Beginner Novice is also a GREAT stepping stone for the dogs and their handlers. You can earn a BN title even though it is an "optional" titling class. AKC also introduced new classes where you can earn degrees without having to leave your dog on a group stay which many people are opposed to. Pre-Novice ~ Pre-Open ~ Pre-Utility. I think it is great for the sport of Obedience. Marcia ~ Home of GSDs and Aussies (in Obedience) ************************************************************************ Beginner Novice is an optional class. It isn't required. There haven't been any changes to the usual Novice Open and Utility sequence, just more optional classes for people who don't like stays. --Regina ============================================================================ POST is Copyrighted 2014. All material remains the property of the original author and of GSD Communication, Inc. NO REPRODUCTIONS or FORWARDS of any kind are permitted without prior permission of the original author AND of the Showgsd-l Management. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Each Author is responsible for the content of his/her post. This group and its administrators are not responsible for the comments or opinions expressed in any post. ALL PERSONS ARE ON NOTICE THAT THE FORWARDING, REPRODUCTION OR USE IN ANY MANNER OF ANY MATERIAL WHICH APPEARS ON SHOWGSD-L WITHOUT THE EXPRESS PERMISSION OF ALL PARTIES TO THE POST AND THE LIST MANAGEMENT IS EXPRESSLY FORBIDDEN, AND IS A VIOLATION OF LAW. VIOLATORS OF THIS PROHIBITION WILL BE PROSECUTED. For assistance, please contact the List Management at admin@xxxxxxxxxxx VISIT OUR WEBSITE - http://showgsd.org SUBSCRIPTION: http://showgsd.org/mail.html NATIONAL BLOG - http://gsdnational.blogspot.com/ ============================================================================