Novice Classes:
The First Obedience Title is a C.D. (Companion Dog). The dog is entered in Novice classes which are divided into Novice A and Novice B. The Novice A class is for a person who has never earned a title or owned a dog with a C.D. title. Otherwise, the person must enter the Novice B Class.

The Novice Class requires the dog to successfully complete six exercises including heeling both on and off lead at varying speeds and with two different patterns, coming when called, standing still for a brief examination by the judge, and staying still in both the sitting and lying down position as part of a group of dogs.

Open Classes: The Next level is a C.D.X. title (Companion Dog Excellent.) You may enter the Open Classes after completing your C.D. You may enter Open A provided you are not an obedience or conformation judge or have not previously earned an O.T.Ch. (see below for a description of the O.T.Ch. title.) Open Class involves seven exercises and includes many of the same exercises performed in the Novice Class, but exercises are done off-lead and for longer periods of time. In addition, the dog will have to drop to the ground on command during the recall and perform a set of exercises over jumps (jump heights and widths are based on the dog’s size.)

Utility Classes:
The Third Obedience Title is a U.D. (Utility Dog) You may enter the Utility Classes after completing your C.D.X..You may enter Utility A provided you are not an obedience or breed judge and have not earned an O.T.Ch.

Utility Class involves 6 exercises that are substantially different from the previous classes. They include a series of non-verbal commands and the dog must perform scent discrimination activities in addition to directed jumping exercises.

Utility Dog Excellent, U.D.X.
Utility Dog Excellent is a title awarded once a dog has earned both an Open and Utility Title. The team must earn qualifying scores at ten separate events, qualifying in both Open B and in Utility B.

Obedience Trial Champion, O.T.Ch.
To become an Obedience Trial Champion, a dog must earn 100 points from placements it receives in Open B and/or in Utility B. The team must achieve 1st or 2nd place to earn points. The dog-handler team must have at least three first places; one 1st from Utility B, one 1st from Open B, and one more 1st place from either class. These 1st place wins must be earned under three different judges. There is a Point Schedule used to determine points awarded for each class. The O.T.Ch.. title precedes the dog's registered name instead of going at the end because it is a championship. After earning an O.T.Ch.., the very proud owner may only enter "B" classes in future obedience trials.

To receive more information write to:
The American Kennel Club, 51 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10010
Request: Obedience Regulations ($1.00)

For a complete description of rules, regulations, exercise descriptions see AKC Obedience Regulations.

You can find AKC obedience and kennel clubs by visiting the AKC site.

Although not as numerous as AKC events, the United Kennel Club (UKC) also offers obedience competitions. There are some slight differences in the skills and exercises involved but the competitions are very similar. You can find out about UKC on their website.