Obedience

Obedience is just as practical as it is fun for you and your dog! Training enables dogs to understand commands and cues from their owners, facilitating effective communication between human and canine. It teaches dogs appropriate behaviors and helps to curb undesirable ones. Training can prevent dogs from engaging in dangerous behaviors, like running into the street or approaching unfamiliar dogs aggressively. Proper training often involves exposure to various people, animals, and environments, promoting socialization and reducing the likelihood of fear or aggression towards others. Training exercises challenge a dog's mind, providing mental stimulation and preventing boredom, which can lead to behavioral problems. Training sessions strengthen the bond between dogs and their owners. Overall, training enhances a dog's quality of life and contributes to a harmonious relationship between dogs and their owners.

All dogs, regardless of age or breed, are welcome to participate in AKC obedience

training classes. One of the best ways to get started in obedience is to join a class! 

AKC obedience competitions are designed to demonstrate the mastery of obedience exercises in a structured setting. AKC obedience competitions typically consist of different levels, starting from Novice and advancing to Open and Utility classes. Each level has its own set of exercises, with increasing complexity and difficulty. Dogs are judged based on their performance of each exercise, including precision, accuracy, and handler communication. Points may be deducted for mistakes or faults. Dogs earn titles by accumulating qualifying scores in AKC obedience trials. Titles include Companion Dog (CD) for Novice, Companion Dog Excellent (CDX) for Open, and Utility Dog (UD) for Utility. There are also higher-level titles such as Obedience Trial Champion (OTCH) for dogs who excel across all levels. Click HERE for the full AKC Rulebook.

To compete in AKC obedience trials, dogs must meet certain eligibility requirements:

1. Registration with the AKC: Dogs must be registered or listed with the American Kennel Club (AKC) or have an AKC PAL (Purebred Alternative Listing) number or AKC Canine Partners number. This ensures that the dog's lineage and identity are verified by the AKC.

2. Minimum Age: Dogs must be at least 6 months old to compete in AKC obedience trials.

3. Health Requirements: Dogs must be in good health and up-to-date on vaccinations as required by the AKC and the host club of the obedience trial. Blind dogs are not eligible to participate. A dog cannot compete with tape, bandages, or any other attachment for medical purposes.

4. Spaying/Neutering: Spayed and neutered dogs are eligible to compete in AKC obedience trials. Intact dogs are also allowed to compete, but females in season are not.

6. Handler's Eligibility: Handlers must also meet certain eligibility requirements, such as being a member of the AKC and adhering to the AKC's rules and regulations for participation in obedience trials.

7. Entry and Fees: Handlers must submit entry forms and pay entry fees to participate in AKC obedience trials. These fees may vary depending on the host club and the level of competition.