Competitive Obedience

There are many different elements included in the world of dog shows. Though many shows judge dogs based on their vision of an ideal breed of dog, others judge a dog’s level of training and willingness to please their owner. Conformation shows are more looks based while obedience shows are much more behavior based. When most people hear obedience in relation to dogs, they think of training and behavior, however, competitive obedience is a full-fledged and popular sport.

To prepare for a competitive obedience show, many owners take their dog through various training courses. The classes within an obedience show are broken down based on experience and level of difficulty. All classes judge the dogs’ accuracy in completing tasks but also their willingness and level of enjoyment. These shows focus on how well a dog acts as a companion to their owner. Competitive obedience became popular through dog trainers who worked hard with their own canines as well as their clients’ and wanted a way to share their efforts with others.

In the novice level of a competitive obedience show, dogs perform most of their actions while on the leash. With their owners, they go through patterns of movement while showing their ability to heel. The dogs are also asked to sit while a judge performs and examination. The dogs must stay still and quiet throughout the examination. They must also demonstrate their ability to come when called and to lie down.

In the open level, the competition becomes more difficult. Most of the work is done off of the leash. The dogs still go through patterns of heeling with their handlers. Through the movements, the dogs are asked to change speed and direction various times. They also go over a jump and show their ability to retrieve an item. At a certain point, the handlers are asked to leave the competition ring and the dogs must sit and stay for the judges, with their owners out of sight.

The utility class is the most difficult. Dogs obey silent hand signals while off of the leash. They must retrieve again, except only relying on their sense of smell. They are not permitted to see the item that their owner touches, they must seek it out through scent. In this class, dogs go over more jumps. It is much more challenging than the other classes and usually only appropriate for very experienced dogs.

Competitive obedience gives owners and handlers a chance to demonstrate their strong partnership with their dog. It is a fun and rewarding way to become further involved with your dog and the canine world.