Obedience tests the handler and the dog’s ability to do a set of tasks. 

At an obedience trial, each set of tasks is called an exercise. The exercises are scored.  For each exercise you and your dog must score over 50 percent of the possible points in that exercise. 

Getting a Leg
The scores for each exercise are added up and you and your dog must get a total 170 out of the maximum of 200 points. Getting a score of 170 points gives you a “leg” toward an obedience title.  It requires 3 qualifying scores or legs to get an obedience title.

Open Class Requirements for an AKC Companion Dog Excellent (CDX) title: heeling with and without a leash, coming when called, standing for a physical examination, and staying in both a sit and a down position with a group of dogs, retrieving, and jumping. The CDX title requires 3 legs under 3 different judges.

Beyond the UD
Some teams go on to campaign for higher titles.  These include:

Utility Dog Excellent (UDX):  this can be earned by a UD dog by receiving 10 passing scores in both Open B and Utility B at the same show.
Obedience Trial Championship (OTCH):  A UD dog and handler must earn 100 points by placing first, second, third or fourth in the Open B or Utility B class and a first place in Utility B and/or Open B three times.
National Obedience Championship title (NOC):  Dog handler teams that compete for an OTCH earn points.  To compete in the AKC National Obedience Invitational dogs must be the top OTCH and OTCH-pointed dogs for their breed. The dog that wins this championship receives a NOC.

Contacts
Dana Plonkey - President (425) 743-1601 DP517@verizon.net
Christine Dallas – Sec (360) 832-3747 Farthingpoodles@aol.com
Cathy Carruthers – Web 360-791-8961 FreaPoodle@comcast.net

Credits – Pictures 1,2, & 4 Reese, Picture 3 Wavir Bandwagon and Wavir Bandit

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