Obedience

What is Obedience?

Competitive obedience is exactly what you would imagine – obedient and well trained dogs having their abilities tested.  General training classes like Good Citizen Dog Scheme will teach you the basics and then if you decide you want to progress in this sport your dog could even end up such advanced exercises as scent discrimination.  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.   Exercises range from heelwork (on and off the lead), control exercises such as one minute sit and two minute down stays, to scent discrimination exercise.  

Can any dog take part?

Obedience is open to all dogs so your dog does not have to be a pedigree, or 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 a suitable 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.

How do I go about competing?

See below to download a list of YKC Obedience Qualifiers, you will find details of clubs that hold classes which qualify members for the YKC ring at Crufts 2010.

How do I qualify for the Rebecca Pointer Obedience Award?

Members must collect points throughout the qualifying year at Obedience shows and complete an application form which can be downloaded from the bottom of this page 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. To be eligible for this award, members must be aged 6 years and up to, but not including 18th birthday and are only able to win this competition once.

More details on the Rebecca Pointer award can be found in the YKC Obedience Rules & Regulations also available to download at the bottom of the page.

YKC Obedience Qualifier results can be found by clicking here, the members listed have qualified for dfs Crufts 2011