Trials

NYOC hosts two sets of Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) Obedience and Rally Trials each year:

• June – Bewdley Community Centre, Bewdley, Ontario
• November – International Centre, Mississauga, in conjunction with the Aurora Kennel Club's confirmation shows and Christmas Pet Expo

Trial details, including judges, schedules, and entry information, are published in the Premium List a few months before each event.

For the latest information, visit our Trials page.

June Trials
Bewdley Community Centre
7060 Lake Road
Bewdley, ON K0L 1E0

November Trials
International Centre – Hall 5
6000 Airport Road
Mississauga, ON L4V 1E8

Held in conjunction with the Aurora Kennel Club's confirmation shows and Christmas Pet Expo

Don't worry—everyone starts somewhere!

Dog sports have their own terminology, titles, and rules, which can seem confusing at first.

The Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) website provides an overview of the many dog sports available in Canada.

Better yet, ask one of our instructors or experienced members. We'd be happy to help you get started. Many of us compete is wide variety of dog sports as well CKC Obedience and Rally Obedience.

Yes!

Mixed-breed dogs are eligible to compete in CKC Obedience, Rally, Agility, and most other performance events, earning the same titles as purebred dogs.

Before entering your first trial, your dog must have a CKC Canine Companion Number (CCN). Information about obtaining a CCN is available on the CKC website.

Some CKC events have different eligibility requirements, so always check the event's Premium List before entering.

To receive official CKC title certificates, you must either:

• become a CKC member, or
• pay the annual non-member participation fee.

Since the annual membership fee and the non-member participation fee are the same, most exhibitors choose to become CKC members.

The Canine Good Neighbour (CGN) Test is a Canadian Kennel Club program that recognizes dogs with good manners at home and in the community.

Open to both purebred and mixed-breed dogs, the test evaluates everyday skills such as polite greetings, walking through crowds, coming when called, and remaining under control in a variety of situations.

Many of the skills taught in NYOC's beginner classes provide excellent preparation for the CGN Test.

The CKC offers also offers some advice  on how to get started. To find a venue you can check upcoming trials across Ontario and Canada are listed on Canuck Dogs.

Each CKC trial publishes a Premium List, which contains everything you need to enter, including:

• entry forms
• eligibility requirements
• judges
• event schedule
• opening and closing dates
• rules
• event secretary's contact information

Once  it is available it will be part of the event listing on Canuck Dogs.

If this is your first trial, don't hesitate to ask your instructor or experienced club members. We'll be happy to help guide you through the process.

A Premium List is the official information package for a trial.

It contains everything you need to know before entering, including event details, judges, classes offered, awards, entry forms, rules, closing dates, and contact information.

NYOC publishes a Premium List before each of our trials. Premium lists for every event will be included in their listing on Canuck Dogs.

A Fun Match (sometimes called a Correction Match) is an informal practice trial designed to help you and your dog prepare for competition.

You can perform the same exercises used in an official trial, but in a relaxed environment where judges often provide helpful feedback and training suggestions.

NYOC usually holds Obedience and Rally Fun Matches on the Friday evening before our June Trials in Bewdley. Your instructor or other experienced NYOC club members can be a great source of advice in locating and participating in Fun Matches.

An Obedience Trial allows you and your dog to demonstrate the skills you've learned in training.

There are several levels of competition, allowing teams to progress as their skills develop. The first title in CKC Obedience is the Pre-Companion Dog (PCD).

Rally is a fun, interactive dog sport that combines Obedience with a course of numbered signs.

Working as a team, you and your dog complete a series of exercises such as:

• sits and stays
• figure eights
• weaving through pylons
• working around distractions

Unlike traditional Obedience, Rally allows you to talk to, praise, and encourage your dog throughout the course, making it a great introduction to dog sports.

Upcoming CKC trials across Ontario and Canada are listed on Canuck Dogs.

Your instructors and fellow club members are also an excellent source of advice and can recommend beginner-friendly trials that are a good fit for you and your dog.

The CKC Obedience and Rally Rule Book can be downloaded free from the CKC website or purchased through the CKC Order Desk.

If you're just getting started, don't worry about memorizing the rules. Your instructors will explain the rules you'll use in training and competition as you progress.

No. Under CKC rules, only dogs entered in the trial are permitted on the trial grounds.

Spectators, however, are always welcome. Watching a trial is one of the best ways to learn how events are run before entering with your own dog.

Absolutely!

Volunteering is one of the best ways to learn how Obedience and Rally Trials work while supporting the club. Whether you're new to the sport or an experienced exhibitor, there are plenty of ways to help, and no previous experience is necessary.

To learn more about volunteering, contact our Trial Chair at info@nyoc.ca.