OBeDiENCE
A title in any of the levels requires three “legs” or qualifying (passing) scores. For each passing score you must earn at least half of the required points for each of the exercises and have a minimum of 170 points out of the possible 200.
The three main levels of Obedience are: Novice or Companion Dog (CD), Open or Companion Dog Excellent (CDX) and Utility Dog (UD). A dog must earn their CD title before they are eligible to compete at the Open (CDX) level and then must have the CDX title before moving on to the highest level of training, the UD.
Each level of training is progressively more difficult and requires the dog to work more independently and demonstrate their trust and teamwork with the handler.
AKC offers a variety of ways to earn titles in ReGuLaR, OPTiONaL & ALTeRNaTiVE classes.
BeGiNNeR NoViCE (BN)
This class is a great starting point for people who are just getting started with performance competitions…for young pups (6 months or older)…or veteran dogs who still want to “play” these fun games with their people (as long as they haven’t earned a higher level obedience title)! The exercises are performed on leash–with the exception of the Recall & Stay. Rally signs are used for the Heeling pattern and Handlers are allowed to walk the course without their dog prior to the start of the class so they can become familiar with the signs.
Handlers are allowed ONE “encouraging comment” to your dog during both the Heel On Leash and Figure 8 exercises (ie “Good Boy/Girl”, Yes!, Nice!, Super!, etc.) As with other Obedience, there is a possible 200 points, with 170 required for a passing score. A dog must pass three times to earn their “BN” title. Below are the exercises required for the BN title.
NoTE: This class is an OPTiONaL class and is not required prior to the other levels.
HEeL oN LEaSH (40 pts)
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Before you enter the ring with your dog, BN class competitors are able to walk the course and ask the judge any questions they may have.
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Line up with your dog's shoulder even with your left leg ("Heel Position"). The signs should be kept on your right.
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The judge will ask "Are you ready?" Be sure you have your dog's attention and then answer, "Yes" or "Ready!" Once the judge says, "Forward!" you proceed through the course.
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It helps to walk at a brisk and steady pace to keep your dog's attention. Be sure to keep your leash loose so that it hangs in a "J"
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The Heeling Pattern will always consist of a few changes of pace such as this "FAST" sign which will always be followed by a "NORMAL" pace sign after a few feet.
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At each sign you simply perform the task listed. Unlike Rally you cannot talk to your dog during an exercise, other than giving the initial command to heel--with the exception of a single encouraging phrase during the heeling pattern (ie. "Good Girl!", "Nice!", "Yes!", "Atta Boy!", etc.)
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If your dog has learned to keep her focus on you she will be watching for your cues and stay in step with you during changes of pace, turns, stops, etc.
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You can expect at least one LEFT turn, one RIGHT turn and an ABOUT turn during the Heeling exercise--but some judges will use a couple of each.
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As in regular Obedience, the dog should stay as close to Heel Position as possible while turning, changing pace, etc. and the leash should be kept slack throughout the course.
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The ABOUT TURN in Obedience (Beginner Novice included) is always executed to the RIGHT with the dog heeling around you on the outside.
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TIP: It is helpful to practice your footwork without your dog so that you can be confident and give smooth and clear cues in the ring.
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The Heel On Leash exercise is completed when you reach the "HALT/SIT" sign.
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Your dog should stop in unison with you and sit beside you while you wait for the Judge's "Exercise Finished!" release command.
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In any Obedience level you are able to praise and or pat your dog between exercises as long as the dog remains under control.
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The End!
FiGuRE 8 (40 pts.)
You will line up with your dog in the Heel Position opposite the judge and about 3' from the center of the two cones which are spaced 6-8' apart. The judge will ask, "Are you ready?" Be sure to get your dog's attention before responding. You can go in either direction but I have usually chosen to do the inside loop first to help keep the dog under control. The dog should slow down to stay in proper heel position as you round the cone with the dog on the inside. In Beginner Novice you are allowed to give ONE encouraging comment during the Figure 8 exercise such as "Good Girl!", "Yes!", "Super" or "Nice Job!" The dog should speed up to keep in step with you as you round the cone with the dog on the outside. You will walk twice through the Figure 8 pattern. The judge will call one "Halt" during this--most often at the completion of the first Figure 8, but some judges like to mix it up. There is also a halt at the end. The Figure 8 is a great test of the dog's ability to stay in proper heel position! The End
SiT FoR EXaM (40 pts.)
Line up with your dog sitting in “Heel Position” (the dog’s shoulder even with your left leg) As you start each exercise the judge will always ask, “Are you ready?” Make sure you have your dog’s attention before you reply with a “Yes” or “Ready!” The judge will say, “Leave your dog.” When telling your dog to “Stay” you are allowed to give BOTH a verbal command as well as a signal. Another subtle body cue you can give is to step out with your right leg as you leave your dog—rather than with the left leg when you are asking them to “Heel”. Walk to the end of the leash, then turn and face your dog, being careful to not pull the leash tight as you do this. The dog should continue to stay in place without moving their feet. The judge will walk up to the dog and gently pat the top of their head. The dog should remain sitting and not move. It helps to practice with a variety of people so that your dog will allow men or women, people wearing hats or carrying clipboards, etc. without shying away or wiggling out of position. After completing the “exam”, the judge will step back away from the dog and tell you to “Return to your dog”. You will walk around your dog in a counter-clockwise direction, being careful to gather up the slack in your leash, and return to Heel Position. Be sure that you are once again lined up with your left leg even with your dog’s shoulder. It isn’t just the dog who can lose points for the team! (I say this from experience!) Always wait for the judge to say, “Exercise Finished!” before praising your dog. The End!
SiT/STaY (40 pts.)
For the Sit/Stay exercise the judge will have you line up in the center of the ring with your dog in Heel Position. After responding to the usual “Are you ready?” query, the judge will tell you to drop your leash. The judge will tell you to “Leave your dog.” You can give both a verbal command as well as a signal for the “Stay”. Step away from your dog and walk towards the ring gate, then walk the circumference of the ring in a counter-clockwise direction. Your dog can turn their head to watch you but they should not move their feet or shift their body. Walk at a nice brisk steady pace so you don’t keep your dog waiting any longer than necessary. Once you have completed your circle of the ring and are back to the point where you began, you will turn left and walk back to your dog. Be sure to step back into the proper Heel Position with your dog’s shoulder even with your left leg. Wait for the judge to say “Exercise Finished!” before praising your dog. Praise can include a pat, a scratch behind the ears or above the tail, a playful push or a spin to help them relax—just as long as the dog remains under control. The End!
ReCaLL (40 pts.)
More soon!
HEeL oN LEaSH (40 pts)
Before you enter the ring with your dog, BN class competitors are able to walk the course and ask the judge any questions they may have. Line up with your dog's shoulder even with your left leg ("Heel Position"). The signs should be kept on your right. The judge will ask "Are you ready?" Be sure you have your dog's attention and then answer, "Yes" or "Ready!" Once the judge says, "Forward!" you proceed through the course. It helps to walk at a brisk and steady pace to keep your dog's attention. Be sure to keep your leash loose so that it hangs in a "J" The Heeling Pattern will always consist of a few changes of pace such as this "FAST" sign which will always be followed by a "NORMAL" pace sign after a few feet. At each sign you simply perform the task listed. Unlike Rally you cannot talk to your dog during an exercise, other than giving the initial command to heel--with the exception of a single encouraging phrase during the heeling pattern (ie. "Good Girl!", "Nice!", "Yes!", "Atta Boy!", etc.) If your dog has learned to keep her focus on you she will be watching for your cues and stay in step with you during changes of pace, turns, stops, etc. You can expect at least one LEFT turn, one RIGHT turn and an ABOUT turn during the Heeling exercise--but some judges will use a couple of each. As in regular Obedience, the dog should stay as close to Heel Position as possible while turning, changing pace, etc. and the leash should be kept slack throughout the course. The ABOUT TURN in Obedience (Beginner Novice included) is always executed to the RIGHT with the dog heeling around you on the outside. TIP: It is helpful to practice your footwork without your dog so that you can be confident and give smooth and clear cues in the ring. The Heel On Leash exercise is completed when you reach the "HALT/SIT" sign. Your dog should stop in unison with you and sit beside you while you wait for the Judge's "Exercise Finished!" release command. In any Obedience level you are able to praise and or pat your dog between exercises as long as the dog remains under control.
The End!
FiGuRE 8 (40 pts.)
You will line up with your dog in the Heel Position opposite the judge and about 3' from the center of the two cones which are spaced 6-8' apart. The judge will ask, "Are you ready?" Be sure to get your dog's attention before responding. You can go in either direction but I have usually chosen to do the inside loop first to help keep the dog under control. The dog should slow down to stay in proper heel position as you round the cone with the dog on the inside. In Beginner Novice you are allowed to give ONE encouraging comment during the Figure 8 exercise such as "Good Girl!", "Yes!", "Super" or "Nice Job!" The dog should speed up to keep in step with you as you round the cone with the dog on the outside. You will walk twice through the Figure 8 pattern. The judge will call one "Halt" during this--most often at the completion of the first Figure 8, but some judges like to mix it up. There is also a halt at the end. The Figure 8 is a great test of the dog's ability to stay in proper heel position! The End! 
SiT FoR EXaM (40 pts.)
The End! Line up with your dog sitting in “Heel Position” (the dog’s shoulder even with your left leg) As you start each exercise the judge will always ask, “Are you ready?” Make sure you have your dog’s attention before you reply with a “Yes” or “Ready!” The judge will say, “Leave your dog.” When telling your dog to “Stay” you are allowed to give BOTH a verbal command as well as a signal. Another subtle body cue you can give is to step out with your right leg as you leave your dog—rather than with the left leg when you are asking them to “Heel”. Walk to the end of the leash, then turn and face your dog, being careful to not pull the leash tight as you do this. The dog should continue to stay in place without moving their feet. The judge will walk up to the dog and gently pat the top of their head. The dog should remain sitting and not move. It helps to practice with a variety of people so that your dog will allow men or women, people wearing hats or carrying clipboards, etc. without shying away or wiggling out of position. After completing the “exam”, the judge will step back away from the dog and tell you to “Return to your dog”. You will walk around your dog in a counter-clockwise direction, being careful to gather up the slack in your leash, and return to Heel Position. Be sure that you are once again lined up with your left leg even with your dog’s shoulder. It isn’t just the dog who can lose points for the team! (I say this from experience!) Always wait for the judge to say, “Exercise Finished!” before praising your dog.
SiT/STaY (40 pts.)
For the Sit/Stay exercise the judge will have you line up in the center of the ring with your dog in Heel Position. After responding to the usual “Are you ready?” query, the judge will tell you to drop your leash. The judge will tell you to “Leave your dog.” You can give both a verbal command as well as a signal for the “Stay”. Step away from your dog and walk towards the ring gate, then walk the circumference of the ring in a counter-clockwise direction. Your dog can turn their head to watch you but they should not move their feet or shift their body. Walk at a nice brisk steady pace so you don’t keep your dog waiting any longer than necessary. Be sure to step back into the proper Heel Position with your dog’s shoulder even with your left leg. Wait for the judge to say “Exercise Finished!” before praising your dog. Be sure to step back into the proper Heel Position with your dog’s shoulder even with your left leg. Wait for the judge to say “Exercise Finished!” before praising your dog. Praise can include a pat, a scratch behind the ears or above the tail, a playful push or a spin to help them relax—just as long as the dog remains under control. The End!
ReCaLL (40 pts.)
More soon!
Eleven-month old Sittingbullies Just Ducky! is shown earning her second Beginner Novice leg with a score of 196 out of the possible 200.
CoMPaNiON DoG (CD)
The “Novice” level of Obedience incorporates many qualities that help to make your dog a well-rounded, enjoyable companion to be around. They learn to focus on you wherever you take them and to trust that you will keep them safe no matter what commotion or distractions that may be present.
Obedience is a bit more strict than other sports and the dog is expected to respond to a single command or signal. Judges look for a happy, willing dog that is focused on their handler and quick to do whatever is asked.
The dog and handler team starts off with 200 points when they enter the ring and deductions are made for lagging behind, forging ahead, wide turns, crooked sits not parallel to the handler, etc.
A devoted dog that is focused on their owner and striving to please them is a joy to watch and an even greater joy to have by your side and Obedience is a wonderful way to demonstrate the incredible teamwork you can have with your dog!
HEeL oN LEaSH & FiGuRE 8 (40 pts.)
As you enter the ring, the dog should be sitting with their shoulder lined up with your leg ("heel position"). Make sure the dog is focused on you when you start.
Walk at a smooth, fairly brisk pace keeping the leash loose so it forms a "J" but not so loose that the dog can trip over it. The dog should adjust their pace to yours and stay in "heel position" during changes in pace or turning. In obedience the dog should automatically sit beside you in heel position any time you stop. Once the on leash heeling is complete you will line up in front of the Figure 8 cones facing the judge for the second part of this exercise. You can go in either direction but I have usually chosen to do the inside loop first to help keep the dog under control. The dog should slow down to stay in proper heel position as you round the cone with the dog on the inside. The dog should speed up to keep in step with you as you round the cone with the dog on the outside. You will walk twice through the Figure 8 pattern. The judge will call one "Halt" during this--most often at the completion of the first Figure 8, but some judges like to mix it up. There is also a halt at the end. The Figure 8 is a great test of the dog's ability to stay in proper heel position! The End!
STaND FoR EXaM (30 pts.)
More soon!
HEeL FReE (40 pts.)
After completing the Stand For Exam exercise you will remove your leash and be directed back to the start of the Heeling Pattern. The Heel Free pattern will be exactly the same as the pattern for the Heel On Leash. If your dog has learned to focus on you in a variety of settings, the leash is inconsequential and you should be able to be confident and trust your dog to follow your cues. The judge will always ask “Are you ready?” at the beginning of each exercise. Make sure your dog is lined up in proper heel position and you have their attention before responding. The judge is looking for a happy, willing worker that is in sync with its owner as they demonstrate the wonderful teamwork that obedience requires. The heeling pattern always includes two changes of pace: The dog should speed up to stay in heel position as you noticeably increase your speed for the FAST, and slow down along with you when you change to a SLOW pace, yet be ready to jump back into the normal pace when you commence your normal stride. There will also be at least one right, one left and one about turn. It’s good to practice your turns without the dog so you can give clear, easy to follow cues and with our shorter-bodied Bulldogs it is wise to avoid taking long, fast strides but try to keep your knees closer together using shorter, quick strides. The judge will call a couple halts throughout the heeling pattern and will always end with a final “HALT”. Although your dog won’t fail if he does not sit automatically, there is a substantial deduction for each failed sit—usually about 3 points—so these can really add up! After the final sit the judge will call out, “Exercise Finished!” Any time you complete an exercise you can pet and praise your dog to let them know they are doing a good job. You can also have them do a little spin or playfully push them to help release any nervousness either of you may have. These types of things are allowed as long as the dog is under control and you aren’t giving them a treat or a toy (those have to wait until you leave the ring)! The End!
ReCaLL (30 pts.)
More soon!
SiT/STaY-GeT YOuR LEaSH (30 pts.)
More soon!
GRoUP EXeRCiSE-SiT & DoWN STaY (30 pts.)
More soon!
HEeL oN LEaSH & FiGuRE 8 (40 pts.)
As you enter the ring, the dog should be sitting with their shoulder lined up with your leg ("heel position"). Make sure the dog is focused on you when you start. Walk at a smooth, fairly brisk pace keeping the leash loose so it forms a "J" but not so loose that the dog can trip over it. The dog should adjust their pace to yours and stay in "heel position" during changes in pace or turning. In obedience the dog should automatically sit beside you in heel position any time you stop. Once the on leash heeling is complete you will line up in front of the Figure 8 cones facing the judge for the second part of this exercise. You can go in either direction but I have usually chosen to do the inside loop first to help keep the dog under control. The dog should slow down to stay in proper heel position as you round the cone with the dog on the inside. The dog should speed up to keep in step with you as you round the cone with the dog on the outside. You will walk twice through the Figure 8 pattern. The judge will call one "Halt" during this--most often at the completion of the first Figure 8, but some judges like to mix it up. There is also a halt at the end. The Figure 8 is a great test of the dog's ability to stay in proper heel position! The End!
STaND FoR EXaM (30 pts.)
More soon!
HEeL FReE (40 pts.)
After completing the Stand For Exam exercise you will remove your leash and be directed back to the start of the Heeling Pattern. The Heel Free pattern will be exactly the same as the pattern for the Heel On Leash. If your dog has learned to focus on you in a variety of settings, the leash is inconsequential and you should be able to be confident and trust your dog to follow your cues. The judge will always ask “Are you ready?” at the beginning of each exercise. Make sure your dog is lined up in proper heel position and you have their attention before responding. The judge is looking for a happy, willing worker that is in sync with its owner as they demonstrate the wonderful teamwork that obedience requires. The heeling pattern always includes two changes of pace: The dog should speed up to stay in heel position as you noticeably increase your speed for the FAST, and slow down along with you when you change to a SLOW pace, yet be ready to jump back into the normal pace when you commence your normal stride. There will also be at least one right, one left and one about turn. It’s good to practice your turns without the dog so you can give clear, easy to follow cues and with our shorter-bodied Bulldogs it is wise to avoid taking long, fast strides but try to keep your knees closer together using shorter, quick strides. The judge will call a couple halts throughout the heeling pattern and will always end with a final “HALT”. Although your dog won’t fail if he does not sit automatically, there is a substantial deduction for each failed sit—usually about 3 points—so these can really add up! After the final sit the judge will call out, “Exercise Finished!” Any time you complete an exercise you can pet and praise your dog to let them know they are doing a good job. You can also have them do a little spin or playfully push them to help release any nervousness either of you may have. These types of things are allowed as long as the dog is under control and you aren’t giving them a treat or a toy (those have to wait until you leave the ring)! The End!
ReCaLL (30 pts.)
More soon!
SiT/STaY-GeT YOuR LEaSH (30 pts.)
More soon!
GRoUP EXeRCiSE-SiT & DoWN STaY (30 pts.)
More soon!
Solo had his maiden voyage in the Novice Obedience ring at our 2019 Bulldog Club of America’s National show when he was 16 months old. This goofy boy actually behaved himself quite nicely and pulled off a decent score of 191 which was good enough for High In Trial honors. The very beginning part of the Heel On Leash exercise was cut off but most is here for you to see. The Heel Free Exercise is always the same heeling pattern as the Heel On Leash. In recent years a few changes have been made to increase saftety: since Covid the Figure 8 is done using two cones rather than people, and the Group Exercises (a one minute sit/stay & one minute down/stay) are now done on leash.
CoMPaNiON DoG EXCeLLeNT (CDX)
The “Open” level of Obedience is all done off-leash (though dogs always enter and exit the ring ON leash!) This level incorporates several fun new skills to do with your dog. There is retrieving–both on a straight, flat area as well as over a jump. There is also a broad jump which is performed with the handler beside the jump. The former Out Of Sight Group Stays have been eliminated but are now replaced with a Signal Discrimination Exercise–a preliminary nod to the Utility Signal Exercise.
For the final test, the dog is put in a Stand/Stay while the handler walks outside the ring to get the leash. This level adds several new layers of difficulty but mixes things up a lot more to make it much more fun!
HEeL FReE & FiGuRE 8 (40 pts.)
After entering the ring, you will line up for the start of the Heeling Pattern and remove your leash which is given to the ring steward. If your dog has learned to focus on you in a variety of settings, the leash is inconsequential and you should be able to be confident and trust your dog to follow your cues. The judge will always ask “Are you ready?” at the beginning of each exercise. Make sure your dog is lined up in proper heel position and you have their attention before responding. The judge is looking for a happy, willing worker that is in sync with its owner as they demonstrate the wonderful teamwork that obedience requires. The heeling pattern always includes two changes of pace: The dog should speed up to stay in heel position as you noticeably increase your speed for the FAST, and slow down along with you when you change to a SLOW pace, yet be ready to jump back into the normal pace when you commence your normal stride. There will also be at least one right, one left and one about turn. It’s good to practice your turns without the dog so you can give clear, easy to follow cues and with our shorter-bodied Bulldogs it is wise to avoid taking long, fast strides but try to keep your knees closer together using shorter, quick strides. The judge will call a couple halts throughout the heeling pattern and will always end with a final “HALT”. Although your dog won’t fail if he does not sit automatically, there is a substantial deduction for each failed sit—usually about 3 points—so these can really add up! After the final sit the judge will call out, “Exercise Finished!” Any time you complete an exercise you can pet and praise your dog to let them know they are doing a good job. You can also have them do a little spin or playfully push them to help release any nervousness either of you may have. These types of things are allowed as long as the dog is under control and you aren’t giving them a treat or a toy (those have to wait until you leave the ring)! After completing the Heel Free portion you will take your position about 3’ in front of the Figure 8 facing the judge with your dog sitting in Heel Position. Again the judge will ask, “Are you ready?” Once again make sure you have your dog’s attention before answering, “Yes!” or “Ready!” You are allowed to go in either direction for the Figure 8, but I usually prefer to have the dog on the inside for the first turn to help gain control. Some of this depends on your dog’s personality. What works great for one dog might not be the best for another. While rounding the cone with the dog on the inside, they should slow their pace to stay in proper Heel Position And when making the turn with the dog on the outside, they have to speed up to keep in step with you. You should take short, quick steps and keep your pace as smooth as possible to give your dog the best chance of staying in sync with you. The Figure 8 is the ultimate test of a dog’s ability to stay in proper heel position and it’s an impressive thing to see a great-working team! You will make two complete passes through the Figure 8 with the judge calling out one halt during the exercise—usually after the first figure 8 as you are approaching the center (though some judges like to mix things up a bit) They will always do the exact same pattern for every dog in the class so you can watch to know what to expect. After you walk twice through the pattern the judge will call the final halt. Be sure and praise your dog once the judge says, “Exercise Finished!” Even if they haven’t done the best job this is a good time to try and keep them motivate for the remaining exercises. The End!
CoMMaND DiSCRiMiNaTiON (30 pts.)
Coming Soon!
DRoP oN ReCaLL (30 pts.)
Coming Soon!
ReTRiEVE oN FLaT (20 pts.)
Coming Soon!
ReTRiEVE oVeR HiGH JuMP (30 pts.)
Coming Soon!
BRoAD JuMP (20 pts.)
Coming Soon!
STaND/STaY-GeT YOuR LEaSH (30 pts.)
Coming Soon!
HEeL FReE & FiGuRE 8 (40 pts.)
After entering the ring, you will line up for the start of the Heeling Pattern and remove your leash which is given to the ring steward. If your dog has learned to focus on you in a variety of settings, the leash is inconsequential and you should be able to be confident and trust your dog to follow your cues. The judge will always ask “Are you ready?” at the beginning of each exercise. Make sure your dog is lined up in proper heel position and you have their attention before responding. The judge is looking for a happy, willing worker that is in sync with its owner as they demonstrate the wonderful teamwork that obedience requires. The heeling pattern always includes two changes of pace: The dog should speed up to stay in heel position as you noticeably increase your speed for the FAST, and slow down along with you when you change to a SLOW pace, yet be ready to jump back into the normal pace when you commence your normal stride. There will also be at least one right, one left and one about turn. It’s good to practice your turns without the dog so you can give clear, easy to follow cues and with our shorter-bodied Bulldogs it is wise to avoid taking long, fast strides but try to keep your knees closer together using shorter, quick strides. The judge will call a couple halts throughout the heeling pattern and will always end with a final “HALT”. Although your dog won’t fail if he does not sit automatically, there is a substantial deduction for each failed sit—usually about 3 points—so these can really add up! After the final sit the judge will call out, “Exercise Finished!” Any time you complete an exercise you can pet and praise your dog to let them know they are doing a good job. You can also have them do a little spin or playfully push them to help release any nervousness either of you may have. These types of things are allowed as long as the dog is under control and you aren’t giving them a treat or a toy (those have to wait until you leave the ring)! After completing the Heel Free portion you will take your position about 3’ in front of the Figure 8 facing the judge with your dog sitting in Heel Position. Again the judge will ask, “Are you ready?” Once again make sure you have your dog’s attention before answering, “Yes!” or “Ready!” You are allowed to go in either direction for the Figure 8, but I usually prefer to have the dog on the inside for the first turn to help gain control. Some of this depends on your dog’s personality. What works great for one dog might not be the best for another. While rounding the cone with the dog on the inside, they should slow their pace to stay in proper Heel Position And when making the turn with the dog on the outside, they have to speed up to keep in step with you. You should take short, quick steps and keep your pace as smooth as possible to give your dog the best chance of staying in sync with you. The Figure 8 is the ultimate test of a dog’s ability to stay in proper heel position and it’s an impressive thing to see a great-working team! Be sure and praise your dog once the judge says, “Exercise Finished!” Even if they haven’t done the best job this is a good time to try and keep them motivate for the remaining exercises. The End!
You will make two complete passes through the Figure 8 with the judge calling out one halt during the exercise—usually after the first figure 8 as you are approaching the center (though some judges like to mix things up a bit) They will always do the exact same pattern for every dog in the class so you can watch to know what to expect. After you walk twice through the pattern the judge will call the final halt.
CoMMaND DiSCRiMiNaTiON (30 pts.)
Coming Soon!
DRoP oN ReCaLL (30 pts.)
Coming Soon!
ReTRiEVE oN FLaT (20 pts.)
Coming Soon!
ReTRiEVE oVeR HiGH JuMP (30 pts.)
Coming Soon!
BRoAD JuMP (20 pts.)
Coming Soon!
STaND/STaY-GeT YOuR LEaSH (30 pts.)
Coming Soon!
One of my favorite memories of my wonderful partner Gracie in the Open B class at our 2000 BCA National Trial. The “B” class is for any dog who has already earned the CDX title. Gracie was competing in both the Open & Utility classes and is currently the only Bulldog to ever pass both classes and earn the “High Combined Award” at our National show. (Gabe came VERY close and missed it by one final jump!) This was the older version of Open exercises–the Group Stays have since been eliminated.
Besa demonstrates the current exercises for the Companion Dog Excellent title. The former Out of Sight Group Sit & Down Stays have been replaced with the Signal Discrimination and Stand/Stay–Get Your Leash exercises.
UTiLiTY DoG (UD)
The Utility Dog is the highest level of training in AKC obedience. The dog must be confident enough to work away from the owner doing scentwork or retrieving a specific glove, and also be completely focused on every subtle signal the handler may give. The heeling pattern is done completely with signals, including a stand/stay done during the heeling, several changes of position and coming to the handler–all with signals only. Success at this level requires hours of practice and proofing and one minor loss of attention can cost you a qualifying round–often in totally different exercises from one trial to the next.
I liken it to putting a lid on a piece of tupperware…you get one side down and another pops up! But once you get it together it is exhilarating to see your dog performing these incredible tasks so in tune with your directions! BCA recognizes Bulldogs who earn their UD by induction into the Performance Hall of Fame, and several Sittingbullies pups have earned a place there in this manner.
Another wonderful performance by HOF Gracie, this time in the Utility B class. The “B” classes are for dogs who have already earned their UD titles. Gracie was on her way to earning the UDX title which requires TEN SETS of qualifying runs in both the Open and Utility classes. By the following Sept. Gracie made history as the first (of only two Bulldogs) to earn the UDX title.