For most of us, obedience refers to training your dog to be a great household companion.
Obedience training ranges from basic to a high-level competition where additional commands, accuracy, and performance are scored and judged.
Obedience implies that the dog will respond to the direction or command given by the handler. Many dogs go through obedience training and are not considered obedient. Training your dog in obedience can be an ongoing and lengthy procedure. The level of obedience the handler wishes to achieve is a principal factor. The time and the commitment to training determines the level the dog and handler can achieve.
Obedience trials demonstrate the dog’s usefulness as a companion. Developed in the 1930s, Obedience is one of the dog-training world’s oldest competitive events. These competitions showcase the dog’s behavior through training in the home, in public places, and in the presence of other dogs.
Obedience trials allow owners and their dogs to enjoy companionship and competition as they proudly earn titles. A qualifying performance indicates the dog performed all required exercises according to the regulations for that venue. Almost all venues have classes divided into Novice (beginner), Open (more complex requirements), and Utility (includes the ability to find a specific item touched by the owner).
Almost all local dog training clubs have classes that will take you beyond the “puppy/manners” classes to begin competing in Obedience shows.
Some venues that offer Obedience competitions (trials) are linked below: