In England, all Competitive Obedience is regulated by the Kennel Club irrespective of whether it is a local charity dog show or an Open Obedience Show. The small charity shows, once known as Exemption Shows, are now designated Companion Dog Shows.

The regulations for these shows are promulgated in the Kennel Club Year Book which is published in July of each year.

Obedience competitions are open to all dogs whatever their breeding.

Obedience classes scheduled at Companion Dog Shows may contain any combination of exercises.

For those competing at Open Shows the classes scheduled, exercises to be completed and the way the exercises should be conducted are strictly regulated. To compete in these shows the dog must be registered with the Kennel Club. Non pedigree dogs may be registered on the Activity Register. Currently, the lifetime registration fee for this is £12-00.

There are six classes which may be scheduled at obedience competitions: Pre-Beginners, Beginners, Novice, Class A, Class B and Class C. The classes in which a dog may be entered depends on its and its owners previous performance at obedience competitions.