More About Obedience
Many local AKC Clubs provide classes. With the popularity of obedience and other events rising, there are many training facilities as well. Typical Classes available are:
Puppy Class
Young puppies generally 3 to 5 months of age will socialize with similar age puppies and learn basic commands.
Basic Class
Often for dogs over 5 months. Your Basset Hound should learn the essential commands such as sit, stay, stand, heel, down and come. These commands are also very helpful for dogs competing in any event.
Companion Events Classes
These classes will help prepare you and your dog for obedience competition and other events such as Rally and Agility.
CGC (Canine Good Citizen)
Classes may be separate or be part of a beginner class. The CGC program is designed to encourage dogs to be good pets and owners to be responsible dog owners.
How do I find a class?
Try visiting the AKC Website and search for classes. Additionally, you might contact your local AKC or Basset Hound Club to see what members suggest. Visit the BHCA Breeder Directory to find local Breeders. They often have experience working with various instructors and can give good advice on an appropriate training facility. If you are unable to find a situation that works for you, contact the Public Education Chairperson, Sue Smyth at OldYork2002@aol.com and she may be able to refer you.
Classes will help you, but you need to be willing to practice at home. Your trainer will give you guidance or “homework” to do before the next class. Make sure to keep your Basset Hound engaged. Praise and reward are the key to working with your Hound.
Should I compete?
For owners wishing to compete, you may do so at All-Breed Obedience trials, or Specialty trials. You might also consider Rally trials, which are a fun way to compete with your dog while communicating and encouraging them the entire way. (Rally is addressed in the Event Section).
When you are deciding whether competition is for you, you might go to an obedience trial in your area. Bring a chair, and arrive early. Many trials have vendors and information available for the public.
Regardless of how far you proceed with Obedience training, it is the most valuable training that you can do with your dog. It will make for a life-long wonderful pet, and help keep him safe as well. You will be able to take great pride in your Basset Hound.
If you decide competing in Obedience is the right thing for you, make sure that your dog is registered with AKC or has a PAL or Canine Partners number. It is important that your dog be current on inoculations.
The premium list for each Obedience trial contains all relevant information regarding the trial, including date, location, classes offered, and judges. The premium list will also have an official entry form. If you are in a class that helps you prepare for competition, your trainer can help you fill out your entry blanks, as well as provide helpful tips and answer any questions you might have. Following the entry closing date, a judging program will be mailed to you.
As with all AKC Events, it is important to understand the rules and guidelines. You may download them from the AKC Website. The Rules and Regulations, as well as the below PDF’s are linked from the AKC Website for your convenience.
The judge must see that each handler and dog execute the required exercises as described in the AKC Obedience Regulations. The judge should have a mental picture of the theoretically perfect performance in each exercise and score each dog and handler against this standard.
A qualifying score in the judge’s book is certification that the dog has satisfactorily performed all the required exercises. Scores are not disclosed until the conclusion of the judging. Handlers will be informed after the group exercise or after the last exercise in Utility if their dog has received a qualifying score.
At the end of the judging, the judge will call qualifying dogs back into the ring and will announce the scores of each of the four placements.
A dog receives a qualifying score when it earns more than 50 percent of the points for each exercise, with a total of at least 170 points. A perfect score in any class is 200.
Click the green button for a sample score sheet for Beginner Novice.
Regular Titling Path
Novice - For the dog just getting started in obedience that can work on and off-leash, Exercises include:
- Heel on Leash and Figure Eight
This exercise is performed the same as in the Beginner Novice class.
- Stand for Examination
This off-leash exercise the dog must stay in a standing position as its handler walks about 6 feet away. The judge will then lightly touch the dog on the head, body and hindquarters. Like in the Sit for Exam, the dog must not display any resentment.
- Heel Free
Dogs heel off-leash doing the same routine as they did on-leash, except they will not perform the Figure Eight.
- Recall
Demonstrates that the dog will come to the handler on command.
- Sit Stay, Get Your Leash
Demonstrates that the dog will remain in the sit position, while the handler goes to get the dog’s leash.
- Group Exercise – Sit & Down Stay
Demonstrates the dog’s ability to remain in the sit and down position, with other dogs in the ring and is performed on-leash.
Open - This level includes more complicated exercises; the dog must be able to perform a variety of tasks and follow commands either by voice or signal. Exercises include:
- Heel Free and Figure Eight
This exercise is performed the same as Novice, but the dog is off-leash.
- Command Discrimination (Stand, Down, Sit)
Demonstrates the dog’s ability to respond correctly to the handler’s commands and/or signals. Handlers will be instructed by the judge to stand, down or sit their dog from varying distances and have their dog change positions three times. The second and third position change are with the handler 15 and 30 feet from the dog.
- Drop on Recall
Demonstrates the dog’s willingness to promptly come to the handler when called from across the ring and on the handler’s command or signal to drop and remain in a down position until on a command or signal from the handler to resume its return to the handler.
- Retrieve on Flat
Demonstrates a dog’s ability to retrieve an object from at least 20 feet and return to the handler on command.
- Retrieve Over High Jump
This exercise requires the dog to go out over a jump in order to retrieve a dumbbell and promptly return to the handler with the dumbbell going back over the jump.
- Broad Jump
This exercise requires the dog to stay in the position it is left until directed to jump. The dog must clear the jump on a single command or signal and return to the handler following the completion of the jump.
- Stay – Get Your Leash (Sit, Down)
This exercise demonstrates own)the dog’s ability to remain in the sitting or down position, whichever is required at the time.
Utility - This is the next level of obedience competition. Exercises include:
- Signal Exercise
This exercise demonstrates the dog’s ability to understand and correctly respond to the handler’s signal to stand, stay, down, sit and come. No voice commands are given; only hand signals are allowed.
- Scent Discrimination
This exercise demonstrates the dog’s ability to find the handler’s scent among a pile of articles and promptly return the correct article to the handler. This is done twice.
- Directed Retrieve
This exercise proves the dog’s ability to follow a directional signal from the handler to retrieve a glove and promptly return it to the handler.
- Moving Stand and Examination
This exercise demonstrates the dog’s ability to heel, stand and stay as the handler moves away. The dog must stay and accept an examination by the judge and return to the handler on command.
- Directed Jumping
This exercise demonstrates that the dog will go away from the handler, turn and sit. The dog must then clear whichever jump its handler indicates and promptly return to the handler.
Some clubs allow transfers between the Regular, Alternative and Optional Titling classes provided the class and judge are available, and the class has not reached its limit. Refer to the current Obedience Regulations for more information on requirements and restrictions.
Alternative Titling Path
These classes may be offered at the clubs option.
Preferred Novice - This is for dogs that have not won the CDX or PCDX title.
- Heel on Leash and Figure Eight
Demonstrates whether the dog has learned to watch its handler and adjust its pace to stay with the handler.
- Stand for Examination
Demonstrates the dog’s ability to stand and be examined. This can be of great benefit when the dog needs hands-on care by a veterinarian.
- Heel Free
This exercise is done off leash.
- Recall
Demonstrates the dog’s willingness to come to the handler immediately when called.
- Stay-Sit or Down – Handler Walk Around the Ring
Demonstrates the control of the dog by the handler. At home, the handler will have control of the dog when visitors come to the home
- Sit Stay – Get Your Leash
This exercise shows that the dog will remain in the sit position, while the handler goes to get the dog’s leash.
Preferred Open - This class shall be for all dogs that have won the CD or PCD or higher Regular or Preferred Title.
- Heel Free and Figure Eight
Same as Novice, but is done off leash.
- Command Discrimination (Stand, Down, Sit)
Demonstrates that the dog will respond correctly to the handler’s commands and/or signals. The handler will be instructed by the judge to stand, down or sit their dog from varying distances. Handlers will have their dog change positions three times at the judge’s direction. The second and third position change are with the handler 15 and 30 feet from the dog.
- Drop on Recall
The ability to drop on recall can be a lifesaving command for a dog, since it gives the handler control in potentially dangerous situations.
- Retrieve on Flat
- Retrieve Over High Jump
- Broad Jump
- Stay – Get Your Leash (Sit, Down)
Demonstrate that the dog will remain in the sit position, while the handler goes to get the dog’s leash.
Preferred Utility - This class shall be for all dogs that have won the CDX or PCDX or higher Regular or Preferred title.
- Signal Exercise
Demonstrates the dog’s ability to understand and respond to the handler’s signal to stand, stay, down, sit and come. No voice commands are given; only hand signals are allowed.
- Scent Discrimination
Demonstrates the dog’s ability to find the handler’s scent among a pile of articles.
- Directed Retrieve
Demonstrates the dog’s ability to follow a directional signal to retrieve a glove and return it to the handler.
- Moving Stand and Examination
Demonstrates the dog’s willingness to heel, stand and stay as the handler moves away. The dog must stay and accept an examination by the judge and return to the handler when commanded to do so.
- Directed Jumping
Demonstrates the dog’s willingness to go away from the handler, turn and sit. At the direction of the handler, the dog must clear whichever jump its handler indicates and promptly return to the handler.
Option Classes - Optional Titling Path
Optional Titling classes have no restrictions on them, any dog can enter in any order; these classes are not prerequisites to get to “the next level class (i.e. Novice to Open).” Please refer to the current Obedience Regulations for more information on requirements and restrictions.
Beginner Novice
This class shall be for all dogs that have not earned any AKC obedience titles or who have earned a BN, CD and/or PCD title; but no other additional AKC obedience titles.
- Heel on Leash
- Figure Eight.
Demonstrates that the dog has learned to watch its handler and adjust its pace to stay with the handler moving in a Figure Eight pattern on leash.
- Sit for Exam
This exercise is great benefit when the dog needs hands-on care by a veterinarian.
- Sit Stay
Demonstrates that the handler has control of the dog when visitors come to the home.
- Recall
Demonstrates that the handler has the ability to call the dog and get an immediate response at all times.
Graduate Novice
This class shall be for all dogs.
- Heel on Leash and Figure Eight (off leash)
Demonstrates that the dog has learned to watch its handler and adjust its pace to stay with the handler.
- Drop on Recall
This command can be a lifesaving command for a dog, since it gives the handler control in potentially dangerous situations.
- Dumbbell Recall
This exercise is performed like the Novice Recall but with the dog holding a dumbbell.
- Dumbbell Recall over High Jump.
- Recall Over Broad Jump.
- Stay – Get Your Leash (Sit, Down)
The dog must remain in a down position as instructed.
Graduate Open - This class shall be for all dogs.
- Signal Exercise
This exercise shows the dog’s ability to understand and correctly respond to the handler’s signal to stand, stay, down, sit and come. No voice commands are given; only hand signals are allowed.
- Scent Discrimination
This exercise demonstrates the dog’s ability to find the handler’s scent among a pile of articles.
- Go Out
This exercise demonstrates the ability of the handler to send the dog away and stop as directed.
- Directed Jumping
In this exercise, the dog must go away from the handler, turn and sit. The dog must clear whichever jump its handler indicates and promptly return to the handler.
- Moving Stand and Examination
This exercise requires that the dog must heel, stand and stay as the handler moves away. The dog must stay and accept an examination by the judge and return to the handler on command.
- Directed Retrieve
This exercise proves the dog’s ability to follow a directional signal to retrieve a glove and promptly return it to the handler.
Versatility
The versatility class shall be for all dogs. Six exercises will be performed: two from each the Novice, Open and Utility classes. There will be no group exercises.
The judge will decide the combination and order of exercises to be performed in this class and will post it at the ring approximately 45 minutes prior to the start of the class.
Obedience Titles
AKC Obedience titles can only be earned at an AKC-licensed or member club trial. Novice (CD) title must be completed before an exhibitor can enter the Open class and the Open title (CDX) must be earned before an exhibitor can enter the Utility class.
Available titles are:
Beginner Novice (BN)
BN may be added after a dog’s name when it has been certified to have received qualifying scores in Beginner Novice classes at 3 licensed or member obedience trials by 2 different judges.
Graduate Novice (GN)
GN may be added after a dog’s name when it has been certified to have received qualifying scores in Graduate Novice classes at 3 licensed or member obedience trials by 2 different judges.
Companion Dog (CD)
CD may be added after a dog’s registered name when it has been certified that it has received qualifying scores in Novice classes at three licensed or member obedience trials by 2 different judges.
Preferred Novice (PCD)
PCD may be added after a dog’s name when it has been certified to have received qualifying scores in Preferred Novice at 3 licensed or member obedience trials by 2 different judges.
Companion Dog Excellent (CDX)
CDX may be added after a dog’s registered name after it has been certified that it has received qualifying scores in Open classes at three licensed or member obedience trials by 2 different judges.
Graduate Open (GO)
GO may be added after a dog’s name when it has been certified to have received qualifying scores in Graduate Open classes at 3 licensed or member obedience trials by 2 different judges.
Preferred Open (PCDX)
PCDX may be added after a dog’s name when it has been certified to have received qualifying scores in Preferred Open at 3 licensed or member obedience trials by 2 different judges.
Utility Dog (UD)
UD may be added after a dog’s registered name after it has been certified that it has received qualifying scores in Utility classes at three licensed or member obedience trials by 2 different judges.
Utility Dog Excellent (UDX)
Dogs with UD titles must earn qualifying scores in both Open B and Utility B at 10 trials in order to add the UDX title after their registered names.
Preferred Utility (PUTD)
PUD may be added after a dog’s name when it has been certified to have received qualifying scores in Preferred Utility at 3 licensed or member obedience trials by 2 different judges.
Obedience Master (OM)
OM may be added after a dog’s name when it has earned a total of 200 OM points awarded to dogs earning a 190 or better from the Open B and Utility B classes based on the schedule of points established by the AKC. The OM will be followed by a numeric designation indicating the number of times a dog has met the requirements of the OM title up to 10.
Grand Master (OGM)
OGM may be added after a dog’s name when it has earned the 10th level of the Obedience Master title. Only one OGM title can be awarded.
Obedience Trial Champion (OTCH)
Dogs with UD titles must win a first-place in Utility B and Open B, plus a third first-place win in either class, and 100 points and, under three different judges.
National Obedience Champion (NOC)
This prestigious title is awarded annually by the AKC to the dog that wins the AKC National Obedience Invitational. The letters NOC are placed before the dog’s AKC-registered name and become part of the dog’s permanent title.
Versatility (VER)
VER may be added after a dog’s name when it has been certified to have received qualifying scores in Versatility classes at 3 licensed or member obedience trials by 2 different judges.
Preferred Utility Dog Excellent (PUDX)
PUDX may be added after a dog’s name and can be followed by a numeric designation indicating the number of times a dog has met the requirements of the PUDX title as defined in the regulations.
Preferred Obedience Champion (POC)
The use of the letters POC preceding the name of each dog that meets the requirements and followed by a numeric designation indicating the number of times a dog has met the requirements will be permitted by AKC.