Sadie & Thomas (Shetland Sheepdog) showing all the rosettes and trophies won in Competitive Obedience:
"We only started competing in Pre-Beginners in 2011, we lost the 2012 season as Thomas had an operation, and in 2013 Thomas won his 3 A’s making him B and C.
We both absolutely love Obedience I never knew that it was something that other breeds could do and was recommended to give it a go by a Pet Dog Training Club we were attending. I would love to encourage other ‘pet dog owners’ give this a go with their dogs it is so much fun and rewarding to train a dog to this level. I never thought we could do it. We have found so many people very helpful and encouraging to us on our way up the ladder in this hobby."
Printed with permission of Sadie - many thanks.
"We only started competing in Pre-Beginners in 2011, we lost the 2012 season as Thomas had an operation, and in 2013 Thomas won his 3 A’s making him B and C.
We both absolutely love Obedience I never knew that it was something that other breeds could do and was recommended to give it a go by a Pet Dog Training Club we were attending. I would love to encourage other ‘pet dog owners’ give this a go with their dogs it is so much fun and rewarding to train a dog to this level. I never thought we could do it. We have found so many people very helpful and encouraging to us on our way up the ladder in this hobby."
Printed with permission of Sadie - many thanks.
Class Awards at Licensed Kennel Club Obedience Shows ...
If you are placed 1st to 6th at a show, then it is usual to receive a rosette and a prize card according to your placing. Occasionally you may also be given a trophy.
- Alot of people start a scrap book when competing and put their Cards and Rosettes and their Judges critique* (not all judges write one, but many do).
- Always keep a note of your placings and the judges name and the show, you will need this information if you go on to claim for other Awards (as below).
- You should keep any 1st place cards so you have proof of winning if you ever needed it.
If you have had a great day and have a rosette, these are usually presented in the CLASS RING at the end of the day after all the judging (and possible run offs) have been done. However at some shows there is a 'presentation area' away from the rings where the prizes are given out. It is usual for people outside the ring to 'clap' and 'cheer' during the presentation as long as this won't disturb other people who maybe still working in nearby rings.
- It is usual to attend the presentation with your dog - however if your dog is not comfortable in very close proximity of other dogs or people, then collect the award without your dog.
- The Ring Steward will call out the placed dog numbers in order. If you hear your number then enter the ring, your Rosette and Prize Cards (and trophy if the show gives on) will be handed to you by the judge (always thank the judge whilst being accepting award).
- You then take your place in a 'line up' of the placed dogs and handlers.
- It is good manners to shake the hand of all other handlers in the line up saying 'well done' or similar.
The Show Secretary informs the Kennel Club of your Win or place at the end of the show.
However - it is up to you to keep records of your dogs successes and
up to you to enter the correct level of class accordingly (see 'Class Levels' page)
However - it is up to you to keep records of your dogs successes and
up to you to enter the correct level of class accordingly (see 'Class Levels' page)
Obedience Awards of Merit (Introductory, Pre-Beginner & Beginner classes only) ..
These are certificates produced by the Kennel Club and can be awarded to those in Introductory, Pre-Beginner and Beginner classes who have obtained a reasonably low mark in the class (regardless of if you were placed in the class or not).
These certificates are signed by the Judge on the day and given to you at the ring at the end of judging.
It is the competitors responsibility to ASK if these certificates are available - they are only given out IF asked for.
HOWEVER - these are only available if the Show has requested them from the Kennel Club - not all shows offer them, but it is worth asking the Judge (or Show Secretary if the Judge is busy) if they have been given any to distribute.
These certificates are signed by the Judge on the day and given to you at the ring at the end of judging.
It is the competitors responsibility to ASK if these certificates are available - they are only given out IF asked for.
HOWEVER - these are only available if the Show has requested them from the Kennel Club - not all shows offer them, but it is worth asking the Judge (or Show Secretary if the Judge is busy) if they have been given any to distribute.
Obedience Excellent Qualifications 'Ex'..
If you have had some placings (1st to 6th) in classes then those placings can mean that you are accumulating points towards the 'Excellent' qualification for that class.
- If you have placings, points are awarded and when you reach the required number of points (see below) then you can apply to the Kennel Club for your Award Certificate.
- Points gained in a higher class than your lowest eligible class count towards the Ex award in your lowest class, ie if you are competing in Pre-Beginner and get placed in Beginner (or even Novice or higher) as well, then the Beginner or higher class points also go towards your Pre-Beginner Award.
- If you gain enough points in your higher class you can obtain an Ex award for that instead of your lower class if you wish.
- Once this has been awarded by the Kennel Club, then you can put 'letters' after your dogs name indicating that you have won this award.
- This award does not affect or replace or affect the standard rules of winning out of classes, it is only an award/acknowledgement of achievement.
- The points accumulation system is explained in the highlighted Information link below.
Award Applied for in:
Introductory Pre-Beginners Beginners Novice Class A Class B Class C |
Letters that go after your dogs name:
Intro Ex P-Beg Ex Beg Ex Nov Ex A Ex B Ex C Ex |
Example of use of Award: Whatever My Dogs Name Is Beg Ex
Obedience Warrant 'OW' ...
You can apply for the award of 'Obedience Warrant' once you have won through the classes to Class Open C.
obtained 14 points whilst ineligible to compete in Championship Class C.
The scale of the points is as follows:
1. Two points for a first prize in Novice Class on two occasions only
2. Two points for a first prize in Class A on two occasions only
3. Two points for a first prize in Class B on two occasions only
4. Two points for a first prize in Open Class C on one occasion only
- You need to have won two Novice classes, two Class A's, two Class B's and One Class C.
- When awarded by the Kennel Club this means that you can put the letters 'OW' after your dogs registered name.
- This award does not affect or replace or affect the standard rules of winning out of classes, it is only an award/acknowledgement of achievement.
obtained 14 points whilst ineligible to compete in Championship Class C.
The scale of the points is as follows:
1. Two points for a first prize in Novice Class on two occasions only
2. Two points for a first prize in Class A on two occasions only
3. Two points for a first prize in Class B on two occasions only
4. Two points for a first prize in Open Class C on one occasion only
Example of use of Award: Whatever My Dogs Name Is OW
Obedience Champion 'Ob Ch' ..
The title of Obedience Champion can be claimed by any dog that has won Championship Class C on three occasions under three different judges, or which wins a Crufts Championship Obedience class.
Example of use of Award: Ob Ch Whatever My Dogs Name Is
Class Championships ..
ObedienceUK, Competitive Obedience, Obedience Shows, Dog Training, Obedience Competition,
Dog Shows, Dog Sports, Dog Activities, The Kennel Club, Heelwork, Retrieve, Recall, Sendaway, Scent, Distant Control
Dog Shows, Dog Sports, Dog Activities, The Kennel Club, Heelwork, Retrieve, Recall, Sendaway, Scent, Distant Control