Our Training & Dog Sports
Competitions We Participate In With Our Labs!
"LIVE LIFE WITH A LAB - WE DO AND LOVE IT"
CONFORMATION SHOWING (DOG SHOWS)
The purpose of Conformation Dog Showing is to evaluate the dog based on how closely he or she conforms to their breed standard. We compete in conformation dog showing to ensure our dogs meet these standards and we breed for the betterment of the breed.
The judge evaluates the dog based on their understanding and interpretation of the breed standard for the Labrador Retriever. The judge looks for the characteristics of the breed standard with the most important features for our breed being head, coat and tail. The judge then assesses structure, appearance, movement and temperament.
Titles for Conformation Showing include: Australian Champion; Grand Champion; Supreme Champion. There are also classes for Neutered dogs their titles are Neuter Champion and Neuter Grand Champion.
Australian Champion (CH): Awarded to dogs who have earned 100 points.
Australian Grand Champion (GR CH): Awarded to dogs who have earned 1000 points.
Australian Supreme Champion (SUP CH): Awarded to dogs who have earned 1000 points and either won 3 Best In Show awards under 3 different judges or 10 Best In Group awards under 10 different judges.
For further reading about Conformation Dog Showing please visit Dog Australia Website by clicking on this link
Brett and I running off for Best of Breed - Sarina 2014 (sorry about the poor quality of photo)
OBEDIENCE TRIALS
Brett and I absoulety enjoyed training and competiting in obedience trials. Life took over, with three young boys and we decided we could no longer compete in both conformation showing and obedience. However, now 25 years later we are ready to make a come back with our new team who are currently in training.
Obedience trials demonstrate the dog and handler's ability to work together with precision. Classes are designed to be progressive, allowing the dog and handler to grow in skill and experience as titles are earned. The performance of the dog and handler in the ring must be accurate and correct according to the rules. It is also essential that the dog demonstrates willingness and enjoyment while it is working and that the handler demonstrates smooth and natural handling skills. Both dog and handler are required to receieve three qualifying scores of 170 or more points in Novice, Open, Utility and Utility Dog Excellent classes.
Titles for Obedience Trials include: Community Companion Dog (CCD); Companion Dog (CD); Companion Dog Excellent (CDX); Utility Dog (UD) and Utility Dog Excellent (UDX).; Obedience Champion (O. CH) and Grand Champion (O.GR.CH)
For further reading about Obedience Trials please visit Dogs Australia website by clicking on this link
Michelle with Ch. Labsgalore Bold N Brassy CD ET and Brett with Ch. Brenwick Our Mahelu Max CD
SCENTWORK TITLE
Scentwork is a relatively new dog sport in Australia with competitions starting in 2021. This dog sport uses the dog's natural ability to locate specific scents and communicate their findings to their handler. It's a fun, engaging, and mentally stimulating activity that strengthens the bond between dogs and their owners. We are currently training for scentwork.
Dogs are trained to recognise specific odours and the handler must observe their dog's many changes of behaviour when the dog is in odour and leading up to a final alert on the hide (scent). Dogs may use any non-destructive behaviour to alert their handlers to the location of the hide.
Handlers take their dogs through a search area which may be set up in a variety of environments (inside, outside, vehicles). The dog and handler must work together as a team. The handler as part of the team may use body language and verbal encouragement to ensure all sections of the search area are covered, directing the dog's search when necessary and indicating to the Judge when the dog has found the hide. Communication with praise of the dog during the search is encouraged.
Titles for Scentwork include: Scent Work Novice (SWN); Scent Work Advanced (SWA); Scent Work Excellent (SWE); Scent Work Master (SWM); Scent Work Ultimate (SWU). Scent Work Element Titles require the dog to gain a total of eleven qualifying certificates in the relevant element (Containers, Interior, Exterior, Vehicles). Scent Work Champion - Only the elite dogs will qualify for the title of SW Ch. they are required to obtain six titles.
For further reading about Scentwork please visit Dogs Australia website by clicking on this link
Contact Details
Brett and Michelle Wheeler
PO Box 1345
WEIPA QUEENSLAND 4874
Phone: 0447515896
Email: [email protected]
Find us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mahelulabradors