Minnesota 4-H Dog Obedience Rules and Guidelines Updated 2017 Table of Contents Purpose of Obedience 3 Class Eligibility 10 Why Compete in Obedience 3 Classes Offered 10 Classes 3 Foundation Class 10 Dogs That Have Previously Been Trained 3 Beginner 11 Earning Obedience Titles Outside of 4-H 4 Graduate Beginner 11 Leashes/Leads 4 Novice 12 Collars 4 Graduate Novice 12 Ring Size and Conditions 4 Pre-Open 13 Jumps 4 Open 13 Dumbbells/Scent Articles/Gloves 5 Graduate Open 14 Hair In Eyes 5 Pre-Utility 14 Entering the Ring 5 Utility 15 Judging the Exercise 6 Veterans 15 Exiting the Ring 6 Brace 16 Praise 6 Four-Dog Team 16 Handling Between Exercises 6 Explanation of Obedience Classes 17 Corrections 6 Foundation Class 19 Picking Up Your Dog During Competition 6 Beginner 21 Baiting 6 Graduate Beginner 25 Dog Leaves Ring During Judging 7 Novice 29 Disciplining in the Ring 7 Graduate Novice 33 Fouling the Ring 7 Pre-Open 37 Heel Position and Finish 7 Open 41 Loose Leash 7 Graduate Open 45 Commands and Signals 7 Pre-Utility 49 Additional Commands or Signals 8 Utility 53 Interference and Double Handling 8 Veterans 57 No Added Requirements 8 Brace 61 Re-Judging 8 Four-Dog Team 65 Ties/Run-Offs 9 Scoring of Obedience Exercises 69 Ribbons and Point System 9 Jump Height Tables 70 Announcement of Scores 9 Obedience Jump Construction Standards 72 Advancing to the State 4-H Dog Show 9 Score Sheets Begin on Page 75 2017 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. University of Minnesota Extension is an equal opportunity educator and employer. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, this material is available in alternative formats upon request.
This handbook is intended for 4-Hers, 4-H leaders, 4-H Dog Project Trainers, 4-H Program Coordinators, Extension Educators, parents, show coordinators, and judges. It is designed to help establish uniform rules, regulations, and procedures for 4-H Dog Obedience throughout the state. Please use this handbook when setting up your 4-H Dog Obedience programs, trainings, and shows. All judges should be familiar with the Minnesota 4-H Dog Project Guide and the Minnesota 4-H Dog Project Guide for Training Shows as they may differ from other show venues like the American Kennel Club (AKC) or United Kennel Club (UKC). Copyright 2017, Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. For permission for reproductions or use of this material, contact copyright@extension.umn.edu by e-mail, for fax request to Copyright Coordinator at 612.625.2207. The information in this publication is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names is made with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by University of Minnesota Extension Service is implied. 2
Dog Obedience PURPOSE OF OBEDIENCE Obedience training is the process in which dogs and humans learn to communicate with each other. It is the process in which dogs learn how to be polite members of a household. It is also how they learn how to be a well-behaved companion in public. WHY COMPETE IN OBEDIENCE? Obedience is a sport in which the 4-H dog and handler team is judged against an objective standard of performance. It requires good sportsmanship both in the show ring as well as outside of the show ring. It is a sport in which each successive level requires additional skills. At its earliest levels, the skills required are those of a well-behaved family pet. At its top levels, the dog is directed to jump, sit, lie down and come with only hand signals from across the ring. Several years and many hours of practice are between these two extremes! Obedience is a supportive sport that the 4-H'er can enjoy throughout their lifetime. CLASSES A 4-H er can show only one dog in an Obedience class, with the exception of Utility. A 4-H er can show a total of two dogs in 4-H. DOGS THAT HAVE PREVIOUSLY BEEN TRAINED 4-H ers may train and show dogs that have previously been trained and/or shown by other family members or other 4-H members. However, they will be required to begin training at the appropriate level. A dog entering the Foundation class with more than ten (10) weeks of training in an organized class prior to enrolling in the Foundation level 4-H training classes is ineligible and must compete in the Beginner class or higher. This includes training done for any other dog sport event, such as Agility, Rally, or Freestyle Obedience. This does not include conformation training classes (if a dog was shown in conformation ONLY before beginning obedience). If the dog has been previously trained and/or shown at the Graduate Beginner level, they may not compete in the Foundation class and must compete in the Beginner class or higher. If the dog has been previously trained and/or shown at the Novice level or higher with another trainer it may drop back only one class level. Once a dog competes in Veterans at the county show level, it can never again be shown in any agility class or other obedience or rally class that has jumping, even if being trained and exhibited by another 4-H er. 4-H ers should be aware that upon a trainer s or Program Coordinator s discretion they may be required to move to a more advanced class based on prior experience and training. Such as: Dogs trained at a training school A dog that has completed a beginner class of 11-19 weeks previous training (with a parent or other 4-H er) should be shown in the Beginner class. A dog who has taken 20-35 weeks of classes should be shown in Graduate Beginner A dog with over 35 weeks of previous training should be shown in Novice Obedience. The above is a rule of thumb rather than an absolute guideline. Trainers and Program Coordinators must consider previous training of both the dog and the handler when deciding to move a dog and handler to a higher class level. If the handler has had no previous experience, more leniency may be used, but if both dog and handler have previous experience, less leniency is advised. 3
EARNING OBEDIENCE TITLES OUTSIDE OF 4-H Depending on the 4-H class, sometimes it is a leg that disqualifies a dog from a 4-H class and other times it is a completed title that disqualifies a dog from a 4-H class. If a title is earned before May 15 in a corresponding class, the 4-H member must move up to the next level for the current 4-H year of dog training. If the title is completed after May 15 of that 4-H year, the 4-H member may remain in that class for remainder of the 4-H year. LEASHES/LEADS The leash shall be six feet long and made of leather, nylon or cotton webbing. A 5 point deduction will be made for any dog not on a six foot leash. Dogs must be taken in and out of the ring on leash. Dogs must be kept on leash in the ring when waiting before and after the group exercises and when brought in to receive awards. COLLARS Dogs in the obedience show ring must wear either: 1. A plain, well-fitting slip collar or martingale of chain, fabric, or leather or any combination (or) 2. A well-fitting, plain buckle collar (including a quick release collar) Dogs in the Foundation and Beginner classes will also be able to wear one of the following in the show ring: 1. A head halter (or) 2. A harness with a chest leash attachment Shock collars are prohibited in 4-H. They are not allowed at the training site or show site. Fancy collars, spiked collars, special training collars or collars which are too tight or too loose are not permitted. No objects may be hanging from or otherwise attached to the collar. No identifying items may be on the collar (i.e., embroidery). Special training collars may be used for training, if desired, but must be removed at the show site. RING SIZE AND CONDITIONS The suggested ring size for an indoor show is 35 feet wide and 50 feet long for all obedience classes. The ring size should never be smaller than 30 feet wide and 40 feet long except in extenuating circumstances. The floor surface or covering should provide firm footing for the largest dogs. Rubber or a similar non-slip material must be laid for the take-off and landing at all jumps unless the surface does not require it. This should be determined by the judge. At an outdoor show, the rings should be about 40 feet wide and 50 feet long. The ground must be clean and level, and any grass should be cut short. For classes that have out of sight sits and downs, the show committee is responsible for providing an appropriate place for the handlers to go completely out of sight of their dogs. If inclement weather at an outdoor trial necessitates judging under shelter, the ring size requirement may be waived. JUMPS Broad Jump High Jump Bar Jump Graduate Novice, Pre-Open, Open Graduate Novice, Pre-Open, Open, Graduate Open, Pre-Utility, Utility Graduate Open, Pre-Utility, Utility The actual height of the dog is rounded to the nearest multiple of 2 inches to determine minimum jump height no less than 4 inches and no more than 36 inches. 4
In the ring, the broad jump will be arranged in order of size, evenly spaced, covering a distance equal to twice the height of the high jump setting for each dog. When decreasing the number of hurdles in the jump, the highest hurdle will be removed first. 4 hurdles for 48 72 3 hurdles for 28 44 2 hurdles for 16 24 1 hurdle for 8 12 See the tables on pages 70 and 71 to determine the jump heights. DUMBBELLS/SCENT ARTICLES/GLOVES Dumbbells are used in the following class levels: Graduate Novice, Pre-Open, and Open The dumbbell may be made of: Solid (not hollow) plastic or one or more pieces of wood of normal weight (no using Balsa or other super-light wood) May be any solid color, natural wood, or natural wood with ends painted white The center bit of your dumbbell should be slightly longer than your dog s muzzle width (i.e. only about ¼ inch of extra space on each side of the dog s muzzle when they are properly holding it). The ends may be beveled or square cut, according to handler preference. The ends should be large enough for the dog to pick up the dumbbell from the floor without scraping their chin on the floor, but not overly large. Scent articles and gloves are used in the following class levels: Graduate Open, Pre-Utility, and Utility. Scent articles can be made of metal, leather, or wood. Two types are needed. It is your choice which two of the three types you choose. A total of five of each type is needed. The metal set must be made entirely of rigid metal. The leather set must be made of leather. The wood set must be made of one or more solid pieces of wood. The articles may be unfinished, stained, or dyed and must be designed so that only a minimum amount of fastening material is visible. The articles in each set will be legibly numbered with a different number and must be approved by the judge. Three predominately white gloves are needed. The gloves must lay flat. The gloves should be appropriate for the size of your dog so they can be easily picked up. The dumbbell, scent articles, and gloves must be approved by the judge. HAIR IN EYES Any dog with hair over its eyes that interferes with its vision may have the hair tied back with up to four rubber bands or plain, straight, rectangular-shaped barrettes that have a solid exterior color. No ribbons or bows are allowed. ENTERING THE RING After being invited into the ring by the judge, the handler will enter the ring with the dog on a loose leash and stand with the dog in heel position. 5
JUDGING THE EXERCISE In most exercises, judging begins when the 4-H er responds positively to the judge asking Are you ready? and concludes when the judge says Exercise finished. In the sit/stand for exam, judging begins the first time the 4-H er tells the dog to stay and concludes when the judge says exercise finished. In the long sit and long down exercises, judging begins with the first stay command except that multiple commands and forcing into position before the stay command is judged. EXITING THE RING At the completion of all individual exercise, the 4-H er and dog(s) will be excused from the ring. If the dog is off leash, the 4-H er will pick up the leash from the stewards and attach it to the dog s collar BEFORE passing the ring barrier. Politely thank the judge. If there are group exercises, the judge or ring steward should notify the 4-H er when the group exercises will be evaluated. At the completion of group exercises, the 4-H ers should exit in single file, making sure to maintain a safe distance between dogs. It is preferable, although not required, that the dogs exit in heel position. Be extra careful when exiting the ring after group sits and downs and award presentations. Keep your dog on a short leash Don t crowd dogs together Don t let dogs stare at each other Keep an eye on your dog it is easy to get distracted and dog fights could occur while doing a group exit from the ring. PRAISE Praise and petting are allowed at the completion of each exercise. Praise and petting are not allowed during any exercise. 5-10 points will be deducted for a dog that is not under reasonable control while being praised. HANDLING BETWEEN EXERCISES When off leash in Graduate Beginner and Novice, the dog may be guided gently by the collar between exercises. In Graduate Novice and higher classes, there will be a 10 point deduction for a dog that is physically guided at any time or that is not readily controllable. CORRECTIONS The 4-H er should not correct the dog during exercises. Deductions of ½ point per correction up to ½ off of the whole exercise may be made for corrections that are made during any exercise, depending on the severity and number of corrections. PICKING UP YOUR DOG DURING COMPETITION During competition, there will be a 10 point deduction for any dog that is picked up or carried at any time in the ring. At least two of the dog s feet must be on the ground at all times when in the show ring, except during jumping exercises. BAITING Baiting of dogs with food, toys or other training devices is not allowed in the obedience ring. A 30 point deduction will be made if bait is in the obedience ring. 6
DOG LEAVES THE RING DURING JUDGING If a dog is working continuously but goes outside of a ring boundary while completing an exercise the penalty, if any, is left to the discretion of the judge. If a dog obviously bolts out of the ring or leaves the ring between exercises, a 10 point deduction will be made from the overall score found at the bottom of the score sheet. If the dog leaves the ring during the exercise, they are penalized as part of the exercise. DISCIPLINING IN THE RING A 4-H'er may not discipline his or her dog in the ring. The judge must immediately report any abuse of a dog in the ring to the show committee. For verbal abuse, a 30 point deduction will be made. For physical abuse of the dog, the 4-H er will be excused from the ring, asked to leave the show, and will forfeit all awards. FOULING THE RING Since part of the purpose of obedience is to produce dogs that have been trained and conditioned to always behave in the home, a 30 point deduction will be made for any dog fouling the ring during competition. HEEL POSITION AND FINISH Heel position is referred to throughout these obedience rules. Heel position can apply whether the dog is sitting, standing, lying, or moving. Heel means the dog should be in straight alignment and facing the same direction as the handler. The dog should be close to the handler s left leg without crowding. This permits the handler freedom of movement. The area from the dog s head to shoulder should be in line with the handler s left hip. See the following link to see what heel position should look like. http://images.akc.org/pdf/events/obedience/reference_heel_position.pdf The finish can be either the dog going around the handler in a clockwise motion and sit or swing into heel position on the left side and sit. LOOSE LEASH The snap portion of the leash is hanging down from the place it attaches to the dog s collar. There should be a small loop of slack leash which hangs loosely below the snap of the leash. This slack in the leash should not be so big that the dog can step over the leash or so small that the handler could easily make the leash tight with only a small hand movement. If the snap on the leash faces straight upward, with no slack in the leash, it is considered a tight leash, and deductions from the score will occur. Depending on severity, the deduction may be Minor for a single occurrence while heeling, all the way to a Major deduction for a constant tight leash. A tight leash may be called whether it tightens by a correction by the 4-H er or accidently by the dog moving away from the handler. COMMANDS AND SIGNALS Whenever a command or signal is mentioned in these rules, a single command or signal may be given by the handler, and any extra commands or signals must be penalized. Whenever the rules specify command and/or signal the handler may give either a signal or voice or both voice and signal simultaneously. When a signal is given, it must be a single gesture with one arm and hand only, and the arm must immediately be returned to a natural position. Delay in following a judge s order to give a command or signal must be penalized, unless the delay is directed by the judge because of some distraction or interference. 7
Signals must be inaudible and the handler must not touch the dog. Signaling correction to a dog is forbidden and must be penalized. Any unusual noise or motion may be considered to be a signal. Position of the arms and hands and movements of the body that aid the dog shall be considered additional signals except that a handler may bend the body and knees as far as necessary to bring his hand on a level with the dog s eyes in giving a signal to a dog in the heel position, and that in the Directed Retrieve exercise the body and knees may be bent to the extent necessary to give the direction to the dog. Whistling or the use of a whistle is prohibited. The dog s name may be used once immediately before any verbal command or before a verbal command and signal when these rules permit command and/or signal. The name shall not be used with any signal not given simultaneously with a verbal command. The dog s name, when given immediately before a verbal command, shall not be considered as an additional command, but a dog that responds to its name without waiting for the verbal command shall be scored as having anticipated the command. The dog should never anticipate the handler s directions, but must wait for the appropriate command and/or signal. Moving forward at the heel without any command or signal other than the natural forward movement of the handler s body shall not be considered as anticipation. Loud commands by handlers to their dogs create a poor impression of obedience and should be avoided. Shouting is not necessary even in a noisy place if the dog is properly trained to respond to a normal tone of voice. Commands which in the judge s opinion are excessively loud will be substantially penalized. ADDITIONAL COMMANDS OR SIGNALS If additional commands and/or signals are given during an exercise, a minor to substantial deduction will be given. INTERFERENCE AND DOUBLE HANDLING A judge who is aware of any assistance, interference, or attempts to control a dog from outside the ring must act promptly to stop such double handling or interference, and must penalize the dog substantially. If, in the judge s opinion, the circumstances warrant, the dog shall be given a score of zero for the exercise during which the aid was received or the dog shall be disqualified and no ribbon awarded. NO ADDED REQUIREMENTS No judge shall require any dog or handler to do anything or penalize a dog or handler for failure to do anything that is not required by these regulations. RE-JUDGING If a dog has failed in a particular part of an exercise, or the whole exercise, it will not ordinarily be rejudged or given a second chance unless the judge feels the dog's performance was prejudiced by peculiar and unusual conditions. In such a case, the judge may re-judge the dog on the entire exercise. Should the judge find it necessary to re-judge a dog or multiple dogs from the group exercises, the dog or dogs shall be re-judged immediately following the group or as soon as possible. Should only one dog be rejudged, that dog must do the exercise alone. The dog or dogs involved will be re-judged only on the exercise in question. 8
TIES/RUN-OFFS In case of a tie for any placing in any obedience class, each dog will be judged individually by performing the entire heeling exercise again (run-off). The heeling exercise will be performed on leash for those classes without off-leash heeling. If the class has an off-leash heeling pattern, the off-leash heeling pattern will be used to break the tie. If, after the run-off, a tie still exists, the judge will pick an exercise from the class in which the dog was shown and the exhibitors will perform that exercise again similar to the heeling run-off. The original score will not change. RIBBONS AND POINT SYSTEM Every exhibitor who completes a class shall receive a ribbon, except those exhibitors excused or disqualified. The ribbons will be blue, red, or white. A champion and reserve champion ribbon may be given to the highest scoring handlers in each class. No high scoring dog in trial awards shall be given at any 4-H event. All 4-H members compete against their own class and age division. Awards and/or trophies may be given at the discretion of the 4-H group putting on the show. The following point system shall be used: Blue ~ 170-200 Red ~ 100-169.875 White ~ 99.875 and below ANNOUNCEMENT OF SCORES The judge will not disclose any scoring to anyone until the entire class has been judged. Score sheets will be handed out to 4-H ers when awards are presented. Questions asked in a courteous manner may be answered. No one other than the judge or the show committee may disclose scores. After all the scores are recorded on the official placing sheet for the class, all 4-H'ers will be called back. The ribbon placings shall be read from white to blue. Scores for white and red ribbons should not be announced publicly. The scores of the top placings (Champion, Reserve, etc.) may be announced publicly. The show committee may decide to announce ribbon placings at the end of the show rather than after each class, however this should be noted in all show publicity. ADVANCING TO THE STATE 4-H DOG SHOW All blue ribbon winners are eligible to advance to the State 4-H Dog Show in the classes where they earned a blue ribbon at the county qualifying show. If no blue ribbons are awarded in a class at the county level, the top two placing red ribbons of that class may represent that class at the State 4-H Dog Show. If there is only one blue ribbon awarded and then red and white ribbons are awarded, only the 4-H er earning the blue ribbon advances to the State 4-H Dog Show. A 4-H er who earns a white ribbon at the county show level may NOT advance to the State 4-H Dog Show in the class where they earned the white ribbon. A county may send two Four Dog Teams to the State 4-H Dog Show if both teams have received a blue ribbon at the county qualifying show. If no blue ribbon was earned in the Four Dog Team class, only the top placing red team can advance to the State 4-H Dog Show. If a 4-H member chooses to advance from the county to the State 4-H Dog Show on a red ribbon, that 4-H member may repeat the class the following year if they do not earn a blue ribbon in the class at the State 4-H Dog Show. 9
CLASS ELIGIBILITY 4-H ers should be aware that upon a trainer s or Program Coordinator s discretion they may be required to move to a more advanced class based on prior experience or training. 4-H ers compete in the same class during one project year (May 15 through the State 4-H Dog Show) at county and state show levels. They would move up to the next advanced class for the following project year. (Example: A 4-H er earns a blue ribbon at their county fair show in Beginner. They would continue to compete in Beginner at the State Dog Show. They would move to Graduate Beginner the following year.) A 4-H er may compete in a total of four obedience classes: two regular obedience classes, Brace obedience, and Four Dog Team obedience. A 4-H er and dog can compete on only one Four Dog Team per year. A 4-H er can show only two dogs. A 4-H er may train in the Foundation class for only one year with the same dog. The 4-H er and dog will move to the Beginner class the following year. If the 4-H er does not receive a blue ribbon in the Beginner class, they may stay in Beginner a second year. After two years in the Beginner class, the 4-H member must then advance to the Graduate Beginner (or higher) class. A 4-H er may skip any class or classes (example: skip Graduate Beginner and move directly to Novice). Once a class has been skipped and the 4-H er has competed in the higher class, the 4-H er cannot drop back to the lower class the following year. CLASSES OFFERED The following is a list of classes offered at the State 4-H Dog Show. Counties may offer additional classes at their show, but the additional classes are not eligible for state show competition. FOUNDATION CLASS A 4-H er and/or dog in the first year of training. The dog may participate in this class only once during its 4-H career. Exercises include: Heel on leash Figure eight on leash Sit for exam on leash in heel position Grooming Recall on leash no finish Sit Stay handler goes to the end of 6-foot leash, turns to face dog, and stays for 10 seconds and returns to dog A dog entering this class with more than ten (10) weeks of training in an organized class prior to enrolling in Foundation level 4-H training classes is ineligible. A dog with one leg of an AKC-PCD, AKC-CD, or an AKC-BN obedience title (or equivalent) or Rally RN title (or equivalent) is ineligible. The dog will move to Beginner the following year. Equipment Needed Collar A plain, well-fitting slip collar or martingale of chain, fabric, or leather or any combination (or) A well-fitting, plain buckle collar (or) A head halter (or) A harness with a chest leash attachment 6-foot Leash 10
BEGINNER A dog with previous experience in an organized training class of 11-19 weeks OR a dog that completed the Foundation class the previous year OR a dog that received a red or white ribbon the previous year in the Beginner class. A dog can be in the Beginner class for a maximum of two years. Exercises include: Heel on leash & figure eight on leash Stand for exam on leash in heel position Grooming Recall on leash with finish (no penalty for stepping back) Down on command heel position a count of 5 by the judge Sit stay handler goes to end of 20 foot line, stops, turns and faces the dog for 10 seconds, and returns around dog A dog with one leg of an AKC-PCD or AKC-CD obedience title (or equivalent) or Rally RN title (or equivalent) is ineligible. Upon receiving a blue ribbon or at the end of two years, the 4-H er and dog must move to the Graduate Beginner class. GRADUATE BEGINNER Equipment Needed Collar A plain, well-fitting slip collar or martingale of chain, fabric, or leather or any combination (or) A well-fitting, plain buckle collar (or) A head halter (or) A harness with a chest leash attachment 6-foot Leash Exercises include: Heel on leash & figure eight on leash Stand for exam on leash go to the end of the leash Heel free (leash over either shoulder) Recall off leash (take leash with you) with finish Sit Stay drop leash handler walks in a T pattern Down Stay drop leash handler walks in a T pattern A 4-H er and dog may participate in this class until receiving a blue ribbon at the county or state show level. A dog with one leg of an AKC-PCD or AKC- CD obedience title (or equivalent) is ineligible. Equipment Needed Collar A plain, well-fitting slip collar or martingale of chain, fabric, or leather or any combination (or) A well-fitting, plain buckle collar 6-foot Leash Leash Extension if needed for over the shoulder 11
NOVICE Exercises include: Heel on leash & figure eight on leash Stand for exam off leash Heel free Recall off leash with finish Group Long Sit drop leash 1 minute Group Long Down drop leash 3 minutes A 4-H er and dog may participate in this class until receiving a blue ribbon at the county or state show level. A dog with an AKC-CD obedience title (or equivalent) is ineligible. GRADUATE NOVICE Equipment Needed Collar A plain, well-fitting slip collar or martingale of chain, fabric, or leather or any combination (or) A well-fitting, plain buckle collar 6-foot Leash Exercises include: Heel on leash Heel free & figure eight off leash Moving drop on recall Dumbbell Fetch 30 seconds to have dog take and hold the dumbbell for 5 seconds Recall over high jump Recall over broad jump Group Long Sit drop leash 2 minutes out of sight Group Long Down drop leash 3 minutes out of sight A 4-H er and dog may participate in this class until receiving a blue ribbon at the county or state show level. A dog with one leg of an AKC-PCDX, AKC- GN, or AKC-CDX obedience title (or equivalent) is ineligible. Equipment Needed Collar A plain, well-fitting slip collar or martingale of chain, fabric, or leather or any combination (or) A well-fitting, plain buckle collar 6-foot Leash Dumbbell 12
PRE-OPEN All exercises are performed off leash. Exercises include: Heel free & figure eight off leash Drop on recall (may use command and signal) Retrieve on flat Dumbbell recall over high jump Broad jump Group Long Sit drop leash 3 minutes out of sight Group Long Down drop leash 5 minutes out of sight A 4-H er and dog may participate in this class until receiving a blue ribbon at the county or state show level. A dog with one leg of an AKC-PCDX or AKC- CDX obedience title (or equivalent) is ineligible. OPEN Equipment Needed Collar A plain, well-fitting slip collar or martingale of chain, fabric, or leather or any combination (or) A well-fitting, plain buckle collar 6-foot Leash Dumbbell All exercises are performed off leash. Exercises include: Heel free & figure eight off leash Drop on recall (either command or signal) Retrieve on flat Retrieve over high jump Broad jump Group Long Sit drop leash 3 minutes out of sight Group Long Down drop leash 5 minutes out of sight A 4-H er and dog may participate in this class until receiving a blue ribbon at the county or state show level. A dog with an AKC-CDX (or equivalent) is ineligible. Equipment Needed Collar A plain, well-fitting slip collar or martingale of chain, fabric, or leather or any combination (or) A well-fitting, plain buckle collar 6-foot Leash Dumbbell 13
GRADUATE OPEN All exercises are performed off leash. Exercises include: Signal exercise (with 10- foot distance for down, sit, come) Signal required. May use command with signal for stand, stay, down, sit, come. Scent discrimination (2 articles of each of 2 types just one is retrieved) Directed retrieve (2 gloves) Moving stand and examination Go out Directed jumping (from sit stay handler one side step permitted) judge s choice of high jump or bar jump A 4-H er and dog may participate in this class until receiving a blue ribbon at the county or state show level. A dog with one leg of an AKC-UD, AKC-GO, or AKC-UD obedience title (or equivalent) is ineligible. PRE-UTILITY Equipment Needed Collar A plain, well-fitting slip collar or martingale of chain, fabric, or leather or any combination (or) A well-fitting, plain buckle collar 6-foot Leash Scent Articles 2 Predominately White Gloves and they must lay flat All exercises are performed off leash. Exercises include: Signal exercise full distance (may use one verbal command) Scent discrimination (4 articles of each of 2 types 2 articles are retrieved) Directed retrieve (3 gloves) Moving stand and exam Directed jumping high jump and bar jump (handler one side step permitted) A 4-H er and dog may participate in this class until receiving a blue ribbon at the county or state show level. A dog with one leg of an AKC-PUTD or AKC- UD obedience title (or equivalent) is ineligible. Equipment Needed Collar A plain, well-fitting slip collar or martingale of chain, fabric, or leather or any combination (or) A well-fitting, plain buckle collar 6-foot Leash Scent Articles 2 Predominately White Gloves and they must lay flat 14
UTILITY All exercises are performed off leash. Exercises include: Signal exercise Scent discrimination (with 5 metal articles, 5 leather articles, or 5 wood articles handler s choice of 2 types ) Directed retrieve (3 gloves) Moving stand and exam Directed jumping high jump and bar jump There are no restrictions in this class. A 4-H er may participate in this class with the same dog indefinitely. VETERANS Equipment Needed Collar A plain, well-fitting slip collar or martingale of chain, fabric, or leather or any combination (or) A well-fitting, plain buckle collar 6-foot Leash Scent Articles 3 Predominately White Gloves and they must lay flat The Veterans class is for dogs that are too old and/or unfit to jump. A dog participating in Veterans Obedience cannot participate in any obedience or rally class that has jumping exercises. Participation in agility will not be permitted. Showmanship participation is permitted. Once a dog competes in Veterans at the county show level, it can never again be shown in any agility class or other obedience or rally class that has jumping exercises, even if being trained and exhibited by another 4-H er. The Veterans scoresheet will be used. Exercises include: Heel on leash & figure eight on leash Stand for exam off leash Heel free Recall off leash with finish Group Long Sit drop leash 1 minute Group Long Down drop leash 3 minutes A 4-H er may participate in this class with the same dog indefinitely. Equipment Needed Collar A plain, well-fitting slip collar or martingale of chain, fabric, or leather or any combination (or) A well-fitting, plain buckle collar 6-foot Leash 15
BRACE For a 4-H er with two dogs of their own or those who wish to borrow/lease a dog if they do not have two dogs of their own. (A third dog cannot be used for Brace.) No particular level of training is required or prohibited in this class. The dogs may be shown coupled with a single leash or unattached with two leashes. The Brace scoresheet will be used. Exercises include: Heel on leash & figure eight on leash Stand for exam off leash Recall off leash with finish Group Long Sit drop leash 1 minute Group Long Down drop leash 3 minutes A 4-H er may participate in this class indefinitely. FOUR DOG TEAM Equipment Needed Collar A plain, well-fitting slip collar or martingale of chain, fabric, or leather or any combination (or) A well-fitting, plain buckle collar 6-foot Leash Coupler is encouraged but not required For 4-H ers wishing to work together in training their dogs to perform as a unit of four. No particular level of training is required or prohibited in this class. Exercises include: Heel on leash & figure eight on leash Stand for exam off leash Team uniformity Recall off leash dogs will be called simultaneously Long sit off leash drop leash 1 minutes Long down off leash drop leash 3 minutes The Four Dog Team score sheet will be used for judging. A 4-H er and/or dog can only participate on one Four-Dog Team per year. One alternate is allowed to be named if the team desires. The alternate must be named at the county fair or qualifying show. The five names may be registered as exhibitors, as long as one of the five names is listed as the alternate. 4-H members may only be listed on one team each year. No other substitutions may be made. For teams qualifying for the State Dog Show, the registration fee is charged for four exhibitors. The named alternate may compete in place of one of the original four team members. Equipment Needed Collar A plain, well-fitting slip collar or martingale of chain, fabric, or leather or any combination (or) A well-fitting, plain buckle collar 6-foot Leash 16
Explanation of Obedience Exercises Refer to the score sheet for each class. Each dog must be worked and judged separately except for the group exercises (long sit and long down). At the beginning of each exercise, the judge will ask Are you ready?. The 4-H er should answer Yes or No. The judge s orders and signals shall be given to the handlers in a clear and understandable manner, but in such a way that the work of the dog is not disturbed. In most cases, the judging of an exercise begins when the judge gives the first order. At the completion of each exercise the judge will say Exercise Finished. At this time it is appropriate for the 4-H er to praise his/her dog. Petting and praising is not permitted while performing a given exercise, but is permitted between exercises (after the exercise finished ). 17
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Heel on Leash Foundation Class Exercise Descriptions (All exercises are performed on leash) The purpose of this exercise is to demonstrate the ability of the handler and dog to work as a team. The judge s orders can be given in any order and include forward, halt, right turn, left turn, about turn, normal, slow, and fast. Orders for halts and turns will be given only when the handler is moving at a normal speed. In competition, the judge will conduct the same pattern for all handlers within the same class. The leash may be held in either or both hands. Any tightening or jerking of the leash will result in the loss of points. The orders given by the judge will be: Forward: Handler and dog walk briskly, in a natural manner, with the dog on a loose leash. The dog walks in heel position, without swinging wide, lagging, forging, or crowding. The dog must not interfere with the handler s freedom of motion at any time. The handler may use a command OR signal to heel. Halt: The handler stops when the judge says Halt. The dog should sit straight and promptly in heel position. This should be done without a command OR signal to the dog. The dog should not move until the handler again moves forward on the judge s command. After each halt, the 4-H er can give a command or signal to heel before moving forward again. Right Turn: The handler and dog make a 90-degree turn to the right upon the order from the judge. This should be done squarely. Left Turn: The handler and dog make a 90-degree turn to the left upon command from the judge. This should be done squarely. About Turn: The handler and dog make a 180-degree turn, to the right, upon the order from the judge. Slow: The handler and dog walk noticeably slower than normal. Normal: The handler and dog walk at a normal pace. Fast: The handler and dog run, moving forward at a noticeably accelerated pace. The handler should run or jog. Figure Eight on Leash There will be no penalty of a one-time single phrase of praise or encouragement by the handler to the dog. (Good, yes, nice, super, great, hurry, and come on are some examples of praise that would be allowed.) Long phrases and repeating commands will be penalized. For the figure eight, the handler and dog will stand facing the judge between two stewards standing about eight feet apart. The handler may choose to go in either direction and should go twice around with at least one halt during and another halt at the end of the exercise. After each halt, the dog should sit straight and promptly in heel position. There will be no about turn, fast, or slow during this exercise. Orders given by the judge are: Forward and Halt. There will be no penalty of a one-time single phrase of praise or encouragement by the handler to the dog. (See Heel on Leash above for examples.) 19
Sit for Exam on Leash in Heel Position Grooming Recall on Leash No Finish Sit Stay The principal feature of this exercise is that the dog sits in position before and during the examination without displaying resentment. This exercise is to be performed with the dog on a 6 foot leash. On the judge s order, the handler will command the dog to sit. The handler will then stand with the dog sitting in the heel position and give the command and/or signal to stay. The 4-H er will remain in heel position. The judge will approach the dog from the front. Using the fingers and palm of one hand, the judge will touch only the dog s head. The dog must remain sitting until the judge has said, Exercise finished. Orders are Sit your dog, Tell your dog to stay and Exercise finished. Grooming is an evaluation by the judge of basic dog care. Your dog will be checked to see that the hair has been combed/brushed, the dog is clean (had a bath), the ears are clean (no dirt, wax, or infection), the toenails have been trimmed, and the eyes are clear. Deductions may be made if the dog has external parasites, loose hair, snarled hair, dead hair, or infection not under veterinary care, or long toenails (including dew claws). The teeth are not evaluated for 4-H grooming, It is permitted that a 4-H er may use the services of a dog groomer before the show. The principal features of this exercise are that the dog will stay where left until called by the handler and that the dog responds promptly. This exercise is to be performed with the dog on a 6 foot leash. On order from the judge, the handler will give a command and/or signal to stay in the sit position. The handler will then walk forward, approximately 6 feet, and turn to face the dog. On the judge s order or signal, the handler will command and/or signal the dog to come without assistance from the leash. The dog must come directly, at a brisk trot or gallop, and sit in front near the handler. The dog must be close enough to its handler so that the handler could touch its head without excessive bending, stretching, or moving either foot. Orders given by the judge are: Leave your dog, Call your dog, and Exercise finished. The principal feature of this exercise is that the dog remains in the sit position. The handler will stand with the dog sitting in heel position prior to starting the exercise. The judge will ask if the handler is ready. When the judge gives the order sit your dog, the handler will command and/or signal the dog to sit. The judge will order leave your dog, and the handler will give a command and/or signal to stay and immediately proceed to walk to the end of the 6-foot leash. The handler will stay at the end of the leash for 10 seconds, counted by the judge. The judge will order back to your dog. The handler can choose to either return around behind the dog or move directly back to heel position. Once the handler has returned to heel position, the judge will give the order Exercise finished. Orders given by the judge are: Sit your dog, Leave your dog, Back to your dog, and Exercise finished 20
Beginner Exercise Descriptions (All exercises are performed on leash) Heel on Leash The purpose of this exercise is to demonstrate the ability of the handler and dog to work as a team. The judge s orders can be given in any order and include forward, halt, right turn, left turn, about turn, normal, slow, and fast. Orders for halts and turns will be given only when the handler is moving at a normal speed. In competition, the judge will conduct the same pattern for all handlers within the same class. The leash may be held in either or both hands. Any tightening or jerking of the leash will result in the loss of points. Figure Eight on Leash The orders given by the judge will be: Forward: Handler and dog walk briskly, in a natural manner, with the dog on a loose leash. The dog walks in heel position, without swinging wide, lagging, forging, or crowding. The dog must not interfere with the handler s freedom of motion at any time. The handler may use a command OR signal to heel. Halt: The handler stops when the judge says Halt. The dog should sit straight and promptly in heel position. This should be done without a command OR signal to the dog. The dog should not move until the handler again moves forward on the judge s order. After each halt, the 4-H er can give a command or signal to heel before moving forward again. Right Turn: The handler and dog make a 90-degree turn to the right upon the order from the judge. This should be done squarely. Left Turn: The handler and dog make a 90-degree turn to the left upon the order from the judge. This should be done squarely. About Turn: The handler and dog make a 180-degree turn, to the right, upon the order from the judge. Slow: The handler and dog walk noticeably slower than normal. Normal: The handler and dog walk at a normal pace. Fast: The handler and dog run, moving forward at a noticeably accelerated pace. The handler should run or jog. For the figure eight, the handler and dog will stand facing the judge between two stewards standing about eight feet apart. The handler may choose to go in either direction and should go twice around with at least one halt during and another halt at the end of the exercise. After each halt, the dog should sit straight and promptly in heel position. There will be no about turn, fast, or slow during this exercise. Orders given by the judge are: Forward and Halt. 21
Stand for Exam on Leash in Heel Position The principal feature of this exercise is for the dog to stand and stay in position before and during the examination without displaying resentment. This exercise is to be performed with the dog on a 6 foot leash. The handler will take the dog to the place indicated by the judge and have the dog sit in heel position. On the judge s order, the handler will command the dog to stand. The handler may touch the dog to get the dog into the stand position, if desired. The handler may choose the method for posing the dog, within a reasonable time limit, before giving the command and/or signal to stay. While being posed, the dog may never lift all four feet off the ground at the same time. The handler will then stand with the dog standing in the heel position and give the command and/or signal to stay. The 4-H er will remain in heel position. The judge will approach the dog from the front. Using the fingers and palm of one hand, the judge will touch the dog s head, back, and hindquarters only. The dog must remain standing until the judge has said, Exercise finished. Grooming Recall on Leash With Finish Orders are Stand your dog, Tell your dog to stay and Exercise finished. Grooming is an evaluation by the judge of basic dog care. Your dog will be checked to see that the hair has been combed/brushed, the dog is clean (had a bath), the ears are clean (no dirt, wax, or infection), the toenails have been trimmed, and the eyes are clear. Deductions may be made if the dog has external parasites, loose hair, snarled hair, dead hair, or infection not under veterinary care, or long toenails (including dew claws). The teeth are not evaluated for 4-H grooming, It is permitted that a 4-H er may use the services of a dog groomer before the show. The purpose of this exercise is that the dog stays where left until called by its handler and then responds promptly to the handler s command or signal to come. This exercise is to be performed with the dog on a 6-foot leash. The handler will take the dog to the place indicated by the judge and have the dog sit in heel position. Upon the judge s order, the handler will command and/or signal the dog to wait. The handler will then walk forward, approximately 6 feet, turn and face the dog. Upon command from the judge, the handler will call and/or signal the dog to come without the assistance of the leash. The dog should come straight to the handler at a brisk pace and sit straight, centered in front of the handler, close enough for the handler to touch the dog s head without moving feet or stretching forward. The dog should not touch the handler or sit between the handler s feet. Upon the order from the judge, the handler shall command or signal the dog to go to heel position. The method by which the dog goes to heel position is optional. No penalty will be given to the handler for taking one step back during the finish. Orders given by the judge are: Leave your dog, Call your dog, and Finish. 22
Down on Command Sit Stay With the dog in heel position, the handler will command and/or signal the dog to down at their side. Minor deductions will be made for delay in following the down command. Substantial deductions will be made for slight leash pull to assist the dog or if a second command is required. A major deduction will be made if the handler is in front of the dog, the handler does not stand up, or the handler touches the floor to get the dog to down. An extreme deduction will be made for a strong or prolonged leash pull, or the handler using their hands to physically assist the dog to down. An extreme deduction will be made if the dog cannot perform a down within a 30-second time limit for this exercise. Upon the dog going down, the judge will do a count of 5 and then the dog will be released. The handler will stand in heel position. Judge s orders are Down your dog and Exercise finished. The principal feature of this exercise is that the dog remains in the sit position. This is an individual exercise. The handler will attach an additional 20-foot leash and drop their 6-foot leash which is still attached to the dog. The judge will provide the 20-foot leash and the judge or ring steward will place the 20- foot leash in position before the exercise begins. The handler will stand with the dog sitting in heel position prior to starting the exercise. The judge will ask if the handler is ready. When the judge gives the order Sit your dog, the handler will command and/or signal the dog to sit. The judge will order leave your dog, and the handler will give a command and/or signal to stay and immediately walk to the end of the 20-foot long line, stop, turn, and face the dog. At no time does the handler pick up the 20-foot line. The handler will stay at the end of the leash for 10 seconds, counted by the judge. The judge will order back to your dog, the handler will return around behind the dog. Once the handler has returned to heel position, the judge will give the order Exercise finished. The handler will then remove the 20-foot leash from the dog s collar. Orders given by the judge are: Sit your dog, Leave your dog, Back to your dog, and Exercise finished. 23