I want to try my hand at competing w/ my dogs. How do I find out about local shows? I think I would have to start w/ novice, right?I live in the Hudson Valley of New York.Is there a difference between companion dog and utility? I've never done any showing before , but I want to try really badly!!!

Hi Jeanette,

Don't be afraid to ask questions! I got involved in competitive obedience only 1 year ago and I am still a novice! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

There is a huge difference between companion dog and utility! A dog starts with Novice. This is for the companion dog (CD) title. It involves heeling on lead & off, stand for exam, 3min sit-stay and 5min down-stay. A dog must earn a qualifying score of 170 out of a possible 200 three times under three different judges to earn the CD. These are called "legs" towards a title.

Second comes the Open level. This is for the companion dog excellent (CDX) title. This involves heeling off lead, stand for exam, retrieves on the flat and over the high jump, and the broad jump, 5min sit-stay and 5min down-stay with you hidden out of sight. The dog must also earn 3 legs here to earn the CDX.

Then comes Utility. This is for the utility dog (UD) title. This involves extensive heeling off lead, moving stands, hand signal commands, directed jumping, directed retrieves, and scent discrimination. The dog must also earn 3 legs here to earn the UD title.

A dog must complete subsequent titles before moving on to the more advanced titles. A dog can continue on to utility dog excellent (UDX) titles and accumulate points for obedience trial championships (OTCh).

It is important to realize that a handler can not just go in the ring and command their dog any way they want. There are extensive rules regarding how you direct/command your dog. And handler errors count more against your score than the dog's errors. You can order a copy of the AKC obedience regulations at the following address or email. Single copies of the booklet are free, additional copies are $2.00ea.

The American Kennel Club Order Desk
5580 Centerview Dr
Raleigh, NC 27606-3390

Tel: (919)233-9767

orderdesk@akc.org

Good luck to you and your dog!

Kali
Thanks for your information. It helped me answer some of my own questions. Pam

Thanks so much for your response... I know I didn't ask the question, but it was very helpful to me too. My puppy is turning 10 wks tomorrow. I'm thinking of doing therapy work with him. But, this sounded really fun too. I just want us to be involved in something together. I love training so much, and it gives me tons of extra excuses to spend with my dog lol

Do you think it would be possible to do both therapy and AKC? Is there an age requirement to this type of training, or how do you go about getting involved? Thanks for any help.

Angelique, you may want to consider starting with AKC Rally Obedience (http://www.rallyobedience.com/). It's much more friendly and low-key than regular Obedience, and they are usually held in conjunction with regular OB trials so you can see them in action. I really enjoy it, though I haven't been to a trial in far too long.

Also there is a Yahoo group called K9 New England that can be a great resource if you are in the NY area: http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/k9NE/

I am entering my GSD in novice obediance. He does very well in class, but is bored in the ring. He is not food or toy driven, in fact it is hard to get him excited-- except if he sees a cat or a rabbit. Any suggestions on improving his drive????
sandie

Sandie, this would actually be a new topic, and you might want to start a new thread with a title that indicates your question better than this one does.

Maybe in this forum http://leerburg.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/ubb/postlist/Board/134/page/1 rather than here.

thank you- did so. sandie