INTRODUCTION TO THE : OB1

Rules and Exercises for the OB1.  

Introduction: This title is totally designed around the training needs of a family obedience dog. The class requires practical and realistic obedience exercises that are consider essentials for developing a safe and dependable dog.

A. General Rules.

1. All exercises begin and end in the basic position.
2. Left about turns are to be performed as either the (German turn) where the dog circles around the handler, or back up in place (FCI International/military) where the dogs stays in heel position as the handler turns left. The handler and dog must execute the same turn throughout the obedience phase.

Judges Note for all Evaluations: The judge will be evaluating the handler and dog on the bases of an ideal performance. All of the listed reasons for imperfection deduction are given as guide for handlers to have some idea of what is expected. The judge must assess deductions for other behavior that is not covered or that takes away from the ideal performance. In addition, the judge will be assessing the dog’s behavior concerning attitude, attention to the handler, and the willingness to perform the required exercises. Dogs that display energetic attitude and are attentive and responsive toward their handler will receive the most points.

Basic Obedience Exercises	Points		Practical Obedience Exercises	Points
Reporting to the Judge	5		Walking through gate	10
Heeling on leash       or               Heeling off leash	20 20		Loading in/out of vehicle	10
Sit out of motion	15		Food preparation exercise	10
Down & recall	20
Long down	10
TOTAL POINTS	70		TOTAL POINTS	30

 

 

 

 

 

Handlers – Have the option of heeling on or off leash.

Sit out of Motion, Down Out of Motion and Recall, and all Practical obedience exercises must be performed be off leash.

Judges Notes: Each Exercise has listed many items that the judge is required to assess for point deductions, however, the judge will also assess point deductions that are not listed for any other abnormal deviations from the ideal performance.

  

B. Obedience Phase (OB1) class:

 

1.  REPORTING TO THE JUDGE EXERCISE. The primary purposes of this exercise will be to show that the handler and his/her dog can demonstrate proper heeling and control of the dog while reporting to the judge. In addition, this exercise will be used as a starting point for evaluating temperament and for determining whether the dog/handler team is suitable for performing the evaluation. Dogs that display extreme shyness or extreme aggression will be dismissed from further participation.

 

a. Judge's Orders: The Judge's orders for this exercise include the following: The directing judge will indicate to the handlers when and where to report, when to begin the exercise, and where to report for on-leash heeling and for conducting the long down.

 

b. Instructions: The Obedience 1 routine starts with two dog/handler teams reporting to the judge. The handlers will report with their dogs on leash, demonstrating proper heeling. Once reaching the judge, each handler will halt with the dog automatically sitting or one verbal sit command and maintaining a sit throughout the introduction. Handlers will be responsible for a formal introduction that includes introducing themselves, giving their dog's name, and stating the type of title for which they are reporting. After the introductions, the judge will indicate which handler will report for the heeling exercise and which handler will report for the long down or honoring exercise.

c. Scoring the Reporting to the Judge Exercise:  This exercise will be evaluated primarily on the dog/handler team's ability to perform a formal introduction to start the routine. The judge will be evaluating the heeling exercise, the introduction procedure, and the dog's behavior during the introductions. The dog should display a neutral, well-mannered behavior toward the judge and other dog/handler teams.

NOTE: The Reporting to the Judge exercise is a five-point exercise, however, if a dog is ruled unruly or out of control, the judge may dismiss the dog and handler from performing any additional exercises.

 

1)     Non-qualifying (Zero) Score: The following must be given a zero on this exercise:

 

a)     The dog is ruled out of control.                                                                                            

b)     The dog receives more than two commands to sit during the introductions and instructions.                                                                                                                            

c)      Handler forcing the dog to sit.                                                                                              

d)     Rough treatment of a dog by a handler.

 

2) Major Deductions: The following will be assessed as major deductions:

 

a)     The dog is slow to sit.                                                                                                             

b)     Handler does not know the routine.                                                                                     

c)      Handler has to give an extra command.                                                                               

d)     The Judge may assess a major deduction for any major deviation from the ideal performance.                                                                                                                              

e)     Improper heeling while approaching or leaving the Judge.

 

3) Minor Deductions: The following will be assessed as a minor deduction:

 

a)     The dog's heeling could be better.                                                                                       

b)     The dog is dull and needs more enthusiasm.                                                                      

c)      The dog moves slightly during the sit.                                                                                  

d)  The dog displays a "crooked" or off-line sit.                                                                        

e)  The Judge may assess a small deduction for any deviation from the ideal performance.

 

2.  HEELING ON OR OFF LEASH EXERCISE. The primary purposes of these exercises are to demonstrate the ability of the dog and handler to work smoothly as a team and the ability of the dog to stay in the proper heeling position. Handlers should use the same hand holding the leash that is the same side the dog is heeling on, in addition the handler should walk freely with both arms moving freely as if the dog wasn’t there.

 

a. Judge's orders: The Judge's orders for this exercise are the following:

The Judge will indicate to the handler where to start, when to start, when to restart after each halt, and when the exercise is complete.

b. Instructions: When the handler reaches the correct area specified by the judge, the judge shall inform the handler when to remove the leash and put it away if the exercise is going to be performed off leash. The handler will acknowledge the judge and start the exercise from the basic position. The dog on or off leash should willingly and freely follow the handler upon the voice command to heel. At the beginning of the exercise, the handler must proceed in a straight-line 40 to 50 normal paces without stopping. At this point, a left turnabout is performed and after 10 to 15 additional paces of normal heeling, a running exercise and a slow exercise, each of at least 10 to 15 paces are to be demonstrated. The handler must go directly from the fast pace to the slow pace. Each change of pace allows for the handler to give a single heel command. After demonstrating the slow pace, the handler must continue at normal pace another 10 to 15 paces, then perform a right turn for 10 to 15 paces, followed with another right turn, continue forward for another 20 paces, then perform a  left turnabout and continue another 10 to 15 paces until the team halts. At this time the handler will acknowledge the judge and continue for another 10 to 15 paces, perform a left turn, and then continue heeling toward a group of markers or traffic cones. When entering the group, a right and left turn must be demonstrated. After the turns, the handler will halt and sit the dog in the group of markers; the handler will then acknowledge the judge and continue heeling back to the original starting position, and perform a halt. The handler will then acknowledge the judge for concluding the exercise.

Note: The dog should always heel close to the left knee of the handler and the shoulder blade of the dog should be aligned next to the handler's knee. The dog must not forge ahead, move to the side, or lag to the rear. Dogs that demonstrate positive, energetic, and attentive attention to the handler are very desirable for awarding full points.

c. Scoring the Heeling off or on Leash Exercise: The judge will be evaluating the handler with his/her dog’s ability to perform a series of heeling exercises. The Judge will be evaluating the correctness of the heeling and the behavior of the dog. Dogs that display positive, energetic attitudes and willingness to be attentive to the handler are most desirable

 

1) Non-qualifying (Zero) scores: The following must be given a zero score on this exercise:

 

a)     Handler giving dog constant or repeated extra commands or signals.

b)     Handler constantly guiding or tight leash.

c)     Handler slapping the leg or snapping fingers excessively.

d)     Handler continually adapting pace to dog.

e)     The dog must be given a zero score for "unqualified heeling" when it "breaks" or leaves the handler's side and cannot regain its composure and resume heeling.

 

2) Major and minor deductions: Deductions may be major or minor depending on the extent of the following:

 

a)     A handler who moves forward and then gives a "heel" command shall be penalized a major deduction.

b)     The dog moving out of proper heel position before it is given a command or signal from the handler.

c)     The dog anticipating command or signal.

d)     The dog crowding the handler, forgoing, heeling wide, heeling in improper position, lagging, poor sit, sniffing, and any additional heeling imperfections.

e)     Occasional tight leash.

f)       The dog failing to stop and sit automatically in the proper heel position each time the handler is required to "Halt".

g)     Failure to change pace by the dog or handler during the heel on or off leash.

h)     Handler giving extra commands or signals.

i)       Dog sniffs a Steward, Judge or group exercise marker.

j)        Lacks natural smoothness.

 

3.  SIT OUT OF MOTION EXERCISE:  The principal purpose of this exercise is to demonstrate the dog's ability to perform heeling and upon a verbal command perform a stationary sit while the handler proceeds in straight-line a minimum of 10 or maximum of 15 paces without stopping. Once reaching the required distance, the handler will turn and face the dog. The dog must remain sitting in stationary position until the judge orders the handler to return and dismisses the exercise.

 

a. Judge's Orders: The orders for this exercise are: the judge will indicate the position to start the exercise, when to start, when the handler may return to the dog after the sit, and when the exercise is complete.

b. Instructions: The handler and dog on or off leash will report to the designated area for performing the exercise. The handler will acknowledge the judge, remove the leash if attached and from the basic position, the handler and a free heeling dog will proceed in a straight line for a minimum of 10 or maximum of 15 paces. The handler will give a voice command that commands the dog to sit. The dog should come quickly into a sit position while the handler does not interrupt his or her pace nor turn about. After another minimum of 10 or maximum of 15 paces the handler stops and turns around to face the dog. When requested by the judge, the handler will return to the dog and assume the basic heeling position on the right side of the dog. The handler will then acknowledge the judge for concluding the exercise. A period of approximately 3 seconds is observed prior to the Judge's orders for returning to the dog and another approximate 3 seconds is observed when the handler returns to the dog's side and acknowledges the judge.

c. Scoring the Sit Out of Motion Exercise:  Scoring of this exercise starts after the judge acknowledges the handler to start. The judge will be evaluating the entire exercise, heeling, response to the sit command, handler's actions and the behavior and performance of the dog. Dogs that demonstrate positive, energetic, attentive behavior toward the handler and perform with quick responses will receive the most points.

 

1) Non-qualifying (Zero) score: The following must be given a zero score on this exercise:

 

a)     Handler gives more than two commands to sit.

b)     The dog moves a substantial distance away from the place where it was sitting.

c)     The dog does not sit but continues with the handler.

d)     The handler gives the sit command and goes back to the dog to make it sit.

 

2) Major deductions: The following will be assessed as major deductions:

a)     The dog does not sit but stands or lies down.

b)     The dog does not maintain proper heeling position.

c)     The dog sits extremely slowly.

d)     The dog lies down before the exercise is complete.

e)     Handler turns and looks back at the dog when the sit command is given or while leaving the dog.

 

3) Major or Minor Deductions: Deductions may be major or minor depending on the extent of the deviation from the ideal performance. Deductions shall be assessed for the following:

 

a)     The dog moves prior to the heel command.

b)     The dog sits slow or moves slightly.

c)     The dog whines or barks.

d)     Handler does not acknowledge the judge for starting and finishing the exercise.

e)     The dog shows pressure when the handler returns.

f)       Overall performance is not well executed.

 

4. Down with Recall Exercise: The primary purpose of this exercise is to demonstrate that a dog/handler team can perform formal heeling, an out of motion down exercise, a recall, front and finish or side finish exercise.

a. Judge’s Orders. The judge indicates to the handler where to start, when to start, when to recall the dog, when the exercise is finished.

b. Instructions. The Down with Recall exercise starts with the dog/handler team reporting to the original starting position as assigned by the judge. The handler reports with their dog in the basic position, acknowledges the judge and indicates which recall finish the dog is to perform. The judge instructs the handler to remove the leash if attached and begin the heeling routine when ready. The dog/handler team then demonstrates normal pace off leash heeling in a straight line for minimum of 10 or maximum of 15 paces without stopping and upon voice command, the dog is commanded to down. The handler proceeds walking in a straight line a minimum of 40 paces, turns and faces the dog. Upon the judge’s instructions, the handler recalls the dog. The dog should come to the handler and perform a front and finish or a straight to side finish; the type of finish must be the same as indicated to the judge when the team reported. When the dog performs a front, the handler should wait approximately three seconds and then command the dog back into the basic position. The handler then acknowledges the judge for concluding the exercise.

c. Scoring the Down and Recall Exercise. Scoring this exercise starts after the handler acknowledges the judge. The judge is evaluating formal heeling, performance of the down, and the recall. The judge is also evaluating the overall smoothness of the entire exercise.

 

1) Non-qualifying (Zero) score: The following must be given a zero score on this exercise:

 

a)     Handler gives more than two extra commands or signal to “stay” after leaving the dog.                                                                                                           

b)     Dog refuses to come to the handler.                                                                                 

c)      Dog follows the handler when leaving the dog in the down position.                                

d)     Handler moves from the stationary position on the recall.

 

2) Major Imperfections. The following will be assessed as major imperfections:

 

a)     Improper heeling throughout the routine.

b)     Dog moves a substantial distance in the down by crawling or creeping.

c)      Dog stands prior to recall.

d)     Dog anticipates the recall.

e)     Dog is very slow coming to the handler.

f)        Dog performs the wrong finish.

g)     Handler gives extra commands.

h)      Handler gives the down command with body language. 

 

3) Minor Imperfections: The following will be assessed as minor deductions:

 

a)     Dog heels improperly for part of the routine.

b)     Attitude of the dog is dull and not attentive to handler.

c)      Slow down.

d)     Creeping or moving slightly.

e)     Dog could come faster.

f)        Overall routine could be smoother.

g)     Handler doesn’t acknowledge the judge.

h)      Handler doesn’t know the routine.

 

5.  LONG DOWN OR HONORING EXERCISE: The primary element of this exercise is to demonstrate the honoring dog's ability to remain in the down position while distracted by the presence of the other dog/handler team.

a. Judge's Orders: The Judge's orders for this exercise are:  The judge will indicate where to perform the long down, when the exercise begins and when to re-sit the dog from the down and where to report from the long down.

b. Instructions: Long Down or Honoring Exercise starts after the handler reaches the designated area. After acknowledging the judge, the handler with a single voice or signal command (not both) commands the dog to down. The handler remains beside the dog holding the leash or may drop the leash by the dog and stand on the end; the leash must remain loose and not restrain the dog. The dog must remain in its assigned position while the other dog handler/team performs their routines. After the other dog/handler team completes the Down with Recall Exercise, the handler acknowledges the judge and on the judge’s orders the handler verbally commands the dog to sit. The handler acknowledges the judge and waits for judge’s orders to report for the next exercise. Handlers/dogs will be required to perform formal heeling when reporting to all designated areas.

NOTE - Reporting to the different locations should be demonstrated by the handler and dog team performing formal heeling and good display of control. Handlers may praise and encourage the dog during this process. Although these reporting exercises are not being evaluated individually, the manner in which they are conducted could affect the overall evaluation of the performance.

c. Scoring the Long Down or Honoring Exercise. The Honoring Exercise will primarily be evaluated on the ability of the dog to demonstrate a long down while the other dog/handler team performs their required exercises. The exercise will start being evaluated when the handler acknowledges the judge to start the exercise. The dog should down quickly and remain calm and stationary.

 

1) Non-Qualifying (Zero) score: The following must be given a zero on this exercise:

 

a)     The dog will not down after two commands.

b)     Handler uses a leash correction to make the dog down.

c)      Handler pushes or touches the dog to make it down.

d)     The dog moves substantially or stands up before the other dog/handler team has completed half of their routine.

e)     The Judge may deduct all points for any abnormal behavior not described.

 

2) Major Deductions: The following will be assessed as major deductions:

 

a)     The dog needs a double command to down.

b)     Handler uses too much body language when giving the down command.

c)      The dog is very slow to down.

d)     The dog moves a substantial distance by creeping or crawling.

e)     The dog will not re-sit.

f)        The judge may assess a major deduction for any abnormal deviation not described.

 

3) Minor Deductions: The following will be assessed as a minor deduction:

 

a)     The dog is slow to down.

b)     The dog moves slightly.

c)      The dog whines or barks excessively.

d)     The dog's re-sit is slow.

e)     The dog is dull or sluggish in his/her performance.

f)        The Judge may deduct minor points for any deviation from the ideal performance.

 

Concluding the basic obedience routine for both dog handler teams:

The Basic Obedience Routine ends when both dog handler teams have completed all required exercises. The handlers will then report to the judge for instructions on where to report for the practical exercises.

 

C. Practical Portion of the Obedience Routine

Equipment Requirements

The Practical Obedience exercises will require the following equipment:

a) A portable gate that is wide enough for a handler with his/her to pass through heeling.

b) A vehicle that has easy access for entering and exiting for the dog (usually a van or pickup truck bed).

c) A portable container with dog food and a dog food bowl.

 

Handler and Dog Equipment Requirements include:

a) The handler must have a leash that is no longer than six feet.

b) The dog can only wear one collar and the collar must be a normal fur saver, regular choke chain style or a collar approved by the judge.

c) All exercises are performed off leash.

 

NOTE:  The judge will determine when the practical obedience exercises are to be performed.

 

1.  The GATE EXERCISE: The primary purpose of this exercise is for the handler with his/her dog to demonstrate a designed procedure for approaching a closed gate, passing through it to the other side, and re-closing the gate.

a. Judge's Orders: The Judge will indicate where to start, when to start and when the exercise is finished.

b. Instructions: The Gate exercise begins by the handler reporting on leash with their dog to a designated area determined by the judge. The handler will acknowledge the judge, remove the leash and starting with the dog in basic position, heel the dog toward a closed gate; the handler will stop and sit the dog a minimum distance far enough back to open a gate in either direction. After the sit, the handler may verbally re-enforce the sit or give the dog a stay command; the handle will then leave the dog in a sit while he/she opens the gate. The handler will then return to the dog's right side, and heel the dog through the gate to a point where the gate can be closed without touching the dog, when the handler reaches this point, the handler will sit the dog, again, the handler may apply a verbal command to sit or give a stay command and returns to the gate and closes it. After closing the gate, the handler returns back to dog's right side, and then acknowledges the judge for proceeding to the next exercise, which will be "Loading Into and Out of a Vehicle".

c. Scoring the Gate Exercise: The dog and handler team should work smoothly as a team demonstrating a series of obedience exercises that include two sit stays and formal heeling. The dog should automatically sit at each halt or when verbally command, demonstrate proper heeling, and should remain stationary in each sit-stay exercise while the handler leaves and returns each time to the dog.

 

1) Non-qualifying (Zero) Scores: The following must be giving a (zero) score on this exercise:

 

a)     The dog moves or leaves the sit-stay position and cannot be reclaimed by the handler     calling the dog with no more than three commands to come.                                                 

b)     The dog moves excessively or leaves on both sit-stay exercises.                                      

c)      The dog has to be forced through or pulled through the gate.                                             

d)     The dog interferes or strongly bothers another dog.                                                            

e)     The dog is aggressive toward the judge or other people on the field.                                  

f)        The dog and handler may be scored zero or dismissed from the trial if any abnormal behavior is determined by the judge.

 

2) Major Deductions: Major deductions will include the following:

 

a)     The dog stands up as the handler returns to the dog.                                                 

b)     The dog moves a significant amount from where it was placed.             

c)      The handler and dog cannot demonstrate proper heeling through the gate.                        

d)     Handler sits the dog too far back or close to the gate.                                                       

e)     The dog whines or barks excessively.                                                                                    

f)        Handler's reinforced sit stay command is too harsh.                                                            

g)     The dog shows pressure or shyness when the handler returns.                                         

h)      Handler's pace performing the exercises is too slow or fast.                                               

i)        i)The dog relieves him/herself during the exercise.                                                                 

j)        Major Deductions will be assessed for any abnormal behavior determined by the judge.

 

3) Minor Deductions: Deductions shall be assessed for all of the following (Deductions may be major or minor depending on the extent of the deviation from the ideal):

 

a)     Handler doesn't acknowledge the judge.

b)     The dog is slow to sit at each halt.

c)      The dog is slightly restless or moves a little during the sit-stays.

d)     Heeling is slightly in- correct.

e)     The dog is un-attentive to the handler.

f)        Handler doesn't know the routine.

 

2. LOADING INTO AND OUT OF A VEHICLE EXERCISE:  The primary element of this exercise is to demonstrate a handler with his /her dog's ability to perform a designed procedure for loading into and out of a vehicle. The handler and dog should work as a team demonstrating a procedure that protects the vehicle from being damaged and the dog from being injured entering or exiting a vehicle.

 

a. Judge's Orders: The Judge will indicate when and where to start, when to command the dog back out of the vehicle, and when to proceed to the next and last exercise, "Food Preparation."

b. Instructions: The Loading Into and Out of a Vehicle exercise starts from the same location the Gate exercise ended. After completing the Gate Exercise and acknowledging the judge, the handler with his/ her dog performs off leash heeling to a location where a vehicle is waiting. Once reaching the vehicle, the handler will halt and sit their dog at a distance far enough back from the vehicle to open the door without touching the dog. The handler may then give a verbal sit command or stay command to reinforce the sit; the handler then, leaves the dog and opens the vehicle. Next, the handler returns to the dog right side, and commands the dog to enter the vehicle, once the dog has entered the vehicle, the handler will command the dog to perform a down, sit or stay; the handler will then look to the judge for the indication to recall the dog back out the vehicle. After receiving acknowledgment from the judge, the handler commands the dog back out of the vehicle and with another command back into the basic position (which is always at the handlers left side with dog sitting), the handler then may give the dog a verbal sit or stay command, the handler then re-closes the vehicle. The handler then returns to the dog's right side, and waits for an indication from the judge to proceed to the next and final exercise "Food Preparation".

c. Scoring the Loading Into and out of Vehicle Exercise:  The handler and dog should demonstrate a series of obedience exercises that demonstrate a specific procedure for loading a dog into and out of a vehicle. The dog and handler will be evaluated on their ability to perform the required exercises.

 

1) Non-qualifying (Zero) scores: The following must be given zero score on this exercise:

 

a)     The dog leaves the sit-stay position and cannot be recalled by the handler, the handler will be allowed three commands to reclaim the dog.

b)     The dog jumps onto the vehicle with their feet prior to the vehicle being opened.

c)      The dog will not enter the vehicle or stay in the vehicle after two commands.

d)     The dog leaves the handler and strongly bothers another dog, handler, or judge. Any serious out of control aggression will result in the judge dismissing the dog from the trial.

e)     The dog breaks the sit-stay position more than twice.

f)        Handler uses force to get the dog to enter or leave the vehicle.

g)     Handlers and dogs may be scored zero for any abnormal behavior determined by the judge.

 

2) Major Deductions: Major deductions shall be assessed for the following:

 

a)     Dog stands up as the handler returns to the dog.

b)     Dog moves or turns around while waiting in the sit position.

c)      Dog and handler doesn't demonstrate proper heeling going to the vehicle.

d)     Handler's reinforced sit stay command is too harsh.

e)     Dogs that show pressure or shyness from their handler.

f)        Handler's pace performing the exercises is too slow or fast.

g)     Dog that relieves itself during the exercise.

h)      Major deductions may be assessed for any behavior the judge determines as abnormal for the routine.

 

3) Minor Deductions: Deductions shall be assessed for all of the following: Any small deviation from the ideal performance could result in a minor deduction.

 

a)     Handler doesn't acknowledge the judge

b)     Dog is slow to sit on each halt.

c)      Heeling is slightly incorrect.

d)     Dog is un-attentive to the handler.

e)     Handler doesn't know the routine.

f)        Dog is dull in attitude and temperament toward performing the exercises.

g)     The Judge may assess minor deductions for any un-described deviation from the ideal performance.

 

3.  FOOD PREPARATION EXERCISE:  The primary purpose of this exercise is to demonstrate that a handler with his/her dog can perform a series of obedience exercises that enable a handler to place a dog in a down-stay near a food container, while the handler takes food out of the container, places it on the ground near the container, and the dog remains in a stationary position not interfering with the handler.

 

a. Judge's Orders: The Judge's orders for this exercise include the following: the judge will indicate where and when to start, when the exercise is complete and where to report for receiving a critique, or announcing the score.

b. Instructions: The Food Preparation Exercise starts from the same location that the Loading Into and Out of Vehicle ended. The handler will acknowledge the judge and heel the dog off leash to a location assigned by the judge that is approximately five yards away from a container of dog food. Once the handler reaches this position, the handler will halt and command the dog into a down position, then goes to the container and scoops out a bowl of dog food. The handler will place the bowl of food on the ground near the base of the container; the handler will then return to the right side of the dog, command the dog verbally to sit, and then re-attach the leash. The handler will then acknowledge the judge for concluding the exercise. After the exercise is complete, the handler will receive instructions from the judge on where to report.

c. Scoring the Food Preparation Exercise:  The handler and dog team will be mainly evaluated on the ability of the handler to demonstrate that his/her dog will perform a stationary down while food is being prepared for the dog.

 

1) Non-qualifying (Zero) scores: The following must be given zero score on this exercise.

 

a)     The dog leaves the down position while the handler is approaching the container.

b)     The dog will not down after two commands or leash help.

c)      The dog leaves the down position and goes for the food before the handler returns to the dog.

d)     The handler uses excessive physical force to down the dog.

e)     The judge may assess a zero score for any major abnormal behavior not described.

 

2) Major Deductions: Major deductions shall be assessed for the following:

 

a)     The dog takes a double command to down.

b)     The dog leaves the handler during heeling.

c)      The dog breaks the down position as the handler returns.

d)     The handler uses too much body language in downing and sitting the dog.

e)     The handler looks back at the dog when leaving the dog going to the container.

f)        Dog relieves itself during the exercise.

g)     The judge must assess a major deduction for any major deviation from the ideal performance not described.

 

3) Minor Deductions: The judge will assess minor deductions for any of the following:

 

a)     Handler doesn't acknowledge the judge.                                                                              

b)     The dog is slow to perform any portion of the required exercises.                                        

c)      The dog anticipates commands.                                                                                       

d)     Attitude is dull and un-attentive to the handler.                                                                        

e)     Handler doesn't know the routine well.                                                                                           

f)        The judge will assess a minor point deduction for any deviation from an ideal performance not listed.

 

Concluding the practical obedience exercises:

 All handler and dog teams will be responsible for acknowledging the judge for instructions on where to report or wait when concluding the routine. The Judge will instruct all handler and dog teams where and when to report for receiving a critique of the performance, announcing the score, or awarding titles.