 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:
1. 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.
2. Your local dog club may hold classes taught by people
knowledgeable in the sport that can help you train for these exercises.
There are 5 kinds of dog clubs to check out: Obedience Clubs, Tracking
Clubs, All-Breed Clubs
(devoted to the entire dog
experience), Group
Clubs
(devoted to a variety group, like Toys or
Terriers), and Local
Specialty Clubs
(devoted to one breed). There may be either one, several
or all of these in your area that either hold classes or publishes
newsletters with helpful information. Getting involved with a club can
teach you many more useful things about your dog.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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."
 6. 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!
courtesy of
the www.akc.org |
