Novice: The
first level, Novice, results in your dog earning a Companion
Dog (CD) title. The title actually describes what is expected
of your dog: demonstrating the skills required of a good
canine companion. The dog 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 your 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.
Utility: The
final level results in a Utility Dog (UD) title. These are
the cream of the crop. In addition to more difficult exercises,
the dog also must perform scent discrimination tasks.
Other Titles:
After finishing your UD, you can go on for more titles.
UDX:
Utility Dogs that continue to compete and earn legs in both
Open B and Utility B at 10 shows receive the title Utility
Dog Excellent (UDX).
OTCh: To
earn an Obedience Trial Champion title (OTCh) The dog and
handler must win 100 points. To receive points, the dog
must receive a 1st or 2nd place in Open or Utiliy B. Points
are awarded based on place and the number of dogs competing
in that class.
These titles are won through showing at
American Kennel Club (AKC) obedience trials. Each exercise
in each class is awarded points. You must receive 170 points
or higher, out of a total of 200 points, to qualify. Each
time your dog gets a qualifying score, he's gotten a "leg"
toward his title. Three legs and your dog has become an Obedience-titled
dog!
Check in up-coming newsletters for other
explanations of other titles your dog can earn.
Read more about AKC titles and abbreviations
at the American
Kennel Club's website.
What
Does That Title Mean?