Matches

OTCGL is grateful for the support of, and participation in, our matches. Our priority is to offer a great experience to as many exhibitors as possible. Matches help handlers get ready for trials by providing a realistic trial experience. Beginners welcome! Join us!

In 2026 OTC will host 6 Rally and 6 Obedience matches, including matches the week-end prior to our Rally/Obedience trials: April 17-19, August 7-9, and Dec 4-6.

COST: $6 for 1st entry, $4 for 2nd entry of same dog.

VOLUNTEERS welcomed to assist as stewards and judges, as needed. Volunteers receive free run throughs.

Rally Matches

Sat, Feb 14

Sat, April 11

Sat, June 27

Sat, Aug 1

Sat, Oct 17

Sat, Nov 28

Building opens: 9:00 am. Registration: 9:00-10:30 am. Master walk through: 9:30 am. Judging Order: Master, Excellent, Advanced, Intermediate, Novice.

More info: Karen Friderici (517) 775-4267

Obedience Matches

Sun, Feb 15

Sun, April 12

Sun, June 28

Sun, Aug 2

Sun, Oct 18

Sun, Nov 29

Note: Matches will be held one hour earlier to accommodate more exhibitors!

Building opens: 8:00 am

Utility & Open: Registration: 8-11:30 am. Judging begins by 8:30 am and ends at noon. All first runs will be completed before beginning second runs. There is a limit of 20 Open and 20 Utility runs.

Novice & Beginner Novice: Registration: 11:30 am - 1:00 pm. Judging begins at noon. Beginner Novice in small ring and Novice in large ring.

More Info: Renee Baenen (Utility & Open): 248 894 9039

Sandy Culver (Novice & Beginner Novice)

About our Matches

For many years OTC Obedience Matches have helped handlers get ready for trials by providing a realistic trial experience. Volunteer judges and stewards conduct "run throughs" as if the dog and handler were in a trial. While occasionally allowing a re-do of an exercise, the main purpose is to mimic a real trial, although treats and praise are allowed. 

Over time the matches evolved to include multiple exercise do-overs, props, and training. Our matches became more popular as fewer matches were offered. Particularly for matches held prior to trials, large numbers of participants resulted in long wait times, especially for Beginner Novice and Novice classes. Some handlers left without doing their run throughs. 

While OTC is happy to offer flexibility, especially at matches with lower attendance, handlers may choose a traditional run-through or a timed practice session. Time limits are:   

Beginner Novice = 6 minutes

Novice & Preferred Novice = 7 minutes

Open, Pref Open, Grad Novice = 9 minutes

Utility, Pref Utility, Grad Open = 10 minutes 

Guidelines 

  • Handlers who choose a run-through can expect a realistic trial experience, but occasional re-dos of an exercise are allowed. Judges should not offer unsolicited advice or request exercises be repeated.

  • Handlers who choose a timed practice session may do a run through of all exercises, bring props, or focus on 1 or 2 exercises or a particular skill in the allotted time.

  • Generalized training in the ring, perfecting exercises by excessively repeating exercises, or training from outside the ring are not appropriate. 

  • OTC does not allow punishment based training or harsh corrections: no yelling, hitting, jerking, kicking or alpha rolls.

  • Volunteer judges and stewards are appreciated and receive free run throughs.