Obedience can be likened to dressage, or maybe gymnastics.  The overall objective is to execute each exercise within a class with precision and accuracy, dog and handler working as a complete team.  Thus both handlers and dogs can be penalised for errors and faults. 

Each exercise is given a maximum number of points and judges will judge each team (handler and Dog) against their personal view of the perfect execution of the test (within the guidance set within the regulations).  Dogs are expected to work in a happy and natural manner, with the handler responding smartly and quickly to the caller steward’s commands.

All obedience events will have a judge for each class that takes place.  The judge must use a caller (ring) steward for the test.  Many will also use a scribe, especially when judging the higher levels and a score steward to keep the scoreboard in order. 

At Crufts the judges’ team is often more numerous to ensure the day runs to time and as planned.  The entire test will be set by the judge so will vary from one judge to another.  The test content is not known to the competitors until the day.  They will only know which exercises are included, as per the KC rules, but not the precise details.

Scores are given as points deducted, rather than points awarded.  So the dog with the lowest score wins.

Find out more:
Getting Started in Obedience
Obedience tests and exercises
Obedience levels and classes

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