Obedience
	Obedience is divided into Novice, Open and Utility levels. Each level becomes progressively more difficult, with different exercises added into the requirements. Each level is divided into A and B classes. Three qualifying scores from Novice A or B, Open A and Utility A are required to earn a title at the respective level. Open B and Utility B classes are for dogs who have already obtained their Open or Utility level titles and are continuing to compete. The Novice level of obedience results in the title of Companion Dog (CD). Exercises at this level include heeling on leash, a figure-8 heeling pattern on leash, then a stand for examination, another heeling sequence and a recall (calling the dog to you from across the ring) which are all done off leash. These exercises are done individually in the ring and each are designated a certain number of points. A team must earn at least 50 percent of the available score for a given exercise in order to qualify, as well as earn a total score of 170 minimum out of a possible 200 points. After each dog in the class has performed their individual exercises, dogs return to the ring in groups of no more than 12 for "sits and downs". These are sit-stay and down-stay exercises performed in a line as a group with a one-minute sit and three minute down, handlers facing the dogs from across the ring. Once a dog has earned a CD title, they may move up to the Open A class. This level results in a Companion Dog Excellent (CDX) title. All exercises are done off leash and include a heeling pattern, figure-8, recall with a stop and drop into a lying position on command then coming when called a second time, retrieving a dumbbell both as a direct retrieve as well as over a solid-wall jump, and jumping a spread jump. The group long sit and long down are performed with handlers out of the ring and out of sight of the dogs, with a three-minute sit and five-minute down. The CDX title replaces the previously-earned CD title after a dog's registered name. After obtaining a CDX title, a dog may continue on to the Utility A class. Exercises at this level include a heeling pattern using only hand signals, stopping the dog in a standing position from heeling and then leaving the dog while the judge comes over for a stand for exam, having the dog change from a standing to lying to sitting position and then coming on a recall using only hand signals, scent discrimination to find metal and leather dumbbells with the handler's scent, a directed retrieve where the dog needs to get one of three gloves that the handler indicates to the dog, and directed jumping where the handler sends the dog out alone to the opposite side of the ring, sits the dog by voice command only, then indicates one of two jumps for the dog to go over on their way back to the handler. There are no group long sit or long down exercises at the Utility level. After three qualifying scores are earned the title of Utility Dog (UD) replaces the CDX in the dog's name. Once the UD title has been earned a dog may continue to work toward a Utility Dog Excellent (UDX) title. This requires earning qualifying scores from the Open B and Excellent B classes at the same show a total of 10 times. All exercises are the same as listed for the A classes. To earn the title of Obedience Trial Champion (OTCH) a dog must continue competing at both the Open B and Utility B levels, earning not only the required 100 points but also obtaining a first place finish from each class and a third first place from either class. Points are earned by placing first through fourth in Open B and Utility B classes, the number of points determined by the class and placement as well as the number of dogs competing in the class.