Explanation of Deductions
The purpose of this scoresheet is for the Judge to use it as a tool for scoring the exhibit against a standard of performance, and also for the exhibitor to see how they performed and learn what areas need improvement.
Some explanations of deductions are listed below for your learning convenience, however members, parents and leaders are encouraged to get current copies of the AKC obedience regulations or read them online at AKC.org.
Judges may judge and mark any occurrences that happen in the ring, whether they are listed or spelled out in the regulations or not, as needed. There are many gray areas that judges may make decisions on.
Although the AKC rule book is used as a guide, Judges should keep in mind when judging 4-H members the appropriate development stage and expectations from the 4-H member’s age group.
Scoring
- Minor Penalty: .5 to 2.5 points
- Substantial Penalty: 3 points or more
- Faults: Some faults listed on the scoresheet are self-explanatory. If any of the following are marked on the front of the scoresheet, this is what might have happened:
- Heel Position: The heel position applies whether the dog is sitting, standing, lying down, or moving at heel. The dog should be at the handler’s left side straight in line with the direction the handler is facing. The area from the dog’s head to shoulder is to be in line with the handler’s left hip. The dog should be close to, but not crowding, it’s handler so that the handler has freedom of motion at all times.
- Brisk, briskly: keenly alive, alert, energetic. Handler needs to walk briskly.
- Constant tugging on leash or Guiding: Tugging or keeping the leash up tight without clip hanging down and sufficient length of leash hanging down.
- Continually adapts pace to dog: If dog changes pace on it’s own, handler slows or speeds up to dog’s pace.
- Crooked or Poor Sit: a dog that is not straight in line with the direction the handler is facing. May be at side or in front.
- Crowding: a dog so close to handler as to interfere with handler’s freedom of motion.
- Gently: with kindness, without harshness or roughness.
- Guiding gently by the collar: control of the dog by holding any part of the collar with minimal pressure on the dog’s neck.
- Forging: Dog moving ahead of heel position.
- Hands on leash: The leash may be held in either hand or both hands, but the hands must be held in a natural position.
- Hands off leash:
- When the handler is in motion, the arms and hands must move naturally at the sides.
- The left hand must be held against the front of the body, centered in the area of the waist, with the left forearm carried against the body.
- The hands and arms may be adjusted during the fast portion of an exercise.
- Substantial deduction if the hands and arms are not carried as stated above.
- Hands – Recall or position any time a dog returns to the front of handler: In any exercise that the dog returns to sit in front, the handler’s arms and hands must hang naturally at the sides until the dog has sat in front.
- Heeling wide: Dog moving out far from handler’s side.
- Lagging: Dog moving behind heel position.
- Natural: not artificial; free of affectation; what is customarily expected in the home or public places
- No change of pace: Handler and dog do not noticeably accelerate on the fast or decelerate on the slow.
- No Sits: On the scoresheet it may refer to in front of or at the side of the handler.
- Unmanageable: Dog is not under control and/or not responding to handler.
- Unqualified Heeling: Dog may not be continually working, or heels on the wrong side of the handler for a substantial part of the exercise.
- Resentment: resistance, unwillingness
- Moves away: Dog moved all four feet away from the place where the dog was left.
- Directly: immediately, without deviation or hesitation, in a straight line
- Drop completely: a down position that would be acceptable for a Long Down exercise
- Prompt response: without hesitation, immediate, quick
- Forcing: Physically putting the dog into position, by touching dog or by collar.
- Did not remain in place: Dog lifts rear end off ground on sit, as opposed to shifting weight in place. On Down, dog moves a complete body’s length forward, or sideways, from where it was left.
- Dog placed so it interferes with adjacent dog: Dog placed at angle making it closer to and faces another dog.
Any display of fear or nervousness by the dog or any uncontrolled behavior such as snapping, barking, or running away from its handler.
Score Sheets
Score Sheets Quick Links
Score Sheets Information
For all scoresheets below, the following information is reported about the exhibitor:
- Show Name
- Judge Name
- Exhibitor Number/Team Number
- Date
- Breed of Dog
Score Determination: Total net score is determined by the maximum number of points (200) less points lost for faults and penalties for unusual behavior (harsh discipline, showed fear, fouled ring, expelled, excused; as described).
Beginner Novice Score Sheet
Explanation of Deductions explains these scored areas. Visit the Beginner Novice section of the 4-H Dog Obedience Guide for details.
Note: Handler allowed to give dog 1 phrase of praise and encouragement while heeling or coming.
Judges Orders:
- Pattern-Rally Signs
- Halt
- Left turn
- About turn
- Right turn
- Fast, normal, and slow
- Exercise finished
Zero Points
- Unmanageable
- Rough handling of dog
- Constant correcting on leash or guiding
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Forging
- Lagging
- Heeling wide
- Turns
- About turns
- Extra command to heel
- No sits
- Poor sits
- Improper heel position
- Handler not walking briskly
- Harsh tone of voice
- Occasional pulling, jerking on leash
Note: Handler allowed to give dog 1 phrase of praise and encouragement while heeling or coming.
Judges Orders
- Forward
- Halt
- Exercise Finished
Zero Points
- Unmanageable
- Rough handling of dog
- Constant correcting on leash or guiding
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Forging
- Lagging
- Heeling wide
- Extra command to heel
- No sits
- Poor sits
- Improper heel position
- Handler not walking briskly
- Harsh tone of voice
- Occasional pulling, jerking on leash
Note: Judge approaches dog from front, using fingers and palm of one hand, will touch only dog’s head.
Judges Orders
- Sit your dog and leave when ready
- Back to your dog
- Exercise finished
Zero Points
- Growled, snapped, shows resentment, or extreme shyness
- Dog moved away from where it was left before, or during exam
- Rough handling of dog to get to sit or stay
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Handler backs away when leaving
- Tightening lead
- More than one command to stay
- Dog moved away from where it was left after exam
Judges Orders
- Leave leash on
- Drop leash beside dog
- Walk around ring
- Go back to the dog from the front of the dog
- Exercise finished
Zero Points
- Stands or lies down before handler returns
- Excessive additional commands
- Rough handling
- Did not remain in place
- Repeated whines or barks
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Stood or laid down after handler returns to heel position
- Minor move before handler returns
- Minor whine or bark
- Forced into position
- Additional command
Note: Handler allowed to give dog 1 phrase of praise and encouragement while heeling or coming.
Judges Orders
- Handler takes leash and goes 25 feet
- Leave your dog
- Call your dog
- Exercise finished
- Note: there is no finish in this class
Zero Points
- Extra command or signal to stay
- Did not come on second command or signal
- Moved from position
- Anticipated
- Sat out of handler’s reach
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Exra command an/or signal to sit
- Poor sit
- Slow sit
- No sit
- Extra command to finish
- Slow response
- Did not come directly into handler
- Harsh tone of voice
- Did not come briskly
- One extra command and/or signal to come
Sub-Novice Score Sheet
Explanation of Deductions explains these scored areas. Visit the Sub-Novice section of the 4-H Dog Obedience Guide for details.
Judges Orders:
- Forward
- Halt
- Left turn
- Right Turn
- About Turn
- Slow, Normal, Fast
- Exercise Finished
Zero Points
- Unqualified heeling
- Unmanageable
- Handler continually adapts pace to dog
- Constant tugging on leash or guiding
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Forging
- Crowding handler
- Lagging
- Sniffing
- Extra commands or signals
- Heeling wide
- Turns
- About turns
- No sits
- Poor sits
- Lack of naturalness/smoothness
- No change of pace
- Fast
- Slow
- Improper heel position
- Occasional tight leash
- Handler not walking briskly
Judges Orders
- Forward
- Halt
- Exercise Finished
Zero Points
- Unqualified heeling
- Unmanageable
- Handler continually adapts pace to dog
- Constant tugging on leash or guiding
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Forging
- Crowding handler
- Lagging
- Sniffing
- Extra commands or signals
- Heeling wide
- No sits
- Poor sits
- Lack of naturalness/smoothness
- Occasional tight leash
- Handler not walking briskly
Judges Orders
- Stand your dog and leave when ready
- Back to your dog
- Exercise finished
Zero Points
- Showed shyness or resentment
- Growled or snapped
- Sits or lays down before or during exam
- Moved away before or during exam
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Rough treatment to pose dog
- Resistance to handler posing
- Moved feet slightly before, during, after exam
- Handler backs away when leaving
- Minor shyness
- Sits as handler returns
- Improper handler position upon return
- Extra command or signal
Judges Orders
- Leave your dog
- Call your dog
- Finish
- Exercise finished
Zero Points
- Extra command or signal to stay
- Did not come on first command/signal
- Moved from position
- Anticipated recall command
- Sat out of handler’s reach
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Stood or laid down
- No sit in front
- Poor sit
- No finish
- Poor finish
- No sit
- Extra command to finish
- Slow rsponse to command/signal
- Failed to come briskly
- Did not come directly into handler
- Sat between handler’s feet
- Touched handler
Note: On a 6 foot leash.
Judges Orders
- Sit your dog
- Leave your dog
- Back to your dog
- Exercise finished
Zero Points
- Did not remain in place
- Went to another dog
- Stood or laid down before handler returns
- Repeated whines or barks
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Stood or laid down after handler returns to heel position
- Minor move before handler returns
- Minor whine or bark
- Forced into position
- Handler placed dog so it interfered with adjacent dog.
Note: On a 6 foot leash.
Judges Orders
- Down your dog
- Leave your dog
- Back to your dog
- Exercise finished
Zero Points
- Did not remain in place
- Went to another dog
- Stood or sat before handler returns
- Repeated whines or barks
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Stood or sat after handler returns to heel position
- Minor move before handler returns
- Minor whine or bark
- Forced into position
- Handler placed dog so it interfered with adjacent dog.
Sub-Novice Team Score Sheet
Sub-Novice Team scoring is identical to the Sub-Novice Score Sheet. Overall Maximum Points for a team of 4 is 800. Maximum points for each exercise are as follows:
- Heel on Leash: 180
- Figure 8 on Leash: 100
- Stand for Examination on Leash: 120
- Recall on Leash: 160
- Long Sit on Leash: 120
- Long Down on Leash: 120
Pre-Novice Score Sheet
Explanation of Deductions explains these scored areas. Visit the Pre-Novice section of the 4-H Dog Obedience Guide for details.
Note: All exercises are performed like Novice except the Stay and Heel Free.
Judges Orders:
- Forward
- Halt
- Left turn
- Right Turn
- About Turn
- Slow, Normal, Fast
- Exercise Finished
Zero Points
- Unqualified heeling
- Unmanageable
- Handler continually adapts pace to dog
- Constant tugging on leash or guiding
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Forging
- Crowding handler
- Lagging
- Sniffing
- Extra commands or signals
- Heeling wide
- Turns
- About turns
- No sits
- Poor sits
- Lack of naturalness/smoothness
- No change of pace
- Fast
- Slow
- Improper heel position
- Occasional tight leash
- Handler not walking briskly
Judges Orders
- Forward
- Halt
- Exercise Finished
Zero Points
- Unqualified heeling
- Unmanageable
- Handler continually adapts pace to dog
- Constant tugging on leash or guiding
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Forging
- Crowding handler
- Lagging
- Sniffing
- Extra commands or signals
- Heeling wide
- No sits
- Poor sits
- Lack of naturalness/smoothness
- Improper heel position
- Occasional tight leash
- Handler not walking briskly
Judges Orders
- Stand your dog and leave when ready
- Back to your dog
- Exercise finished
Zero Points
- Showed shyness or resentment
- Growled or snapped
- Sits or lays down before or during exam
- Moved away before or during exam
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Rough treatment to pose dog
- Resistance to handler posing
- Moved feet slightly before, during, after exam
- Handler backs away when leaving
- Minor shyness
- Sits as handler returns
- Improper handler position upon return
- Extra command or signal
Judges Orders
- Forward
- Halt
- Forward
- About Turn
- Halt
Zero Points
- Unqualified heeling
- Unmanageable
- Handler continually adapts pace to dog
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Forging
- Lagging
- Sniffing
- Crowding handler
- No sits
- Poor sits
- Improper hand position
- Extra commands or signals
- Improper heel position
- Heeling wide
- Handler not walking briskly
Judges Orders
- Leave your dog
- Call your dog
- Finish
- Exercise finished
Zero Points
- Extra command or signal to stay
- Did not come on first command/signal
- Moved from position
- Anticipated recall command
- Sat out of handler’s reach
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Stood or laid down
- No sit in front
- Poor sit
- No finish
- Poor finish
- No sit
- Extra command to finish
- Slow rsponse to command/signal
- Failed to come briskly
- Did not come directly into handler
- Sat between handler’s feet
- Touched handler
Judges Orders
- Down your dog
- Leave your dog
- Handler walks around ring, returns to heel position
- Exercise finished
Zero Points
- Stood or sat before handler returns
- Did not remain in place
- Repeated whines or barks
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Stood or sat after handler returns to heel position
- Minor move before handler returns
- Minor whine or bark
- Forced into position
Novice Score Sheet
Explanation of Deductions explains these scored areas. Visit the Novice section of the 4-H Dog Obedience Guide for details.
Judges Orders:
- Forward
- Halt
- Left turn
- About turn
- Right turn
- Slow, Normal, Fast
- Exercise finished
Zero Points
- Unqualified heeling
- Unmanageable
- Handler continually adapts pace to dog
- Constant tugging on leash or guiding
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Forging
- Crowding handler
- Lagging
- Sniffing
- Extra commands or signals
- No Sits
- Poor Sits
- Lack of naturalness / smoothness
- Improper heel position
- Occasional tight leash
- Handler not walking briskly
- Heeling wide
- Turns
- About turns
- No change of pace
- Fast
- Slow
Judges Orders:
- Stand your dog and leave when ready.
- Back to your dog
- Exercise finished
Zero Points
- Showed shyness or resentment
- Growled or snapped
- Sits or lays down before or during exam
- Moved away before or during exam
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Rough treatment to pose dog
- Resistance to handler posing
- Moved feet slightly before, during, after exam
- Handler backs away when leaving
- Minor shyness
- Sits as handler returns
- Improper handler position upon return
- Extra command or signal
Judges Orders:
- Forward
- Halt
- Left turn
- About turn
- Right turn
- Slow, Normal, Fast
- Exercise finished
Zero Points
- Unqualified heeling
- Unmanageable
- Handler continually adapts pace to dog
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Forging
- Lagging
- Sniffing
- Crowding handler
- No Sits
- Poor Sits
- Improper hand position
- Extra commands or signals
- Improper heel position
- Lack of naturalness smoothness
- Handler not walking briskly
- Heeling wide
- Turns
- About turns
- No change of pace
- Fast
- Slow
Judges Orders:
- Leave your dog
- Call your dog
- Finish
- Exercise finished
Zero Points
- Extra command or signal to stay
- Did not come on first command / signal
- Moved from position
- Anticipated recall command
- Sat out of handler’s reach
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Stood or laid down
- Slow response
- No sit in front
- Poor sit
- No Finish
- Poor finish
- No sit
- Extra command to Finish
- Failed to come briskly
- Failure to come directly into handler
- Sat between feet
- Touched handler
- Arms not at sides
Judges Orders:
- Sit your dog
- Leave your dog, get your leash
- Back to your dog
- Exercise finished
Zero Points
- Did not remain in place
- Handler error
- Stood or laid down before handler returns
- Repeated whines or barks
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Stood or laid down after handler returns to heel position
- Minor move before handler returns
- Minor whine or bark
- Forced into position
Note: Long Sit (1 minute) and Long Down (1 minute) is a 2 part one exercise. Zero if they fail one of them. On 6 ft. Lead.
Judges Orders:
- Sit/Down your dog
- Leave your dog
- Back to your dog
- Exercise finished
Zero Points
- Did not remain in place
- Went to another dog
- Long Sit: Stood or laid down before handler returns
- Long Down: Stood or sat before handler returns
- Repeated whines or barks
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Stood or sat after handler returns to heel position
- Minor move before handler returns
- Minor whine or bark
- Forced into position
- Handler placed dog so it interfered with adjacent dog
Novice Team Score Sheet
Novice Team scoring is identical to the Novice Score Sheet. Overall Maximum Points for a team of 4 is 800. Maximum points for each exercise are as follows:
- Heel on Leash and Figure 8: 160
- Stand for Examination: 120
- Heel Free: 160
- Recall: 120
- Sit-Stay-Get Your Leash: 120
- Long Sit/Long Down: 120
Advanced Novice Score Sheet
Explanation of Deductions explains these scored areas. Visit the Advanced Novice section of the 4-H Dog Obedience Guide for details.
Judges Orders:
- Forward, Halt,
- Left turn, About turn, Right turn
- Slow, Normal, Fast
- Exercise finished
Zero Points
- Unqualified heeling
- Unmanageable
- Handler continually adapts pace to dog
- Constant tugging on leash or guiding
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Forging
- Crowding handler
- Lagging
- Sniffing
- Extra commands or signals
- No Sits
- Poor Sits
- Lack of naturalness / smoothness
- Improper heel position
- Occasional tight leash
- Handler not walking briskly.
- Heeling wide
- Turns
- About turns
- No change of pace
- Fast
- Slow
Note: Handler stands dog as in Novice, goes 8-10’, Judge uses 2 hands over head, shoulders, back and hips only. Handler returns to dog.
Judges Orders:
- Stand Dog & leave when ready
- Handler goes 8-10’
- Return to dog
- Exercise finished
Zero Points
- Showed shyness or resentment
- Growled or snapped
- Sits or lays down before or during exam
- Moved away before or during exam
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Rough treatment to pose dog
- Resistance to handler posing
- Moved feet slightly before, during, after exam
- Handler backs away when leaving
- Minor shyness
- Sits as handler returns
- Improper handler position upon return
- Extra command or signal
Judges Orders:
- Forward
- Halt
- Left turn
- Right turn
- About turn
- Slow, Normal, Fast
- Exercise finished
Zero Points
- Unqualified heeling
- Unmanageable
- Handler continually adapts pace to dog
- Leaves Handler
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Improper Hand Position
- Forging
- Crowding handler
- Lagging
- Sniffing
- Extra commands or signals
- No Sits
- Poor Sits
- Lack of naturalness / smoothness
- Improper Heel position
- Handler not walking briskly
- Heeling wide
- Turns
- About turns
- No change of pace
- Fast
- Slow
Note: Handler may choose to leave dog on a Sit or Stand. Dog must remain in place. Judge orders handler to leave dog and handler will go approximately 15’ away and will turn to face dog. On Judge’s command or signal, handler will downdog with a command and/or signal. Judge will order handler to command or signal the dog back in from a downed position. Judge will order handler to finish dog.
Judges Orders:
- Sit or Stand Dog, handler option
- Leave your dog
- handler goes 15’
- **Down your dog
- Call your dog
- Finish
- Exercise finished
Zero Points
- Extra command or signal to stay
- Does not drop on first command or signal
- Did not come on first command or signal
- Moved from position
- Anticipated:
- Drop
- Come in.
- Sat out of handler’s reach
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- On sit-Stood or laid down
- Slow response…….
- No sit in front
- Poor sit
- No Finish
- Poor finish
- No sit
- Extra command to Finish
- Failed to come briskly
- Sat between feet
- Failure to come directly into handler
- On stand-Dog moved feet slightly/sat/laid down
- Touched handler
- Arms not at sides
Judges Orders:
- Stand your dog
- Leave your dog and go get your leash
- Back to your dog
- Exercise finished
Zero Points
- Did not remain in place
- Handler error
- Stood or laid down before handler returns
- Repeated whines or barks
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Stood or laid down after handler returns to heel position
- Minor move before handler returns
- Minor whine or bark
- Forced into position
Advanced Novice Team Score Sheet
Advanced Novice Team scoring is identical to the Advanced Novice Score Sheet. Overall Maximum Points for a team of 4 is 800. Maximum points for each exercise are as follows:
- Heel on Leash: 160
- Stand for Examination Return to Dog: 160
- Note: for this exercise handlers stand dogs as in Novice, goes 8-10’, Judge uses 2 hands over head, shoulders, back and hips only. Handlers return to dogs.
- Heel Free and Figure 8: 160
- Modified Drop on Recall: 160
- Note: for this exercise handlers may choose to leave dogs on a Sit or Stand. Dogs must remain in place. Judge orders handlers to leave dogs and handlers will go approximately 15’ away and will turn to face dogs. On Judge’s command or signal, handlers will down dogs with a command and/or signal. Judge will order handlers to command or signal the dogs back in from a downed position. Judge will order handlers to finish dogs.
- Stand-Stay-Get Your Leash: 160
Graduate Novice Score Sheet
Explanation of Deductions explains these scored areas. Visit the Graduate Novice section of the 4-H Dog Obedience Guide for details.
Judges Orders:
- Forward
- Halt
- Left turn
- Right turn
- About turn
- Slow, Normal, Fast
- Exercise finished
Zero Points
- Unqualified heeling
- Unmanageable
- Handler continually adapts pace to dog
- Leaves handler
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Forging
- Crowding handler
- Lagging
- Sniffing
- Extra commands or signals
- No Sits
- Poor Sits
- Lack of naturalness / smoothness
- Improper heel position
- Handler not walking briskly
- Heeling wide
- Turns
- About turns
- No change of pace
- Fast
- Slow
Judges Orders:
- Leave your dog
- Call your dog
- Drop your dog
- Call your dog
- Finish
- Exercise finished
Zero Points
- Extra command or signal to stay
- Did not come on first command / signal
- Does not drop on first command and/or signal
- Moved from position
- Anticipated:
- Recall
- Drop
- Come in
- Sat out of handler’s reach
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Stood or laid down
- Slow response
- No sit in front
- Poor sit
- No Finish
- Poor Finish
- Extra command to Finish
- No sit
- Failed to come briskly
- Anticipated Finish
- Failure to come directly into handler
- Sat between feet
- Touched handler
- Arms not at sides
Judges Orders:
- Place your dog
- Give dog dumbbell
- Leave your dog
- Call your dog
- Take it
- Finish
- Exercise finished
Zero Points
- Failed to accept dumbbell….
- Extra command or signal to stay….
- Fails to come on first
- command or signal…………..
- Anticipated recall command/
- signal…………………………….
- Sat out of reach………………
- Did not return with dumbbell
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Stood or laid down
- Slow response
- No sit in front
- Poor sit
- No Finish
- Poor Finish
- Extra command to Finish
- No sit
- Failed to come briskly
- Anticipated Finish
- Mouthing or playing with dumbbell
- Dropping dumbbell
- Poor delivery
- Failure to come directly into handler
- Sat between feet
- Touched handler
- Arms not at sides
Note: Set Jump at 1/2 height of dog at withers, rounded to multiple of 2 inches.
Judges Orders:
- Place your dog
- Give dog dumbbell
- Leave your dog
- Call your dog
- Take it
- Finish
- Exercise finished
Zero Points
- Failed to accept dumbbell
- Extra command or signal to stay
- Fails to come on first command or signal
- Anticipated recall command/signal
- Sat out of reach
- Did not return with dumbbell
- Fails to jump
- Climbing jump
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Stood or laid down
- Slow response
- No sit in front
- Poor sit
- No Finish
- Poor Finish
- Extra command to Finish
- No sit
- Failed to come briskly
- Anticipated Finish
- Mouthing or playing with dumbbell
- Dropping dumbbell
- Poor delivery
- Failure to come directly into handler
- Sat between feet
- Touches Jump
- Touched handler
- Arms not at sides
Note: Broad Jump 2 times height of High Jump.
Judges Orders:
- Leave your dog
- Call your dog
- Finish
- Exercise finished
Zero Points
- Does not jump on first command or signal
- Anticipated command
- Extra command or signal
- Fails to jump
- Walks over jump
- Sat out of reach
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Stood or laid down
- No Sit in front
- Slow response
- Poor Sit
- Touches Jump
- Poor Finish
- Anticipated Finish
- No Finish
- Touched Handler
- No Sit
- Arms not at sides
- Failure to come directly to handler
- Sat between feet
Judges Orders:
- Stand your dog
- Leave your dog, & go get your leash
- Back to your dog
- Exercise finished
Zero Points
- Did not remain in place
- Handler error
- Stood or laid down before handler returns
- Repeated whines or barks
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Stood or laid down after handler returns to heel position
- Minor move before handler returns
- Minor whine or bark
- Forced into position
Pre-Open Score Sheet
Explanation of Deductions explains these scored areas. Visit the Pre-Open section of the 4-H Dog Obedience Guide for details.
Judges Orders:
- Forward
- Halt
- Left turn
- Right turn
- About turn
- Slow, Normal, Fast
- Exercise finished
Zero Points
- Unqualified heeling
- Unmanageable
- Handler continually adapts pace to dog
- Leaves handler
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Forging
- Crowding handler
- Lagging
- Sniffing
- Extra commands or signals
- No Sits
- Poor Sits
- Lack of naturalness / smoothness
- Improper heel position
- Handler not walking briskly
- Heeling wide
- Turns
- About turns
- No change of pace
- Fast
- Slow
Judges Orders:
- Stand
- Down
- Sit
Zero Points
- Did not remain in place
- Did not remain in position before handler returns
- Fails to change position on first command and/or signal.
- Handler error
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Walks forward/moves
- Changed position after handler returns
- Handler error
Judges Orders:
- Leave your dog
- Call your dog
- Drop your dog
- Call your dog
- Finish
- Exercise finished
Zero Points
- Extra command or signal to stay
- Did not come on first command or signal
- Does not drop on first command / signal
- Moved from position
- Anticipated:
- Recall
- Drop
- Come in
- Sat out of handler’s reach
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Stood or laid down
- Slow response
- No sit in front
- Poor sit
- No Finish
- Poor Finish
- Extra command to Finish
- No sit
- Failed to come briskly
- Failure to come directly into handler
- Sat between feet
- Touched handler
- Arms not at sides
Judges Orders:
- Throw it
- Send your dog
- Take it
- Finish
- Exercise finished
Zero Points
- Fails to retrieve on first command or signal
- Anticipated command or signal
- Sat out of reach
- Did not return with dumbbell
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Slow:
- Going
- Returning
- Does not go directly to dumbbell or handler
- Mouthing Dumbbell
- Dropping Dumbbell
- Poor delivery
- No Sit
- Poor Sit
- Anticipated Finish
- Poor Finish
- Extra command to Finish
- No Finish
- Touched handler
- Arms not at sides
Note: Set Jump at 1/2 height of dog at withers, rounded to multiple of 2 inches.
Judges Orders:
- Throw it
- Send your dog
- Take it
- Finish
- Exercise finishe
Zero Points
- Fails to retrieve on first command or signal
- Anticipated command or signal
- Sat out of reach
- Fails to jump
- Climbing jump
- Did not return with dumbbell
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Slow response
- Touches Jump
- Poor delivery
- No Sit in front
- Poor Sit
- No Finish
- Anticipated Finish
- Poor Finish
- Does not go directly to dumbbell or handler
- Mouthing Dumbbell
- Dropping Dumbbell
- Touched Handler
- Sat between feet
- Arms not at sides
- No sit
Note: Broad Jump 2 times height of High Jump.
Judges Orders:
- Leave your dog
- Send your dog
- Finish
- Exercise finished
Zero Points
- Does not jump on first command or signal
- Anticipated command
- Extra command or signal
- Fails to jump
- Walks over jump
- Sat out of reach
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Stood or laid down
- No sit in front
- Slow response
- Poor Sit
- Touches Jump
- Poor Finish
- Anticipated Finish
- No Finish
- Touched Handler
- Sat between feet
- Failure to come directly to handler
- Arms not at sides
- No sit
Judges Orders:
- Stand your dog
- Leave your dog, and get your leash
- Back to your dog
- Exercise finished
Zero Points
- Did not remain in place
- Handler error
- Stood or laid down before handler return
- Repeated whines or barks
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Stood or laid down after handler returns to heel position
- Minor move before handler returns
- Minor whine or bark
- Forced into position
Open Score Sheet
Explanation of Deductions explains these scored areas. Visit the Open section of the 4-H Dog Obedience Guide for details.
Judges Orders:
- Forward
- Halt
- Left turn
- Right turn
- About turn
- Slow, Normal, Fast
- Exercise finished
Zero Points
- Unqualified heeling
- Unmanageable
- Handler continually adapts pace to dog
- Leaves handler
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Forging
- Crowding handler
- Lagging
- Sniffing
- Extra commands or signals
- No Sits
- Poor Sits
- Lack of naturalness / smoothness
- Improper heel position
- Handler not walking briskly
- Heeling wide:
- Turns
- About turns
- No change of pace:
- Fast
- Slow
Judges Orders:
- Stand
- Down
- Sit
Zero Points
- Did not remain in place.
- Did not remain in position before handler returns
- Fails to change position on first command and/or signal
- Handler error
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Walks forward/moves
- Changed position after handler returns
- Handler error
Judges Orders:
- Leave your dog
- Call your dog
- Drop your dog
- Call your dog
- Finish
- Exercise finished
Zero Points
- Extra command or signal to stay
- Did not come on first command or signal
- Does not drop on first command / signal
- Moved from position
- Anticipated:
- Recall
- Drop
- Come in
- Sat out of handler’s reach
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Stood or laid down
- Slow response
- No sit in front
- Poor sit
- No Finish
- Poor Finish
- Extra command to Finish
- No sit
- Failed to come briskly
- Failure to come directly into handler
- Sat between feet
- Touched handler
- Arms not at sides
Judges Orders:
- Throw it
- Send your dog
- Take it
- Finish
- Exercise finished
Zero Points
- Fails to retrieve on first command or signal
- Anticipated command or signal
- Sat out of reach
- Did not return with dumbbell
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Slow:
- Going
- Returning
- Does not go directly to dumbbell or handler
- Mouthing Dumbbell
- Dropping Dumbbell
- Poor delivery
- No Sit
- Poor Sit
- Anticipated Finish
- Poor Finish
- Extra command to Finish
- No Finish
- Touched handler
- Arms not at sides
Note: Set Jump at 3/4 height of dog at withers, rounded to multiple of 2 inches.
Judges Orders:
- Throw it
- Send your dog
- Take it
- Finish
- Exercise finished
Zero Points
- Fails to retrieve on first command or signal
- Anticipated command or signal
- Sat out of reach
- Fails to jump
- Climbing jump
- Did not return with dumbbell
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Slow response
- Touches Jump
- Poor delivery
- No Sit in front
- Poor Sit
- No Finish
- Anticipated Finish
- Poor Finish
- Does not go directly to dumbbell or handler
- Mouthing Dumbbell
- Dropping Dumbbell
- Touched Handler
- Sat between feet
- Arms not at sides
- No sit
Note: Broad Jump 2 times height of High Jump.
Judges Orders:
- Leave your dog
- Send your dog
- Finish
- Exercise finished
Zero Points
- Does not jump on first command or signal
- Anticipated command
- Extra command or signal
- Fails to jump
- Walks over jump
- Sat out of reach
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Stood or laid down
- No sit in front
- Slow response
- Poor Sit
- Touches Jump
- Poor Finish
- Anticipated Finish
- No Finish
- Touched handler
- Sat between feet
- Failure to come directly to handler
- Arms not at sides
- No sit
Judges Orders:
- Stand your dog
- Leave your dog, &
- get your leash
- Back to your dog
- Exercise finished
Zero Points
- Did not remain in place
- Handler error
- Stood or laid down before handler returns
- Repeated whines or barks
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Stood or laid down after handler returns to heel position
- Minor move before handler returns
- Minor whine or bark
- Forced into position
Graduate Open Score Sheet
Explanation of Deductions explains these scored areas. Visit the Graduate Open section of the 4-H Dog Obedience Guide for details.
Judges Orders:
- Forward, Halt
- Left turn, Right turn, About turn
- Slow, Normal, Fast
- Stand your dog
- Leave your dog
- Down, Sit, Call Dog
- Finish
- Exercise finished
Zero Points
- Audible command or failure on first signal to:
- Stand
- Stay
- Drop
- Sit
- Come
- Anticipated
- Sat out of reach
- Handler adapting self to dog’s pace
- Unmanageable
- Unqualified heeling
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Forging
- Crowding
- Lagging
- Sniffing
- No change of pace:
- Fast
- Slow……
- Heeling wide –
- Turns…..
- About turns…..
- Extra command to heel
- Holding signals
- Slow handler response to signal to:
- Stand
- Drop
- Sit
- Come
- Walked forward
- Touched handler
- No Sit front/finish
- No finish
- Poor Sits
- Poor finish
- Anticipated finish
- Handler error
Note: 4 articles (2 metal, 2 leather), dog retrieves one.
Judges Orders:
- Send your dog
- Take it
- Finish
- Exercise finished
- 4 articles (2 metal,
- 2 leather),
- dog retrieves one
Zero Points
- Anticipated
- Extra command
- Sat out of reach
- Does not retrieve
- Wrong article
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Handler error
- Playing
- Slow response
- Mouthing
- Doesn’t go directly to articles
- Doesn’t work continuously
- Slow going
- Slow returning
- Dropping article on return
- Touched handler
- Sat between feet
- No sit in front
- Poor sit
- No Finish
- Poor Finish
Note: Indicate the glove number (glove 1 or 3 only, 2 is deleted).
Judges Orders:
- Send your dog
- Take it
- Finish
- Exercise finished
Zero Points
- Fails to:
- Go directly to glove
- Retrieve right glove
- Fails to retrieve
- Anticipated command
- Extra command or signal to retrieve
- Sat out of reach
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Touched dog sending
- Slow going
- Slow returning
- Slow response
- Excessive motions
- Mouthing
- Playing
- Dropping glove
- Touched handler
- Poor delivery
- Sat between feet
- No sit in front
- Poor sit
- No finish
- Poor finish
- Turn in place/dog not at heel position
- Handler error
Judges Orders:
- Forward
- Stand your dog
- Full Exam as in Utility
- Call your dog to heel
- Exercise finished
Zero Points
- Displays fear or resentment
- Sitting or lying down
- Growling or snapping
- Repeated whining or barking
- Sat out of reach
- Failure to:
- Heel
- Stand and stay
- Accept examination
- Return to handler
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Forging
- Crowding
- Lagging
- Heeling wide
- Moves slightly on stand
- Handler hesitates or pauses
- Dog does not return briskly
- Sits in front
- Slow response
- Handler error
- Poor finish
Judges Orders:
- Send your dog
- Return to your dog
- Exercise finished
Zero Points
- Does not leave on order………………………
- Does not stop on command………………….
- Does not go at least 10’ beyond jumps…..
- Second Command to sit..
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Slightly off direction
- Anticipated:
- Turn
- Stop
- Sit
- Minor whine or bark
- Not back far enough
- Does not sit on command
Note: Set Jump at 1/2 height of dog at withers, rounded to multiple of 2 inches.
Judges Orders:
- Place your dog
- Leave your dog
- Bar or High Jump (Judge chooses which one and uses same for all dogs.)
- Finish
- Exercise finished
Zero Points
- Did not come on first command or signal
- Extra command or signal
- Moved from position
- Fails to jump
- Climbing jump
- Knocking bar off
- Anticipated command
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Holding signals
- Slow response to direction
- Hesitation or reluctance to jump
- No sit in front
- Touched handler
- Anticipated finish
- Sat between feet
- Poor sits
- No finish
- Poor finishes
- Handler error
Pre-Utility Score Sheet
Explanation of Deductions explains these scored areas. Visit the Pre-Utility section of the 4-H Dog Obedience Guide for details.
Note: Handler will be permitted to use one single verbal command during the signal portion of this exercise.
Judges Orders:
- Forward, Halt
- Left turn, Right turn, About turn
- Slow, Normal, Fast
- Stand your dog
- Leave your dog
- Down, Sit, Call Dog
- Finish
- Exercise finished
Zero Points
- More than one Audible command during signal portion, or failure on first signal to:
- Stand
- Stay
- Drop
- Sit
- Come
- Anticipated
- Sat out of reach
- Handler adapting self to dog’s pace
- Unmanageable
- Unqualified heeling
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Forging
- Crowding
- Lagging
- Sniffing
- No change of pace:
- Fast
- Slow
- Heeling wide:
- Turns
- About turns
- Extra command to heel
- Holding signals
- Slow handler response to signal to:
- Stand
- Drop
- Sit
- Come
- Walked forward
- Touched handler
- No Sit front/finish
- No finish
- Poor Sits
- Poor finish
- Anticipated finish
- Handler error
Note: Will consist of 4 articles of each type instead of 5.
Judges Orders:
- Send your dog
- Take it
- Finish
- Exercise finished
Zero Points
- No go out on first command
- Does not retrieve
- Wrong article
- Anticipated
- Extra command
- Sat out of reach
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Handler error
- Playing
- Slow response
- Mouthing
- Doesn’t go directly to articles
- Doesn’t work continuously
- Slow going
- Slow returning
- Dropping article on return
- Touched handler
- Sat between feet
- No sit
- Poor sit
- No Finish
- Poor Finish
Note: Indicate the glove number.
Judges Orders:
- Send your dog
- Take it
- Finish
- Exercise finished
Zero Points
- Fails to:
- Go directly to glove
- Retrieve right glove
- Fails to retrieve
- Anticipated command
- Extra command or signal to retrieve
- Sat out of reach
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Touched dog sending
- Slow going
- Slow returning
- Slow response
- Excessive motions
- Mouthing
- Playing
- Dropping glove
- Touched handler
- Poor delivery
- Sat between feet
- No sit
- Poor sit
- No finish
- Poor finish
- Turn in place/dog not at heel position
- Handler error
Judges Orders:
- Forward
- Stand your dog
- Full exam
- Call your dog to heel
- Exercise finished
Zero Points
- Displays fear or resentment
- Sitting
- Lying down
- Growling or snapping
- Repeated whining or barking
- Sat out of reach
- Failure to:
- Heel
- Stand and stay
- Accept examination
- Return to handler
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Forging
- Crowding
- Lagging
- Heeling wide
- Moves slightly on stand
- Handler hesitates or pauses
- Dog does not return briskly
- Sits in front
- Slow response
- Poor call to heel
- Poor sit
- No sit
- Handler error
Note: Jump heights set at 1/2 height of dog at withers in multiples of 2”. Judge chooses order of jump.
Judges Orders:
- Send your dog
- Bar Jump, High Jump (judge chooses order)
- Finish
- Exercise finished
Zero Points
- Does not:
- Leave on order
- Stop on command
- Jump as directed
- Fails to jump
- Climbing jump
- Knocking bar off
- Anticipated command
- Does not go at least 10’ beyond jumps
- Second command to sit
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Holding signals
- Slow response to directions
- Slightly off direction
- Hesitation or reluctance to jump
- Not back far enough
- Anticipated:
- Turn
- Stop
- Sit
- Does not sit on command
- No sit
- Touched handler
- Anticipated finish
- Sat between feet
- Poor sits
- No finish
- Poor finishes
- Handler error
Utility Score Sheet
Explanation of Deductions explains these scored areas. Visit the Utility section of the 4-H Dog Obedience Guide for details.
Judges Orders:
- Forward, Halt
- Left turn, Right turn, About turn
- Slow, Normal, Fast
- Stand your dog
- Leave your dog
- Down, Sit, Call Dog
- Finish
- Exercise finished
Zero Points
- Audible command or failure on first signal to:
- Stand
- Stay
- Drop
- Sit
- Come
- Anticipated
- Sat out of reach
- Handler adapting self to dog’s pace
- Unmanageable
- Unqualified heeling
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Forging
- Crowding
- Lagging
- Sniffing
- No change of pace:
- Fast
- Slow
- Heeling wide:
- Turns
- About turns
- Extra command to heel
- Holding signals
- Slow handler response to signal to:
- Stand
- Drop
- Sit
- Come
- Walked forward
- Touched handler
- No Sit front/finish
- No finish
- Poor Sits
- Poor finish
- Anticipated finish
- Handler error
Note: Will consist of 4 articles of each type instead of 5.
Judges Orders:
- Send your dog
- Take it
- Finish
- Exercise finished
Zero Points
- No go out on first command
- Does not retrieve
- Wrong article
- Anticipated
- Extra command
- Sat out of reach
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Handler error
- Playing
- Slow response
- Mouthing
- Doesn’t go directly to articles
- Doesn’t work continuously
- Slow going
- Slow returning
- Dropping article on return
- Touched handler
- Sat between feet
- No sit
- Poor sit
- No Finish
- Poor Finish
Note: Indicate the glove number.
Judges Orders:
- Send your dog
- Take it
- Finish
- Exercise finished
Zero Points
- Fails to:
- Go directly to glove
- Retrieve right glove
- Fails to retrieve
- Anticipated command
- Extra command or signal to retrieve
- Sat out of reach
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Touched dog sending
- Slow going
- Slow returning
- Slow response
- Excessive motions
- Mouthing
- Playing
- Dropping glove
- Touched handler
- Poor delivery
- Sat between feet
- No sit
- Poor sit
- No finish
- Poor finish
- Turn in place/dog not at heel position
- Handler error
Judges Orders:
- Forward
- Stand your dog
- Full exam
- Call your dog to heel
- Exercise finished
Zero Points
- Displays fear or resentment
- Sitting
- Lying down
- Growling or snapping
- Repeated whining or barking
- Sat out of reach
- Failure to:
- Heel
- Stand and stay
- Accept examination
- Return to handler
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Forging
- Crowding
- Lagging
- Heeling wide
- Moves slightly on stand
- Handler hesitates or pauses
- Dog does not return briskly
- Sits in front
- Slow response
- Poor call to heel
- Poor sit
- No sit
- Handler error
Note: Jump heights set at 3/4 height of dog at withers in multiples of 2”. Judge chooses order of jump.
Judges Orders:
- Send your dog
- Bar Jump, High Jump (judge chooses order)
- Finish
- Exercise finished
Zero Points
- Does not:
- Leave on order
- Stop on command
- Jump as directed
- Fails to jump
- Climbing jump
- Knocking bar off
- Anticipated command
- Does not go at least 10’ beyond jumps
- Second command to sit
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Holding signals
- Slow response to directions
- Slightly off direction
- Hesitation or reluctance to jump
- Not back far enough
- Anticipated:
- Turn
- Stop
- Sit
- Does not sit on command
- No sit
- Touched handler
- Anticipated finish
- Sat between feet
- Poor sits
- No finish
- Poor finishes
- Handler error
Veterans/Modified Score Sheet
Visit the Veterans Modified section of the 4-H Dog Obedience Guide for details.
Judges Orders:
- Forward
- Halt
- Left turn
- Right turn
- About turn
- Slow, Normal, Fast
- Exercise finished
Zero Points
- Unqualified heeling
- Unmanageable
- Handler continually adapts pace to dog
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Improper Hand Position
- Forging
- Crowding handler
- Lagging
- Sniffing
- Extra commands or signals
- No Sits
- Poor Sits
- Lack of naturalness / smoothness
- Improper Heel position
- Handler not walking briskly
- Heeling wide:
- Turns
- About turns
- No change of pace:
- Fast
- Slow
Judges Orders:
- Leave your dog
- Call your dog
- Drop your dog
- Call your dog
- Finish
- Exercise finished
Zero Points
- Extra command or signal to stay
- Did not come on first command or signal
- Does not drop on first command / signal
- Moved from position
- Anticipated:
- Recall
- Drop
- Come in
- Sat out of handler’s reach
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Stood or laid down
- Slow response
- No sit in front
- Poor sit
- No Finish
- Poor Finish
- Extra command to Finish
- No sit
- Failed to come briskly
- Failure to come directly into handler
- Sat between feet
- Touched handler
- Arms not at sides
Handler chooses one of the following exercises to perform before class begins:
- Signal Exercise
- Scent Discrimination
- Directed Retrieve
- Moving Stand and Examination
- Retrieve on Flat
Scoring for these exercises is as follows:
Signal Exercise
Judges Orders:
- Forward, Halt
- Left turn, Right turn
- About turn
- Slow, Normal, Fast
- Stand your dog, Leave
- your dog, Down, Sit,
- Call Dog
- Finish
- Exercise finished
Zero Points
- Audible command or failure on first signal to:
- Stand
- Stay
- Drop
- Sit
- Come
- Anticipated
- Sat out of reach
- Handler adapting self to dog’s pace
- Unmanageable
- Unqualified heeling
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Forging
- Crowding
- Lagging
- Sniffing
- No change of pace:
- Fast
- Slow
- Heeling wide:
- Turns
- About turns
- Extra command to heel
- Holding signals
- Slow handler response to signal to:
- Stand
- Drop
- Sit
- Come
- Walked forward
- Touched handler
- No Sit front/finish
- No finish
- Poor Sits
- Poor finish
- Anticipated finish
- Handler error
Scent Discrimination (Leather Article, Metal Article)
Note: Two articles, 25 points per article.
Judges Orders:
- Send your dog
- Take it
- Finish
- Exercise finished
Zero Points
- No go out on 1st command
- Does not retrieve
- Wrong article
- Anticipated
- Extra command
- Sat out of reach
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Handler error
- Playing
- Slow response
- Mouthing
- Doesn’t go directly to articles
- Doesn’t work continuously
- Slow going
- Slow returning
- Dropping article on return
- Touched handler.
- Sat between feet
- No sit
- Poor sit
- No Finish
- Poor Finish
Directed Retrieve
Judges Orders:
- Send your dog
- Take it
- Finish
- Exercise finished
Zero Points
- Fails to:
- Go directly to glove
- Retrieve right glove
- Fails to retrieve
- Anticipated command
- Extra command or signal to retrieve
- Sat out of reach
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Touched dog sending
- Slow going
- Slow returning
- Slow response
- Excessive motions
- Mouthing
- Playing
- Dropping glove
- Touched handler
- Poor delivery
- Sat between feet
- No sit
- Poor sit
- No finish
- Poor finish
- Turn in place/dog not at heel position
- Handler error
Moving Stand and Examination
Judges Orders:
- Forward
- Stand your dog
- Full Exam as in Utility
- Call your dog to heel
- Exercise finished
Zero Points
- Displays fear or resentment
- Sitting
- Lying down
- Growling or snapping
- Repeated whining or barking
- Sat out of reach
- Failure to:
- Heel
- Stand and stay
- Accept examination
- Return to handler
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Forging
- Crowding
- Lagging
- Heeling wide
- Moves slightly on stand
- Handler hesitates or pauses
- Dog does not return briskly
- Sits in front
- Slow response
- Poor finish
- Poor sit
- No sit
- Handler error
Retrieve on Flat
Judges Orders:
- Throw it
- Send your dog
- Take it
- Finish
- Exercise finished
Zero Points
- Fails to retrieve on first command or signal
- Anticipated command or signal
- Sat out of reach
- Did not return with dumbbell
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Slow:
- Going
- Returning
- Does not go directly to dumbbell or handler
- Mouthing Dumbbell
- Dropping Dumbbell
- Poor delivery
- No Sit
- Poor Sit
- Poor Finish
- Anticipated Finish
- Extra command to Finish
- No Finish
- Touched handler
- Arms not at sides
Judges Orders:
- Handler goes 15’
- Stand your dog
- Leave your dog
- Examine head, shoulder, back
- Back to your dog
- Exercise finished
Zero Points
- Showed shyness or resentment
- Growled or snapped
- Sits or lays down before or during exam
- Moved away before or during exam
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Rough treatment to pose dog
- Resistance to handler posing.
- Moved feet slightly before, during, after exam
- Handler backs away when leaving
- Minor shyness…..
- Sits as handler returns
- Improper handler position upon return
- Extra command or signal
Note: On a 6 foot leash.
Judges Orders:
- Sit your dog
- Leave your dog
- Back to your dog
- Exercise finished
Zero Points
- Did not remain in place
- Went to another dog
- Stood or laid down before handler returns
- Repeated whines or barks
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Stood or laid down after handler returns to heel position
- Minor move before handler returns
- Minor whine or bark
- Forced into position
- Handler placed dog so it interfered with adjacent dog
Note: On a 6 foot leash.
Judges Orders:
- Down your dog
- Leave your dog
- Back to your dog
- Exercise finished
Zero Points
- Did not remain in place
- Went to another dog
- Stood or sat before handler returns
- Repeated whines or barks
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Stood or sat after handler returns to heel position
- Minor move before handler returns
- Minor whine or bark
- Forced into position
- Handler placed dog so it interfered with adjacent dog
Introductory Obedience Score Sheet
Visit the Introductory Obedience section of the 4-H Dog Obedience Guide for details.
Judges Orders:
Note: L pattern only
- Forward
- Halt
- Left turn
- Right turn
- About turn
- Exercise finished
Zero Points
- Unmanageable
- Rough Handling of dog
- Constant correcting on leash or guiding
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Forging
- Lagging
- Heeling wide
- Turns
- About turns
- More than 1 command to sit
- No Sits
- Poor Sits
- Improper heel position
- Handler not walking briskly
- Harsh tone of voice
- Occasional Pulling, Jerking on leash
Judges Orders:
- Forward
- Halt
- Exercise finished
Zero Points
- Unmanageable
- Rough Handling of dog
- Constant correcting on leash or guiding
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Forging
- Lagging
- Heeling wide
- Turns
- About turns
- More than 1 command to sit
- No Sits
- Poor Sits
- Improper heel position
- Handler not walking briskly
- Harsh tone of voice
- Occasional Pulling, Jerking on leash
Judges Orders:
- Sit your dog and leave when ready
- Back to your dog
- Exercise finished
Zero Points
- Growled, snapped, shows resentment, or extreme shyness
- Dog moved away from where it was left before, during, or after exam
- Rough handling of dog to get to sit or stay.
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Handler backs away when leaving
- Tightening lead
- More than one extra command to stay
Judges Orders:
- Leave your dog
- Call your dog
- Exercise finished
Zero Points
- More than 2 commands and/or signals to stay
- More than 2 commands and/or signals to come
- Rough handling
- Did not come
- Moves from place before being called
- Tugging/pulling hard on leash
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- One extra command and/or signal to stay
- Poor Sit
- Slow sit
- No Sit
- Slow Response
- Did not come directly to Handler
- Patting Legs, Bending Over, Nodding head
- Harsh Tone of Voice
- Gentle tug on leash
- One extra command and/or signal to come
Judges Orders:
- Down your dog
- Leave your dog
- Back to your dog
- Exercise finished
Zero Points
- Did not remain in place
- Stood or sat before handler returns
- Repeated whines or barks
Substantial/Minor Deductions
- Stood or sat after handler returns to heel position
- Minor move before handler returns
- Minor whine or bark
- Touching dog or collar to get dog into position
- Rough treatment while putting dog down
Alternative Introductory Obedience Score Sheet
An alternative scorecard is available using a different scoring system. Points are given based on a rating of:
- Excellent: worth 4 points
- Good: worth 3 points
- Fair: worth 2 points
- Needs Work: worth 1 point
Ribbons awarded based on a maximum of 48 points, as follows:
- Blue Ribbon: 40-48 points
- Red Ribbon: 30-39 points
- White Ribbon: 12-29 points
The description of exercises is the same as the standard Introductory Obedience Score Sheet.
Note: Handler may talk to the dog with unlimited praise and encouragement throughout the exercise.
Heel Position
Excellent
Consistently in heel position
Good
Occasional:
- Lagging
- Forging
- Wide
Fair
Often:
- Lagging
- Forging
- Wide
Needs Work
Constant:
- Lagging
- Forging
- Wide
Sits
Excellent
Sits in heel position
Good
Sits out of heel position
Fair
One sit
Needs Work
No sits
Handling
Excellent
Consistently clean handling
Good
- One extra command
- Guiding with leash
Fair
- Occasional harsh tone of voice
- 2-3 extra commands
- Guiding with leash
Needs Work
- Unmanageable
- Rough handling
- Guiding with leash
- 3+ Extra commands
- Harsh tone of voice
Note: Handler may talk to the dog with unlimited praise and encouragement throughout the exercise.
Heel Position
Excellent
Consistently in heel position
Good
Occasional:
- Lagging
- Forging
- Wide
Fair
Often:
- Lagging
- Forging
- Wide
Needs Work
Constant:
- Lagging
- Forging
- Wide
Sits
Excellent
Sits in heel position
Good
Sits out of heel position
Fair
One sit
Needs Work
No sits
Handling
Excellent
Consistently clean handling
Good
- Handler not walking birskly
- One extra command
- Guiding with leash
Fair
- Occasional harsh tone of voice
- 2-3 extra commands
- Guiding with leash
Needs Work
- Unmanageable
- Rough handling
- Guiding with leash
- 3+ Extra commands
- Harsh tone of voice
Note: Judge will approach from the front and only briefly touch the dog’s head with one hand
Sit Stay
Excellent
Dog sits for entire exam
Good
Dog sits for entire exam
Fair
Dog stands or lies down during or after exam
Needs Work
- Growled, snapped, shows resentment, or extreme shyness
- Moves from place where left
Handling
Excellent
Consistently clean handling
Good
- Tightening lead
- Handler backs away when leaving
Fair
- Handler needs to use hands and/or leash to position dog
Needs Work
Handler does not go at least 3’ away from dog
Stay
Excellent
Dog stays in sitting position
Good
More than one command to stay
Fair
Dog changes position before called
Needs Work
- More than two commands to stay
- Moves from place before being called
Recall
Excellent
Dog comes directly to handler on first command
Good
- Slow response
- Did not come directly to handler
Fair
- Extra commands
- Harsh tone of voice
- Gentle tug on leash
Needs Work
- Did not come
- Tugging/pulling hard on leash
Front
Excellent
Dog sits straight at front
Good
Poor sit or slow sit
Fair
No sit
Needs Work
Sits/stands out of handler’s reach
Stay
Excellent
Dog remains in position
Good
- Physical guidance to make dog down
- Extra stay command
Fair
- Dog gets up as handler returns
- 2 or more stay commands
Needs Work
- Dog gets up before or during exercise
- Rough handling
- Tugging on leash
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