Obedience

American Kennel Club (AKC) obedience competitions evaluate dogs’ training and behavior, emphasizing their ability to perform specific exercises willingly and with enthusiasm. Developed in the 1930s, these trials assess a dog’s proficiency in various tasks, including walking on and off-leash, retrieving, and jumping, all while remaining well-mannered in diverse environments and around other dogs. The competition is structured across multiple levels—Beginner Novice, Novice, Open, and Utility—each introducing more complex exercises. Handlers and their dogs must consistently demonstrate precision and teamwork to advance through these levels and earn titles such as Companion Dog (CD), Companion Dog Excellent (CDX), and Utility Dog (UD). These trials not only highlight the bond between dog and handler but also promote the development of well-behaved and responsive canine companions.

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Rally

The American Kennel Club (AKC) Rally is a dog sport that emphasizes teamwork between handler and dog through a course of obedience stations. Each station features a sign that indicates a specific task, such as heeling, sitting, or turning. Handlers guide their dogs through the course while following the instructions at each station, aiming for precision and smooth execution of commands. Rally is designed to be more interactive and less formal than traditional obedience competitions, offering a fun and engaging environment for both novice and experienced teams. Points are awarded based on performance, and errors result in deductions, with the goal being to complete the course with the fewest mistakes and the best teamwork.

All obedience and rally will now be held in the Hay and Grain Building. (Former MBF location). The new site is bright, airy, centrally located to vendors, food and bathrooms. Lots of crating space!

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