Changes to Competitive Obedience Regulations for 2026
The Royal Kennel Club has approved the following changes to the regulations for
Competitive Obedience.

The following amendment to the regulations increases the time frame between
requesting a show licence to 6 months before the date of the show.

Amendment to regulations G6 & G8
Regulation G6. Societies are required to apply for permission to hold Special
Events.
TO:
Applications should be submitted to The Royal Kennel Club by email at least
six weeks months before the start of any qualifying heats for the event.
(Insertions in bold. Deletions struck through)
(Effective 1 January 2026)
Regulation G8. Application.
TO:
The application for a licence to hold an Obedience Show must be made to the
Secretary of The Royal Kennel Club at least six weeks months before the
proposed date of the show together with the appropriate licence fee.
(Insertions in bold. Deletions struck through)
(Effective 1 January 2026)

The below amendment to the regulations aims to make Championship Obedience
judging requirements more attainable.

Amendment to Regulation G32.d
Regulation G32.d
TO:
A judge’s first three appointments for shows must be restricted to Novice.  
The next three appointments must be up to and including Class A. Before
accepting an Open Class C appointment, a Judge must have completed at
least a further nine twelve appointments in total. These must include a
minimum of three Novice, three Class A and three Class B appointments. It is
the individual’s responsibility to retain proof of their judging appointments. 
(Insertions in bold. Deletions struck through.)
(Effective 1 January 2026)

The following amendment to the regulations clarifies the use of food and toys in
Introductory and Pre-Beginner classes.

Amendment to Regulation G(A)9.a, G(A)9.e.i & G(A)10.a

Regulation G(A)9.a. Introductory.
TO:
In this class, only incentives in the form of a toy or rewards are allowed to be
carried by the handler in the competitive ring and may be given to the dog
before the exercise, at the end of an exercise or in between exercises within
the reward area of the ring. The reward area must be distinct from the
working area. Rewards include food which must be carried in a small closed
container during the exercises, either in the handler’s pocket or left on the
reward table, and only verbal and physical cues may be used to keep the
dog engaged. The judge will designate the reward an area in the competitive
ring where food or a toy may be given to the dog by the handler.
(Insertions in bold. Deletions struck through.)
(Effective 1 January 2026)

Regulation G(A)9.e.i. Introductory.
TO:
e. The detailed test will be:
(1) Engagement – this will be marked throughout the test – the use of
motivators and rewards before and between exercises which may
include food, silent toys, tricks, and verbal and physical praise within
the reward area of the ring. Toys and food in a sealed closed
container, must either be left on the reward table, or be concealed in
the handler’s pocket during tests, where only verbal motivation may be
used to keep the dog engaged. 10 points
(Insertions in bold. Deletions struck through)
(Effective 1 January 2026)

Regulation G(A)10.a Pre-Beginners.
TO:
In this class, only incentives in the form of a toy or rewards are allowed to be
carried by the handler in the competitive ring and may be given to the dog
before the exercise, at the end of an exercise or in between exercises within
the reward area of the ring. The reward area must be distinct from the
working area. Rewards include food which must be carried in a small closed
container during the exercises, either in the handler’s pocket or left on the
reward table, and only verbal and physical cues may be used to keep the
dog engaged. The judge will designate the reward an area in the competitive
ring where food or a toy may be given to the dog by the handler.
(Insertions in bold. Deletions struck through.)
(Effective 1 January 2026)
The below amendment to the regulations relates to the eligibility for Introductory and
Pre-Beginner classes.

Amendment to Regulation G(A)9.b
Regulation G(A)9.b
TO:
To compete in the Introductory Class a handler or dog must not have gained a
1st place in any competitive obedience class, placed 1st to 3rd in
Novice and have not elected to progress on points from Introductory
(Insertions in bold)
(Effective 1 January 2026)

The following amendment to the regulations allows Championship Obedience Shows
to be able to cap classes.
Amendment to Regulation G(A)17
Regulation G(A)17
TO:
a. Organisers of open or Championship obedience shows may set an
optional capping level on the entries to be accepted in any standard or
special class, and may decline entries received after the capping level
has been reached.
b. Wins and places in standard classes capped in accordance with this
Regulation will count towards progression at open and Championship
shows and for Obedience Warrant points.
c. Where a capping level is set it must be set at a minimum of 35 entries
received in respect of Open Shows and 90 entries received in
respect of Championship Shows. There is no maximum level at
which a cap may be set. Capped classes may be split into two or more
divisions in accordance with Regulation G30.b.
(Insertions in bold. Deletions struck through.)
(Effective 1 January 2026)