Washington State 4-H Guide to Dog Obedience

Sub-Novice

Sub-Novice Exercises and Maximum Scores

• Heel on Leash: 45 points
• Figure Eight: 25 points
• Stand for Examination: 30 points
• Recall: 40 points
• Long Sit Stay: 30 points
• Long Down Stay: 30 points
• Maximum total score: 200 points

Sub-Novice Heel on Leash and Figure Eight

This exercise will be performed the same as the Novice Heel on Leash and Figure Eight.

Sub-Novice Heel on Leash and Figure Eight Judging and Scoring Procedures

The scoring and orders will be the same as the Novice Heel on Leash and Figure Eight.

Sub-Novice Stand for Examination

The principal feature of this exercise is that the dog stands in position before and during the examination without displaying resentment. The orders are Stand your dog and leave when you are ready, Back to your dog, and Exercise finished. Prior to the start of the exercise the handler will take their dog to a place designated by the judge. The judge will ask Are you ready? before giving the first order.

On the judge’s order the handler will stand the dog by the method of the handler’s choice, taking any reasonable time if they choose to pose the dog as in the show ring. The handler will stand with the dog in the heel position, and may give the command, signal, or both, to stay. The handler will walk straight forward to the end of the leash and turn to face the dog. 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, body, and hindquarters. On the order Back to your dog, the handler will walk around behind the dog and return to the heel position. The dog must remain standing until the judge has said Exercise Finished.

Sub-Novice Stand for Examination Judging and Scoring Procedures

• The dog need not be sitting at the start of this exercise.
• The judge must be alert to keep handlers from going more or less than six feet.
• The judge must penalize a handler that backs away from the dog when leaving.
• Scoring of this exercise will start when the handler has given the command, signal, or both, to stay, except for such actions as rough treatment by the handler or active resistance by the dog to its handler’s attempts to have it stand. Either of these will be penalized substantially.
• A dog must receive a score of zero if it sits or lies down, moves away from the place where it was left either before or during the examination.
• Minor or substantial deductions, even to the point of a score of zero, will be made for shyness.
• A dog must receive a score of zero if it growls, snaps, or displays resentment.
• The examination is complete when the judge lifts their fingers and palm from the dog’s hindquarters. Judges should not expose themselves needlessly to the danger of being bitten.
• Minor or substantial deductions will be made for a dog that moves its feet at any time or sits or moves away after the examination has been completed.

Sub-Novice Recall

The principal features of this exercise are that the dog stays where left until called by the handler, and that the dog responds promptly to the handler’s command or signal to come. The orders are Leave your dog, Call your dog, and Finish. The handler will stand with the dog sitting in the heel position in a place designated by the judge. The judge will ask Are you ready? before giving the first order.

On the judge’s order, the handler may give the dog a command or signal or both, to stay in the sit position. The handler will then walk forward to the end of the leash, turn to face the dog, and stand with their arms and hands hanging naturally at their sides. On the judge’s order or signal, the handler will either command or signal the dog to come. The dog must come directly, at a brisk trot or gallop and sit straight, centered in front of 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. On the judge’s order, the handler will give a command or signal to finish. The dog must go promptly to heel position and sit. The dog may finish by moving to the left or the right of the handler. If finishing to the left of the handler, the dog will circle into the heel position while its head turns inward towards the handler’s left leg. If finishing to the right, the dog will move behind the handler into a straight sit in heel position.

Sub-Novice Recall Judging and Scoring Procedures

• A dog must receive a score of zero if it is given an additional command or signal to stay, if it fails to come on the first command or signal, if it moves from the place it was left before being called or signaled to come, or if it does not sit close enough to its handler so that the handler could touch its head without excessive bending, stretching, or moving either foot.
• Substantial deductions will be made for a handler’s extra command or signal to sit or finish and for a dog that fails to remain sitting and either stands or lies down, fails to come at a brisk trot or gallop, fails to sit in front, or fails to finish or sit at heel.
• Minor or substantial deductions will be made for slow or poor sits, finishes that are not prompt or smart, touching the handler on coming in or while finishing, and sitting between the handler’s feet.

Sub-Novice Group Exercises

Long Sit Stay and Long Down Stay

The principal feature of these exercises is that the dog remains in the sitting or down position, whichever is required by the particular exercise. The orders are Sit your dog or Down your dog, Leave your dog, and Back to your dog. All competing dogs in the class perform these exercises together. If, however, there are more dogs competing than can be spaced four feet per dog on one side of a ring, some must be judged in another group. The judge may divide the class into approximately equal sections and judge the group exercise after each section, or the judge may wait until the entire class has been judged on the individual exercises before dividing the class into sections and judging the group exercises. The judge must determine which procedure will be used before the class begins. The dogs that are in the ring will be lined up in armband order along one of the four sides of the ring. The leash remains attached to the dog’s collar and held by the handler. The judge will ask Are you ready? before giving the first order.

On the judge’s order, the handlers will give their dog a command, signal, or both, to sit, if they are not already sitting. The judge will promptly instruct the handlers to leave their dog. On the judge’s order to Leave your dog, the handlers may give their dog a command, signal, or both, to stay. The handlers will immediately go to the end of the leash and turn to face their dog. Any dog that leaves the place where it was left or interferes with another dog may be positioned apart from the group for the remainder of the group exercise. After one minute from the time the judge has ordered the handlers to leave their dog, the judge will give the order Back to your dog. The handler must go back promptly, walking around and behind their own dog and return to the heel position. The dog must not move from the sitting position until after the judge has said Exercise Finished. This order will not be given until all handlers have returned to heel position.

Before starting the Long Down, the judge will ask Are you ready? On the judge’s order, the handlers will give their dogs a command, signal, or both, to down without touching either the dog or the collar so that the dogs are facing the opposite side of the ring. The rest of this exercise is done in the same manner as the Long Sit, except that the dogs must not move from the down position until after the judge has said Exercise Finished. This exercise is for one minute. The dogs will not be required to sit at the end of this exercise. The handlers are required to exit the ring with their dogs under control.

Sub-Novice Group Exercises Judging and Scoring Procedures

• Scoring of this exercise will start with the judge’s first order, sit or down your dog, except for such actions as rough treatment of a dog by its handler or resistance by a dog to its handler’s attempts to make it sit or lie down. These will be penalized substantially and in extreme cases the dog may be excused.
• The timing and scoring of the exercise will start on the judge’s second order, Leave your dog.
• A score of zero is required for the following: The dog moving a substantial distance away from the place where it was left any time during the exercise, interfering with any dog, not remaining in the required position until the handler has returned to heel position, and repeatedly barking or whining.
• A substantial deduction will be made for a dog that moves even a short distance from where it was left, that barks or whines only once or twice, or that changes from a sit to a down or from a down to a sit after the handler has returned to the heel position and before the judge has given the order Exercise Finished.
• A substantial deduction will be made for a dog that must be repositioned by its handler enough to interfere with an adjacent dog. In extreme cases the dog may be excused.
• Depending on the circumstance, a minor or substantial deduction will be made for touching the dog or its collar while putting the dog into the down position.

Novice

Novice Exercises and Maximum Scores

• Heel on Leash and Figure Eight: 40 points
• Stand for Examination: 30 points
• Heel Free: 40 points
• Recall: 30 points
• Sit-Stay-Get Your Leash: 30 points
• Group Exercise: Sit and Down Stay: 30 points
• Maximum Total Score: 200 points

Novice Heel on Leash and Figure Eight

The principal feature of this exercise is the ability of the dog and handler to work as a team. The orders for this exercise are Forward, Halt, Right turn, Left turn, About turn, Slow, Normal and Fast. Fast means that the handler and dog must move forward at a noticeably accelerated speed. All about turns will be right about turns. Orders for halts and turns will be given only when the handler is moving at a normal speed. The other orders may be given in any sequence, and turns and halts may be repeated. The leash may be held in either hand or in both hands, but the hands must be held in a natural position. The handler will enter the ring with the dog on a loose leash and stand with the dog sitting in the heel position in a place designated by the judge. The judge will ask Are you ready? before giving the first order.

The handler may give a command or signal to heel and will walk briskly and naturally with the dog on a loose leash. The dog should walk close to the handler’s left side without swinging wide, lagging, forging, or crowding. The dog must not interfere with the handler’s freedom of motion at any time. At each order to halt, the handler will stop. The dog shall sit straight and promptly in the heel position without command or signal and shall not move until the handler again moves forward on the judge’s order. After each halt, it is permissible for the handler to give a command or signal to heel before moving forward again. The judge will say, Exercise Finished after this portion of the exercise.

The handler will stand and the dog will sit in heel position facing the judge, midway between the two pylons which will be placed eight feet apart. The Figure Eight in the Novice classes will be done on leash and the handler may go around either pylon first. The judge will ask Are you ready? before giving the first order. The handler and dog will walk briskly around and between the two pylons twice. There will be no about turn, fast or slow, but the judge must order at least one halt during this exercise and another halt at the end.

Novice Heel on Leash and Figure Eight Judging and Scoring Procedures

• If a handler is constantly controlling the dog by tugging on the leash or adapting to the dog’s pace, that dog must receive a score of zero for the exercise.
• Minor or substantial deductions will be made for tightening or jerking on the leash.
• Minor or substantial deductions, depending on the circumstances, will be made for additional commands or signals to heel or for failure of dog or handler to speed up noticeably for the fast or slow down noticeably for the slow.
• Substantial or minor deductions shall be made for lagging, heeling wide, forging, crowding, poor sits, failure to sit at a halt and other heeling imperfections.
• Deductions should also be made for a handler who guides the dog with the leash or does not walk at a brisk pace.

Novice Stand for Examination

The principal feature of this exercise is that the dog stands in position before and during the examination without displaying resentment. The orders are Stand your dog and leave when you are ready, Back to your dog, and Exercise Finished. Prior to the start of the exercises the handler will remove the leash and give it to a steward, who will place it on the judge’s table or other designated place. The handler will take their dog to a place designated by the judge. The judge will ask Are you ready? before giving the first order.

On the judge’s order, the handler will pose the dog by the method of the handler’s choice, taking any reasonable time if they choose to pose the dog as in the show ring. The handler will then stand with the dog in the heel position, and may give the command, signal, or both, to stay. The handler will walk straight forward about six feet and turn to face the dog. 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, body, and hindquarters. On the order Back to your dog, the handler will walk around behind the dog and return to the heel position. The dog must remain standing until the judge has said Exercise Finished.

Novice Stand for Examination Judging and Scoring Procedures

• The dog need not be sitting at the start of this exercise.
• The judge must be alert to keep handlers from going more or less than about six feet and must penalize, even to the point of a score of zero, a handler that backs away from the dog when leaving.
• The examination is complete when the judge lifts their fingers and palm from the dog’s hindquarters. Judges should not expose themselves needlessly to the danger of being bitten.
• Scoring of this exercise will start when the handler has given the command or signal to stay, except for such actions as rough treatment by the handler or active resistance by the dog to its handler’s attempts to have it stand. Either of these will be penalized substantially.
• A dog must receive a score of zero if the dog sits or lies down, moves away from the place where it was left either before or during the examination.
• A dog must receive a score of zero if it growls, snaps, or displays resentment.
• Minor or substantial deductions, even to the point of a score of zero, will be made for shyness.
• Minor or substantial deductions will be made for a dog that moves its feet at any time or sits or moves away after the examination has been completed.

Novice Heel Free

This exercise will be performed as in the Novice Heel on Leash and Figure Eight but without the leash or the Figure Eight.

Novice Heel Free Judging and Scoring Procedures

The scoring and orders will be the same as the Novice Heel on Leash and Figure Eight.

Novice Recall

The principal features of this exercise are that the dog stays where left until called by the handler, and that the dog responds promptly to the handler’s command or signal to come. The orders are Leave your dog, Call your dog, and Finish. The handler will stand with the dog sitting in the heel position in a place designated by the judge. The judge will ask Are you ready? before giving the first order.

On the judge’s order, the handler may give the dog a command, signal, or both, to stay in the sit position. The handler will walk forward to the other end of the ring, turn to face the dog, and stand with their arms and hands hanging naturally at their sides. On the judge’s order or signal, the handler will either command or signal the dog to come. The dog must come directly, at a brisk trot or gallop and sit straight, centered in front of 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. On the judge’s order, the handler will give a command or signal to finish. The dog must go promptly to heel position and sit. The dog may finish by moving to the left or the right of the handler. If finishing to the left of the handler, the dog will circle into the heel position while its head turns inward towards the handler’s left leg. If finishing to the right, the dog will move behind the handler into a straight sit in heel position. The manner in which the dog finishes will be optional, provided it is prompt and that the dog sits straight at heel.

Novice Recall Judging and Scoring Procedures

• A dog must receive a score of zero if it is given an additional command or signal to stay, if it fails to come on the first command or signal, if it moves from the place it was left before being called or signaled to come, or if it does not sit close enough to its handler so that the handler could touch its head without excessive bending, stretching, or moving either foot.
• Substantial deductions will be made for a handler’s extra command or signal to sit or finish and for a dog that fails to remain sitting and either stands or lies down, fails to come at a brisk trot or gallop, fails to sit in front, or fails to finish or sit at heel.
• Minor or substantial deductions will be made for slow or poor sits, for finishes that are not prompt or smart, for touching the handler on coming in or while finishing, and for sitting between the handler’s feet.

Novice Sit-Stay-Get Your Leash

The principal feature of this exercise is that the dog remains in the sit position. The orders are Sit your dog, Leave your dog to get your leash, and Back to your dog. The handler will stand with the dog sitting in heel position in a place designated by the judge. The judge will ask Are you ready? before giving the first order.

On the judge’s order the handler may give the dog a command, signal, or both, to sit without touching either the dog or the collar. On the judge’s order to Leave your dog and get your leash, the handler may give the dog a command, or signal or both, to stay. The handler will immediately walk forward to a place designated by the judge for the leash, pick up the leash, and turn to face the dog. The judge will give the order Back to your dog. The handler must return directly, walking around and behind the dog and return to heel position. The dog must not move from the sitting position until after the judge has said Exercise Finished. The judge will tell the handler Attach your leash to the collar and maintain control of your dog. The handler is required to exit the ring with the dog under control and without jumping, pulling, or tugging on the leash.

Novice Sit-Stay-Get Your Leash Judging and Scoring Procedures

• The judge will instruct the steward to place the leash at the designated location after the Heel on Leash and Figure Eight exercise.
• The handler and dog will be positioned at least 30 feet from and facing the direction of the gate entrance.
• A score of zero is required for the following: The dog moving a substantial distance away from the place where it was left any time during the exercise, not remaining in the sit position until the handler has returned to heel position, and repeatedly barking or whining.
• Scoring of this exercise starts with the first order Sit your dog, except for such actions as rough treatment of a dog by its handler or resistance by a dog to its handler’s attempts to make it sit. These will be penalized substantially and in extreme cases the dog may be excused.
• Substantial deductions will be made for a dog that moves even a short distance from where it was left, that barks or whines only once or twice, or that changes from the sit position after the handler has returned to the heel position and before the judge has said Exercise finished.
• A substantial deduction, under Miscellaneous Penalties, must be made for a dog that does not remain under control while leaving the ring.

Novice Group Exercises

Sit and Down Stay

The principal feature of this exercise is that the dog remains in the sitting or down position, whichever is required at the time. The orders are Sit your dog, Down your dog, Leave your dog, and Back to your dog.

Dogs must be spaced with a minimum of six feet between each dog and a minimum of four feet from the ring barriers. Judges will position the dogs in the approximate center of the ring in one row or back-to-back in two rows with a minimum of six feet between the rows. If the back-to-back formation is used, it must be used for all groups in the class. On a 50-foot side of the ring the maximum number of dogs allowed in a single row would be six and in a back-to-back row twelve dogs.

Novice Group Exercises Spacing Table

The group exercise will be conducted after the last individual team in the class, or combined classes, are judged. If there are more dogs competing than can be handled in one group exercise, the judge will divide the class into approximate equal groups. A judge with only a single dog competing in a class would be required to have the dog perform the group exercise alone.

This exercise must be performed with the dog on a six-foot leash. The leash will remain clipped to the dog’s collar and the handler will hold on to the leash throughout the entire exercise. The armband will remain on the handler’s left arm. The dogs will be lined up in judging program order. Prior to beginning the exercise, the judge will instruct the handlers to remove their dog if it starts to move out of position. The judge will ask Are you ready? before giving the first order.

On the judge’s order, the handlers will give the dog a command, signal, or both to sit without touching either the dog or the collar. On the judge’s order to Leave your dog, the handlers may give the dog a command, or signal or both to stay. The handler will immediately walk forward to the end of the leash, without jerking or tightening the leash and turn to face the dog. The leash must remain loose with slack throughout the entire exercise. After one minute from the time the judge ordered the handlers to leave their dogs, the judge will give the order Back to your dog. The handlers must return directly, walking around and behind their dog and return to heel position. The dogs must not move from the sitting position until after the judge has said Exercise Finished. The dogs must remain under control between this two-part exercise.

Before starting the Down Stay portion of this exercise, the judge will ask Are you ready? On the judge’s order, the handlers will give the dog a command, or signal or both, to down without touching either the dog or the collar. On the judge’s order to Leave your dog, the handlers may give the dog a command, signal, or both, to stay. The handler will immediately walk forward to the end of the leash, without jerking or tightening the leash, and turn to face the dog. The leash must remain loose with slack throughout the entire exercise. After one minute from the time the judge ordered the handlers to leave their dog, the judge will give the order Back to your dog. The handlers must return directly, walking around and behind their dog and return to heel position. The dogs must not move from the down position until after the judge has said Exercise Finished. The judge will tell the handlers to Maintain control of your dog. The handlers are required to exit the ring with their dogs under control and without jumping, pulling, or tugging on the leash.

Novice Group Exercises Judging and Scoring Procedures

• Scoring of the exercise starts with the first order to sit or down your dog, except for actions such as rough treatment of a dog by its handler or resistance by a dog to its handler’s attempts to make it sit or lie down. These will be penalized substantially and in extreme cases the dog may be released. The timing of each stay exercise begins on the judge’s order to leave your dog.
• A score of zero is required for the following: The dog moving a substantial distance away from the place where it was left any time during the exercise, not remaining in the required position until the handler has returned to heel position, or repeatedly barking or whining.
• Substantial deductions will be made for the following: a dog that moves even a short distance from where it was left, that barks or whines only once or twice, or that changes position after the handler has returned to heel position and before the judge has said Exercise Finished.
• Substantial deductions will be made for a handler that must reposition the dog enough to interfere with an adjacent dog, in extreme cases the dog may be excused.
• A substantial deduction will be made for jerking or tightening of the leash before the judge has said Exercise Finished, depending on the extent, the deduction may include a score of zero.
• A substantial deduction, under Miscellaneous Penalties, must be made for a dog that does not remain under control while leaving the ring.
• Minor or substantial deductions, depending on the circumstances, will be made for touching the dog or its collar while putting the dog into the down position.

Graduate Novice

Graduate Novice Exercises and Maximum Scores

• Heel Free and Figure Eight: 40 points
• Drop on Recall: 40 points
• Dumbbell Recall: 30 points
• Dumbbell Recall Over High Jump: 30 points
• Recall Over Broad Jump: 30 points
• Stand-Stay-Get Your Leash: 30 points
• Maximum Total Score: 200 points

Note to Judge

The jump height is to be set at half the height of the dog at the withers, rounded to the nearest multiple of two inches. See Half-Height Jump Table in Appendix A.

Graduate Novice Heel Free and Figure Eight

This exercise will be performed as in the Novice Heel on Leash and Figure Eight exercise, except that the dog will be off leash.

Graduate Novice Heel on Leash Judging and Scoring Procedures

The scoring and orders will be the same as the Novice Heel on Leash and Figure Eight.

Graduate Novice Drop on Recall

The principal features of this exercise, in addition to those listed under the Novice Recall, are the dog’s prompt response to the handler’s command, signal, or both to drop and the dog’s remaining in the down position until again called or signaled to come. The dog will be judged on the promptness of its response to the command, signal, to drop. The orders are Leave your dog, Call your dog, then give a clear signal to drop the dog, followed by Call your dog and Finish. The handler will stand with the dog sitting in the heel position in a place designated by the judge. The judge will ask, Are you ready? before giving the first order.

On the judge’s order, the handler may give the dog a command, signal, or both to stay in the sit position. The handler will walk forward to the other end of the ring, turn and face the dog and stand naturally. On the judge’s order or signal, the handler will either command or signal the dog to come. The dog must come directly at a brisk trot or gallop. On the judge’s arm or hand signal, the handler will give the dog a command, signal, or both to drop, and the dog must drop immediately to a complete down position. If the handler chooses to give both a command and signal to drop, they must be given simultaneously. The dog must remain down until the handler gives the command or signal to come when ordered by the judge. The dog completes the exercise as in the Novice Recall.

Graduate Novice Drop on Recall Judging and Scoring Procedures

• A score of zero must be given to any dog that does not drop completely to the required down position on a single command or signal or to a dog that does not remain down until called or signaled.
• Minor or substantial deductions, up to a score of zero, will be made for delayed or slow response to the handler’s command or signal to drop and for slow response to either of the recalls.
• All applicable penalties listed under the Novice Recall will apply.

Graduate Novice Dumbbell Recall

The principal feature of this exercise is that the dog promptly takes the dumbbell from the handler and delivers it as in the Open Retrieve on Flat. The orders are Give your dog the dumbbell, Leave your dog, Call your dog, Take it and Finish. The handler will stand with the dog sitting in the heel position in a place designated by the judge. The judge will ask Are you ready? before giving the first order.

On the judge’s order, the handler will present the dumbbell and command or signal the dog to take it. The dog must promptly accept, take, and hold the dumbbell. On the judge’s order, the handler may give the dog a command, signal, or both to stay. The handler will walk forward to the other end of the ring, turn to face the dog and stand naturally. On the judge’s order or signal, the handler will command or signal the dog to come. The dog must come directly at a brisk trot or gallop without unnecessary mouthing or playing with the dumbbell. The finish will be done as in the Novice Recall. All applicable penalties listed under the Novice Recall and Open Retrieve on Flat will apply.

Graduate Novice Dumbbell Recall Judging and Scoring Procedures

• The judge must approve the dumbbell to ensure it meets the requirements stated in the Open Retrieve on Flat exercise.
• A dog must receive a score of zero if it fails to take the dumbbell on the first command or signal or does not return with the dumbbell sufficiently close that the handler can easily take the dumbbell as described above.
• Depending on the extent, minor or substantial deductions will be made for unnecessary mouthing or playing with the dumbbell, dropping it, and reluctance or refusal to release the dumbbell to the handler.
• All other applicable penalties listed under the Novice Recall and Open Retrieve on Flat will apply.

Graduate Novice Dumbbell Recall Over High Jump

The principal feature of this exercise, in addition to those listed under the Dumbbell Recall, is that the dog returns with the dumbbell over the jump. The orders are Give your dog the dumbbell, Leave your dog, Call your dog, Take it, and Finish. This exercise will be performed and scored in the same manner as the Dumbbell Recall except that the dog must clear the high jump. The handler will stand with the dog sitting in the heel position at least eight feet, or any reasonable distance beyond eight feet, from the jump. The judge will ask Are you ready? before giving the first order.

On the judge’s order, the handler may give a command or signal or both to stay, go around the jump to at least eight feet beyond the other side of the jump, then turn to face the dog and stand naturally. These eight-foot distances will be clearly marked.

Graduate Novice Dumbbell Recall Over High Jump Judging and Scoring Procedures

• A dog that fails to jump the full height of the jump, that uses the jump for an aid in going over, or that returns over the jump without the dumbbell must receive a score of zero.
• Depending on the circumstances, minor or substantial deductions will be made for a dog that touches the jump when going over it or for a dog that displays any hesitation in jumping.
• All applicable penalties listed under the Novice Recall, Graduate Novice Dumbbell Recall and Open Retrieve on Flat will apply.

Graduate Novice Recall Over Broad Jump

The principal feature of the exercise, in addition to those listed under the Novice Recall, is that the dog clears the jump. The orders are Leave your dog, Call your dog, and Finish. The handler will stand with the dog sitting in the heel position at least eight feet from the jump, facing the lowest board. The judge will ask Are you ready? before giving the first order.

On the judge’s order to leave the dog, the handler may give the dog a command, signal, or both to stay. The handler will go around the jump to at least eight feet beyond the other side of the jump, turn to face the dog and stand naturally. These eight-foot distances will be clearly marked. On the judge’s order, the handler will give the command or signal to jump. The dog must clear the entire distance of the broad jump without touching it and without any further command or signal, immediately sit in front of the handler, and return to the heel position on the judge’s order to Finish as in the Novice Recall. The jump will be set to cover a distance equal to twice the height of the high jump setting for each dog.

Graduate Novice Recall Over Broad Jump Judging and Scoring Procedures

• A dog that fails to clear the jump, or steps on or between the boards must receive a score of zero.
• Depending on the circumstances, minor or substantial deductions will be made for a dog that touches the jump when going over it, or for a dog that displays any hesitation in jumping.
• All applicable penalties listed under the Novice Recall will apply.

Graduate Novice Stand-Stay-Get Your Leash

The principal feature of this exercise is that the dog stands and stays in position until the handler has returned to heel position. The orders are Stand your dog, Leave your dog to get your leash, and Back to your dog. The handler will stand with the dog sitting in heel position in a place designated by the judge, approximately 15 feet from the ring gate. The judge will ask Are you ready? before giving the first order.

On the judge’s order, the handler will give the dog a command, signal, or both to stand without touching the dog or the dog’s collar. The dog must stand but need not stand in heel position. On the judge’s order to Leave your dog to get your leash, the handler may give a command, signal, or both to stay and will walk forward directly to a place outside the ring gate designated by the judge for the leash. The handler will pick up the leash, re-enter the ring, stop and wait for the judge’s order Back to your dog. The handler must return directly, walking around and behind the dog and return to heel position. The dog must remain standing until the judge has said Exercise Finished. The judge will tell the handler to Attach your leash to the collar and maintain control of your dog. The handler is required to exit the ring gate with the dog under control and without jumping, pulling, or tugging on the leash.

Graduate Novice Stand-Stay-Get Your Leash Judging and Scoring Procedures

• Prior to the start of judging, the judge will decide where the leash will be placed outside the ring on a chair or similar leash holder. The leash will be placed outside the ring by the steward after the dog and handler have entered the ring for judging.
• When positioning the dog and handler for this exercise, the judge should ensure that such positioning will permit the dog to keep the handler in its direct line of vision as the handler leaves and returns to the ring, and that the handler, when reentering the ring, is at least 15 feet away from the dog until ordered to return.
• A score of zero is required for a dog that does any of the following: Fails to stand on the first command or signal, moves a substantial distance away from the place it was where it was left, sits or lies down before the handler has returned to heel position, or repeatedly barks or whines.
• Substantial deductions will be made for a dog that sits or lies down after the handler has returned to heel position and before the judge has said Exercise Finished.
• Depending on the circumstances, minor or substantial deductions will be made for the dog that moves a short distance from where it was left, or that moves its feet repeatedly while remaining in place.
• A substantial deduction, under Miscellaneous Penalties, must be made for a dog that does not remain under control while leaving the ring.

Open

Open Exercises and Maximum Scores

• Heel Free and Figure Eight: 40 points
• Command Discrimination: 30 points
• Drop on Recall: 30 points
• Retrieve on Flat: 20 points
• Retrieve Over High Jump: 30 points
• Broad Jump: 20 points
• Stand-Stay-Get Your Leash: 30 points
• Maximum Total Score: 200 points

Open Heel Free and Figure Eight

This exercise will be performed as in the Novice Heel on Leash and Figure Eight exercise, except that the dog will be off leash.

Open Heel Free and Figure Eight Judging and Scoring Procedures

The scoring and orders will be the same as the Novice Heel on Leash and Figure Eight.

Open Command Discrimination

The principal features of this exercise are the dog’s correct response to the handler’s commands or signals and that the dog stays until the handler returns to heel position. The orders are Leave your dog and Back to your dog.

The judge must use signals for directing the handler to command or signal the dog to change position except for the first position which is Stand your dog. The handler will stand with the dog sitting in heel position in a place designated by the judge. The judge will ask Are you ready? before giving the first order.

The handler will give a command, signal, or both for the dog to change position. On the judge’s order to Leave your dog, the handler may give a command, signal, or both to stay and will immediately walk forward 15 feet and turn to face the dog. On the judge’s signal, the handler will give a command, signal, or both for the dog to down. The judge will then order Leave your dog. The handler may give a command, signal, or both to stay and will immediately turn around and walk forward an additional 15 feet and turn to face the dog. On the judge’s signal, the handler will give a command, signal, or both for the dog to sit. The judge will then order Back to your dog. The handler may give a command, signal, or both to stay, and then must return directly, walking around and behind the dog and return to heel position. The dog must stay in position without additional commands or signals until the handler has returned to heel position. The handler’s arms and hands must hang naturally at their sides.

Open Command Discrimination Judging and Scoring Procedures

• This exercise may be performed in any area of the ring that is at least 40 feet in length.
• The 15-foot distances must be clearly marked.
• An excellent position for judging this exercise is at an adequate distance to the side and slightly to the rear of the dog.
• A dog that fails to obey the handler’s first command or signal for each position or that does not stay until the handler returns to heel position must receive a score of zero.
• Substantial deductions will be made for a dog that changes position after the handler has returned to heel position and before the judge has said Exercise Finished.
• Minor or substantial deductions, up to a score of zero, will be made for the handler’s hands and arms not hanging naturally at their sides.
• Depending on the extent, minor or substantial deductions, up to a score of zero, will be made for a dog that walks forward.

Open Drop on Recall

The principal features of this exercise, in addition to those listed under the Novice Recall, are the dog’s prompt response to the handler’s command or signal to drop and remaining in the down position until again called or signaled to come. The dog will be judged on the promptness of its response to the command or signal. The orders are Leave your dog, Call your dog, then give a clear signal to drop the dog, followed by Call your dog and Finish. The handler will stand with the dog sitting in the heel position in a place designated by the judge. The judge will ask Are you ready? before giving the first order.

On the judge’s order the handler may give a command, signal, or both for the dog to stay in the sit position. The handler will walk forward to the other end of the ring, turn to face the dog and stand naturally. On the judge’s order or signal, the handler will either command or signal the dog to come. The dog must come directly at a brisk trot or gallop. On the judge’s arm or hand signal, the handler will give the command or signal to drop, and the dog must drop immediately to a complete down position. The dog must remain down until the handler gives the command or signal to come when ordered by the judge. The dog completes the exercise as in the Novice Recall.

Open Drop on Recall Judging and Scoring Procedures

• A score of zero must be given to any dog that does not drop completely to the required down position on a single command or signal or to a dog that does not remain down until called or signaled.
• Minor or substantial deductions, up to a score of zero, will be made for delayed or slow response to the handler’s command or signal to drop and for slow response to either of the recalls.
• All applicable penalties listed under the Novice Recall will apply.

Open Retrieve on Flat

The principal feature of this exercise is that the dog retrieves promptly. The orders are Throw it, Send your dog, Take it, and Finish. The handler will stand with the dog sitting in the heel position in a place designated by the judge. The judge will ask Are you ready? before giving the first order.

On the judge’s order Throw it, the handler may give a command, signal, or both to stay. If the handler uses a signal, that signal may not be given with the hand that is holding the dumbbell. After the dumbbell is thrown at least 20 feet, the judge will order the handler to Send your dog. The retrieve should be performed at a brisk trot or gallop. The dog will go directly to the dumbbell and retrieve it, returning directly to the handler as in the Novice Recall without unnecessary mouthing or playing with the dumbbell. On the judge’s order to Take it, the handler will give command or signal and take the dumbbell. The finish will be performed as in the Novice Recall.

Open Retrieve on Flat Judging and Scoring Procedures

• The dumbbell, which must be approved by the judge, will be made of one or more solid pieces of wood or non-wooden material similar in size, shape, and weight to a wooden dumbbell. Metal dumbbells are not permitted.
• Dumbbells will not be hollowed out.
• Dumbbells may be unfinished, coated with a clear finish or may be any color. They may not have decorations or attachments but may bear an inconspicuous mark for identification.
• The size of the dumbbell will be proportionate to the size of the dog.
• The judge will require the dumbbell to be thrown again before the dog is sent if it is thrown less than 20 feet, too far to one side or too close to the ring’s edge.
• A judge should not place a dumbbell that is improperly thrown but should require the handler to throw the dumbbell again.
• A judge will not ask the handler’s opinion when deciding whether a dumbbell is to be thrown again or not; it is the judge’s sole responsibility to make this decision.
• Once the decision is made, the judge or steward will retrieve the dumbbell.
• Under no circumstances should the handler be penalized for a bad throw.
• Requiring the handler to re-throw the dumbbell signifies that the exercise is being restarted; therefore, the handler may pet, praise, and reposition the dog without penalty before the exercise is begun again.
• The retrieve, including the pickup, must be brisk and without hesitation.
• Once the exercise begins, the handler may not adjust their feet or position.
• A dog must receive a score of zero if it fails to go out on the first command or signal, goes to retrieve before the command or signal is given, fails to retrieve, or does not return with the dumbbell sufficiently close that the handler can easily take the dumbbell as described above.
• Minor or substantial deductions will be made for a dog’s slowness in going out, returning, or picking up the dumbbell, not going directly to the dumbbell, unnecessary mouthing or playing with the dumbbell, and reluctance or refusal to release the dumbbell to the handler.
• Depending on the extent, minor or substantial deductions will be made for dropping the dumbbell.
• All other applicable penalties listed under the Novice Recall will apply.

Open Retrieve Over High Jump

The principal features of this exercise are that the dog goes out over the jump, picks up the dumbbell and promptly returns with it over the jump. The orders are Throw it, Send your dog, Take it, and Finish. This exercise will be performed in the same manner as the Retrieve on Flat, except that the dog will clear the high jump both going and coming. The handler will stand with the dog sitting in heel position at least eight feet, or any reasonable distance beyond eight feet, from the jump and will remain in the same spot throughout the exercise. On the judge’s order the handler will throw the dumbbell at least eight feet beyond the jump. The eight foot distances must be clearly marked.

Open Retrieve Over High Jump Judging and Scoring Procedures

• See description for High Jump and Three-Quarter Jump Height Table in Appendix A.
• The judge must make certain that the handler throws the dumbbell at least eight feet beyond the jump.
• A dog that fails to go over the full height of the jump in either direction, that uses the jump for any aid in going over, or that returns over the jump without the dumbbell must receive a score of zero.
• Depending on the circumstances, minor or substantial deductions will be made for a dog that touches the jump when going over it or for a dog that displays any hesitation or reluctance in jumping.
• All other applicable penalties listed under the Open Retrieve on Flat will apply.
• Handlers who choose to have their dogs jump more than the minimum required height will neither be penalized nor receive extra consideration

Open Broad Jump

The principal features of this exercise are that the dog stays where left until directed to jump, that the dog clears the jump on a single command or signal, and that the dog returns to its handler after it has jumped. The orders are Leave your dog, Send your dog, and Finish. The handler will stand with the dog sitting in the heel position at least eight feet from the jump facing the lowest side of the lowest board. This eight-foot distance must be clearly marked. The judge will ask Are you ready? before giving the first order.

On the judge’s order the handler may give the command, signal, or both to stay and go to a position facing the right side of the jump. Handlers may stand anywhere between the lowest edge of the first board and the highest edge of the last board with their toes about two feet from the jump. On the judge’s order, the handler will give the command or signal to jump. While the dog is in midair, the handler will make a 90-degree pivot, but will remain in the same spot. The dog will clear the entire distance of the boards without touching them and, without further command or signal, immediately return to a sitting position in front of the handler, finishing as in the Novice Recall.

Open Broad Jump Judging and Scoring Procedures

• See Broad Jump description in Appendix A.
• A handler standing too close or too far from the side of the jump will be required to move to the proper position.
• A dog that fails to stay until directed to jump, refuses the jump on the first command or signal, or steps on or between the boards must receive a score of zero.
• Depending on the circumstances, minor or substantial deductions will be made for a dog that does not return directly to the handler, that displays any hesitation or reluctance in jumping, or that touches the jump.
• All applicable penalties listed under the Novice Recall will apply.

Open Stand-Stay-Get Your Leash

The principal feature of this exercise is that the dog stands and stays in position until the handler has returned to heel position. The orders are Stand your dog, Leave your dog to get your leash, and Back to your dog. The handler will stand with the dog sitting in heel position in a place designated by the judge, approximately 15 feet from the ring gate. The judge will ask Are you ready? before giving the first order.

On the judge’s order, the handler will command, signal, or both for the dog to stand without touching the dog or the collar. The dog must stand but need not stand in heel position. On the judge’s order to Leave your dog to get your leash, the handler may give a command, signal, or both to stay and will walk forward directly to a place outside the ring gate designated by the judge for the leash. The handler will pick up the leash, re-enter the ring, stop and wait for the judge’s order Back to your dog. The handler must return directly, walking around and behind the dog and return to heel position. The dog must remain standing until the judge has said Exercise Finished. The judge will tell the handler to Attach your leash to the collar and maintain control of your dog. The handler is required to exit the ring gate with the dog under control and without jumping, pulling, or tugging on the leash.

Open Stand-Stay-Get Your Leash Judging and Scoring Procedures

• Prior to the start of judging, the judge will decide where the leash will be placed outside the ring on a chair or similar leash holder.
• The leash will be placed outside the ring by the steward after the dog and handler have entered the ring for judging.
• When positioning the dog and handler for this exercise, the judge should ensure that such positioning will permit the dog to keep the handler in its direct line of vision as the handler leaves and returns to the ring, and that the handler, when reentering the ring, is at least 15 feet away from the dog until ordered to return.
• During this exercise the judge must be in position to watch the dog and see the handler leave and return to the ring.
• Once the exercise is finished, the judge must watch the dog and handler exit the ring together
• A score of zero is required for a dog that does any of the following: Fails to stand on the first command or signal, moves a substantial distance away from the place it was where it was left, sits or lies down before the handler has returned to heel position, or repeatedly barks or whines.
• Substantial deductions will be made for a dog that sits or lies down after the handler has returned to heel position and before the judge has said, Exercise Finished.
• Depending on the circumstances, minor or substantial deductions will be made for the dog that moves a short distance from where it was left, or that moves its feet repeatedly while remaining in place.
• A substantial deduction, under Miscellaneous Penalties, must be made for a dog that does not remain under control while leaving the ring.

Pre-Utility

Pre-Utility Exercises and Maximum Scores

• Signal Exercise: 40 points
• Scent Discrimination Article 1: 30 points
• Scent Discrimination Article 2: 30 points
• Directed Retrieve: 30 points
• Moving Stand and Examination: 30 points
• Directed Jumping: 40 points
• Maximum Total Score: 200 points

Note to Judge

• The jump height for this class is to be set at half the height of the dog at the withers, rounded to the nearest multiple of two inches. See the Utility Directed Jumping exercise for additional information.
• Prior to the start of judging, the judge will decide the glove number to be used. The glove number will not be disclosed to handler until it is posted at the ring.

Pre-Utility Signal Exercise

The principal features of this exercise are the ability of dog and handler to work as a team while heeling and the dog’s correct response to the signals to stand, stay, down, sit and come. The handler will stand with the dog sitting in the heel position in a place designated by the judge. The orders are the same as in the Novice Heel on Leash, except for the judge’s order to Stand your dog. This order will only be given when the dog and handler are walking at a normal pace and will be followed by the order to Leave your dog. The judge must use signals for directing the handler to signal the dog to down, sit, come, in that sequence, and to finish. Heeling will be done as in the Heel Free, except that handlers may use signals only and must not speak to their dogs at any time during this exercise.

While the dog is heeling at one end of the ring, the judge will order the handler to Stand your dog. On the order to Leave your dog, the handler will signal the dog to stay, go to the other end of the ring and turn to face the dog. On the judge’s signal, the handler will give the signals to down, sit, come and finish as in the Novice Recall.

Pre-Utility Signal Exercise Judging and Scoring Procedures

• A dog that fails to obey the handler’s first signal to stand, stay, down, sit or come or that receives a verbal command from the handler to do any of these parts of the exercise, must receive a score of zero.
• A substantial deduction will be made for any audible command during the heeling or finish portions of the exercise.
• Depending on the specific circumstances, minor or substantial deductions will be made for a dog that walks forward on the stand, down or sit portions of the exercise. The deduction could be up to a score of zero.
• After the dog has been signaled to come, all applicable penalties listed under the Novice Heel on Leash and the Novice Recall exercises will apply.

Pre-Utility Scent Discrimination Articles

The principal features of these exercises are the selection of the handler’s article from among the other articles by scent alone and the prompt delivery of the correct article to the handler. In each of these two exercises, the dog must select and retrieve an article that has been handled by its handler. The dog must make this selection based on scent alone. The orders are Take an article, The taking of the article from the handler, Send your dog, Take it, and Finish. See Utility Description of Scent Articles.

The judge will ask Are you ready? before giving the first order. On the judge’s order, Take an article, the scoring of the exercise will begin. The handler may give a command, or signal, or both for the dog to stay in the sit position, then take an article and return to heel position. The handler may use either article first, but must hand it to the judge immediately when ordered. The judge will make certain handlers scent each article with their hands only. Once the handler has returned to heel position with the article, the handler may talk to but not pet their dog. As the handler is scenting the article the judge will ask, What method will you be using to send your dog? The handler should respond with either After a sit or Send directly. At this time, the handler may inform the judge the procedure will be the same for both articles. If not informed, the judge will ask the question again for the next article. The judge’s taking of the article will be considered the second order. On the judge’s order, the handler will place the article on the judge’s book or worksheet. Without touching that article, the judge, or steward will place it among the others. Once the judge takes the article from the handler, the handler is not permitted to talk to the dog. On the order from the judge to Send your dog, the handler has the option as to how the dog is sent.

• The handler may give the command or signal to heel and will turn in place, either right or left, to face the articles. The handler will come to a halt with the dog sitting in the heel position. The handler will then give the command or signal to retrieve.
• Or the handler may do a right about-turn, simultaneously giving the command or signal to retrieve. In this case, the dog should not assume a sitting position but must go directly to the articles.

Handlers may give their scent by extending the palm of one hand in front of the dog’s nose or gently touching the dog’s nose, but the arm and hand must be returned to a natural position before they turn and face the articles. The dog should go directly to the articles at a brisk trot or gallop. It may take any reasonable time to select the correct article but must work continuously. After picking up the correct article, the dog will complete the exercise as in the Retrieve on Flat. This procedure will be followed for both articles. If a dog retrieves the wrong first article, that article and the correct one must be removed. They will be placed on the table or chair, and the next exercise will be done with one less article.

Pre-Utility Scent Discrimination Articles Judging and Scoring Procedures

• A dog that retrieves a wrong article or that does not complete the retrieve of the right article must receive a score of zero.
• If the After a sit method is used, anticipating the command to retrieve must receive a score of zero.
• If the Send directly method is used, any additional command to retrieve must receive a score of zero.
• Depending on the circumstances, minor or substantial deductions will be made for a dog that is given an additional command or signal to stay, once the handler leaves the dog to take an article, that changes position while the handler is taking or scenting the article, or moves from the place where it was left.
• Similar deductions will be made for a handler petting the dog while scenting the article, for any roughness in giving their scent to the dog, not returning their arm and hand to a natural position after giving the scent and before turning, excessive motions when turning toward the articles, or for not turning in place or for talking to the dog after the judge has taken the article.
• Minor or substantial deductions will be made for a dog that is slow, that does not go directly to the articles, that does not work continuously, or for a handler who uses excessive motions when turning toward the articles.
• Similar deductions will be made for a dog that picks up the wrong article, even if it is immediately put down again.
• There should be no penalty for a dog that takes a reasonably long time examining the articles, provided it is working continuously.
• All applicable penalties listed under the Novice Recall and the Open Retrieve on Flat will apply.

Pre-Utility Directed Retrieve

The principal features of this exercise are that the dog stays until directed to retrieve and that it completes the retrieve of the designated glove. The orders are One, Two, or Three, Take it, and Finish.

In this exercise the handler will provide three gloves that are predominately white. They must be open and must be approved by the judge. Handlers will stand with their backs to the unobstructed end of the ring midway between and in line with the jumps. The dog will be sitting in a heel position. The judge or steward will drop the gloves across the end of the ring while the handler and dog are facing the opposite direction. One glove is dropped about three feet in from each corner, and the remaining glove is dropped in the center, about three feet from the end of the ring. The gloves will be designated One, Two, or Three, reading from left to right when the handler is facing the gloves. The judge will ask, Are you ready? before giving the first order.

When the judge designates the glove by number, the handler will turn in place to face the glove, halting with the dog sitting in heel position. The handler may not touch the dog or reposition it. The handler will give the dog the direction to the designated glove with a single motion of the left hand and arm along the right side of the dog. Either simultaneously with or immediately following giving the direction, the handler must give a verbal retrieve command. The dog must go directly to the glove, completing the exercise as in the Retrieve on Flat. Handlers may bend their bodies and knees as far as necessary to give direction to the dog, but must then stand up in a natural position with their arms and hands hanging naturally at their sides.

Pre-Utility Directed Retrieve Judging and Scoring Procedures

• The judge should be certain the gloves are visible to the smallest and largest dogs.
• The judge may point to the designated glove at the same time they give the order.
• The direction the handler turns is at the option of the handler, no matter which glove is designated, but the dog should maintain heel position throughout the turn and sit at heel when the turn is completed.
• Giving direction to the dog must be done with a single motion. When the motion stops, the direction is completed.
• A score of zero is required for any commands or signals to position the dog after the handler turns to face the glove, for a handler failing to give a verbal command to retrieve, for a dog that retrieves a wrong glove or that does not complete the retrieve of the designated glove.
• A substantial deduction, depending on the extent of the infraction, will be made for a handler who does not turn in place or does not face the designated glove. The substantial deduction may include a score of zero.
• All applicable penalties listed under the Novice Recall and the Open Retrieve on Flat will apply.
• Depending on the extent, a substantial deduction up to and including a score of zero will be made for a handler who does not turn in place, does not face the designated glove, does not give the verbal command to retrieve simultaneously or immediately after giving the direction to retrieve, or for a dog that does not go directly to the designated glove.
• All applicable penalties listed under the Novice Heel Free, Novice Recall and the Open Retrieve on Flat will apply.

Pre-Utility Moving Stand and Examination

The principal features of the exercise are that the dog heel, stand and stay as the handler moves away, accept the examination without shyness or resentment, and return to the handler on command. Orders for the exercise are Forward, Stand your dog, and Call your dog to heel. The handler will stand with the dog sitting in heel position in a place designated by the judge. The judge will ask Are you ready? before giving the first order.

On the judge’s order the handler will command or signal the dog to heel. After the handler has proceeded about 10 feet, the judge will order Stand your dog. Without pausing, the handler will command, signal, or both for the dog to stand and continue forward about 10 to 12 feet. The handler will turn either to the right or left to face the dog, which must stand and stay in position. The judge will approach the dog from the front to examine it. The exam will consist of the judge gently using both hands in a single smooth motion beginning at the sides of the dog’s neck, proceeding along the body, and ending at the dog’s croup. The exam will not include the head, teeth, legs, testicles, or tail. On the judge’s order, the handler will command, signal, or both for the dog to return to the heel position. The dog should return to heel position in a brisk manner.

Pre-Utility Moving Stand and Examination Judging and Scoring Procedures

• This exercise may be judged from the side while the dog and handler are heeling and until the dog is to be examined.
• A score of zero is required for a dog that does any of the following: displays fear or resentment; moves from the place where it was left; sits or lies down before it is called; growls or snaps; repeatedly whines or barks; fails to heel, stand, stay, or accept the judge’s examination; or fails to return to the handler.
• Depending on the circumstances, minor or substantial deductions must be made for a dog that moves its feet repeatedly while remaining in place or for a dog that returns to the handler as defined in the Novice Recall but not to heel position.
• Depending on the extent of hesitation, minor or substantial deductions should be made for the handler who hesitates or pauses while giving the stand command or signal.
• All appropriate penalties of the Novice Heel Free, Stand for Examination and Recall exercises will apply.

Pre-Utility Directed Jumping

The Directed Jumping exercise will be the same as in the Utility class, except that the jump height is to be set at half the height of the dog at the withers, rounded to the nearest multiple of two inches. See Half-Height Jump Table in Appendix A.

The principal features of this exercise are that the dog goes away from the handler to the opposite end of the ring, stops, jumps as directed, and returns as in the Novice Recall. The orders are Send your dog, Bar, High and Finish. The jumps will be placed midway in the ring at right angles to the longest sides of the ring about 18 to 20 feet apart. The judge must see that the jumps are set at the required height for each dog, as described in the Retrieve Over High Jump. The handler will stand in the approximate center of the ring with the dog sitting in heel position, about 20 feet from the jumps and midway between them. The judge will ask Are you ready? before giving the first order.

On the judge’s order the handler will command, signal or both for the dog to go forward at a brisk trot or gallop to a point about 20 feet past the jumps in the approximate center of the unobstructed end of the ring. When the dog reaches this point, the handler will give a command to sit. The dog must stop and sit with its attention on the handler, but it need not sit squarely. The judge will order either Bar or High for the first jump, and the handler will command, signal or both for the dog to return to the handler over the designated jump. While the dog is in midair, the handler may turn to face the dog as it returns. The dog will sit in front of the handler and, on order from the judge, finish as in the Novice Recall. After the dog has returned to heel position, the judge will say, Exercise Finished.

When the dog is set up for the second half of this exercise, the judge will ask Are you ready? before giving the order for the second part of the exercise. The same procedure will be followed for the second jump. It is optional which jump the judge first indicates, but both jumps must be included. The judge must not designate the jump until the dog has reached the far end of the ring. The height of the jumps and construction of the high jump will be the same as required in the Open classes.

Pre-Utility Directed Jumping Judging and Scoring Procedures

• See descriptions for the Half-Height Jump Table in Appendix A.
• The judge should determine the 10-foot distance before beginning the class.
• The same sequence of jumps should be used for each dog.
• A dog will receive a score of zero if it anticipates the handler’s command or signal to go out, fails to leave the handler, does not go out between the jumps, does not stop and remain at least 10 feet past the jumps without an additional command, anticipates the handler’s command or signal to jump, returns over the wrong jump, or knocks the bar off the uprights or uses the top of any jump for aid in going over.
• Minor or substantial deductions will be made for a dog that does not stop on command, stop in the approximate center of the ring about 20 feet past the jumps, not sit, or that receives an additional command to sit after the dog has stopped or that anticipates the handler’s command to sit.
• Minor or substantial deductions, depending on the extent, will be made for slowness in going out, touching the jumps or for any hesitation in jumping.
• All applicable penalties listed under the Novice Recall exercises will apply.
• Handlers who choose to have their dogs jump more than the minimum required height will neither be penalized nor receive extra consideration.

Veterans Modified

This is a 4-H only class created to allow 4-H members with dogs who are elderly or in some way physically unable to meet the demands of upper-level Obedience classes. To enter this class, the member has received permission from their club leader.

Veterans Modified Exercises and Maximum Scores

• Heel Free and Figure Eight: 40 points
• Drop on Recall: 30 points
• Optional Exercise: 50 points
• Long Stand: 30 points
• Long Sit: 25 points
• Long Down: 25 points
• Maximum Total Score: 200 points

Veterans Modified Heel Free and Figure Eight

This exercise will be performed as in the Novice Heel on Leash and Figure Eight exercise, except that the dog will be off leash.

Veterans Modified Heel Free and Figure Eight Judging and Scoring Procedures

The scoring and orders will be the same as the Novice Heel on Leash and Figure Eight.

Veterans Modified Drop on Recall

This exercise will be performed and scored as in the Open Drop on Recall class.

Veterans Modified Optional Exercise

Before the class begins, the handler must choose one exercise from this list:

1. Signal Exercise: This exercise will be performed and scored as in the Utility Signal Exercise class.
2. Scent Discrimination: This exercise will be performed and scored as in the Utility Scent Discrimination class.
3. Directed Retrieve: This exercise will be performed and scored as in the Utility Directed Retrieve class.
4. Moving Stand and Exam: This exercise will be performed and scored as in the Utility Moving Stand and Exam class.
5. Retrieve on Flat: This exercise will be performed and scored as in the Open Retrieve on Flat class.

Veterans Modified Long Stand

This is an individual exercise performed in a similar manner as the Novice Stand for Examination exercise. The judge will ask the handler Are you ready? and order the handler to Stand your dog. Once the handler has stood their dog, the judge will order Leave your dog, upon which the handler will proceed away from their dog 15 feet and face the dog. The judge will examine the dog in the same manner as the Novice Stand for Examination. After one minute or after the dog has been examined, whichever is longer, the judge will order the handler Back to your dog and followed by Exercise Finished.

Veterans Modified Long Stand Judging and Scoring Procedures

All applicable penalties for the Novice Stand for Examination exercise will apply.

Veterans Modified Long Sit

This exercise will be performed and scored the same as the Sub-Novice Long Sit exercise. The Long Sit will be performed with a six-foot leash attached to the dog.

Veterans Modified Long Down

This exercise will be performed and scored the same as the Sub-Novice Long Down exercise. The Long Down will be performed with a six-foot leash attached to the dog.

4-H Obedience Judges’ Guidelines

Purpose of 4-H Obedience Events

4-H Obedience events demonstrate a dog’s ability to follow specified routines in the obedience ring and emphasize the usefulness of a dog as a companion in a family home, in public places, and in the presence of other dogs, and under all conditions. Members should follow the principles of good sportsmanship both in and out of the ring. All handlers in a class are required to perform the same exercises in substantially the same way so that the relative quality of the various performances may be compared and scored.

Be aware that you will be judging youth between the ages 9 to 19 in 4-H Obedience. Most of these youth will be exhibiting their family dogs and many will have mentors who may have never trained a dog themselves nor even observed a real obedience trial. While the rules must be followed for scoring, kindness and patience should be the rule of the day. The youth member may not grasp your instructions right away and you may need to restate your instructions in simpler terms. Some very young members may even be confused about which direction is right and which is left. The age and experience level of each handler should be considered for actions like additional commands, body language, and the like. For additional information please see A Developmental Framework of 4-H Competition for Volunteers.

Qualifications

• Demonstrate impartiality.
• Avoid conflicts of interest and any appearance of favoritism. Please be discreet about talking with handlers, their parents, or leaders that you know personally until after the judging assignment is complete.
• Review the Washington State 4-H Guide to Dog Obedience and demonstrate an understanding of the class descriptions and procedures for exercises.
• Successfully demonstrate the ability to conduct the ring in a consistent, professional manner that will instill confidence in handlers and spectators.
• Utilize proper ring procedures to ensure the safety, equable treatment and enjoyment of all handlers and their dogs.
• Possess a genuine interest in promoting positive learning experiences for children. Judges should beteachers by example; prompt, courteous, patient, and properly attired.

Your Responsibilities as a Judge

• Review ring procedures with stewards prior to the start of each class.
• Be friendly and courteous to all handlers.
• Strive to evaluate handlers in an appropriate and consistent manner.
• Determine the standardized heeling pattern to be used for all dogs in the class. The pattern should be shown to the first handler in the class. The same pattern should be maintained as far as
• It is your responsibility to position yourself so that you may watch the dog and handler throughout each exercise, from all necessary angles. During heeling exercises, judges should accompany the handler at a discreet distance so that they can observe any signals or commands given by the handler to the dog.
• Wait until the handler has completed the exercise and returned to heel position before calling Exercise Finished.
• Group Exercises:
  • Judges must keep their full attention on the dogs and handlers during the group exercises and remain alert to any potential problems.
  • To have both dogs and handlers under constant observation in group exercises, a judge should take a position slightly to the rear of the dogs at one end of the row of dogs.
  • Any handlers who physically correct their dogs before or after the group exercise or while leaving the ring must be penalized under Miscellaneous Penalties
• In any class with jump exercises, the judge may verify the height of the dog at the withers as it is brought into the ring.
• Verify the safety of the ring surface and equipment and make every effort to ensure the safety of the handlers and their dogs during the competition. Handlers will vary in degrees of age and experience and dogs will vary in size, breed, temperament, and training.
• If a handler’s dog is unmanageable, judges may offer guidance or seek guidance from the superintendent or person in charge.
• A dog may be excused from the ring if:
  • The dog is considered unmanageable and the handler is unable to control the dog.
  • The dog is aggressive toward the judge, other handlers, or other dogs.
  • If the dog is distracting or disrupting other dogs or handlers with menacing behavior.
  • Lameness and sickness may also be grounds for excusal, at the discretion of the judge.
  • A handler carries or offers food in the ring. A white ribbon may be given at the judge’s discretion. Waist packs, pouches, or any item that appears to be a training item will not be permitted.
• A dog that relieves itself in the ring may be excused at the judge’s discretion. In any case the judge must give a zero score for that exercise. A judge may permit a handler to remove the dog from the ring and then return and resume the exercise if it appears that the dog might foul the ring, but in that case the judge must consider that if such permission had not been given the ring would have probably been fouled. 
• A dog must be immediately excused if it attacks or attempts to attack a person or another dog in the ring or while waiting in line up for group exercises. The superintendent or person in charge must be immediately notified if the dog is excused for aggressive behavior.