ICCKC OBEDIENCE TRIALS an Overview

The purpose of Obedience Trials is to demonstrate the usefulness of the purebred dog as a companion of man, not merely to demonstrate the dog’s ability to follow specified routines in the obedience ring. The primary objective of Obedience Trials is to produce dogs that have been trained and conditioned  to behave in the home, in public places, and in the presence of other dogs, and to behave  in a manner that will reflect credit on the sport of Obedience. It is also essential that the dog demonstrate a willingness and an enjoyment of it's work.

Currently there are five Obedience Titles. Additional titles are added from time to time and just recently, two new titles have been approved.  Starting in 2005,The Rally Obedience Title and The UDX 1,2,3,4 etc. will also be added.
 

Novice:

The Companion Dog Title (CD), also called Novice is the foundation of all obedience work and  performance events, such as agility. Without this solid foundation, advanced work will be difficult  for the dog.

Novice is split into two separate classes, Novice A and Novice B. Novice A is for a dog and handler who have never earned an obedience title. Novice B is for more experienced handlers who have titled other dogs. Once a handler has titled a dog, they can never show in Novice A again. They must move to Novice B.
 

 To qualify in a class, a dog must receive a score of at least 170 points out of a possible 200, with at least 50% of each exercise. They must qualify  under three different judges. When they receive those three scores and it is made official by The American Kennel Club (AKC) they will be awarded an Obedience Title Certificate and the letters CD may be used behind the dog's name. This award is permanent and will remain with the dog always.

Novice Exercises and Scores

Open:

The second level of obedience is the Companion Dog Excellent (CDX) or Open. The open class is  spit into two separate classes. Open A is for dogs that have a CD Title and are trying to earn a CDX. Anyone can enter this class as long as the dog has a CD Title, expect for judges, family members of judges or a handler who has put an Obedience Trial Champion (OTCH) on another dog. The Open B Class is for dogs who are trying to earn a UDX (Utility Dog Excellent Title)  or a Obedience Trial Champion Title. Any handler or dog can enter this class as long as the dog being  shown has  a CD. A CDX can be earned in this class as well as in Open A. The biggest difference being that a handler who has titled a dog to an OTCH, a judge or a member of a judges family must show in the B classes. A handler and dog can continue to show in Open B for as long as they like.

Like in the novice category, the handler and dog must qualify under three different judges and receive at least a 170 out of a perfect score of 200, and  also must receive 50% of each exercise. When all the requirements of this class have been meet, they will be awarded an Obedience Trial Certificate from AKC and may use the letters CDX (Companion Dog Excellent) behind the dogs name.

Open Exercises and Scores
 

Utility:

The Utility Dog Title (UD) is the  third and highest level of obedience and the  most difficult. The dog must receive at least a score of 170 out of a perfect score of 200. Score 50% of each exercise and qualify under three separate judges.

This class is also split into the A and B ring. The A class is for dogs who have a CDX (Companion Dog Excellent ) title and are trying to get a Utility Degree. Judges, family members of judges, or handlers who have put a Obedience Trial Champion on any other dog cannot compete in this class. The Utility B class is for handlers and dogs trying to earn a Utility Dog Excellent Title and  OTCH  (Obedience Trial Champion) points. This class can also be used to get a utility title.

After all the requirements are met for this title, AkC will issue an Obedience Title Certificate and the letters UD may be used behind the Dog's name.

Utility Exercises and Scores
 

Utility Dog Excellent(UDX):

After a handler and dog have received the required qualifying scores in utility, they may continue on for the Utility Dog Excellent Title. Open B and Utility B is required for this title.

The Handler and dog must qualify in both Open B and Utility B on the same day to receive a UDX leg, but do not have to place.  They must quality  ten times, and after receiving the ten qualifying scores and AKC makes it official, the dog may use the letters UDX. The AKC (American Kennel Club) will then issue an Obedience Title Certificate.
 
 

Obedience Trial Champion (OTCH):

The Obedience Trial Champion Title is the highest honor a dog can receive in the sport of obedience. To receive this title the dog and handler team must compete in Open B and Utility B only, and   must place in the class. Placements are 1st - 4th. The dog must receive at least one first place from Utility B and one first place from Open B. They also must receive at least one other 1st place; in either Utility B or Open B. Obedience Trial Champion  points are awarded for each placement, the amount of points available depend on the number of dogs competing in that class. The highest number of points go to first, then second, third and fourth. The Obedience Trial Champion Title requires 100 points. When all the above requirements have been met, the American Kennel Club will issue an Obedience Title Certificate and the letters OTCH may be used in front of the dog’s name.
All championship titles are placed in front of the dog’s name and all others behind the dog’s name.

For more information, descriptions of individual exercises, and for complete  rules and regulations regarding the Sport of Obedience, pick up a rule book at the Show Superintendent's table or write to the American Kennel Club and they will send you a free copy.

As wonderful and exciting as the Sport of Obedience is, it’s the bond and relationship between dog and handler that makes it so special. Obedience training is a journey and each step of that journey will build a foundation of trust and companionship. Once you start to obedience train your dog you will never look at him in the same way and he will see you in a totally different light. No longer will you be dog and master, but partners.

Please stop by the Obedience ring. We welcome you and your questions.

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