Waltzing Matilda Polished Pooch awards

How does it work?

Using only force-free training techniques, you will be required to demonstrate competency across a list of behaviours and tasks. One of our trainers must be present for the test but if this is not possible you may send us a video via YouTube link or dvd.

There are three levels of the award:

1. The Jolly Swagman

2. The Jolly Jumbuck

3. The Jolly Squatter

Competency must be attained at each level before progressing onto the next.

Who can compete?

We encourage all clients of Fun For Life Dog Training to participate in the awards, however any dog is eligible even if you have not used our services before.

What are the rules?

1. Once you are confident that you and your dog are able to demonstrate competency across the list of criteria below, contact us to organise a time to do the test. If we are not able to attend in person, you may send in a video via YouTube link or DVD.

2. Force-free training techniques must be evident. The more rewards the better!

3. No check chains, prong collars or shock collars are to be used.

4. You are welcome to use your first language but we need to see from your body language that training is force-free and utilises positive reinforcement. (If sending a video in non-english language, please number each of the criteria so it is clear which task you are demonstrating.)

5. Once you pass, Level 1 (The Jolly Swagman), you may repeat the process for Levels 2 & 3.

What do we get for completing the award?

Apart from the kudos and confidence of knowing that your dog is a well-mannered pooch, you will receive our uniquely Australian certificate via email that you can print out and display proudly in your home.

Level 1: The Jolly Swagman

To pass the Jolly Swagman, you must demonstrate at least 10 behaviours from the list below:

1. The dog can hold a sit for 3 seconds.

2. The dog can hold a sit while you walk two paces away.

3. The dog can hold a sit while you clap your hands twice.

4. Throw a treat and after the dog has eaten it call him/her to you.

5. The dog can look at you for 3 seconds.

6. The dog can hold a drop for 3 seconds.

7. The dog can hold a drop while you walk two paces away.

8. The dog can hold a drop while you clap your hands twice.

9. The dog can follow a hand signalfor "Go To Mat".

10. The dog can walk on a loose lead for at least 5 paces.

11. The dog is happy to have all parts of their body touched in a mock Veterinary examination. Eyes, ears, mouth, all over the body, tail and between the pads of the paws must be touched.

12. The dog can tug on a toy and release it when offered a treat.

13. The dog can wait patiently while their lead is put on.

14. The dog can do a trick of your choice.

15. The dog can leave a piece of food you put on the ground.

16. The dog will sit and wait to be released to eat food from a bowl.

17. The dog will do a nose touch to your hand.

18. The dog responds to his/her name by looking at you.

19. The dog reorientates to look at you when a treat is held to the side.

Level 2: The Jolly Jumbuck

To pass the Jolly Jumbuck, you must demonstrate at least 10 behaviours from the list below:

1. The dog can hold a sit while the owner talks to a visitor for 5 seconds (the dog can be constantly reinforced with treats).

2. The dog can hold a sit for 10 seconds.

3. The dog can hold a sit while you turn around and walk three paces away.

4. The dog can hold a sit while you sing or say "Humpty Dumpty".

5. The dog can look at you for 5 seconds while you hold a toy to the side.

6. The dog can hold a drop for 5 seconds.

7. The dog can hold a drop while you turn around and walk three paces away.

8. The dog can hold a drop while you sing or say "Humpty Dumpty".

9. The dog can drop on a mat and stay until you have eaten a biscuit.

10. The dog can hold a stand for 5 seconds.

11. The dog comes when called from approximately 20 paces.

12. The dog performs two tricks of your choice.

13. The dog can play with a tug toy and then let go of the tug when asked for a different behaviour (the behaviour can be of your choosing).

14. The dog can walk for ten paces on a loose lead, with one change of direction.

15. The dog will leave three treats that you put on the ground.

16. The dog can take a treat when it is given like a tablet.

17. The dog can follow your finger around an obstacle.

18. The dog can lie in a relaxed manner beside you for 5 seconds. You are able to massage the dog calmly.

Level 3: The Jolly Squatter

To pass the Jolly Squatter, you must demonstrate at least 10 behaviours from the list below:

1. The dog holds a sit while the owner walks 10 paces away, picks up a treat, comes back and gives it to the dog.

2. The dog can lie on a mat while the owner walks 10 paces away and squeaks or moves a toy.

3. The dog can sit and wait for a door to be opened; the owner walks through and releases the dog.

4. The dog can walk on a loose lead for 20 paces, during the walk the dog is asked to sit and hold attention for 5 seconds then continue the walk.

5. The dog can walk on a loose lead for 20 paces with 2 changes of direction and an about turn

6. The dog can perform 3 tricks of the owner's choice.

7. The dog can stand while you groom them or pretend to towel dry them.

8. The dog can leave 5 treats on the ground and then be released to eat them. You must throw the treats.

9. The dog sits and waits for 30 seconds for you to call him/her from a distance of about 30 paces.

10. The dog can be called away from a distraction (the distraction may be another person, another dog, a child, a bird, playing with a toy, sniffing or when on a favourite mat or piece of furniture).

11. The dog can be petted by a friend or family member without jumping up on them.

12. The dog can be on a dog beach or in your own backyard and come back and check-in with you.

13. The dog can lie on a mat while you are sitting and talking to a friend or family member for 30 seconds.

14. The dog plays retrieve and brings the ball back to your feet or hand.

15. The dog readily allows you to take their food bowl from them.

16. The dog waits in the car while the door is opened and their lead attached and the dog is then released.

17. The dog can wait on a mat while while you do a household task for 20 seconds (you can come back and reinforce the dog during the 20 seconds).

18. The dog can be calm around another dog, a cat, a child or any other animal.