Getting Started in AKC Obedience: A Comprehensive Guide for Dog Owners

Solid commands and practice create a lifetime of reliable, well behaved companionship.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 19, 2025

Solid commands and practice create a lifetime of reliable, well behaved companionship.

Obedience training is the foundation for a strong and rewarding bond between you and your dog. Whether your goal is to have a well-mannered family companion or to compete at the highest levels of American Kennel Club (AKC) obedience events, getting started with the right approach and guidance is essential. This guide includes everything you need to know to begin your obedience journey, from finding the right class to understanding the various levels of competition and beyond.

Why Obedience Training Matters

Obedience training offers significant benefits for both dogs and their owners:

Safety: Core obedience commands help keep your dog safe in all situations.
Communication: Structured training builds better understanding between dogs and handlers.
Socialization: Group classes and exposure to new environments help dogs learn acceptable behaviors.
Problem Solving: Trainers often address and help resolve common behavior issues.

Who Can Participate in AKC Obedience?

The AKC invites all dogsâpurebred as well as mixed breedsâto participate in obedience training and competitions. Dogs of all breeds, ages, and backgrounds are welcome. Training is conducted by experienced instructors, many of whom have achieved notable success in obedience competitions themselves. These trainers utilize the latest techniques and are adept at teaching dogs and handlers of various experience levels, often helping with:

Breed-specific behavior quirks
Household manners
General socialization

Types of Obedience Training Classes

Local AKC clubs commonly offer three primary class categories designed to match your dog’s age and experience:

Puppy Obedience Classes

Age: 3â5 months old
Focus: Basic household commands, socialization with people and other puppies
Additional Topics: Nutrition, grooming, housebreaking, troubleshooting common issues

Basic Obedience Classes

Age: 5 months and older
Commands Taught: Heel, sit, stand, down, stay, and come
Also Covers: Nutrition, grooming, and addressing typical behavior problems

Companion Events Preparation Classes

Purpose: Geared toward preparing dogs and owners for AKC competition (obedience, rally, agility, tracking)
What Youâll Learn:
- Detailed regulations for competition
- Overview of available titles and levels
- How to train and polish required competition exercises

Canine Good CitizenÂ® (CGC) Class

Overview: The CGC program recognizes dogs with exemplary manners in the home and community.
Requirements: Mastery of basic obedience commands is essential for passing the CGC test.
Certification: Successful dogs receive an official certificate and are recorded in the AKCâs Canine Good Citizen Archive.

Overview of AKC Obedience Competition Classes

The AKC offers multiple levels of obedience competition, enabling handlers and their dogs to progress from beginner to advanced skills and earn recognition and titles along the way.

Class Level	Purpose	Typical Exercises
Beginner Novice	Introductory class for dogs new to obedience	Heel on leash Figure eight Sit for exam Sit stay Recall
Novice	For dogs that can work on- and off-leash	Heel on leash & Figure eight Stand for examination Heel free (off-leash) Recall Sit stay â get your leash Group sit & down stay
Open	Advanced exercises requiring greater independence	Heel free & Figure eight (off-leash) Command discrimination (stand, down, sit) Drop on recall Retrieve on flat Retrieve over high jump Broad jump
Graduate Novice	Intermediate level preparing for advanced titles	Heel on leash & Figure eight (off-leash) Drop on recall Dumbbell recall Dumbbell recall over high jump Recall over broad jump

Details of Key Obedience Exercises

Obedience competition consists of progressively challenging exercises that showcase your dogâs training and reliability.

Beginner Novice

Heel on Leash: Demonstrates the dogâs ability to walk at the handlerâs pace, staying with the handler while on leash.
Figure Eight: Both handler and dog negotiate a pattern around two people, demonstrating controlled heeling and attention.
Sit for Exam: Dog sits while the judge gently touches it, emphasizing calmness for situations like veterinary exams.
Sit Stay: Dog remains sitting as the handler moves away, proving control and discipline.
Recall: The dog comes promptly to the handler when called, showing a reliable response.

Novice

Heel on Leash and Figure Eight: Foundation heeling skills with added complexity of a figure eight pattern.
Stand for Examination: Dog maintains a standing position as the handler moves away and judge examines.
Heel Free: Dog follows the handler off-leash through heeling exercises.
Recall: Tests the dogâs ability to come when called, emphasizing promptness and attention.
Sit Stay â Get Your Leash: Dog remains sitting while handler retrieves the leash from a specified spot.
Group Sit & Down Stay: Dog remains in sit or down among other dogs, highlighting steadiness in distractions.

Open

Heel Free and Figure Eight: Performed entirely off-leash to demonstrate advanced attentiveness.
Command Discrimination (Stand, Down, Sit): The dog responds to voice or signal commands, sometimes from a distance.
Drop on Recall: Midway through the recall, dog must immediately lie down on command.
Retrieve on Flat: Dog retrieves an object over a distance of at least 20 feet and returns it to the handler.
Retrieve Over High Jump: Dog jumps a hurdle to collect a dumbbell and returns via the same jump.
Broad Jump: Dog must jump a wide, low set of boards on command.
Stand Stay â Get Your Leash: Dog holds a stand-stay while the handler retrieves the leash.

Graduate Novice

Heel on Leash and Figure Eight (off leash): Indicates steady focus and control without the safety of a leash.
Drop on Recall: Dog is commanded to drop during a recall, useful as an emergency stop.
Dumbbell Recall: Dog performs a recall while holding a dumbbell in its mouth.
Dumbbell Recall Over High Jump and Recall Over Broad Jump: Adds jumping elements while holding or retrieving a dumbbell.
Stand Stay â Get Your Leash: As above, dog maintains a stand-stay as handler moves away.

How to Get Started: Steps for Newcomers

Find a Local Club or Trainer: Search for AKC-affiliated clubs with experienced instructors in your area.
Assess Your Dogâs Needs: Determine the proper class based on your dogâs age and skill level.
Join an Appropriate Class: Start with puppy or basic classes, and progress to advanced or competition-focused options as ready.
Attend Regular Training Sessions: Consistent participation is vital for building skills and habits.
Practice at Home: Reinforce what you and your dog learn in class by practicing between sessions.

What to Expect in Class

Instruction on essential commands: heel, sit, down, stay, come, stand
Hands-on practice with instructors observing and providing feedback
Socialization with other people and dogs
Advice on diet, grooming, problem-solving, and equipment
Information on participation in further training, events, and earning titles

The Canine Good CitizenÂ® (CGC) Program

The CGC program is both a standalone achievement and a stepping stone to AKC obedience competitions. It encourages responsible pet ownership and demonstrates your dogâs ability to act politely at home and in public settings. The CGC test covers basic obedience skills including:

Accepting a friendly stranger
Sitting politely for petting
Appearance and grooming
Walking on a loose leash
Walking through a crowd
Coming when called
Reaction to another dog
Supervised separation

Passing the CGC earns your dog an official AKC certificate and is a great foundation for future training or therapy dog work.

Titles and Levels in AKC Obedience

As you and your dog advance, you can earn a variety of titles that represent your achievements. These titles increase in difficulty and build upon skills learned in earlier classes, fueling both motivation and a sense of accomplishment. Major title paths include:

BN (Beginner Novice)
CD (Companion Dog)
PCD (Preferred Companion Dog)
GN (Graduate Novice)
GO (Graduate Open)
CDX (Companion Dog Excellent)
UD (Utility Dog)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Are all breeds eligible for AKC obedience classes?

A: Yes. Any dogâpurebred or mixed breedâcan join AKC obedience training and competitions.

Q: When should I start obedience classes with my puppy?

A: Many classes accept puppies as young as 3 months, but always check your local clubâs guidelines and your dogâs vaccination status first.

Q: What are the main benefits of enrolling in obedience classes?

A: Improved behavior, increased safety, stronger owner-dog communication, and the opportunity for socialization with other dogs and people.

Q: What equipment do I need for my first class?

A: Generally, a six-foot leash, a properly fitted collar, motivating treats, and waste bags are required. Some classes recommend specific types of collarsâask your instructor ahead of time.

Q: Can I earn titles and certificates with my dog outside of competition?

A: Yes. The AKC offers achievement programs like Canine Good CitizenÂ® that award certificates for excellent manners, which can be earned outside of formal competition.

Helpful Tips for a Successful Obedience Journey

Practice consistentlyâshort daily sessions work better than occasional long ones.
Use positive reinforcement such as treats, praise, and play to encourage learning.
Remain patient and celebrate small progress milestones.
Socialize your dog with other environments and distractions early and often.
Consult your class instructor if you encounter specific challenges or plateaus.

Conclusion

Embarking on obedience training with your dog is a rewarding investment in your relationship and your dogâs quality of life. The AKC provides structured, accessible programs for all owners, from those just starting out to experienced competitors. Begin with the basics, stay consistent, and soon youâll enjoy the benefits of a reliable and happy canine companionâperhaps with some ribbons and titles to show for your teamwork.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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