Relationship First Dog Sports

Relationship First Dog Sports Shadow Skills Handler and dog perform a numbered course with the dog shadowing their handler. Dogs work on both sides of their handler performing a variety of twists, turns and side changes Wag It Inc P.O. Box 413, Lincolnville, Maine 04849 (207)595-1592 www.wagitgames.com Copyright Wag It Inc. 01.2014 website: www.wagitgames.com Email: info@wagitinc.com Page 1

Table of Contents Eligibility... 3 Disabled Dogs Disabled Handlers Trials... 4 Entering a trial Class Levels Class Divisions Qualifying Score Ties Trial Setting Ring Specifications Ring Gate Policy Course Maps Briefings and Walk Throughs Ribbon Ceremony Safety Harsh Corrections Correction Devices Hosts... 5 Judges... 5 Performance Guidelines... 6 Collars Leashes Side Position Front Position Signals/Cues Signs Start Finish Timing Rewards Retries Scratching, Coughing and Sneezing Harsh Corrections Bonus Exercises... 7 Titles... 7 Novice Level... 8 Skilled Level... 14 Proficient Level... 17 Scoring... 23 Exercise List... 25 Copyright Wag It Inc. 01.2014 website: www.wagitgames.com Email: info@wagitinc.com Page 2

Eligibility Dogs must be registered with Wag It Games to enter a trial. Dog registration forms are available on our website www.wagitgames.com. Purebred and mixed breed dogs over six months of age are welcome to participate. Dogs that exhibit signs of pain, discomfort or illness may not participate. Dogs with bandages or stitches may not participate. Dogs in estrus may not compete or be present on the grounds. Safety First; Dogs under warning in any venue must submit a report for review. Dogs that have been banned in any other venue are not eligible for registration. Disabled Dogs and Handlers Welcome Dogs Temporary limitations: Dogs with temporary conditions that limit their ability to fully perform any exercise as required may submit an Exercise Adjustment Application to the judge prior to the class briefing. The judge will review the adjustments and notify the handler of the adjustment status prior to the start of the class. Exercise Adjustment Applications must be submitted for each class the dog participates in. Exercises may only be moderately adjusted and no exercises may be omitted. Exercise adjustment forms will be available at the trial and are posted at www.wagitgames.com. Heart Dog Status: Wag It Games offers a special division for dogs with a permanent disability that significantly restricts their ability to perform exercises as described. This program enables dogs with limitations such as paralysis, missing limbs, deafness and blindness to participate. If approved, a Heart Dog certificate will be issued defining personalized modifications and scoring guidelines for that dog. The handler will submit this certificate with every trial entry. Each officiating judge will score the dog based on the certificate guidelines. Heart Dogs do not compete for placements but may earn qualifying scores and points as well as titles. Titles will have Heart Dog indicated after the title name. Heart Dog applications are available at www.wagitgames.com. (Heart dog certificates may be amended to meet the dog s needs by submitting a new application for review.) Handlers Motorized scooters, wheelchairs and mobility-assistance devices such as walkers and canes are allowed. Temporary limitations: Exhibitors with temporary conditions that limit their ability to fully perform any exercise may submit an Exercise Adjustment Application to the judge prior to the class briefing. Approved adjustments will define performance criteria and scoring for a trial day. Exercises may only be moderately adjusted and no exercises may be omitted. Exercise adjustment forms will be available at the trial and are posted at www.wagitgames.com Extraordinaire Status: Wag It Games offers a special division for handlers with a permanent disability that significantly restricts their ability to perform exercises as described. Applications for this status are submitted to Wag It Games for approval. Approved Extraordinaire handlers will be issued a certificate listing personalized modifications and scoring guidelines. The handler will submit this certificate with every trial entry. Each officiating judge will score the dog based on the certificate guidelines. Extraordinaire handlers do not compete for placements but may earn qualifying scores and points as well as titles with Extraordinaire indicated after the title name. Forms are available at www.wagitgames.com. (Extraordinaire certificates may be amended to meet the handler s needs by submitting a new application for review.) Copyright Wag It Inc. 01.2014 website: www.wagitgames.com Email: info@wagitinc.com Page 3

Trials Entering a Trial: A list of trials and seminars can be found at www.wagitgames.com. Hosts will offer Trial Premiums with entry form, release and all pertinent event information. Entries are made through the trial hosts. Trial Setting: Trial settings are full of smells, sounds and other distractions. Exhibitors should prepare their dogs for the trial environment. Ring Specifications Ring size: The recommended ring size is 40 feet x 60 feet. Variations are allowed but must allow for comfortable flow of the performance. Surfaces: Trials may be held indoors or out. Safe footing must be provided. Fencing and Gates: Ring fencing will be a minimum of 2 feet high and a maximum of 6 inches off the ground. Ring Gate Policy: No dog will enter the ring until the previous dog has left the ring. Ring gates will be closed during all performances. Course Maps: Trial hosts may provide course maps or a list of exercises in the course for each exhibitor and every course offered. Briefings and Walk Throughs: A Judges briefing will precede each class followed by a 5 minute (minimum) walk through for handlers only to familiarize themselves with the course. The judge will be available to answer questions during this time. At the judge s discretion the walk through may be extended or split due to the size of the class, numerous new participants etc. Only entered exhibitors may be in the ring during the briefing and walk through. Ribbon ceremony: A ribbon ceremony will follow each class. Ribbons will be presented for qualifying score, placement and titles earned. Show Grounds Safety First Personal space: Handlers should be observant of their dogs at all times and not put pressure on other dogs by greeting, sniffing or encroaching on another dog s personal space. Safety and aggression: In the event the host, officiating judge or official feels that any dog or handler s behavior threatens the safety of the show grounds, they will be directed to leave the show grounds. Unsportsmanlike behavior: In the event the host, officiating judge or official feels that any person is acting in an unsportsmanlike manner they may be directed to leave the grounds. *In the event an unsafe, aggressive, threatening or unsportsmanlike situation occurs, a report will be submitted by all acting officials to Wag It Games for review. Harsh Corrections: Harsh corrections are not allowed in the ring or on the grounds. A harsh correction is one that results in a strong negative response from the dog or offends the sensibility of the judge. In the event harsh corrections are observed and depending on the severity, a warning may be issued or the parties involved may be asked to leave the grounds. An incident report on such occurrences will be submitted to Wag It Inc. for review. Correction Devices: Shock collars and prong collars are not allowed to be used on the show grounds during Wag it Games events. Copyright Wag It Inc. 01.2014 website: www.wagitgames.com Email: info@wagitinc.com Page 4

Hosts Trial Hosts: Trial hosts may be individuals or businesses that have been approved by Wag It Inc. Trial applications are available at, www.wagitgames.com. Please see the Host Handbook for additional information and requirements. Judges Judges Class: Judges may participate in any class they are officiating. Any other Judge on the grounds may officiate for the Judges class. The Judges class will be held any time prior to or after the first participant. Judges runs in a judge s class are not eligible for placement but are eligible for qualifying scores towards titles. The host is required to report judges class scores and submit recording fees the same as regular classes. Judges: Only Certified Wag It Games judges may officiate at trials. Details on how to become a Wag It Games judge are available at www.wagitgames.com. Class Levels Novice, Entry level Skilled, Intermediate level Proficient, Advanced level Handlers may enter in any class level, regardless of whether title has been earned. Titles in various levels may be earned simultaneously. Advanced titles are only earned after completion of all class level titles. Class Divisions Each class level is divided into two divisions the A Class is for dogs that have not yet earned their class level title. The B class is for dogs that have earned their class level title. A and B divisions are run together on the same course however A and B participants earn placements separately. Qualifying Score Teams begin the course with a score of 100. Deductions are taken based on the exercise descriptions and scoring guidelines. Teams must receive a score of 80 to qualify. Ties In the event that two or more teams tie each team will receive matching placement ribbons. Copyright Wag It Inc. 01.2014 website: www.wagitgames.com Email: info@wagitinc.com Page 5

Performance Guidelines Collars: Dogs must wear flat buckle, snap or limited slip (martingale) collars. No type of training or correction collar including but not limited to choke chains, prong collars and head halters may be used. Harnesses are allowed but may not be designed to reduce pulling. Tags may be worn. Leashes: The dog must enter and leave the ring on leash. Leashes must be made of leather, fabric or cord. They may have embellishments such as beading. Retractable leashes are not allowed in the ring or on show grounds. Additional leash information may be found in the Novice guidelines. Side position: The dog is considered in side position when the dog and handler are facing the same direction and the dog s head may be reached by the handler s outstretched arm. Front position: The dog sits squarely facing the front of the handler. The dog should be close enough so the handler can touch the dog s head. Signals/Cues: May be verbal commands and/or visible signals. Communication and praise are encouraged throughout the performance. There is no penalty for extra cues. All sits may be automatic or cued. Signs: Handlers will perform exercises within 4 feet of the sign. Exercises should generally be performed with the sign on the handler s right. Turn signs will be placed directly in the team s path. Start: The judge will welcome teams to enter the ring. The team may begin when the judge says Have Fun. Timing and scoring begin when the team passes the Start sign. Start Position: Teams will always begin with the dog on the handler s left. Dogs are not required to start from a sit. Teams must pass the start sign at a normal pace. Finish: Timing will conclude as the team passes the Finish sign. Scoring will conclude at the completion of the Bonus exercise if the participant chooses to perform it. Timing: Timing is recorded in 1/100 of a second. In the event that there is a timing failure, the team will be offered a choice of accepting the maximum course time or re-run the course at the end of that class. Rewards: Food rewards must be carried concealed within a pocket. The handler must come to a complete stop before reaching for a food reward or reaching towards the dog to offer a touch reward. No appearance of luring (giving any impression that food is being held) is allowed. Handlers may not enter the ring with food anywhere but in their pockets. Food and touch rewards may be offered as follows: Prior to the dog starting the course. The dog must be in a sit or down. After the team has completed their performance. This includes the Bonus exercise if the team chooses to perform it. If rewards are offered prior to the Bonus the Bonus will be scored as a zero. There are no restrictions on delivering rewards once the Bonus has been performed or passed. Retries Mulligans: Handlers may retry 1 exercise per course without penalty. Any point deductions previously taken for that exercise will be erased. The handler must notify the judge when they wish to use their mulligan. Additional Retries: A retry is defined by the handler re-approaching the station and performing the exercise completely. Handlers that choose to retry additional exercises will receive a deduction of -3 points per retry. Any point deductions taken for that exercise with the exception of prior retries will be erased. Retries do not erase non-qualifying performances. Copyright Wag It Inc. 01.2014 website: www.wagitgames.com Email: info@wagitinc.com Page 6

Bonus Exercises Three bonus exercises will be available after passing the Finish sign. One exercise will be offered from each level. Bonuses will be performed with the dog on the same side that the dog was working on at the completion of the course. Once a team begins a bonus they are committed and may not attempt a different bonus. Bonus exercises are scored the same as exercises on the course however an unsatisfactory performance may not earn points but will not disqualify the team s performance. Mulligans may not be used on Bonus Exercises. Bonus exercises may not be retried. Scratching, Coughing and Sneezing: The exhibitor may stop the performance without penalty if the dog stops to scratch, cough or sneeze. The performance should resume where it left off when the dog is finished. Harsh Corrections: Harsh corrections are not allowed in the ring or on the grounds. A harsh correction is one that results in a strong negative response from the dog or offends the sensibility of the judge. In the event harsh corrections are observed and depending on the severity, a warning may be issued or the parties involved may be asked to leave the grounds. An incident report on such occurrences will be submitted to Wag It for review. Individual Shadow Skills Titles Titles Please see individual skills division scoring rules for what defines a qualifying score. WAG 1 S - Five qualifying scores in Shadow Skills, Novice Level WAG 2 S - Five qualifying scores in Shadow Skills, Skilled Level WAG 3 S - Five qualifying scores in Shadow Skills, Proficient Level Advanced Titles Wag Champion Shadow Skills (WAG CH-S) WAG 3 S plus three additional qualifying scores at each level Wag Master Shadow Skills (WAG M-Shadow Skills) Completion of WAG CH-Shadow Skills plus 3 additional qualifying scores at each level Ultimate Wag (U WAG) WAG Master-Shadow Skills plus 5 additional qualifying scores at each level Versatile Wag (V WAG) Any three of the following titles: Wag M-Shadow Skills, Wag M-Obstacle Skills, WAG M-Agility, WAG M-Water Skills, WAG M-Sniff It or WAG M-Dog Ball Wag It Bronze: 25 qualifying scores beyond Wag 1, 2 and 3 in each Skill Division Wag It Silver: 50 qualifying scores beyond Wag 1, 2 and 3 in each Skill Division Wag It Gold: 75 qualifying scores beyond Wag 1, 2 and 3 in each Skill Division Wag It Platinum: 100 qualifying scores beyond Wag 1, 2 and 3 in each Skill Division Points Qualifying runs earn points as follows: Novice 5 points, Skilled 10 points, and Proficient 15 points. Copyright Wag It Inc. 01.2014 website: www.wagitgames.com Email: info@wagitinc.com Page 7

Shadow Skills - Novice Level Course Requirements The novice level will contain 14 to 16 exercises. *The exercises will be placed a minimum of 10 feet apart. *The course will contain a maximum of 2 stationary exercises. *The dog will change sides a minimum of 2 times. *A minimum of 2 exercises will be performed on the right side of the handler. Handling/Leash: The novice level is performed with the dog on a 4 to 8 foot leash. The handler may carry the leash in one hand or both hands and may pass the leash from hand to hand during side changes. The leash should remain loose with no tension on the dog s collar or harness. If the handler needs to stop to adjust the leash, this should be done at a stationary station or between motion exercises. There will be no deductions for leash adjustments. The dog must enter and leave the ring on leash. 1. Sit Stationary The handler will halt and the dog will sit at the side position. Once the dog is sitting, the team may proceed. 2. Sit, Down Stationary The team will halt and the dog will sit at the side position. Once the dog is sitting the handler will direct the dog to lie down. Once the dog is lying down, the team may proceed. The handler will remain on the dog s side with feet still while directing the dog to change position. 3. Sit, Down, Sit Stationary The team will halt and the dog will sit at the side position. Once the dog is sitting, the handler will direct the dog to lie down. Once the dog is lying down, the handler will direct the dog to sit. Once the dog is sitting the second time, the team may proceed. The handler will remain on the dog s side with feet still while directing the dog to change positions. Copyright Wag It Inc. 01.2014 website: www.wagitgames.com Email: info@wagitinc.com Page 8

4. Right Turn The team will perform a 90-degree turn to the right. 5. Left Turn The team will perform a 90-degree turn to the left. 6. Sit, 90 Pivot Right Offered in trials after July 1, 2014 Stationary The team will come to a halt and the dog will sit at side position. Once the dog is sitting the handler will pivot 90 degrees to their right while cueing the dog to move simultaneously with them and sit at completion of the 90 degree turn. The handler should perform the pivot in a space roughly the size of a dinner plate. The dog is not required to actually pivot and may move from one sit to the other in a comfortable manner. This exercise may be performed by the dog significantly different depending on the side of the handler they are on when performing this exercise. 7. Sit, 90 Pivot Left Stationary Offered in trials after July 1, 2014 The team will come to a halt and the dog will sit at side position. Once the dog is sitting the handler will pivot 90 degrees to their left while cueing the dog to move simultaneously with them and sit at completion of the 90 degree turn. The handler should perform the pivot in a space roughly the size of a dinner plate. The dog is not required to actually pivot and may move from one sit to the other in a comfortable manner. This exercise may be performed by the dog significantly different depending on the side of the handler they are on when performing this exercise. Copyright Wag It Inc. 01.2014 website: www.wagitgames.com Email: info@wagitinc.com Page 9

8. 360 Right The team will perform a 360-degree circle to the right. The circle should be roughly the size of a hula-hoop. 9. 360 Left The team will perform a 360-degree circle to the left. The circle should be roughly the size of a hula-hoop. 10. 180 Right The team will perform a 180-degree turn to the right. 11. 180 Left The team will perform a 180-degree turn to the left. 12. 270 Right The team will perform a 270-degree turn that begins to the right. 13. 270 Left The team will perform a 270-degree turn that begins to the left. Copyright Wag It Inc. 01.2014 website: www.wagitgames.com Email: info@wagitinc.com Page 10

14. Spin The dog will spin in a 360-degree turn away from the handler at the handler s side. The dog should perform this exercise with fluid movement. The handler may pause momentarily while the dog is spinning. As the dog completes the spin, the team will proceed forward. 15. Front Cross Change of sides exercise The handler will perform a 180-degree turn towards the dog while the dog will perform a 180-degree turn towards the handler simultaneously. (Thus, the dog will change sides while the handler is viewing the dog s front). The dog and handler will be moving in the opposite direction from the start of the exercise when the exercise is completed. When the dog is in position on the new side, the team will proceed. 16. Sit & Switch Change of sides exercise Stationary The team will halt and the dog will sit at the side position. Once the dog is sitting, the handler will leave the dog in a sit stay, cross in front of the dog and step into side position on the other side of the dog. The handler will pause at the dog s side and then the team will proceed. 17. Call Front Swing Sit Stationary Offered in trials after July 1, 2014 The handler will stop his/her forward motion and call the dog to sit at front. The handler may take 3 to 4 steps backward while calling the dog to front. Once the dog is sitting at front, the dog will perform the swing. Once the dog has completed the swing and is sitting in a side position, the handler will proceed. Swing: If the team started this exercise with the dog on the left: The handler will cue the dog to move to handler s left side, turn to face forward and sit at the side position on the handler s left. Copyright Wag It Inc. 01.2014 website: www.wagitgames.com Email: info@wagitinc.com Page 11

18. Call Front, Swing, Forward The handler will halt his/her forward motion and call the dog to sit at front. The handler may take 3 to 4 steps backward while calling the dog to front. Once the dog is sitting, the dog will perform the swing and, without sitting, the team will proceed forward together. Swing: If the team started this exercise with the dog on the left: The handler will cue the dog to move to handler s left side, turn to face forward and the team will proceed without the dog sitting at side. If the team started this exercise with the dog on the right: The handler will cue the dog to move to handler s right side, turn to face forward and the team will proceed without the dog sitting at side. 19. Call Front, Swing, Walk Around Stationary The handler will stop his/her forward motion and call the dog to sit at front. The handler may take 3 to 4 steps backward while calling the dog to front. Once the dog is sitting at front, the dog will perform the swing. Once the dog has completed the swing and is sitting in side position, the handler will leave the dog in a sit stay, cross in front of and circle the dog 360 degrees, returning to the original side position. The direction the handler will move to circle the dog will be dependent upon which side of the handler the dog was on at the start of the exercise. The handler will pause at the dog s side and then proceed. Swing: If the team started this exercise with the dog on the left: The handler will cue the dog to move to handler s left side, turn to face forward and sit at the side position on the handler s left. If the team started this exercise with the dog on the right: The handler will cue the dog to move to handler s right side, turn to face forward and sit at the side position on the handler s right. 20. Fast Pace The team will increase their speed so there is a noticeable change of pace. The team will maintain this pace change until they reach the Normal sign. The Fast sign will always be immediately followed by a Normal sign. Copyright Wag It Inc. 01.2014 website: www.wagitgames.com Email: info@wagitinc.com Page 12

21. Slow Pace The team will decrease their speed so there is a noticeable change of pace. The team must maintain this pace change until they reach the Normal sign. The Slow sign will always be immediately followed by a Normal sign. 22. Normal The team will resume their normal forward pace. 23. Back Away While heeling, the handler will pivot to face the dog and, without stopping, the handler will back up 3 to 5 steps while the dog proceeds forward facing the handler. The handler will then pivot back to the original side position and the team will proceed. Copyright Wag It Inc. 01.2014 website: www.wagitgames.com Email: info@wagitinc.com Page 13

Shadow Skills - Skilled Level Course Requirements The skilled level will contain 14 to 16 exercises. *A minimum of 6 skilled level exercises will be included. *A maximum of 2 joined stations that pair 2 motion exercises to be performed together may be included. *The exercises will be placed a minimum of 10 feet apart. *The course will contain a maximum of 3 stationary exercises. *The dog will change sides a minimum of 3 times. *A minimum of 3 exercises will be performed on the right side of the handler. Handling/Leash: The skilled level is performed off leash. The dog must enter and leave the ring on leash. There is no required position for the handler s hands. Exercises will be performed within 4 feet of the exercise sign. 24. Sit, Stand Stationary The handler will halt and the dog will sit at the side position. Once the dog is sitting, the handler (remaining at the dog s side) will cue the dog to stand. The dog should not move forward beyond what is necessary for the change of position. At completion of the stand, the team will pause and then proceed. The handler will remain on the dog s side with feet still while directing the dog to change positions. 25. Fast From Sit The team will halt and the dog will sit at the side position. Once the dog is sitting, the team will proceed forward at a noticeably faster pace. The faster pace must be maintained until the team reaches the Normal sign. The Fast From Sit sign will always be immediately followed by a Normal sign. 26. Slow From Sit The team will halt and the dog will sit at the side position. Once the dog is sitting, the team will proceed forward at a noticeably slower pace. The slower pace must be maintained until reaching the Normal sign. The Slow From Sit sign will always be immediately followed by a Normal sign. Copyright Wag It Inc. 01.2014 website: www.wagitgames.com Email: info@wagitinc.com Page 14

27. Normal The team will resume their normal forward pace. 28. Wrap Around Turn The handler will perform a 180-degree turn towards the side their dog is on, while the dog performs a 180-degree turn in the opposite direction by moving around their handler and returning to the original side position. At completion of the turn, the team will move forward in the new direction. The dog should perform this exercise with continuous movement. (This exercise is called a Left About Turn in other venues.) 29. Call to 180 Right The handler will stop his/her forward motion and call the dog to front position (without having the dog sit). The handler may take 3 to 4 steps backwards while calling the dog to front. As the dog comes to front, but before the dog sits, the handler will make a 180-degree turn to the right. The team will proceed forward at the completion of the turn. The dog should continuously move with the handler. The dog must come close enough in front position so that the dog s head would be under the reach of the handler s outstretched arm. 30. Call to 180 Left The handler will stop his/her forward motion and call the dog to front position (without having the dog sit). The handler may take 3 to 4 steps backward while calling the dog to front. As the dog comes to front, but before the dog sits, the handler will make a 180-degree turn to the left. The team will proceed forward at the completion of the turn. The dog should continuously move with the handler. The dog must come close enough in front position so that the dog s head would be under the reach of handler s outstretched arm. Copyright Wag It Inc. 01.2014 website: www.wagitgames.com Email: info@wagitinc.com Page 15

Call Front 90⁰ Right 31. Call Front 90 Right Offered in trials after July 1, 2014 The handler will stop his/her forward motion and call the dog to sit at front. The handler may take 3 to 4 steps backward while calling the dog to front. Once the dog is sitting at front the handler will pivot 90 degrees to the right. The handler will cue the dog to simultaneously move into the original side position and proceed forward. The dog may have to cross in front of the handler s path depending on the original side position. Call Front 90⁰ Left 32. Call Front 90 Left Offered in trials after July 1, 2014 The handler will stop his/her forward motion and call the dog to sit at front. The handler may take 3 to 4 steps backward while calling the dog to front. Once the dog is sitting at front the handler will pivot 90 degrees to the right. The handler will cue the dog to simultaneously move into the original side position and proceed forward. The dog may have to cross in front of the handler s path depending on the original side position. 33. Sit, Down & Switch Change of sides exercise Stationary The team will halt and the dog will sit at the side position. Once the dog is sitting, the handler will cue the dog to lie down. Once the dog is lying down, the handler will leave the dog in a down stay, cross in front of the dog and step into side position on the other side of the dog. The handler will pause at the dog s side and then proceed. The dog must proceed forward from the down position. 34. Flip Change of sides exercise The handler will cue the dog to turn away from the handler and make a 180-degree turn. While the dog is turning, the handler will also make a 180-degree turn towards the dog. The team will proceed forward as the dog comes into position on the handler s new side. The team should perform this exercise with fluid movement. Copyright Wag It Inc. 01.2014 website: www.wagitgames.com Email: info@wagitinc.com Page 16

35. Flying Change Change of sides exercise While the team is moving forward, the handler will move in front of the dog and step into side position on the opposite side of the dog and the team will proceed forward without stopping. 36. Pause, Down and Forward The team will pause and the dog will drop directly into a down at the side position (without sitting first). Once the dog is lying down, the team will proceed forward with the dog moving directly from the down. The handler must remain at side position with feet still while directing the dog. Infinity Right 37. Infinity Right Offered in trials after July 1, 2014 The team will Perform a 360 degree turn to the right and then to the left in the pattern of an infinity symbol. The team will then proceed in the same direction as they were traveling prior to performing the exercise. Infinity Left 38. Infinity Left Offered in trials after July 1, 2014 The team will perform a 360 degree turn to the left and then to the right in the pattern of an infinity symbol. The team will then proceed in the same direction as they were traveling prior to performing the exercise. 39. Circle the Handler The handler will halt and, without the dog halting, the handler will direct the dog to cross in front of and circle the handler 360- degrees. The team will immediately proceed forward as the dog returns to the original side position (without sitting). This exercise should be performed with fluid movement and the handler s feet should remain still while the dog is circling the handler. Copyright Wag It Inc. 01.2014 website: www.wagitgames.com Email: info@wagitinc.com Page 17

Shadow Skills Proficient Level Course Requirements The proficient level will contain 16 to 18 exercises. *A minimum of 6 proficient level and 2 skilled level exercises will be included. *A maximum of 3 joined stations that pair 2 motion exercises to be performed together may be included. *The exercises will be placed a minimum of 10 feet apart. *The course will contain a maximum of 3 stationary exercises. *The dog will change sides a minimum of 4 times. *A minimum of 4 exercises will be performed on the right side of the handler. Handling/Leash: The Proficient Level is performed off leash. The dog must enter and leave the ring on leash. There is no required position for the handler s hands. Exercises will be performed within 4 feet of the exercise sign. 40. Sit, Call to Side The team will halt and the dog will sit at the side position. Once the dog is sitting, the handler will leave the dog in a sit stay position, proceed forward 3 to 5 steps and, without pausing, the handler will call the dog to the original side position and proceed forward together. The handler may turn their head slightly when calling the dog but shoulders must remain straight ahead. 41. Down, Call To Side The team will halt and the dog will lie down in the side position (without sitting first). Once the dog is lying down, the handler will leave the dog in a down stay position and proceed forward 3 to 5 steps then without pausing, the handler will call the dog to the original side position and the team will proceed forward together. The handler may turn their head slightly when calling the dog but shoulders must remain straight ahead. 42. Moving Sit, Walk Around, Forward The handler, without pausing, will cue the dog to sit stay and proceed to pass in front of the dog, circle the dog 360 degrees and, as the handler comes back to the original side position, without pause, the team will proceed forward together. Copyright Wag It Inc. 01.2014 website: www.wagitgames.com Email: info@wagitinc.com Page 18

43. Moving Down, Walk Around, Forward The handler, without pausing, will cue the dog to down stay and proceed to pass in front of the dog, circle the dog 360 degrees and, as the handler comes back to the original side position, without pause, the team will proceed forward together. 44. Moving Stand, Walk Around, Forward The handler, without pausing, will cue the dog to stand stay and proceed to pass in front of the dog, circle the dog 360 degrees and, as the handler comes back to the original side position, without pause, the team will proceed forward together. Heel Behind 45. Heel Behind Offered in trials after July 1, 2014 The handler will proceed forward and cue the dog to move behind them and follow for three to five of the handler s steps. The handler will then cue the dog to move back to the original side position and proceed forward. 46. Reverse The team will back up together with the dog remaining in the side position. The handler must take 3 to 5 steps backwards before the team proceeds. 47. Push - Pull The handler will stop his/her forward motion and call the dog to the handler s front without having the dog sit. The handler may take 3 to 4 steps backward while calling the dog to the handler s front. The handler will then direct the dog to back up while the handler takes 3 to 5 steps forward. The handler will then back up 3-5 steps while directing the dog to walk forward. The dog will swing back to the original side position and proceed forward without the dog sitting in the original side position. The dog and handler should move in unison with the dog s head remaining close enough to be under the handler s outstretched arm. The dog should back up in a straight line. *There are no sits in this exercise.* Copyright Wag It Inc. 01.2014 website: www.wagitgames.com Email: info@wagitinc.com Page 19

48. Call Front Handler Backs Up The handler will stop his/her forward motion and call the dog to sit at front. The handler may take 3 to 4 steps backward while calling the dog to sit at front. The handler may pause only briefly to direct the dog to sit stay while backing away from the dog for 3 to 5 steps. The handler will then walk forward returning to the dog s front. The handler will then perform a 180-degree turn in either direction, direct the dog to come to the original side position and the team will proceed. 49. Get Back The handler will stop his/her forward motion and call the dog to sit at front. The handler may take 3 to 4 steps backward while calling the dog to sit at front. Once the dog is sitting, the handler will then direct the dog to stand up and back away from him/her for 3 to 5 steps and then call the dog back to handler s front (dog will remain standing up reaching the handler). Once the dog reaches the handler, the handler will then perform a 180-degree turn in either direction, direct the dog to come to the original side position and the team will proceed. The handler s feet must remain still while directing the dog to back away from the handler and while directing the dog back to the handler s front. 50. Rear Cross Change of sides exercise The handler will signal the dog to move ahead and across the handler s path coming to side position on the opposite side of the handler without any extra maneuvers. The handler may pause momentarily while the dog crosses the handler s path. (Thus, the dog crosses sides while the handler is viewing the dog from the rear). The team will move forward together once the dog has changed sides. The dog should perform this exercise with continuous movement. The handler may only pause momentarily while the dog crosses their path. Right Turn Change Sides 51. Right Turn Change Sides Change of sides exercise Offered in trials after July 1, 2014 The handler will perform a right turn while cueing the dog to pass behind them and into side position on the opposite side. Copyright Wag It Inc. 01.2014 website: www.wagitgames.com Email: info@wagitinc.com Page 20

Left Turn Change Sides 52. Left Turn Change Sides Change of sides exercise Offered in trials after July 1, 2014 The handler will perform a Left turn while cueing the dog to pass behind them and into side position on the opposite side. 53. Stand & Switch Change of sides exercise Stationary The team will halt and the dog will commence a stand stay. While the dog is standing, the handler will cross in front of the dog and step into side position on the other side of the dog. The handler will pause at the dog s side and then the team will proceed forward. The dog may shift paws slightly to balance and/or watch the handler change positions. 54. 180 Right, Fast The team will perform a 180-degree turn to the right. At completion of the turn, the team will proceed at a noticeably faster pace until they reach the Normal sign. The 180 Right, Fast sign will always be immediately followed by a Normal sign. 55. 180 Left, Fast The team will perform a 180-degree turn to the left. At completion of the turn, the team will proceed at a noticeably faster pace until they reach the Normal sign. The 180 Left, Fast sign will always be immediately followed by a Normal sign. 56. 180 Right, Slow The team will perform a 180-degree turn to the right. At completion of the turn, the team will proceed at a noticeably slower pace until they reach the Normal sign. The 180 Right, Slow sign will always be immediately followed by a Normal sign. Copyright Wag It Inc. 01.2014 website: www.wagitgames.com Email: info@wagitinc.com Page 21

57. 180 Left, Slow The team will perform a 180-degree turn to the left. At completion of the turn, the team will proceed at a noticeably slower pace until they reach the Normal sign. The 180 Left, Slow sign will always be immediately followed by a Normal sign. 58. Normal The team will resume their normal forward pace. 59. Windshield Wipers Change of sides exercise Stationary The team will come to a halt and the dog will sit. The handler will cue the dog to rotate to the opposite side while facing their handler. The handler will then cue the dog to sit on the new side. The team will pause once the dog is sitting and then proceed forward together. Copyright Wag It Inc. 01.2014 website: www.wagitgames.com Email: info@wagitinc.com Page 22

Wag It Games Shadow Skills Scoring Teams begin the course with a score of 100. Deductions are taken based on the exercise descriptions and scoring guidelines. Teams must receive a minimum score of 80 to qualify. -1 point Tight leash, each occurrence Performing an exercise with the sign on the left Slightly out of position-lagging, forging or wide (each occurrence) Slightly crooked sits, downs or stands at side, fronts or back up (less than 45 degrees) Jumping on handler, each occurrence Per paw movement when performing stand stays ( up to -3) -3 points Significantly out of position-lagging, forging or wide Significantly crooked sits, downs or stands at side, fronts or back ups (45 degrees or more) Retries: (Once the mulligan has been used.) Any deductions previously taken for that exercise will be erased with the retry. Retries are not erasable. Handler s feet move when directed to be still Failure to maintain pace change Overly large 360 s or 270 s Dropping the leash (Novice only) Knocking over a sign Slow response from the dog Failure of the team to execute any exercise with a fluid performance Dog picks up any item on the course Failure of the team to pause briefly after a walk around -5 points Incorrect finish Failure to finish Failure to sit, down or stand Extra sit, down or stand Extra spin and/or extra maneuver not in exercise description Performing an exercise in the wrong direction Performing an exercise with the dog on the wrong side of the handler Performing a side change where one is not called for Partial change of position for any stay. (Ex: Dog partially changes position from a sit to a down or a down to a sit ) Failure to perform all the elements of an exercise as described Excessive barking NQ Failure to perform any exercise Failure to change pace Failure of the handler to have the dog change sides in any side change exercise Failure of dog to hold a required body position during a stay (complete change of position) Failure of the dog to down in the Halt Down and Forward Failure of the dog to perform the moving sit, down or stand (NO retries) Dog moves more than three paws while performing a stand stay Touching the dog. Does not include touch rewards Deductions of ten or more points on any exercise Exceeding course time Appearance of luring Consistently tight leash Performing exercises out of order Copyright Wag It Inc. 01.2014 website: www.wagitgames.com Email: info@wagitinc.com Page 23

The following will result in a team being excused from the ring Dog appears to be overly stressed Dog appears to be in pain or ill Dog leaves the ring Eliminating or vomiting in the ring Any appearance of threatening or aggressive behaviors Any behavior the Judge feels threatens safety in any way Harsh corrections Excusals Handler is not able to regain a working relationship with their dog The judge s decision is final. Please remember that the judges will do their best to be accurate and consistent. We thank you for your understanding. Videotape of runs will not be considered by the judge. Copyright Wag It Inc. 01.2014 website: www.wagitgames.com Email: info@wagitinc.com Page 24

Shadow Skill Exercises Red Exercises Side Changes Underlined Exercises - Stationary Novice Exercises 1. Sit 2. Sit Down 3. Sit Down Sit 4. Right Turn 5. Left Turn 6. Sit 90⁰ Pivot Right Sit 7. Sit 90⁰ Pivot Left Sit 8. 360 Right 9. 360 Left 10. 180 Right 11. 180 Left 12. 270 Right 13. 270 Left 14. Spin 15. Front Cross 16. Sit and Switch 17. Call Front Swing Sit 18. Call Front Swing Forward 19. Call Front Swing Walk Around 20. Fast 21. Slow 22. Normal 23. Back Away Start Finish Novice Bonus Skilled Bonus Proficient Bonus Skilled Exercises 24. Sit Stand 25. Fast From Sit 26. Slow From Sit 27. Normal 28. Wrap Around Turn 29. Call to 180 Right 30. Call to 180 Left 31. Call Front 90 Right 32. Call Front 90 Left 33. Sit Down and Switch 34. Flip 35. Flying Change 36. Pause Down & Forward 37. Infinity Right 38. Infinity Left 39. Circle the Handler Start Finish Novice Bonus Skilled Bonus Proficient Bonus Proficient Exercises 40. Sit Call to Side 41. Down Call to Side 42. Moving Sit Walk Around 43. Moving Down Walk Around 44. Moving Stand Walk Around 45. Heel Behind 46. Reverse 47. Push Pull 48. Call Front Handler Backs Up 49. Get Back 50. Rear Cross 51. Right Turn Change Sides 52. Left Turn Change Sides 53. Stand & Switch 54. 180 Right Fast 55. 180 Left Fast 56. 180 Right Slow 57. 180 Left Slow 58. Normal 59. Windshield Wipers Start Finish Novice Bonus Skilled Bonus Proficient Bonus Copyright Wag It Inc. 01.2014 website: www.wagitgames.com Email: info@wagitinc.com Page 25