Competition Obedience 
Tuesday 5:30 – 6:15pm  

Precision, Partnership & Performance – Obedience at Napier Dog Training ClubObedience is a truly impressive discipline — it highlights your dog’s ability to focus, follow cues with precision, and work as a calm, confident partner under distraction. At Napier Dog Training Club, we welcome anyone keen to explore this rewarding sport, whether you're just starting out or aiming for competition. We're a passionate group of volunteers sharing our love of dog training and learning alongside our dogs — no pressure, just progress and partnership.

In obedience, dogs learn a huge range of skills that go far beyond the basics. At beginner levels, you’ll teach your dog to walk nicely at heel, sit, stay, and come when called — all while staying engaged and happy. As you advance, the challenges increase: longer stays, off-lead work, precise turns, retrieves, scent discrimination, send-aways, and more. It’s a great way to mentally challenge your dog, build strong control, and enjoy the satisfaction of mastering skills together.

In New Zealand, competitive obedience is a well-established sport with multiple levels.

• Beginner and Novice levels focus on the foundations: on-lead and off-lead heelwork, straight recalls, sits, downs, and short-distance stays. These classes are great for dogs who are just starting out and developing consistency in basic control.

• Test A and Test B introduce greater difficulty, including longer stays with the handler out of sight, off-lead heeling with more complex patterns, formal recall with finish, retrieve on the flat, and send-away exercises. 

• Test C, the highest level, showcases the pinnacle of obedience performance. Exercises include a scent (where the dog must find and retrieve a judges scented article), a send-away with down, and extended out-of-sight stays. Dogs must demonstrate absolute precision, confidence, and teamwork throughout

There are regular obedience trials held around the country where you can test your skills in a fun and encouraging environment. Many of our club members take part, and we’re always happy to help new handlers get started on their competition journey.

Whether you're here for fun, focus, or to take on the national ring, obedience is a brilliant way to grow your bond with your dog and be part of a supportive, dog-loving community. Come give it a go — you'd be amazed at what you and your dog can achieve together.