Obedience

What Is Obedience?

Everyone appreciates a well behaved and trained dog, an Obedience trained dog goes beyond the usual levels seen for a well mannered pet. General training classes like Good Citizen Dog Scheme will teach you the basics and then if you decide you want to progress then this is the sport for you.

There are five levels of YKC obedience classes at shows, the first being Starters. By gaining a series of first prizes, dogs and handlers can qualify through to Advanced, the highest and most difficult.

The number and degree of difficulty of exercises performed will depend upon the level at which the dog and handler are competing. An exercise is a series of predetermined movements which the dog must perform in collaboration with the handler.

Can Any Dog Take Part?

Obedience is open to all dogs so your dog does not have to be a pedigree, or a pure-bred dog to take part, but it must be registered with the Kennel Club on either the Breed Register or the Activity Register.

If you decide that Obedience is the activity for you and your dog, your next step is to receive some expert training, for a list of local Obedience training clubs, call 0844 463 3980, ext. 212 or visit the Find a Club page.

How Do I Compete?

Download a list of YKC Obedience Qualifiers for details of clubs that hold classes which qualify members for the YKC ring at Crufts. Please also ensure you read the YKC Obedience Rules & Regulations fully.

Please note that the YKC office is still awaiting a considerable number of clubs to confirm that they will be holding Young Kennel Club Obedience classes during 2011.  This page will be updated on a regular basis as soon as we receive confirmation forms so please make sure that you continue to refer back reguarly.

2011 Obedience Rule Amendments

Am I Eligible For The Rebecca Pointer Award?

Members must collect points throughout the qualifying year at Obedience shows and complete an application form to send into the YKC office by 1 December. Points are awarded for wins and places to sixth and members who gain more than 150 points will receive a special certificate.

More details on the Rebecca Pointer award can be found in the YKC Obedience Rules & Regulations.

YKC 2011 Obedience Qualifier Results