As dogs and handlers gain experience and expertise in competitive Obedience, they become ready to move up to the more difficult levels of competition.

To ensure a fair playing field for less experienced dogs, once they have 'won out' of a class a handler and dog may no longer enter that class at Obedience shows, and this ensures that dogs can progress - right up to Championship Class 'C', provided they have the aptitude and dedication needed.

A dog must always be entered in the lowest class for which it is eligible, but may also be entered in one other higher class if available - this need not be the next highest, so a dog can be entered, for instance, in Pre-Beginner and Class B (although this is rarely advisable).

Introductory This class is to introduce and support newcomers to Obedience Competition. In this class only incentives in the form of a toy or rewards are allowed to be carried by the handler in the competition ring and may be given to the dog at the end of an exercise or in between exercises. To compete in the Introductory Class a handler and dog must not have won three Introductory Classes and be eligible to compete in Pre-Beginners.

Pre-Beginner  To compete in Pre-Beginners a handler or dog must not have won a first place in either Pre-Beginners or Beginners nor gained a third place or above in any other Obedience class (Introductory Class excepted).

Beginner  To compete in Beginners a handler or dog must not have won a total of two or more First places in Beginners Class or one First place in any other Obedience class (Introductory Class and Pre-Beginners excepted).

Novice  This is the class where more experienced handlers will start with a young dog.  The dog must not have won two First places in Obedience classes (Introductory Class, Pre-Beginners and Beginners excepted).

Class A  The next level of progression, for dogs which have not won three First prizes in Classes A, B and Open Class C in total.

Class B  More complexity for dogs which have not won three First prizes in Class B and Open Class C in total.

Class C  For Championship Class C at Championship Shows, dogs must have won out of Novice, Class A and Class B and have won

Open Class C on one occasion and have been placed not lower than third on three further occasions; all Open Class C places and wins must have been won under different Judges at Kennel Club licensed shows. At Open Shows, and in the Open C Classes held at Championship Shows, open to all dogs. At limited Shows, open to all dogs except Obedience Certificate winners and dogs which have obtained any award that counts towards the title of Obedience Champion or the equivalent thereof under the rules of any governing body recognised by the Kennel Club.

Multi-Choice Class Open to all dogs and handlers. Awards to be given for dogs competing in three award categories, Pre-Beginners and Beginners, Novice and Class A, and Class B and Class C.

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