ASHCROFT BEDLINGTONS

Conformation: Your breeder should be able to help you decide if your dog is suitable for conformation shows. These are the shows where a judge has you stand the dog, then move the dog, and he evaluates how the dog is built, how it moves, and how closely it resembles the written breed standard. If your puppy was sold to you as a pet, please talk to the breeder before entering your dog in a dog show. It can be difficult to predict how an eight week old puppy will grow up. If your puppy has blossomed into an outstanding specimen, the breeder will be happy to know it, and can offer you advice about showing your dog. For additional information, see the page about dog shows. Many kennel clubs provide handling classes for you and your dog to learn the ropes. You can search for local kennel clubs at the AKC website, and contact them for information about classes.   Savanna in Chicago 2003

 Earthdog Trials: Terriers have traditionally been dogs that "go to ground" after their prey. While the Bedlington Terrier is a long legged terrier, they can and do compete in "earthdog trials". These trials have a series of events that test your dog's instincts for quarry and his determinedness to get his prey. No animals are harmed during an earthdog trial, and they can give you insight into what "drives" your dog. The New Jersey Beanfield Earthdog Club holds regular trials. "Bedlingtons are earthworking terriers and we encourage you to check out the AKC Earthdog Tests and AWTA as a learning experience for your terrier and you. Bringing out your earthdog's working instinct can lead to the start of a wonderful partnership with your terrier. The New Jersey Beanfield Earthdog Club's website provides information about both events and a listing of coming events. " - Jean Clark, NJBEC webmaster

Agility: The sport of agility is growing ever more popular. The Bedlington Terrier can excel at this sport as they are a very athletic dog, and quite fast when they're motivated. Motivation might be the hardest part, as they can be stubborn, like any terrier. This activity will help you forge a super relationship with your dog as you must work as a team to succeed. The top Bedlington Terrier in the US in AKC conformation breed points (2003) also got his first agility title the same year. Bedlingtons are versatile! You can search for local agility clubs at the AKC website, and contact them for information about classes. There is a growing group of Bedlington agility enthusiasts, and they welcome new people into the sport. Bedlingtons have achieved the level of MACH titles in agility demonstrating how very adept they can be.

      talented Talyn

Rally and Obedience: Many kennel clubs sponsor rally and/or obedience competitions at their AKC dog shows, and it is possible to earn rally and/or obedience titles with your Bedlington Terrier. Rally is a new sport within the AKC, where the owner is encouraged to talk to their dog as they follow a series of signs describing each task they should undertake next. Less rigid than obedience, it is a fun way to introduce dog and owner to basic obedience concepts. The highest level of obedience, the UDX level, has been reached by a Bedlington with her dedicated owner, proving that these dogs are tractable and willing to please.

Kennel clubs also provide puppy kindergarten classes, which teach new owners how to approach dog training and help socialize your puppy. Kindergarten graduates advance to basic obedience classes, and can progress to the highest levels of obedience, where all commands are given by hand signals and dogs demonstrate scent discrimination of their owner's articles. These are impressive performances, and again help to forge a strong bond between dog and owner. Obedience training is a positive experience; dogs are rewarded for correct behavior and praise is lavish for the well behaved dog. Clicker training is just one of the methods that can be used for obedience training. You can search for local kennel clubs at the AKC website, and contact them for information about classes.

Dog Parks: Hamlet's owners Tisha and Terri introduced Ticket, Nora and I to the Dog Park. We visited the Bark Park in Trenton after the Trenton KC show to let the dogs blow off some steam. Check it out...

There are certainly other activities you can try with your Bedlington. Things like Flyball and competitive Frisbee catching are naturals for this fast, athletic and enthusiastic breed.

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