Competitive Obedience
What is Competitive Obedience?
Competitive obedience is a progression from pet obedience but to a much higher standard, and is quite different from pet obedience. It is very precise and stylised. It is an absorbing and involved sport and hundreds of people compete in competitions every year.
What Dogs Can Compete?
All breeds can compete, but if it is a mongrel it must be registered with the kennel club on either, the Obedience and Working Trials Register or the Breed Register. Dogs have to be over six months old, but dogs over four months can be entered to get them used to the environment but not for competition.
What are Classes?
There are six classes in which you will be required to progress up. Unlike other canine competitions you have to enter into the lowest class your dog is eligible for and can only qualify to the next class by winning a number of first prizes. When you have entered the lowest class you can enter the next highest except for the Championship Class C which you must qualify to. Many competitors do this to give there dogs as much experience as possible. Once you have become more experienced and have progressed through Pre-beginners and Beginners and Novice, you progress to Class A, to Class B then to Class C. These classes get progressively more difficult, introducing more exercises, which are more complicated and have to be more precise. An exemplary level of obedience is expected. As you progress through the classes more exercises are introduced, this includes:
Scent discrimination – Your do is expected to retrieve a particular article from a selection laid out in the ring.
Distance Control – Your dog must obey commands to down, stand or sit, given while you are standing some distance away from him.
Heel Work – Carried out at different speeds and with many different manoeuvres.
Pre-beginners – To take part in this class, handler and dog must not have won a first prize at this level, nor gained a first prize or above in any other obedience class. This class is only for the least experienced in the obedience world
Tasks – Heelwork, on and off lead, Recall, Sit Stay, Down Stay.
Beginners – Once you have succeeded in the pre-beginners class you will be able to progress to this class. To take part in this class handler and dog must not have won a total of two or more first prizes in beginners or one first prize in any other obedience competitions (pre-beginners excepted).
Tasks – As above but with an extra in the form of retrieving an article.
Novice – As above but with an extra in the form of temperament test.
With all the above classes you can not carry food or toys in the ring, but you can talk to your dog as much as you like as well as using signals.
Test A – In this class you will be required to do heelwork on and off lead, a recall to the heel position, find handlers scent, sit and down stay with the handler out of sight for the down. Simultaneous command and signal are allowed at the start of each exercise, but any further are penalised.
Test B – In this class you will be required to do heelwork at a fast, slow and normal pace off lead. Also a sendaway with recall, find handlers scent, sit and down stay out of sight, stand stay.
Test C – In this class you will be required to do heelwork at a fast, slow and normal paces off lead, sit, down and stand positions in heelwork, distance control, sendaway with recall, and find judges scent.
Championship C is as test C but are often more complex with more demanding tests being set. In test B and C only one command is allowed to start each exercise, further commands or signals are penalised.
What are Tests?
There are 3 different tests in Obedience where the competition becomes gradually more difficult. There are all sorts of classes at tests, from the most senior class C to the most junior, pre-beginners.
Limited Obedience Test – This test can be restricted in a number of ways. They may be limited to either, residents within a specific area, to specific breeds, to a number of entrants, or only members of the organising society. So that less experienced dogs and owners have more chance of going home with prizes, no dogs that have won The Kennel Clubs top award, or an obedience certificate may take part.
Open Obedience Test – This test is open to anyone who wishes to enter. Shows may attract competitors of every level and experience as there are no restrictions.
Championship Obedience Test – This is open to anyone to enter. The Kennel Club’s top award – Obedience certificate (also known as tickets) will also be on offer, but can only be won by dogs winning the highest class, Championship Class C.
Essential Equipment
You will need a lead and a collar for your dog. If you use a particular toy for training it will be useful to take and any other rewards that you need and use, but remember no food is allowed in the ring. Water and a bowl, equipment/facilities to keep your dog comfortable in the car at the shows. You will need a clip, armband or pin to attach your number.
Rules and Regulations and Contacts
Up to date copies of the rules for the UK are available from the Kennel Club as are contact details.
