Canine Good Citizen:
A great way to get started in obedience is with the Canine Good Citizen test. A dog can earn the CGC title in just one outing, proving itself to be well-mannered at home and in the community. Requiring much less precision and discipline than regular obedience titles, the dog and handler are tested in ten basic areas:
Test 1: Accepting a friendly stranger
Test 2: Sitting politely for petting
Test 3: Appearance and grooming
Test 4: Walking on a loose lead
Test 5: Walking through a crowd
Test 6: Sit and down on command-and Staying in place
Test 7: Coming when called
Test 8: Reaction to another dog
Test 9: Reaction to distraction
Test 10: Supervised separation
For more information on the CGC go to: http://www.akc.org/events/cgc/training_testing.cfm
Rally Obedience:
Rally Obedience is fast becoming one of the most popular performance sports for dogs. Scoring is not as strict as traditional obedience, and handlers are encouraged to talk and interact with their dogs while completing the course. It's the perfect activity for young dogs just getting started in their performance careers, dogs that have become too old to compete in more demanding traditional obedience, or dogs who need to build more confidence in the ring!
The dog and handler go through a course of 10-20 stations, all at their own pace, performing the task designated on the marker. The team will execute a variety of heeling patterns, turns, positions and speeds, and are timed while on the course.
Handlers are allowed time to walk through a course, as well as ask the judge any questions they may have prior to the start of a class, so that they are familiar with the flow of the course, and are better able to finish in the quickest time possible. A perfect score is 100 points (a team must earn at least 70 to qualify) and, in case of a tie, course times are used in determining placements. Like the traditional obedience titles, a dog needs to earn three qualifying scores to obtain their title (except in the case of the RAE title).
There are three levels of competition in AKC Rally:
Rally Novice -"RN" : this is the first level for those just getting started in competition.
All exercises are performed with the dog on leash.
There is a requirement of 10-15 stations to complete with no more than five stationary exercises.
The exercises performed vary from turning 360 degrees to changing paces during the course.
Exhibitors at this level may clap their hands and pat their legs through the course.
Rally Advanced -"RA" : this is the second level, which includes more difficult exercises throughout the course.All exercises are performed off-leash.
There is a requirement of 12-17 stations with no more than seven stationary exercises.
Exercises include a jump as well as calling your dog to the front of you instead of to a heel position.
Rally Excellent -"RE" : this third and highest level of AKC Rally is the most challenging.
Exercises are performed off-leash except for the honor exercise.
There is a requirement of 15-20 stations, with no more than 7 stationary exercises.
Below: Mango and owner, Tiew, perform a set of rally exercises
Handlers are only allowed to encourage their dogs verbally. Physical encouragement is not allowed at this level.
The Excellent-level exercises include backing up three steps, while the dog stays in the heel position and a moving stand, while the handler walks around the dog.
Below: Jean Marie and "Hank" are strutting their stuff in the Rally Excellent ring.
In addition a dog can earn the Rally Advanced Excellent- "RAE"
The requirement for the RAE title is that the dog must qualify ten times in both the Advanced B class and the Excellent B class at the same trial (the rally equivalent of the UDX title in obedience).
OBEDIENCE :
Once you have established a good, working relationship with your dog, you can pursue the more challenging, but very rewarding, goal of putting an obedience title on your dog. There is less room for error in the obedience ring and a dog must respond promptly the first time a command is given. The dog must learn to focus on its handler, no matter what distraction or temptation may arise. Each dog enters the ring with a perfect 200 score and points are deducted for any imperfections in heeling (such as lagging behind or forging ahead), crooked sits, slow responses, etc. While it can seem like a monumental feat to a beginner, consistency and practice pays off and can be extremely rewarding when you've fulfilled the requirements for an obedience title.
There are three levels of competition in obedience:
A dog receives a qualifying score in obedience when it earns more than 50 percent of the points for each exercise, with a total of at least 170 points. A perfect score in any class is 200, and a dog must earn 3 qualifying scores, or "legs", to earn a title for that particular level. While qualifying scores are all that is required to earn an obedience leg, dogs are also judged against the competition for placements. Ribbons are awarded for 1st-4th place, as well as special awards for the Highest Scoring Dog in Trial (HIT) and High Combined Score in the Open & Utility Classes (HC) Many bulldogs are able to offer stiff competition in all breed obedience trials!
NOVICE - For the dog just getting started in obedience. Exercises include:
HEEL ON LEASH and Figure Eight - show whether the dog has leamed to watch its handler and adjust its pace to stay with the handler.
Heel Free - done off leash.
Stand for Examination - is of great benefit when the dog needs hands-on care by a veterinarian.
Recall - provides the handler with the ability to call the dog and get an immediate response at all times.
Group Exercises:
(these are done in a group of up to 12 dogs, placed about 3' apart--for Novice the handlers remain across the ring from their dogs)
Long Sit (1 minute) - allows the handler to have control of the dog when visitors come to the home.
Long Down (3 minutes) - dog must remain in a down position.
Below: Bulldogs at the 2006 BCA National prepare for the group exercises
Dogs completing 3 qualifying scores, or "legs", earn the title of "Companion Dog" and have the "CD" suffix added to their name.
Click here to see a video of our bully obedience representative in the Neatherlands, Ineke & her enthusiastic boy "Lucky", practicing the recall exercise:
OPEN - The second level includes more complicated exercises, which teach the dog to do a variety of tasks and to follow commands either by voice or signal.
Jean Marie Hill's nice working boy, Smoochabulls King Henry by George, CGC,CD,RN,RA,RE,CDX
- known as "Hank"--performs the retrieve over the high jump" (Above).
Open Exercises include:
Heel Free and Figure Eight - Same as Novice, but off leash.
Drop on Recall - can be a lifesaving command for a dog, since it gives the handler control in
potentially dangerous situations.
Retrieve on Flat
Retrieve Over High Jump
Broad Jump
"Tiew's girl, Mango tackles
the broad jump at the 2006
BCA Nationals"
Group Exercises:
Long Sit (3 minutes) - similar to the long sit in Novice, but the position must be held for a longer period of time with the handler out of the dog's sight. Long Down (5 minutes) - dog must remain in a down position.
"Lucky, a competitor in UK
obedience, does a lovely
retrieve for his owner Ineke"
Dogs completing 3 qualifying scores, or "legs", earn the title of "Companion Dog Excellent" and have the "CDX" suffix added to their name.
Int Ch Beefeater's Ode To Joy of SBK, CGC, CD, CDX ,
fondly known as "Chubbs", flies over the high jump
during an open retrieve exercise.
UTILITY - The third and highest level of obedience competition.
Exercises include:
Signal Exercise - shows the dog's ability to understand and correctly respond to the handler's signal to stand, stay, down, sit and come. No voice commands are given; only hand signals are allowed.
Scent Discrimination - shows the dog's ability to find the handler's scent among a pile of articles.
Directed Retrieve - proves the dog's ability to follow a directional signal to retrieve a glove and promptly return it to the handler.
Moving Stand and Examination - the dog must heel, stand and stay as the handler moves away. The dog must stay and accept an examination by the judge and return to the handler on command.
Directed Jumping - the dog must go away from the handler, turn and sit on command. Then, the dog must clear whichever jump its handler indicates and promptly return to the handler.
(Note: there is no Group Exercise in Utility)
"UDX dog, Gracie, owned by Cheryl Knapp, works her scent articles."
"Success!
Gracie selects the correct scented article to bring her handler"
Dogs completing 3 qualifying scores, or "legs", earn the title of "Utility Dog" and have the "UD" suffix added to their name. *Special Note: The BCA honors any bulldog who earns their UD title by inducting them into the BCA Performance Hall of Fame!
There are also a few exceptional titles that can be earned for the most competitive among obedience enthusiasts. They are:
Utility Dog Excellent (UDX) - Dogs with UD titles must earn qualifying scores in both Open B and Utility B at 10 trials in order to add the UDX title after their registered names. So far there have been two bulldogs who have earned this title, considered a major accomplishment for any breed--the first, Beefeater's Amazin' Grace of SBK & the second, Sir Charles Barkley IV. AKC has since added the option of earning MULTIPLE UDX titles, each one given after completing 10 legs, and signified by a number after the UDX letters. Barkley has his UDX2, and is also titled in UKC competiton.
Obedience Trial Champion (OTCH) - Dogs with UD titles must win 100 points and a first-place in Utility B and Open B, plus a third first-place win in either class, under three different judges. So far there has not been an OTCH bulldog, though there have been a few (two that I'm aware of) who have earned OTCH points. The top OTCH pointed dogs in each breed are eligible to compete in the National Obedience Invitational, which is considered a great honor.
National Obedience Champion (NOC) - The AKC awards this prestigious title annually to the dog that wins the AKC National Obedience Invitational. The letters NOC are placed before the dog's AKC-registered name and become part of the dog's permanent title.
For further information on AKC obedience competition visit:
Here are some other organizations & countries which offer obedience and other performance titles, requiring similar skills to the AKC:
The Canadian Kennel Club (CKC):
The United Kennel Club:
AGILITY
Agility is the ultimate game for you and your dog. It also one of the most exciting canine sports for spectators. In agility, a dog demonstrates its agile nature and versatility by following cues from the handler through a timed obstacle course. The course has jumps, tunnels, weave poles, and other obstacles. Agility strengthens the bond between dogs and handlers, it is extremely fun, and it provides vigorous exercise for both!
"An agility-dog-in-
training learns to
weave using guides
and a treat!"
"Betty Fisher's girl, Prize enters the weave poles in an agility trial"
The AKC offers two types of agility classes. The first is the Standard Class which includes obstacles such as the dog walk, A-frame, tunnels, shutes, weave poles, shutes, seesaw along with various jumps.
Diesel performing the
tunnel in agility.
"A happy bulldog strides with
confidence over the dogwalk"
The second is Jumpers with Weaves--This class only has jumps, tunnels and weave poles. Both classes offer increasing levels of difficulty, accuracy and speed, to earn Novice, Open, Excellent and Master titles.
After completing both an Excellent Standard title and Excellent Jumpers title, a dog and handler team can compete for the MACH (Master Agility Champion title)
An official measurement must be taken to obtain an official AKC Jump Height Card before beginning agility competition. Certain breeds, such as bulldogs, are allowed to jump lower heights and are eligible to compete in the new Preferred classes. With repetitive jumping at greater heights, bulldogs can easily be injured, so this addition to titling has been a great blessing for the breed. Dogs earning "preferred" titles have a "P" prefix added to the title to differentiate, but it is considered no less of an accomplishment.
Who says bullies can't fly?"
For further information on AKC agility visit:
Or for information on obtaining a jump card for your dog visit:
Versatile Companion Dog:
The AKC honors dogs earning performance titles in a combination of events-obedience, agility and tracking-by granting them the following versatility titles:
Versatile Companion Dog 1 (VCD1) - CD, NA, NAJ, TD or CD, NAP, NJP, TD
Versatile Companion Dog 2 (VCD2) - CDX, OA, OAJ, TD or CDX, OAP, OJP, TD
Versatile Companion Dog 3 (VCD3) - UD, AX, AXJ, TDX or UD, AXP, AJP, TDX
Versatile Companion Dog 4 (VCD4) - UDX, MX, MXJ, VST or UDX, MXP, MJP, VST
Versatile Companion Champion Title (VCCH) -OTCH, MACH and CT
Carting
Our sturdy little bulldogs are built like draft horses and many can excel in carting! "Chubbs pulls her cart adapted from an antique children's wagon.
Whether for competition, parades, help around the house--or just plain fun--your bully can make a great little draft dog!
Though carting titles are not offered at this time through the AKC, the American Rottweiler Club offers carting titles to any dog that can pull a 40 lb. load. They have a beginning title called Carting Started (CS)
which is done on lead through what is basically an obstacle course. The regular Carting Title is the same course done off lead. They also offer Team titles with 2 dogs and Driving titles if you can find a cart that
you are able to ride in, pulled by your bulldog!...Now that would be something to see! Betty Fisher has earned several carting titles with her bulldogs.
A fun site with lots of information and photos is:
Here's a great link describing draft dog testing:
Miscellaneous Tricks!
Bulldogs are natural "hams" and can be taught to do all sorts of incredible feats! Here are a few famous bulldog "characters" to inspire you!
Cheryl Knapp has had several bully "tricksters", including her most famous Bulldogge Comedienne, "Rosie", of America's Funniest fame. Rosie was featured on one of America's Funniest Home Videos most popular music montages, won the 2nd place $3000 prize on the America's Funniest People show, and was the National winner of Purina's Beggin' Strips Stupid Dog Tricks Contest (the last was won when Rosie was 11 years of age!) She even made a post-humous appearance on Martha's BYOB (Bring Your Own Bulldog) show!
Rosie's most famous--and original--trick was riding a rockinghorse. She would mount, straddle, hold the handles and rock the horse--all on her own. Some of her other tricks included skateboarding, opening & closing her crate door, sitting up and crashing, going down the slide, waving, and--believe it or not--READING! (Rosie was successfully taught to recognize three of her favorite words: "eat", "walk" & "brush" and could bring the word when shown the associated item--OR--bring the item when shown the word) So, don't let anyone tell you that bulldogs are stupid!
Here's Rosie, aka "My Little Red Rose Bud, CGC, CD, CDX" performing her trademark trick...
Rosie's daughter "Bear" (Sitting Bull's Panda-monium, CGC, CD) was also a skilled skateboarder and would "compete" in skateboarding "races" with her mother. Here she is in action at a Kid's Dog Show...
Go Bear Go!!!!
Cheryl's current bully girl, Chubbs, has been taught the usual repertoire of tricks, including crate door opening/closing, wave/high five, opening the fridge and retrieving a carton of juice, and bringing a kleenex when Cheryl sneezes--then sneezing & blowing HER nose on command.
You can see Rosie & Chubbs' videos here:
And, for a real Skateboarder Extraordinaire--check out the famous Tyson:
If interested in the Bulldog performance group contact Bulldog_performance@yahoo.com
A very special Thank You to all the Bulldoggers who helped in this link, and to Cheryl for putting it all together so I could add it. Congratulations to each of you on your beautiful and awesome bullies!!
"Gracie" pulled her miniature chuckwagon as the official mascot for "Soup's On!" soup kitchen--the slogan on the side reads, "Soup's On! Chuckwagon...don't forget to say 'Grace'!"
Tracking
AKC tracking events are the competition form of canine search and rescue. These Tracking events provide training for dogs and their handlers to meet some human needs for tracking and finding lost humans or other animals, as well as, demonstrating the extremely high level of scent capability that dogs possess. Unlike Agility and Obedience events that require a dog to qualify three times, a dog only needs to complete one track successfully to earn each title--however, tests are not as prevalent and are limited to only a few dogs, so it can be more difficult to find an opportunity to title your dog.
Tracking Dog (TD)
A dog earns a TD by following a track 440 to 500 yards long with three to five changes of direction. The track is laid by a human tracklayer and is "aged" 30 minutes to two hours before the dog begins scenting. The goal is to use the scented track to locate an article left at the end of the trail by the tracklayer. The owner follows the dog on a long leash and can encourage the dog during the tracking test.
Tracking Dog Excellent (TDX)
The TDX is earned by following an "older" track (three to five hours) that is also longer (800 to 1,000 yard) and has five to seven directional changes with the additional challenge of human cross tracks.
Variable Surface Tracking (VST)
In the real world, dogs track through urban settings, as well as through wilderness. A VST dog has demonstrated this ability by following a three- to five-hour-old track that may take him down a street, through a building and other areas devoid of vegetation.
Champion Tracker (CT)
A dog that has successfully completed all three tracking titles (TD, TDX and VST) earns the prestigious title of Champion Tracker.For more information on tracking, http://www.akc.org/events/tracking/index.cfm
"Paradox Berry Melrose, CD, RN, TD, NAP, NAJP,VCD and owner Dorothy Wysaski, DVM, celebrate finding the glove. "Cranberry" is the first, and so far, only, bulldog to earn the VCD title."
A dog earns a TD by following a track 440 to 500 yards long with three to five changes of direction. The track is laid by a human tracklayer and is "aged" 30 minutes to two hours before the dog begins scenting. The goal is to use the scented track to locate an article left at the end of the trail by the tracklayer. The owner follows the dog on a long leash and can encourage the dog during the tracking test
"Wheaties" with her owner, Dorothy Wysaski, DVM
is awarded the Tracking Dog title after passing their test, officially becoming Ch Paradox Better Eat Your Wheaties, TD."
"Canine Good Citizens"
"It's never too early to start training! Six week old Max gets his first introduction to collar & leash."
Find out more about Rally competition at:
"Musical Canine Freestyle"
Musical Canine Freestyle is a choreographed musical program performed by handlers and their dogs. The object of musical freestyle is to display the dog and handler in a creative, innovative and original dance, using music and intricate movements to showcase teamwork, artistry, costuming, athleticism and style in interpreting the theme of the music. Heelwork-to-Music incorporates traditional dog obedience and the art of dressage with the inclusion of musical interpretation, dance elements, and costuming with an emphasis on non-standard obedience movements. Both Musical Freestyle and Heelwork-To-Music routines should create a visually exciting display which is enjoyable to watch and which is equally enjoyable to dogs and handlers executing the
programs. Canine freestyle is a showcase that truly demonstrates the joys and fun of bonding with your pet.
The above description of Musical Canine Freestyle is taken from the national site:http://www.worldcaninefreestyle.org where you can visit for more details!
The following list of people are available to be "Email Mentors" to help
you get started in performance
Jennifer (Florida) jenwolfgang@hotmail.com
Cheryl (Pacific NW) sittingbullies@comcast.net
Melanie (Pacific NW) mnmbulldogs@comcast.net
Betty (East Texas/Lousisiana corridor) betty.studzinski@sug.com
Ineke (Europe) CSVerkerk@hotmail.com
photo credit
Peter Van de Velde
photo by Peter Van de Velde
Jane Pharr's up-and-coming obedience star, Bailey (SittingBullies Skyfarm Bailey) does
an outstanding job in a pre-novice class at the Oakland Dog Training Club show in May '07. The pre-novice class is a non-regular class offered at some obedience only shows and does not count towards titles. It includes all of the basic novice exercises but all are performed with the dog on leash.
presents....