The main outcome of all obedience training is to have a companion dog who is behaved at home, out and about and with other dogs. All dogs should have a basic level of obedience training.

Formal Obedience trials were designed to demonstrate the suitability of the dog to be a stellar, well mannered canine companion who can follow directions in performing complex tasks.

Dogs are asked to perform very specific exercises such as Heeling, Sit, Stand, Down, Stay and coming when called. At higher levels dogs are asked to retrieve, identify specific articles, and other more complicated tasks. All dogs in a class (level) are required to perform the same exercises so that they can be comparably judged in a trial.

Getting Started

Because it is so foundational, you will find obedience, from basic puppy classes to formal obedience, offered at all training facilities. You should start your puppy young, as soon as they have all vaccinations and are able to be out and about.

Obedience trials are hosted by local dog clubs affiliated with larger national clubs such as the CKC (Canadian Kennel Club) AKC (American Kennel Club) or UKC (United Kennel Club)