Competitive Obedience

The sport of Competitive Obedience has been in New Zealand for over forty years, and for most of  the Club’s history this aspect of training has been the primary focus.

Competitive Obedience has been compared to the equestrian sport of dressage. Under the instruction of their handlers, dogs are required to perform a series of set exercises. The emphasis is on precision, instant obedience to commands and versatility.

Competitive Obedience consists of  five grades, from the “Special Beginners” class through to the top level, “Test C”. All exercises are based on the fundamentals of walking to heel, coming when called, retrieving and staying in position. With each grade these exercises become more complex and more is expected of the dog, particularly in the higher levels where the handler is permitted to give only a very limited number of commands and signals.

At certain levels dogs and handlers can work towards various nationally recognised obedience titles. At an intermediate level a dog can qualify for the title of Companion Dog Excellent and at the very top level a dog may become an Obedience Champion, or better still, a Grand Obedience Champion.

 Although points are not awarded for style or eagerness, a good competitive dog should be keen to work, full of confidence, quick and responsive and obviously enjoying himself. While Competitive Obedience obviously proceeds at a slower pace than agility, there is nothing like watching a prancing dog and proud handler working together in total harmony and with pinpoint accuracy – with the occasional bark of enthusiasm thrown in!