About Obedience Trials:

Obedience Trials test a dog's ability to perform a prescribed set of exercises on which it is scored. In each exercise, the dog must score more than 50% of the possible points (ranging from 20 to 40) and get a total score of at least 170 out of a possible 200 points, a 'qualifying score.' Each time a dog gets a qualifying score, he's gotten a 'leg' towards his title. Three legs and the dog has become an Obedience Titled dog! There are 3 levels at which a dog can earn a title and each is more difficult than the one before it. You may see levels divided into 'A' and 'B' at a trial; 'A' classes are for beginners whose dogs have never received a title while 'B' classes are for more experienced handlers.

Novice: The first level, Novice, results in the dog earning a Companion Dog (CD) title. The title actually describes what is expected of the dog: demonstrating the skills required of a good canine companion. He will have to heel both on and off leash at different speeds, come when called, stay (still and quietly!) with a group of other dogs when told and stand for a simple physical exam.

Open: The second level, Open, results in the dog earning a Companion Dog Excellent (CDX) title. He must do many of the same exercises as in Novice, but off-leash and for longer periods. Additionally, there are jumping and retrieving tasks. Also, for the stay exercises, the handler must leave the dog's sight.

Utility: The final level results in a Utility Dog (UD) title. These dogs are the cream of the crop. In addition to more difficult exercises, the dog must perform scent discrimination tasks, and work away from the handler.

OTCH and UDX: The best of the best can go on for more titles. Utility Dogs that continue to compete and earn legs in Open and Utility at 10 shows become Utility Dog Excellent (UDX). Utility Dogs that are ranked 1st or 2nd in Open B or Utility classes can earn points toward an Obedience Trial Champion (OTCH) title.

Rally Obedience or "Rally-O" is a dog sport based on traditional Obedience. The judge gives the command "Forward" and the dog and handler complete the course on their own, moving continuously through a Rally course of 10-20 stations, depending on their competition level.  Each of the stations has a sign providing instructions regarding the skill to be performed. Some of the skills include: heeling around cones, heeling speed changes, turns, circles, pivots, reverse direction, fronts and finishes. Courses are designed by the judge and are different at every trial.  Handlers receive a course map from the judge and can walk the course, without their dog, prior to the start of their class.

Possible point deductions for each station can range from 1 to a maximum of 10 with the exception of a non-qualifying performance.  The dog and handler must have a minimum score of 70 points out of a possible perfect score of 100.  The dog must have three qualifying scores under two judges to receive their title.  Rally is a timed event but times are only recorded not posted.  Times are only used to break ties for placements.

Novice - (RN title) - Dog is on leash, 10-15 stations

Advanced - (RA title) - Dog is off leash, 12-17 stations, one jump in course

Excellent - (RE title) - Dog is off leash, 15-20 stations, two jumps in course

Rally Advanced Excellent - (RAE title) - Dog and handler must qualify 10 times in both the Rally Advanced B class and the Rally Excellent B class at the same trial.