Usually the term "dog show" is used for the beauty contests in the dog world. Dogs shown in dog shows usually don't have to be very obedient, they are judged on their looks.

Obedience trials are just what the name implies, tests to see how obedient your dog will be that day.

Carl is neutered so he can not compete in dog shows. At first I didn't think he couldn't do obedience either, because he doesn't have papers.

But the AKC issues this thing called an ILP (Indefinite Listing Privilege). You have to get some good pictures of your dog and fill out a form with information about your dog and send it to the AKC. If they think your dog looks anything like a purebred, they'll give you an ILP #.

You can compete in everything that dogs with "papers" can, except for conformation, where the dogs are judged on their looks. The only thing is the dog has to be spayed to get an ILP.

Anyways, I have shown Carl in obedience trials. We've gone through the first level, which is called Novice, and gotten our CD (Companion Dog) title. The next level is called Open. We've gotten our first out of 3 "legs" needed to get the CDX (Companion Dog Excellent) title.

If you're interested, I can find the page on the AKC website about ILPs. You should look into showing Sadie. I'm sure with some work she'd be great!

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-Rottie