GRC Dogsports Uk Club

We are the very first to have started an official GRC Dogspotsr club in the UK & Europe. We had been learning and enjoying aspects of the sport with our own dogs and clients for the previous 3/4 years when we decided to set up and we haven't looked back since. We love it, the dogs love it and we are sure you will too. We are welcoming and friendly and can't wait for you to join us.

What Does GRC Dogsprts stand for?

GRC stands for 'Gameness, Relationship, Control'

Gameness is the dogs commitment to the game or tasks asked of him.

Relationship between handler and dog, building a strong, positive bond

Control The dogs self control at liberty and when around the drive sports

What is GRC Dogsports?

GRC Dogsports is a new breed of dog sport. It seeks to celebrate and test not only the dog’s gameness (G), but the relationship (R) with the handler, and the dog’s self control (C).It is open to all breeds. The mission of GRC Dogsports is to provide PEOPLE with the motivation to give their dogs the training they need to thrive in this world, and a healthy place to put all of their natural drives.

Treadmill Race,

Weight Pull,

Wall Climb,

Spring Pole

The Mill Race, Weight Pull, and Wall Climb are traditionally done without any control parameters. But, in GRC, the higher levels will have increasing impulse control requirements layered into the events. Such as stays while waiting for the release to start, or increasing the distance from the handler to test area of influence. This will require not just drive, but control to get the advanced titles.

The Spring Pole for obedience is an entirely new concept. Typically they have only been used for hang time. We want to show something totally different. Drive CONTROL. A Spring Pole is a free hanging tug toy. This simple device allows folks access to the high level of training associated with the bite sports….. Without the biting of human shaped toys, or the need for expensive suits, and experienced decoys. You will be asked to control your dog from a distance. Asking for them to release toy. Asking for various obedience commands. And, telling them when it’s ok to grab the toy again. This takes a traditionally crazy making tool like the Spring Pole, and re-purposes it to test the control of the dog, and the depth of the relationship in the face of a huge temptation.

Of course before we even get to the drive events….. All teams will do a “Social Responsibility” test. This will be broken into three portions. A Leash Communication portion. An Obedience portion. And a Liberty Portion. Unlike most tests, you will LOSE points for focused control during the Leash/Liberty portion. We allow focused heeling as a management strategy to walk your dog past the distractions. And, clearly if your dog has an un-resolvable issue with a trigger, an incompatible command of focus is the responsible thing to do! But, the ultimate goal would be for a dog to be able to make good, relaxed, decisions in these situations without the need to be “under orders”. We want to encourage handlers to have dogs that can play hard, AND be liveable. The scoring reflects that. In the Obedience portion, it is done as a more traditional test of verbal command obedience. Here is where we WANT to see the focused control Obedience is associated with. An SR Title must be earned by every dog, BEFORE being allowed to move on to the drive events.

We encourage relationship centered, motivational training. Teams can lose points, or be fouled out for dogs showing avoidance. And, handlers can be disqualified at any point, at any event, or anywhere at the show at all, for any harsh or abusive treatment.

Who Can have a go?

Absolutely anyone who has either had 121 training with us or who has previously attended a GRC Dogsports UK Taster day.

What if my dog isn't any good?

There is literally something for everyone. Even if your dog is too old or unable to do the drive sports the SR has 3 levels so you can just pursue that. If your dog only seems to like 1 sport you can stick with that, you don't have to do all 4.

My dog is reactive, can I still attend?

yes we will cater for reactive dogs but we must have seen you previously for training.

What if I don't want to compete?

This is absolutely fine. There is no pressure. Just attending club each week is fun for you and your dog. You never have to compete if you don't want to.

If you are wanting to get involved and see what it is all about and whether you and your dog like it please get in touch to book a 121 GRC intro.

Intro to what SR test is.
Have a go at each drive sport
Learn the safety protocols and proper use of the drive sports equipment
Learn about correct equipment to use and fit of the equipment.

Cost: £90 inc VAT

Club fees

£18 drop in fee inc VAT

10 x credits inc £120 VAT

VAT

You must have had a 121 Grc Intro with us before booking or have attended a GRC taster day.

Credits to be used within 6 months of date of purchase .

These credits are non refundable.