Matches

OTC hosts Rally and Obedience each month, usually the 2nd Sat and Sun of the month. Matches help handlers get ready for trials by providing a realistic trial experience.

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

Upcoming Rally Matches: Nov 8 and Nov 29

Upcoming Obedience Matches: Nov 9 and Nov 30

Rally Matches

Building opens: 9:00 am. Registration: 9:30-11:00 am. Judging begins 10:00 am. Run order:

Large Ring: Master, then Excellent

Small Ring: Advanced, then Intermediate, then Novice.

At Matches held just prior to OTCGL trials, all run throughs will be held in the large ring.

More info: Karen Friderici (517) 775-4267

Obedience Matches

Building opens: 8:45 am

Utility & Open: Registration begins at 9 am. Judging begins by 9:30 am.

Novice & Beginner Novice: Registration begins at 11 am. Judging starts after Utility & Open, usually around noon..

More Info: (517) 485-7280

Important Announcement

For many years OTC 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. 

OTC is grateful for the support and participation in our Matches. Our priority is to offer a great experience to as many handlers as possible.  

While OTC is happy to offer flexibility, especially at matches with lower attendance, effective Nov 30, 2025 handlers may choose a traditional run-through or a timed practice session. Time limits will be:   

Beginner Novice = 6 minutes

Novice & Preferred Novice = 7 minutes

Open, Preferred Open, Grad Novice = 9 minutes

Utility, Preferred Utility, Grad Open = 10 minutes 

Guidelines 

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

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

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

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