Competitive obedience is a structured disciplined sport that needs a well socialised and trained dog. The KC likens it to dressage or even gymnastics.  It has six ‘levels’ and each level is called a ‘class’. Someone new to the sport will start in Pre-Beginners and Beginners Classes and with more experience qualify and progress to the higher classes right up to Class C, the highest (and most difficult).

Handlers and dogs complete a series of exercises in each class that have to be completed with precision and accuracy.  Both dogs and handlers can lose points for errors and faults

Each level contains a similar set of exercises that increase in difficulty as you progress up the classes.  The exercises are: heelwork, recall, retrieve, sendaway, stays, scent discrimination and distance control.