Competitive Obedience originated from the sport of Working Trials (which is the civilian equivalent of Police Dog work) and has developed over the years into what it is today; which is obedient and well-trained dogs having their abilities tested. Any breed or crossbreed can take part, as can any owner.
The first step to having an obedient dog is to take it to training and there is no better place to start than with the Island Dog Training Club. Once you have mastered the basics you will be able to join the Competition Class (normally held on a Monday and Friday evening) and this will prepare you for the tests that have to be completed at an Obedience Show.
There are six ‘classes’ – levels of competitive obedience – at Obedience shows. New handlers will start in the basic Introductory, Pre-Beginners and Beginners Classes; as you become more experienced you can qualify for the higher classes right up to Class C, the highest (and most difficult).
Each class contains a set of exercises which the judge will ask you and your dog to perform. The exercises range from heelwork (on and off the lead), to a recall and control exercises. As you progress through the classes the exercises obviously become more difficult. When you reach Class C your dog will have to perform additional exercises such as scent discrimination, send away and distance control.
Each exercise has a maximum number of points and judges will judge each team (handler and dog) against their personal view of the perfect execution of the test (within the guidance set down in the regulations). Dogs are expected to work in a happy and natural manner, with the handler responding smartly and quickly to the steward’s commands.