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    Competition Obedience Classes at Capital Dog Training Club

    Obedience is one of the American Kennel Club’s oldest companion events, dating back to the 1930s. It showcases teamwork between dog and handler through heeling, retrieving, jumping, and scent work. Many Capital members have earned advanced titles, with dogs ranked among the top 10 of their breeds nationwide.

    To succeed, dogs need a solid foundation. Before enrolling in competition obedience, all teams should complete Family Dog 1 and Family Dog 2. From there, our classes progress step by step toward higher levels of competition.

     
     

    Class Progression

    1. Heeling, Fronts, and Finishes
    2. Beginner Novice
    3. Novice
    4. Open
    5. Utility
     
     

    Heeling, Fronts, and Finishes (First Step)

    This 8-week class builds the three most important competition skills:

     

    • Heeling — the largest source of points at all levels.
    • Fronts and Finishes — essential for many exercises.

     

    Dogs learn precise heel position, focus, and smooth transitions, supported by training aids (platforms, pivot bowls, frames). Handlers also practice play as a reward, marker words, and effective ring entry routines.
     
    Prerequisites: Family Dog 1 & 2 or instructor permission. Intended for teams preparing to compete.
     
     

    Beginner Novice

    Builds directly on the foundation of Heeling, Fronts, and Finishes. This class introduces students to Beginner Novice ring procedures and exercises, including:

     

    • Sequenced heeling using rally signs
    • Sit and stand for exam
    • Figure 8 patterns
    • Recall and sit-stay

     

    Prerequisite: Completion of Heeling, Fronts, and Finishes.
     
     

    Novice

    For teams ready to compete at the Novice level. Skills include:

     

    • Focused heeling (on and off leash)
    • Figure 8 with attention
    • Stand for exam
    • Recall and group stays (with distractions)
    • Ring etiquette and procedures

     

    Prerequisite: Beginner Novice or instructor permission.
     
     

    Open (Companion Dog Title Level)

    For teams preparing for the Open title. Exercises include:

     

    • Off-leash heeling & Figure 8
    • Drop on recall
    • Retrieve on flat and over high jump
    • Broad jump
    • Position discrimination
    • Stay and get your leash

     

    Prerequisite: Two legs toward the Companion Dog title or instructor approval.
     
     

    Utility (Companion Dog Excellent Level)

    The most advanced obedience class, preparing teams for the Utility title. Skills include:

     

    • Off-leash heeling with signals
    • Directed retrieve
    • Scent discrimination
    • Moving stand & exam
    • Directed jumping

     

    Prerequisite: Two legs toward the Companion Dog Excellent title or instructor approval.

    AVAILABLE CLASSES (price includes all class sessions, click on blue link for more information)