Please click on the following links for more information:
Obedience
Text from AKC Web Site
Obedience Trials test a dog's ability to perform a prescribed set of
exercises on which it is scored. In each exercise, you must score more
than 50 percent of the possible points (ranging from 20 to 40) and get a
total score of at least 170 out of a possible 200. Each time your dog gets
that magic 170 qualifying score, he's gotten a "leg" toward his
title. Three legs and your dog has become an Obedience-titled dog! There
are 3 levels at which your dog can earn a title and each is more difficult
than the one before it. You may see levels divided into "A" and
"B" at a trial; "A" classes are for beginners whose
dogs have never received a title while "B" classes are for more
experienced handlers.
Novice: The first level, Novice, results in your dog earning a
Companion Dog (CD) title. The title actually describes what is expected of
your dog: demonstrating the skills required of a good canine companion.
The dog will have to heel both on and off leash at different speeds, come
when called, stay (still and quietly!) with a group of other dogs when
told, and stand for a simple physical exam.
Open: The second level, Open, results in your dog earning a
Companion Dog Excellent (CDX) title. He must do many of the same exercises
as in Novice, but off-leash and for longer periods. Additionally, there
are jumping and retrieving tasks.
Utility: The final level results in a Utility Dog (UD) title. These
are the cream of the crop. In addition to more difficult exercises, the
dog also must perform scent discrimination tasks.
OTCH and UDX: The best of the best can go on for more titles.
Utility Dogs that place in Open B or Utility B classes earn points toward
an Obedience Trial Champion (OTCH) title. Utility Dogs that continue to
compete and earn legs in both Open B and Utility B at 10 shows receive the
title Utility Dog Excellent (UDX).
NOC (National Obedience Champion): This prestigious title is earned
by the dog who wins the annual American Kennel Club National Obedience
Invitational. To be invited to participate in the Invitational, each dog
must be ranked in the top 25 dogs in the country by number of OTCH points,
or ranked in the top three of their respective breeds by OTCH points.
Sounds like fun and you want to get going. Here are some ideas and
resources:
- Don't wait! Puppy kindergarten classes are designed for 2 to
5 month old dogs and really focus on the very basics of training. Many
basic training classes start puppies at 5 to 6 months of age.
And, just like kids, puppies pick up lessons very quickly when
learning is made into a fun game.
- Your local dog
club may hold classes taught by people knowledgeable in the sport
that can help you train.
- There are many kinds of AKC clubs to check out for information other
than training, including Obedience Clubs, Tracking Clubs, All-breed
Clubs, Group Clubs (devoted to a particular group, like Toys or
Terriers), and Specialty Clubs (devoted to one breed). Getting
involved with one of these AKC
clubs can teach you many more useful things about your dog.
- Most of these clubs also have the Canine
Good Citizen program. Some of them administer the test as part of
their classes and some sponsor the test at events such as dog shows,
humane society days, county fairs, or other dog activities.
- Your local library, bookstore or pet supply store
will usually carry many different books on training your dog. The AKC
Obedience Department or the AKC
Library can provide you with a bibliography. Every author has
different techniques and ideas - no one has a patent on the right
method! Explore one or many; what works for your friend's dog may not
work for yours.
- Once you've gotten started, test your budding star's skill at matches.
These are informal, inexpensive practice shows put on by dog clubs.
While you won't earn legs toward your title, you will get a taste of
doing it "for real."
- Attend some trials to observe and mingle. You'll have the
opportunity to see skilled dogs and handlers, as well as some who may
need to hit the books some more! You can also meet people who have the
same interests as you and can give you some tips or direct you to
other classes and events in your area.
But the best part of watching a trial is to see the close bond that has
developed between the dog and handler. Their total concentration on the
task at hand gives way to the sheer delight of accomplishment that can be
seen on the faces of both - and in the wag of a tail.
Experience the ultimate in companionship and teamwork. Taste the thrill
of competition. Join an Obedience training class and participate in
Obedience trials. You and your dog will have fun!
AKC Obedience Page
|
