Obedience is the oldest event and has many levels to challenge the novice and expert alike. Obedience features three major levels of competition that will lead to titles, and several other non-regular classes that are well defined.

| NOVICE (CD) | OPEN (CDX) | UTILITY (UD) |

The advanced titles are the UDX and OTCH. For the UDX, the team must have the UD title. The team must qualify in both Open B and Utility B on the same day, and do it 10 different times to earn the UDX.

The Obedience Title Champion title is competitive. Competing dogs must have the UD title, and must compete in Open B and Utility B. Dogs earn points by placing in each of these classes and the number of points earned is dependent on the number of dogs entered in the competition. For example, in Open B, if there were 21-25 dogs competing, a first place would be worth 10 OTCH points, a second would be worth only 3 OTCH points, and a third would be worth 1 OTCH point.

Dogs must earn 100 OTCH points, achieve a first place in Utility B, achieve a first place in Open B, and achieve another first place in either of the classes to become an Obedience Title Champion. Note that all three First place finishes must be under different judges, and only one can be earned at a specialty. There are minimum entry requirements also. This requirement is more difficult when you consider that dogs who continue to compete after they have earned their OTCH (for national point placements, or because they are still trying to earn a UDX title) are in the same class as the OTCH hopefuls. Thus, dogs without championships actually have to compete head to head with obedience champions to earn their points and placements.

Obedience demonstrates the ultimate in biddability and trainability in the GSP. It can be loads of fun and you get the opportunity to join an elite circle of GSP owners. The small group of successful competitors in this space often forms long-term friendships across the country. Give it a try! We have several active competitors in the club. You’ll have a blast!