VIP Booklet

Contents	3
Introduction	4
Responsible Dog Ownership	5
Versatile Companion Dog and the Versatility Award	6
Versatile Companion Dog	6
Versatility Award	6
Activities Designed for Children	7
Children and Responsible Dog Ownership	7
Junior Showmanship	7
4-H	9
Agility	11
Canine Good Citizen	14
Conformation	15
Field Work	18
Flyball and Scent Hurdle Racing	21
Flyball	21
Scent Hurdle Racing	22
Herding	24
Musical Freestyle	25
Obedience	26
Rally Obedience	29
Recreational Activities	30
Charity Walks	30
Hiking and Jogging	30
Skiing, Skijoring and Sledding	30
Service Dogs	31
Assistance Dogs	31
Search and Rescue Dogs	33
Therapy	34
Tracking	36
Tricks	39
Bibliography	40

Introduction
Poodles are the ultimate versatile companion. The characteristics of a Poodle—a great devotion to their owners, a delightful and willing temperament and great intelligence—lend themselves to producing the definitive performance dog.

Poodles excel in most performance activities from going High in Trial at obedience trials, to attaining titles in the field by returning birds to their handlers in handsome style, from becoming a coveted Champion Tracker to taking center stage in musical freestyle. Some even work as a service dog for someone needing hearing, sight, or physical assistance. There is no end to the achievements that our Poodles can attain, given the correct and appropriate training.

This new edition of The Poodle Activities Manual is written for every Poodle owner, whether a new owner investigating activities to enjoy with their puppy or for the seasoned Poodle owner looking for new training venues. It provides an overview of the many activities available to Poodle owners and resources to learn more about those activities.

The Poodle Activities Manual is arranged alphabetically by performance activity and gives a general description of the activity. Each section describes the advantages and disadvantages of participating, how to become involved, equipment needed, and contact information for the various organizations. A bibliography of available resources in book and video format is provided.