AKC OBEDIENCE REGULATIONS
You can find the complete and updated set of regulations here
Exercises Summary
| Novice Class | Open Class | Utility Class | Graduate Open Class | Pre-Novice Class |
| Heel on Leash and Figure Eight 40 points | Heel Free and Figure Eight 40 points | Signal Exercise 40 points | Heel On Leash & Figure Eight 40 points | Signal Exercise 40 points |
| Stand for Examination 30 points | Drop on Recall 30 points | Scent Discrimination Article No. 1 30 points | Drop on Recall 40 points | Scent Discrimination 30 points |
| Heel Free 40 points | Retrieve on Flat 20 points | Scent Discrimination Article No. 2 30 points | Dumbbell Recall 30 points | Directed Retrieve 30 points |
| Recall 30 points | Retrieve over High Jump 30 points | Directed Retrieve 30 points | Recall Over High Jump 30 points | Moving Stand and Examination 30 points |
| Long Sit 30 points | Broad Jump 20 points | Moving Stand and Examination 30 points | Recall Over Broad Jump 30 points | Go Out 30 points |
| Long Down 30 points | Long Sit 30 points | Directed Jumping 40 points | Long Down 30 points | Directed Jumping 40 points |
| - | Long Down 30 points | - | - | - |
| Maximum Total Score 200 points | Maximum Total Score 200 points | Maximum Total Score 200 points | Maximum Total Score 200 points | Maximum Total Score 200 points |
Qualifying Score.
A qualifying score means that the dog has earned more than 50 percent of the points for each exercise with a total score of at least 170 points. This score must be earned in a regular class at a licensed or member obedience trial. There is no minimum number of dogs necessary in any class to earn a qualifying score toward a title.When Titles are Won.
After a dog earns a title from an "A" class, it may continue showing in that "A" class for 60 days. After 60 days, it may continue to compete in that level "B" class. A dog may continue to compete in Novice B until it receives either a qualifying score in the Open Class or a High in Trial. An unlimited number of High in Trial awards may be obtained within the 60-day time period after earning the Companion Dog title. However, once a High in Trial is received after the 60-day period, the dog may no longer be entered in Novice B at future trials.A dog may compete indefinitely in Open B and/or Utility B after the Open or Utility title is earned. A dog may compete in a more advanced class if it receives the prerequisite title prior to the trial in which the advanced entry is to be made.
Once a dog has competed in Open, it may not again be shown in Novice A, and once a dog has competed in Utility it may not again be shown in Open A. After a dog earns a title, it may be moved up to the next class in a future trial even though the closing date for the trial has passed. This moveup may be requested if, according to the owner's records, the dog has completed the requirements for the title after the closing date of the trial in which the advanced entry is to be made. The request for a move-up must be in writing and presented to the superintendent or trial secretary at least 30 minutes prior to the start of each trial. Move-ups may be approved, provided the next level class (i.e. novice to open) and judge are available and the class has not reached its limit. The club shall state clearly in its premium list whether move-ups will be allowed.
Obedience Ribbons.
At licensed or member obedience trials the following colors must be used for prize ribbons or rosettes in all regular classes, for the ribbon or rosette for Highest Scoring Dog in the Regular Classes, and for the ribbon or rosette for the dog with the Highest Combined Score in Open and Utility:First Prize Blue
Second Prize Red
Third Prize Yellow
Fourth Prize White
Qualifying Prize Dark Green
Highest Scoring Dog in the Regular Classes Blue and Gold
Highest Combined Score in Open and Utility Blue and Green
The following colors shall be used for non-regular classes:
First Prize Rose
Second Prize Brown
Third Prize Light Green
Fourth Prize Gray
Novice A Class.
The Novice A Class shall be for dogs that have not won the CD title. A handler must own the dog entered, or be a member of the owner's household or immediate family, and may not have previously handled any dog that has earned an AKC Novice, Open, or Utility title. No dog may be entered in both Novice A and Novice B at any trial.Novice B Class.
The owner or any other person may handle dogs in this class to earn a CD title.The exercises and maximum scores in the Novice Classes:
1. Heel on Leash and Figure Eight 40 points2. Stand for Examination 30 points
3. Heel Free 40 points
4. Recall 30 points
5. Long Sit 30 points
6. Long Down 30 points
Maximum Total Score 200 points
Companion Dog Title.
The letters CD may be added after the name of each dog that has been certified by three different judges to have received qualifying scores in Novice Classes at three licensed or member obedience trials. That dog will receive a Companion Dog certificate from the AKC.Heel on Leash and Figure Eight.
The principal feature of this exercise is the ability of the dog and handler to work as a team. Orders for this exercise are "Forward," "Halt," "Right turn," "Left turn," "About turn," "Slow," "Normal," and "Fast." "Fast" means that the handler must run, and the handler and dog must move forward at a noticeably accelerated speed. All about turns will be right about turns. Orders for halts and turns will be given only when the handler is moving at a normal speed. The other orders may be given in any sequence, and turns and halts may be repeated. However, the judge should standardize the heeling pattern for all dogs in the class. The leash may be held in either hand or in both hands, but the hands must be held in a natural position. The handler will enter the ring with the dog on a loose leash and stand with the dog sitting in the heel position. The judge will ask if the handler is ready before giving the order, "Forward." The handler may give a command or signal to heel and will walk briskly and naturally with the dog on a loose leash. The dog should walk close to the handler's left side without swinging wide, lagging, forging, or crowding. The dog must not interfere with the handler's freedom of motion at any time. At each order to halt, the handler will stop. The dog shall sit straight and promptly in the heel position without command or signal and shall not move until the handler again moves forward on the judge's order. After each halt, it is permissible for the handler to give a command or signal to heel before moving forward again. The judge will say, "Exercise finished" after this portion of the exercise.For the Figure Eight, the handler will stand and the dog will sit in heel position facing the judge, midway between the two stewards, who will be standing 8 feet apart. The Figure Eight in the Novice Classes will be done on leash; the handler may go around either steward first. After the judge asks, "Are you ready?" and gives the order, "Forward," the handler and dog will walk briskly around and between the two stewards twice. There will be no about turn, fast or slow, but the judge must order at least one halt during this exercise and another halt at the end.
Stand for Examination.
The principal feature of this exercise is that the dog stand in position before and during the examination without displaying resentment. Orders are, "Stand your dog, and leave when you are ready," "Back to your dog," and "Exercise finished." On the judge's order, the handler will remove the leash and give it to a steward, who will place it on the judge's table or other designated place. The handler will take their dog to the place indicated by the judge and, on the judge's order, will stand/pose the dog by the method of the handler's choice, taking any reasonable time if they choose to pose the dog as in the show ring. The handler will then stand with the dog in the heel position, give the command and/or signal to stay, walk straight forward about 6 feet, and then turn and face the dog.The judge will approach the dog from the front. Using the fingers and palm of one hand, the judge will touch the dog's head, body, and hindquarters. On the order "Back to your dog," the handler will walk around behind the dog and return to the heel position. The dog must remain standing until the judge has said, "Exercise finished."
Heel Free.
This exercise will be performed as in the Heel on Leash but without either the leash or the Figure Eight. The scoring and orders will be the same.Recall.
The principal features of this exercise are that the dog stay where left until called by the handler, and that the dog responds promptly to the handler's command or signal to come. Orders are, "Leave your dog," "Call your dog," and "Finish." On order from the judge, the handler may give a command and/or signal to the dog to stay in the sit position. The handler will then walk forward to the other end of the ring, turn to face the dog, and stand with the arms and hands hanging naturally. On the judge's order or signal, the handler will either command or signal the dog to come. The dog must come directly, at a brisk trot or gallop and sit straight, centered in front of the handler. The dog must be close enough to its handler so that the handler could touch its head without excessive bending, stretching, or moving either foot. On the judge's order, the handler will give a command or signal to finish. The dog must go smartly to heel position and sit. The manner in which the dog finishes will be optional, provided it is prompt and that the dog sits straight at heel.Group Exercises.
The principal feature of these exercises is that the dog remain in the sitting or down position, whichever is required by the particular exercise. Orders are "Sit your dogs" or "Down your dogs," "Leave your dogs" and "Back to your dogs." The dogs that are in the ring will be lined up in catalog order along one of the four sides of the ring. Each handler's armband, weighted as necessary, will be placed behind the dog. Before starting the Long Sit, the judge will ask if the handlers are ready. When the judge gives the order, the handlers will command and/or signal their dogs to sit, if they are not already sitting. On further order to "Leave your dogs," the handlers will give a command and/or signal to stay and immediately will go to the opposite side of the ring, turn, and face their dogs. After one minute from the time the judge has ordered the handlers to leave their dogs, the judge will give the order to return. The handlers must go back promptly, walking around and in back of their own dog to the heel position. The dogs must not move from the sitting position until after the judge has said, "Exercise finished." This order will not be given until the handlers are back in heel position. Before starting the Long Down, the judge will ask if the handlers are ready. On the judge's order, the handlers will command and/or signal their dogs to down, without touching either the dogs or their collars, so that the dogs are facing the opposite side of the ring. The rest of this exercise is done in the same manner as the Long Sit, except that the judge will order the handlers to return after three minutes, and the dogs must not move from the down position until after the judge has said, "Exercise finished." The dogs will not be required to sit at the end of this exercise.Open A Class.
The Open A Class will be for dogs that have won the CD title but have not won the CDX title. Anyone who has trained or exhibited a dog that has earned an OTCH may not enter or handle dogs in this class.Open B Class.
The Open B Class will be for dogs that have won the CD or CDX titles. A dog may continue to compete in this class after it has won the UD title. Prior to the start of judging, the judge will decide the order of exercises to be performed in that class. This order will not be disclosed to exhibitors until it is posted at the ring, approximately 45 minutes before the start of the class.Open A Exercises and Scores.
The exercises and maximum score in the Open A Class:1. Heel Free and Figure Eight 40 points
2. Drop on Recall 30 points
3. Retrieve on Flat 20 points
4. Retrieve over High Jump 30 points
5. Broad Jump 20 points
6. Long Sit 30 points
7. Long Down 30 points
Maximum Total Score 200 points
Open B Exercises and Scores.
The various orders of exercises in the Open B Class:OPEN I
1. Heel Free and Figure Eight 40 points
2. Drop on Recall 30 points
3. Retrieve on Flat 20 points
4. Retrieve over High Jump 30 points
5. Broad Jump 20 points
6. Long Sit 30 points
7. Long Down 30 points
OPEN II
1. Broad Jump 20 points
2. Retrieve over High Jump 30 points
3. Retrieve on Flat 20 points
4. Drop on Recall 30 points
5. Figure Eight and Heel Free 40 points
6. Long Down 30 points
7. Long Sit 30 points
OPEN III
1. Retrieve on Flat 20 points
2. Drop on Recall 30 points
3. Retrieve over High Jump 30 points
4. Broad Jump 20 points
5. Figure Eight and Heel Free 40 points
6. Long Sit 30 points
7. Long Down 30 points
OPEN IV
1. Drop on Recall 30 points
2. Heel Free and Figure Eight 40 points
3. Retrieve over High Jump 30 points
4. Broad Jump 20 points
5. Retrieve on Flat 20 points
6. Long Sit 30 points
7. Long Down 30 points
OPEN V
1. Retrieve over High Jump 30 points
2. Drop on Recall 30 points
3. Figure Eight and Heel Free 40 points
4. Retrieve on Flat 20 points
5. Broad Jump 20 points
6. Long Down 30 points
7. Long Sit 30 points
OPEN VI
1. Broad Jump 20 points
2. Figure Eight and Heel Free 40 points
3. Drop on Recall 30 points
4. Retrieve over High Jump 30 points
5. Retrieve on Flat 20 points
6. Long Sit 30 points
7. Long Down 30 points
Companion Dog Excellent Title.
The letters CDX may be added after the name of each dog that has been certified by three different judges to have received qualifying scores in Open Classes at three licensed or member obedience trials. That dog will receive a Companion Dog Excellent certificate from the AKC.Heel Free and Figure Eight.
This exercise will be executed in the same manner as the Novice Heel on Leash and Figure Eight exercise, except that the dog will be off leash. Orders and scoring are the same as in Heel on Leash and Figure Eight.Drop on Recall. The principal features of this exercise, in addition to those listed under the Novice Recall, are the dog's prompt response to the handler's command or signal to drop and the dog's remaining in the down position until again called or signaled to come. The dog will be judged on the promptness of its response to the command or signal. The judge will order "Leave your dog," "Call your dog," then give a clear signal to drop the dog, followed by "Call your dog" and "Finish." On order from the judge, the handler may give a command and/or signal for the dog to stay in the sit position. The handler will walk forward to the other end of the ring, then turn, facing their dog, and stand naturally. On the judge's order or signal, the handler will either command or signal the dog to come. The dog must come directly at a brisk trot or gallop. On the judge's arm or hand signal, the handler shall give the command or signal to drop, and the dog must drop immediately to a complete down position. The dog must remain down until the judge gives the order or signal for the handler to signal or command the dog to come. The dog completes the exercise as in the Novice Recall.
Retrieve on Flat.
The principal feature of this exercise is that the dog retrieve promptly. Orders are "Throw it," "Send your dog," "Take it," and "Finish." The handler will stand with their dog sitting in the heel position in a place designated by the judge. On the judge's order, "Throw it," the handler will give the command and/or signal to stay. If the handler does use a signal, that signal may not be given with the hand that is holding the dumbbell. After the dumbbell is thrown at least 20 feet, the judge will order the handler, "Send your dog." The retrieve should be executed at a brisk trot or gallop. The dog will go directly to the dumbbell and retrieve it, returning directly to the handler as in the Novice Recall without unnecessary mouthing or playing. On order from the judge to "Take it," the handler will give command or signal and take the dumbbell. The finish will be executed as in the Novice Recall. The dumbbell, which must be approved by the judge, will be made of one or more solid pieces of wood or non-wooden material similar in size, shape and weight to a wooden dumbbell. Metal dumbbells are not permitted. Dumbbells will not be hollowed out. They may be unfinished, coated with a clear finish, or may be any color. They may not have decorations or attachments but may bear an inconspicuous mark for identification. The size of the dumbbell will be proportionate to the size of the dog. The judge will require the dumbbell to be thrown again before the dog is sent if it is thrown less than 20 feet, too far to one side, or too close to the ring's edge.Retrieve over High Jump.
The principal features of this exercise are that the dog go out over the jump, pick up the dumbbell, and promptly return with it over the jump. Orders are "Throw it," "Send your dog," "Take it," and "Finish." This exercise will be executed in the same manner as the Retrieve on Flat, except that the dog will clear the high jump both going and coming. The handler will stand at least 8 feet, (or any reasonable distance beyond 8 feet) from the jump, will remain in the same spot throughout the exercise and will throw the dumbbell at least 8 feet beyond the jump. (These 8-foot distances should be clearly marked.) Jump heights shall be set in multiples of two inches with no dog jumping less than 8 inches or more than 36 inches. A jump height is determined by the actual height of the dog at the withers. The actual height of the dog shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of 2 inches to determine the minimum jump height.Broad Jump.
The principal features of this exercise are that the dog stay where left until directed to jump, that the dog clear the jump on a single command or signal, and that the dog return to its handler after it has jumped. Orders are "Leave your dog," "Send your dog," and "Finish." The handler will stand with the dog sitting in the heel position at least 8 feet from the jump facing the lowest side of the lowest hurdle. (This 8-foot distance should be clearly marked.) On order from the judge to "Leave your dog," the handler will give the command and/or signal to stay and go to a position facing the right side of the jump. The handler may stand anywhere between the lowest edge of the first hurdle and the highest edge of the last hurdle with their toes about 2 feet from the jump. On the judge's order, the handler will give the command or signal to jump. While the dog is in midair, the handler will execute a right-angle turn, but will remain in the same spot. The dog will clear the entire distance of the hurdle without touching them and, without further command or signal, immediately return to a sitting position in front of the handler, finishing as in the Novice Recall. The broad jump will consist of four white telescoping hurdles, all about 8 inches wide. The largest hurdle will measure about 5 feet long and about 6 inches at the highest point. In the ring, they will be arranged in order of size, evenly spaced, covering a distance equal to twice the height of the high jump setting for each dog. Four hurdles will be used for a jump of 48 to 72 inches, three for 28 to 44 inches and two for a jump of 16 to 24 inches. When decreasing the number of hurdles in the jump, the highest hurdle will be removed first.Open Group Exercises.
During these exercises the judge will stand so that all the dogs are in their line of vision. Without having to turn around, judges should be able to see all the handlers as they leave and return to the ring. These exercises are performed in the same manner as in the Novice Classes, except that the handlers must cross to the opposite side of the ring then leave in a single file and go completely out of the dogs' sight. Counting from the judge's order to "Leave your dogs," the handlers must remain in the place designated by the judge until three minutes have passed for the Long Sit and five minutes for the Long Down. On the judge's orders, the handlers will return to the ring in reverse order, lining up to face their dogs at the opposite side of the ring, and return to their dogs. Orders and scoring are the same as in the Novice Group Exercises.Utility A Class.
The Utility A Class is for those dogs that have won the CDX title but have not won the UD title. Anyone who has trained or exhibited a dog that has earned an Obedience Trial Champioship may not enter or handle dogs in this class.Utility B Class.
The Utility B Class is for dogs that have won the CDX or UD title. Prior to the start of judging, the judge will decide the order of exercises to be performed in this class. This order will not be disclosed to exhibitors until it is posted at the ring, approximately 45 minutes before the start of the class.Utility A Exercises and Scores.
The exercises, maximum scores and order of judging in the Utility A Class:1. Signal Exercise 40 points
2. Scent Discrimination Article No. 1 30 points
3. Scent Discrimination Article No. 2 30 points
4. Directed Retrieve 30 points
5. Moving Stand and Examination 30 points
6. Directed Jumping 40 points
Maximum Total Score 200 points
Utility B Exercises and Scores.
The various orders of exercises in the Utility B Class:UTILITY I
1. Signal Exercise 40 points
2. Scent Discrimination Article No. 1 30 points
3. Scent Discrimination Article No. 2 30 points
4. Directed Retrieve 30 points
5. Moving Stand and Examination 30 points
6. Directed Jumping 40 points
UTILITY II
1. Directed Jumping 40 points
2. Moving Stand and Examination 30 points
3. Directed Retrieve 30 points
4. Scent Discrimination Article No. 1 30 points
5. Scent Discrimination Article No. 2 30 points
6. Signal Exercise 40 points
UTILITY III
1. Scent Discrimination Article No. 1 30 points
2. Scent Discrimination Article No. 2 30 points
3. Directed Retrieve 30 points
4. Signal Exercise 40 points
5. Moving Stand and Examination 30 points
6. Directed Jumping 40 points
UTILITY IV
1. Moving Stand and Examination 30 points
2. Directed Jumping 40 points
3. Signal Exercise 40 points
4. Directed Retrieve 30 points
5. Scent Discrimination Article No. 1 30 points
6. Scent Discrimination Article No. 2 30 points
UTILITY V
1. Directed Retrieve 30 points
2. Scent Discrimination Article No. 1 30 points
3. Scent Discrimination Article No. 2 30 points
4. Directed Jumping 40 points
5. Signal Exercise 40 points
6. Moving Stand and Examination 30 points
UTILITY VI
1. Directed Retrieve 30 points
2. Signal Exercise 40 points
3. Directed Jumping 40 points
4. Moving Stand and Examination 30 points
5. Scent Discrimination Article No. 1 30 points
6. Scent Discrimination Article No. 2 30 points
Utility Dog Title.
The letters UD may be added after the name of each dog that has been certified by three different judges to have received qualifying scores in Utility Classes at three licensed or member obedience trials. That dog will receive a Utility Dog certificate from the AKC.Signal Exercise.
The principal features of this exercise are the ability of dog and handler to work as a team while heeling and the dog's correct response to the signals to stand, stay, down, sit, and come. Orders are the same as in the Novice Heel on Leash, except for the judge's order to "Stand your dog." This order will only be given when dog and handler are walking at a normal pace and will be followed by the order "Leave your dog." The judge must use signals for directing the handler to signal the dog to down, sit, come (in that sequence) and to finish. Heeling will be done as in the Heel Free, except that the handler may use signals only and must not speak to their dog at any time during this exercise. While the dog is heeling at one end of the ring, the judge will order the handler to "Stand your dog." On further order to "Leave your dog," the handler will signal the dog to stay, go to the other end of the ring, then turn and face the dog. On the judge's signal, the handler will give the signals to down, sit, come, and finish as in the Novice Recall.Scent Discrimination.
The principal features of these exercises are the selection of the handler's article from among the other articles by scent alone and the prompt delivery of the correct article to the handler. The judge will ask, "What method will you be using to send your dog?" The handler must respond with either "After a sit" or "Send directly." The judge will then ask, "Are you Ready?" immediately prior to taking the article from the handler. This taking of the article will be considered to be the first order, and scoring of the exercise will begin at that time. The remaining orders are "Send your dog," "Take it," and "Finish." In each of these two exercises, the dog must select and retrieve an article that has been handled by its handler. The dog must make this selection based on scent alone. The articles will be provided by the handler and will consist of two sets, each comprised of five identical objects, which may be items of everyday use. The size of the articles will be proportionate to the size of the dog. One set must be made entirely of rigid metal and one of leather, designed so that only a minimum amount of thread or other material is visible. The articles in each set will be legibly numbered with a different number and must be approved by the judge. The handler will present all ten articles to the judge, who will make a written note of the numbers on the two articles they have selected. These articles will be placed on a table or chair within the ring until the handler picks each up separately. The judge or steward will handle each of the remaining eight articles while randomly arranging them on the floor or ground about 6 inches apart. The closest article should be about 20 feet from the handler and dog. Before the dog is sent, the judge must make sure that the articles are visible to both dog and handler and that they are far enough apart so that there will be no confusion of scent among articles. After the articles have been put out, the handler and dog will turn around and will remain facing away until the judge has given the order, "Send your dog." The handler may use either article first, but must hand it to the judge immediately when ordered. The judge will make certain the handler scents each article with their hands only. On the judge's order, the handler will place the article on the judge's book or work sheet. Without touching that article, the judge or steward will place it among the others. On order from the judge to "Send your dog," the handler may give the command to heel and will turn in place, either right or left, to face the articles. The handler will come to a halt with the dog sitting in the heel position. The handler will then give the command or signal to retrieve. Handlers may, on order from the judge to "Send your dog," do a right about-turn, simultaneously giving the command or signal to retrieve. In this case, the dog should not assume a sitting position but must go directly to the articles. Handlers have the option as to how the dog is sent. The handler may give their scent by extending the palm of one hand in front of the dog's nose or gently touching the dog's nose, but the arm and hand must be returned to a natural position before they turn and face the articles. The dog should go directly to the articles at a brisk trot or gallop. It may take any reasonable time to select the correct article but must work continuously. After picking up the correct article, the dog will complete the exercise as in the Retrieve on Flat. This procedure should be followed for both articles. If a dog retrieves the wrong first article, that article and the correct one must be removed. They will be placed on the table or chair, and the next exercise will be done with one less article.Directed Retrieve.
The principal features of this exercise are that the dog stay until directed to retrieve and that it go directly to the designated glove and retrieve it promptly. In this exercise the handler will provide three gloves that are predominately white. They must be open and must be approved by the judge. Handlers will stand with their backs to the unobstructed end of the ring midway between and in line with the jumps. The dog will be sitting in heel position. The judge or steward will drop the gloves across the end of the ring while the handler and dog are facing the opposite direction. One glove is dropped about 3 feet in from each corner, and the remaining glove is dropped in the center, about 3 feet from the end of the ring. The gloves will be designated "One," "Two," or "Three" reading from left to right when the handler is facing the gloves. The orders for the exercise are "One," "Two," or "Three," "Take it," and "Finish." When the judge designates the glove by number, the handler will turn in place to face the glove, halting with the dog sitting in heel position. The handler may not touch the dog or reposition it. The handler will give the dog the direction to the designated glove with a single motion of the left hand and arm along the right side of the dog. Either simultaneously with or immediately following giving the direction, the handler must give a verbal retrieve command. The dog must then go directly to the glove, completing the exercise as in the Retrieve on Flat. Handlers may bend their bodies and knees as far as necessary to give the direction to the dogs but must then stand up in a natural position with their arms at their sides. The judge should decide how to assign the gloves so that each glove will be used approximately the same number of times.Moving Stand and Examination.
The principal features of the exercise are that the dog heel, stand, and stay as the handler moves away; accept the examination without shyness or resentment; and return to the handler on command. Orders for the exercise are "Forward," "Stand your dog," and "Call your dog to heel." The handler will stand with the dog sitting in heel position at a point indicated by the judge. The judge will ask, "Are you ready?" and then will order, "Forward." The handler will command or signal the dog to heel. After the handler has proceeded about 10 feet, the judge will order, "Stand your dog." Without pausing, the handler will command and/or signal the dog to stand and continue forward about 10 to 12 feet. The handler will then turn either to the right or left to face the dog, which must stand and stay in position. The judge will approach the dog from the front to examine it as in dog show judging. The exam will not include the teeth or testicles. When the judge orders, "Call your dog to heel," the handler will command and/or signal the dog to return to the heel position. The dog should return to heel position in a brisk manner.Directed Jumping.
The principal features of this exercise are that the dog go away from the handler to the opposite end of the ring, stop, jump as directed, and return as in the Novice Recall. The orders are: "Send your dog," "Bar," "High," and "Finish." The jumps will be placed midway in the ring at right angles to the longest sides of the ring about 18 to 20 feet apart. The handler will stand in the approximate center of the ring with the dog sitting in heel position, about 20 feet from the jumps and midway between them. Upon order from the judge, the handler will command and/or signal the dog to go forward at a brisk trot or gallop to a point about 20 feet past the jumps in the approximate center of the unobstructed end of the ring. When the dog reaches this point, the handler will give a command to sit. The dog must stop and sit with its attention on the handler, but it need not sit squarely. The judge will order either "Bar" or "High" for the first jump, and the handler will command and/or signal the dog to return to the handler over the designated jump. While the dog is in midair, the handler may turn to face the dog as it returns. The dog will sit in front of the handler and, on order from the judge, finish as in the Novice Recall. After the dog has returned to heel position, the judge will say, "Exercise finished." When the dog is set up for the second half of this exercise, the judge will ask, "Are you ready?" before giving the order for the second part of the exercise. The same procedure will be followed for the second jump. It is optional which jump the judge first indicates, but both jumps must be included. The judge must not designate the jump until the dog has reached the far end of the ring. The height of the jumps and construction of the high jump will be the same as required in the Open Classes. The bar jump will consist of a bar between 2 and 2-1/2 inches square with the edges rounded to remove any sharpness. The bar will be flat black and white in alternate sections each about 3 inches wide. The bar will have the weight of wood. It will be supported by two unconnected 4-foot upright posts about 5 feet apart and must be adjustable for each 2 inches of height from 8 inches to 36 inches. The jump must be built so that the bar may be knocked off without affecting the uprights.OBEDIENCE TRIAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Championship Points.
Obedience Trial Championship points will be recorded for those dogs that have earned a first, second, third, or fourth place ribbon competing in the Open B or Utility B Class, according to the schedule of points established by the AKC Board of Directors. Requirements for the Obedience Trial Champion are as follows:The dog must have won:
1. 100 points
2. A first place in Utility B with at least three dogs in competition
3. A first place in Open B with at least six dogs in competition
4. An additional first place under the conditions of 2 or 3 above
5. All three first places under three different judges
Only one of the required first places may have been won at a specialty show.
Obedience Trial Champion Title.
The AKC will issue an Obedience Trial Champion certificate and will permit the use of the letters OTCH preceding the name of each dog that meets the requirements. Dual and Triple Champion. Any dog that has been awarded the titles Champion of Record (CH) and Field Champion (FC) may be designated as a Dual Champion (DC). Any dog that has been awarded the titles Champion of Record (CH), Field Champion (FC), and Obedience Trial Champion (OTCH) may be designated as a Triple Champion (TC).UTILITY DOG EXCELLENT
Dogs That May Compete.
UDX scores will be recorded only for dogs that have earned Utility Dog titles. Dogs who already have the UDX title may continue to compete in Open B and Utility B. To earn a Utility Dog Excellent title, the dog must have received qualifying scores in both Open B and Utility B at 10 separate licensed or member obedience trials. Utility Dog Excellent Title. The AKC will issue a Utility Dog Excellent certificate and will permit the use of the letters UDX following the name of each dog that meets these requirements. The letters UDX will be followed by a numeric designation indicating the number of times a dog has met the requirements of the UDX title as defined in the Regulations. (UDX2 for 20 qualifying scores, UDX3 for 30 qualifying scores, UDX4 for 40 qualifying scores, etc.)NATIONAL OBEDIENCE CHAMPION
Dogs that May Compete.
A National Obedience Championship will be awarded annually to the dog that wins the National Obedience Invitational. The winner of the event shall be entitled to be designated National Obedience Champion of ________(year). To be invited to participate, each dog must be ranked in the top 25 dogs by number of OTCH points or ranked in the top three of their respective breeds by OTCH points. If the total number of dogs accepting the invitation to be present at the event is less than 125 dogs, invitations shall be extended to a reserve list selected by ratio of dogs qualified by OTCH points in that breed to the number of dogs entered in that breed.The National Obedience Invitational competition shall comprise a varied combination of Open and Utility exercises performed as described in these Regulations. The winner of the event shall be entitled to be designated National Obedience Champion NOC of ________(year) and will permit the use of the letters NOC preceding the name of each dog that meets the requirements. Breeds of dogs recognized by AKC from foreign countries whose registries are accepted by AKC may be invited to compete in the National Obedience Invitational.
AKC Regional Competitions.
The American Kennel Club will identify yearly the events/shows to be regional qualifying events for the next year. Events will be selected based on criteria established by the American Kennel Club Companion Events Department. Regions will be based on divisions currently established for conformation by the American Kennel Club. The only exception will be the division containing Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico, which will be combined as one division, with separate qualification criteria to be set.* For all divisions, the top four dogs based on the qualification criteria as established by the Companion Events Department will be invited to attend the American Kennel Club National Obedience Event. The qualification time period for regional competitors will be from July 1 to June 30 for qualification to attend the National Obedience Invitational (NOI) following the June 30 cut-off date.For events to be identified as AKC Regional Obedience competitions:
1. The selected division event(s) must have obedience trials over three consecutive days. Only three consecutive obedience trials will be recognized as the regional trial. (Each division will only have one regional competition per year.)
2. Previous shows for trials at the events must have a minimum of 80 plus entries (this may vary by region).
3. If there are no events that meet the given requirements in a region, the Events Selection Committee can select a smaller show or allow another region to have two events.
To qualify, dogs must:
• Have a UD title
• Compete in both Open B and Utility B in all three of the shows identified as an AKC regional competition
• Have a cumulative score obtained from the dog's participation in Open and Utility at the regional competition
• Be ranked from highest to lowest based on their cumulative score with 1,200 points being a perfect score
• Qualify by cumulative score as one of the top four at one regional competition for an invitation to the National Obedience Invitational
Should a dog qualify for the NOI in more than one regional event, the next highest scoring dog will qualify.
Explanation of Titles
CD=Companion Dog;CDX=Companion Dog Excellent;
UD=Utility Dog;
UDX=Utility Dog Excellent;
OTCH=Obedience Trial Champion;
NA=Novice Agility;
NAJ=Novice Agility Jumpers;
NAP=Novice Agility Preferred;
NJP=Novice Jumpers With Weaves Preferred;
OA=Open Agility;
OAJ=Open Agility Jumpers;
OAP=Open Agility Preferred;
OJP=Open Jumpers With Weaves Preferred;
AX=Agility Excellent;
AXJ=Excellent Agility Jumper;
AXP=Agility Excellent "A" Preferred;
AJP=Excellent Jumpers With Weaves "A" Preferred;
MX=Master Agility Excellent;
MXJ=Master Agility Jumper;
MXP=Master Agility Excellent "B" Preferred;
MJP=Master Excellent Jumpers With Weaves "B" Preferred;
MACH=Master Agility Champion;
TD=Tracking Dog; TDX=Tracking Dog Excellent;
VST=Variable Surface Tracker;
CT=Champion TrackerCE
Graduate Novice Class.
The Graduate Novice Class is for dogs that have not been certified by a judge to have received a third qualifying score toward a CDX title prior to the closing of entries. If eligible as defined in these Regulations, dogs entered in Graduate Novice may also be entered in any other obedience classes. Judging will be as in the regular classes. The exercises, maximum scores and order of judging:1. Heel On Leash & Figure Eight 40 points
2. Drop on Recall 40 points
3. Dumbbell Recall 30 points
4. Recall Over High Jump 30 points
5. Recall Over Broad Jump 30 points
6. Long Down 30 points
Maximum Total Score 200 points
Heel On Leash and Figure Eight.
The exercise and scoring will be executed in the same manner as the Novice Heel on Leash and Figure Eight, except that the Figure Eight will be done off leash.Drop on Recall.
The exercise and scoring will be executed in the same manner as Open Drop on Recall, except that the handler may give the command and/or signal to drop the dog.Dumbbell Recall.
This exercise will be performed like the Novice Recall but with the dog holding the dumbbell. In addition to the Novice Recall, the dog will promptly take, hold, and deliver the dumbbell when commanded. The judge's orders are: "Give your dog the dumbbell," "Leave your dog," "Call your dog," "Take it," and "Finish." The handler will stand with the dog sitting in the heel position in a place designated by the judge. When the judge orders, "Give your dog the dumbbell," the handler will present the dumbbell with one command. The dog must accept it readily and hold it. When the judge orders, the handler may give the command and/or signal to stay and will walk forward to the other end of the ring and turns to face the dog. On the judge's order or signal, the handler will command or signal the dog to come. The dog must come directly at a brisk trot or gallop. When the dog is sitting in front of the handler, the judge will order, "Take it," and the handler will give a command and take the dumbbell. The finish will be done as in the Novice Recall.Recall Over High Jump.
The principal features of the exercise are that the dog stay until directed to jump, clear the jump on a single command or signal, and immediately return to sit in front of the handler. Orders are: "Leave your dog," "Call your dog," and "Finish." The handler will stand with the dog sitting in the heel position at least 8 feet from the jump. When the judge orders, "Leave your dog," the handler will give the command and/or signal to stay, go at least 8 feet beyond the other side of the high jump, and turn and face the dog as in the Novice Recall. On the judge's order, the handler will give the command or signal to jump. The dog must clear the high jump without touching it and, without any further command or signal, immediately sit in front of the handler and finish as in the Novice Recall.Recall Over Broad Jump.
The principal features of the exercise are the same as in the Recall over High Jump exercise. The handler will stand with the dog sitting in the heel position at least 8 feet from the jump, facing the lowest hurdle. When the judge orders, "Leave your dog," the handler will give the command and/or signal to stay, go at least 8 feet beyond the last hurdle, and turn and face the dog as in the Novice Recall. On the judge's order, the handler will give the command or signal to jump. The dog must clear the entire distance of the broad jump without touching it and, without any further command or signal, immediately sit in front of the handler and finish as in the Novice Recall. All penalties in the Novice Recall will apply. The distance of the jump will be the same as in the Open Classes.Long Down.
The Long Down exercise will be performed and scored as in the Open Group Exercise, except that the judge will order the handlers to return after three minutes.Graduate Open Class.
The Graduate Open Class is for dogs that have not been certified by a judge to have received a third qualifying score toward a UD title prior to the closing of entries. The owner or any other person may handle dogs in this class. If eligible as defined in these Regulations, dogs entered in Graduate Open may also be entered in any other obedience class.The exercises, maximum scores and order of judging:
Signal Exercise 40 points
Scent Discrimination 30 points
Directed Retrieve 30 points
Moving Stand and Examination 30 points
Go Out 30 points
Directed Jumping 40 points
Maximum Total Score 200 points
Signal Exercise.
The exercise and scoring will be the same as in the Utility Signal exercise, except that leaving the dog will be from 10 to 20 feet and the handler may give the command and/or signal on the judge's order to stand and the judge's signals to stay, down, sit, come, and finish. Scent Discrimination. The exercise and scoring will be the same as in the Utility Scent Discrimination exercise except that there will only be four articles (two leather and two metal), the handler and dog will remain facing the articles, and only one article will be retrieved. It is the handler's discretion as to which article is retrieved.Directed Retrieve.
The exercise and scoring will be performed as the Utility Directed Retrieve exercise, except that no center glove is used. Moving Stand and Examination. The exercise and scoring will be the same as in the Utility Moving Stand and Examination, except that the handler may pause or hesitate when giving the command and/or signal to stand.Go Out.
The principal features of this exercise are that the dog go away from the handler to the opposite end of the ring stop as directed. The orders are: "Send your dog" and "Return to your Dog." The handler will stand in the approximate center of the ring between the jumps facing the unobstructed end of the ring. The judge will order "Send your dog," and the handler will command and/or signal the dog to go forward at a brisk trot or gallop to a point about 20 feet past the jumps in the approximate center of the ring. When the dog reaches this point, the handler will give a command to sit. The dog must stop and sit with its attention on the handler, but it need not sit squarely. The judge will then order the handler, "Return to your dog," and the handler will return to the heel position.Directed Jumping.
The principal features of this exercise are that the dog stay where left, jump as directed, and return to the handler as in the Novice Recall. The orders are: "Leave your dog," "Bar," "High," and "Finish." The handler will stand with the dog sitting in the heel position at the unobstructed end and in the center of the ring. The judge will order "Leave your dog," and the handler will walk to the far end of the ring and turn to face the dog. The judge will order either "Bar" or "High" for the jump, and the handler will command and/or signal the dog to return to the handler over that designated jump. While the dog is in midair, the handler may turn to face the dog as it returns. The dog will sit in front of the handler, and, on order from the judge, finish as in the NoviceRecall.
The dog will be sent over only one jump, and the same jump will be used for all dogs as designated by the judge at the start of the class.Pre-Novice Class.
The Pre-Novice Class shall be for dogs that have not received a third qualifying score in a Novice Class prior to the closing of the trial. All exercises will be scored as in the Novice Class, except the dogs will perform all exercises on leash, which should be 6 feet in length. The exercises, maximum scores and order of judging:1. Heel on Leash 45 points
2. Figure Eight 25 points
3. Stand for Examination 30 points
4. Recall 40 points
5. Long Sit 30 points
6. Long Down 30 points
Maximum Total Score 200 points
International Class.
The International Class shall be for all dogs. All exercises will be performed and scored as in the Open and Utility classes. The exercises, minimum scores and order of judging:1. Drop on Recall 30 points
2. Retrieve over High Jump 30 points
3. Heel Free (No Fig. 8) 30 points
4. Scent Discrimination
Article #1 15 points
Article #2 15 points
30 points total
5. Signal Exercise 40 points
6. Directed Jumping 40 points
Maximum Total Score 200 points