Working trials is like the ultimate test for our four-legged companions, bringing out their full potential as working dogs. Here's the lowdown... What's in the mix? • Nosework: Our dogs put their sniffers to work, searching areas for placed items • Obedience: They show off their manners in real-life scenarios, not just in a sterile ring • Agility: Think send-aways and obstacle courses • Manwork: For the advanced levels, it's like top- tier all-purpose canine super hero stuff 1. Nosework It's all about using that sniffer to the max. In area search, dogs work a 100 square meter area to find hidden items. Handlers can only give cues to their canine partner from outside the area. Check it out... 2. Obedience We do classic obedience exercises, but our setting is more natural – think open fields and farms, not artificial rings. We're all about function over form in Working Trials. 3. Agility Jump, A-frame and long jump send-aways are also covered in our working trials class. 4. Manwork This one's specialised and super individual, so it's a separate class. Dogs need to be in both working trials and manwork or alternate monthly classes. And just so you know, it's not about "attack on command" – it's serious training for the pros. Requirements Dogs should have some basic obedience chops and know how to retrieve stuff. Usually, hitting that CGC Bronze level is the green light to start working trials. Working Trials is NOT a starter grade. Instructor Steve McClean is the man! He's a legend in the South African working trials scene. Steve's got the magic touch when it comes to fine- tuning your pup's performance and making sure you both have a blast.