Obedience

Obedience Competitions.

Competitive Obedience is a sport enjoyed by dogs of all ages and types, it’s also suitable for handlers of all ages.

Competitions take place in a ring, usually outdoors and on reasonably level ground.

There are 6 different classes held at a show – Pre-Beginners, Beginners, Novice, Class A, Class B and Class C. Class C being the highest level of competition.

Exercises are as follows:

Heelwork

– the dog walks close to the handlers left leg, on and off the lead while the handler follows the stewards’ instructions. In the higher classes, Class B & Class C, fast pace and slow pace are included.

Recall

– the dog is left in a wait and, on the instruction of the steward to the handler, the dog rejoins the handler.

Retrieve

– the dog fetches an article belonging to the handler, in the higher classes the judge provides the article.

Stays

– the dog is left in a sit and a down at a distance from the handler, for a set time. The time varies depending on the class level.

The following exercises are in the higher classes only:

Scent discrimination

– the dog locates and retrieves a cloth with the correct scent.

Sendaway

– the handler sends the dog to a marked area in the ring.

Distance Control

– the dog sits, stands and downs in an order decided by the judge at a distance from the handler.

Qualifications:

A dogs can get qualifications in each class by gaining points through wins and placings to achieve ‘Excellent’ qualification.

To become an Obedience Champion a dogs must win 5 Green Stars in the Championship Class C.

Here are the I.K.C. Obedience Rules and Regulations

The I.K.C. Facebook page contains details of upcoming events and seminars – (1) I.K.C. Competitive Obedience | Facebook