Service Dogs of America

INTRODUCTION TO: OB2

OBEDIENCE LEVEL 2 (OB2)

The Obedience Level 2 title (OB2) requires a dog to earn a passing score in the Obedience Level routine.

Obedience Exercises	Points
Reporting to the Judge	5
Heeling Off Leash	25
Sit out of motion	15
Down & recall	15
Agility Recall	15
Flat Retrieve	15
Long down	10
TOTAL POINTS	100

1. General Rules for OB2:

A. Eligibility: To perform the OB2 routine a dog must have earned an OB1 title or P1 title.

B. Collar: Only one collar is allowed on the dog. Single collars include the following: flat, chock chain, fur savor or similar types.

C. Leash and leash option: A dog must be leashed when:

1. First reporting to the judge or steward.

2. As soon as all the exercises have been completed.

3. Whenever a judge is critiquing the score.

4. Whenever the judge instructs the handler to place a leash on the dog.

E. Scoring note: The score sheet for each exercise has multiple listed features that the judge is required to assess to determine point deductions. However, the judge must also assess major or minor imperfection deductions that are not listed on the score sheet for any other deviations from the ideal performance.

F. Neutrality Test: During its entire performance a dog is under the neutrality test. A dog that shows extreme aggression, fear, shyness or whose demeanor gives the Judge reason to believe that the dog may not safely be judged may be given a non-qualifying score and excused from the ring and further participation in that trial.

G. Qualifying Score:

1. OB2 title. A qualifying score in the Obedience Phase of the P2 class requires the passing of the Obedience phase with a score of 70 points or more. Passing the P2 Obedience Phase qualifies the dog to earn the OB2 title.
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H. Praise: When reporting to all assigned areas. Praise is permissible but the dog/handler team must maintain an orderly demeanor.

I. Call name: A handler may use the dog’s name prior to any command.

J. When heeling is required: For the Obedience Routine, dog/handler teams are required to perform formal heeling when reporting to all designated areas.

K. 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.

L. Acknowledging the judge and critique: For the P2 obedience exercises all handlers are responsible for acknowledging the judge for instructions on when to report and when concluding the routine. The Judge shall instruct all dog/handler teams where and when to report to receive a critique of the performance and the announcement of the score.

A. Obedience Routine (OB2).

1. Reporting to the Judge. The primary purposes of this exercise is to show that the dog/handler team can demonstrate proper heeling and control of a 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, are suitable for continuing the performance. Dogs that display extreme shyness or extreme aggression must be excused from further participation.

a. Judge’s Instructions. The judge’s instructions for this exercise include the following: the judge indicates to the handlers when and where to report, when to begin the exercise, where to report for off leash heeling, and where to report for conducting the long down.

b. Reporting Exercise. The OB2 Obedience phase starts with two dog/handler teams reporting to the judge. The handlers report with their dogs on leash, demonstrating proper heeling. Once reaching the judge, each handler halts with the dog automatically sitting in the basic position and maintaining the sit throughout the introduction. Handlers are responsible for a formal introduction that includes introducing themselves, giving the dog’s name, and stating the class for which they are reporting and specifies the type of finish the dog will perform for the Down With Recall Exercise. After the introductions, the judge indicates which team reports for the heeling exercise and which team reports for the long down or honoring exercise. When the handlers reach the correct area specified by the judge, the handlers acknowledge the judge for instructions on when to down the dog and when to remove the leash to start the heeling exercise.

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

Note: If a dog is ruled unruly or out of control, the judge may excuse the dog and handler from performing any further exercises.

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

a) Dog is ruled out of control.

b) Dog receives more than three 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 Imperfections. The following will be assessed as major imperfections:

a) Dog is very slow to sit.

b) Handler gives an extra command.

c) Improper heeling approaching or leaving the Judge.

d) Handler doesn’t know the routine.

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

a) Dog’s heeling could be better.

b) Dog is dull and needs more enthusiasm.

c) Dog moves slightly during the sit.

d) Dog sits crooked.

2. Long Down or Honoring. 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 another dog/handler team.

a. Judge’s Instructions. The judge indicates where to perform the long down, when the exercise begins, when to re-sit the dog from the down, when the exercise is finished, and where to report.

b. Long Down Exercise. The 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 restraining the dog. The dog must remain in its assigned position while the other dog/handler team performs their routine. After the other dog/handler team completes the flat retrieve, 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 to the next station.

c. Scoring the Long Down or Honoring Exercise. The honoring exercise is primarily evaluated on the ability of the dog to demonstrate a long down while the other dog/handler team performs their required exercises. The exercise evaluation begins 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) Dog refuses to down after two commands.

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

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

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

a) Dog needs a double command to down.

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

c) Dog is very slow to down.

d) Dog moves a substantial distance by creeping or crawling.

e) Dog refuses to re-sit.

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

a) Dog is slow to down.

b) Dog moves slightly.

c) Dog whines or barks excessively.

d) Dog’s re-sit is slow.

e) Dog’s performance is dull or sluggish.

3. Heeling off Leash. 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 heel position.

a. Judge’s Instructions: The Judge’s instructions for this exercise are the following: the Judge indicates to the handler where to start, when to remove the leash, when to start, when to restart after each halt, and when the exercise is complete.

b. Heeling off Leash Exercise. The handler and dog (on leash) report to the correct area as specified by the Judge. The judge informs the handler when to remove the leash and put it away. The heeling off leash exercise starts with the handler acknowledging the judge, with the dog in the basic position. The dog should willingly and freely follow the handler upon the voice command to heel, fuss, etc. At the beginning of the exercise, the handler must proceed in a straight-line 40 to 50 normal paces without stopping. A left turn about is performed. After 10 to 15 paces of normal heeling, a running heel and a slow heel, each of 10 to 15 paces, are to be demonstrated and then back to a normal pace. The handler must go directly from the fast pace to the slow pace then back to normal pace. Each change of pace allows the handler to give a single heel command. After the slow pace, the handler resumes normal pace, continues another 10 to 15 paces then performs a right turn for 10 to 15 paces then another right turn continues forward for another 20 paces then performs a left turn about, continues another 10 to 15 paces and halts. At this time the handler acknowledges the judge and waits for the judge to signal the team when to continue. Once the judge indicates the team to continue, the team will heel another 10 to 15 paces then perform a left turn and continue heeling into a group of markers. The markers shall be rubber cones or similar objects placed in on the corners of a rectangle approximately eight to ten square feet. When entering the rectangle, a right and left turn must be demonstrated around the markers so as to traverse a complete and closed figure eight. After the turns the handler halts and the dog sits (in the basic position) within the center area of the rectangle. The handler acknowledges the judge, continues heeling back to the original starting position, and halts. The handler then acknowledges the judge for concluding the exercise.

Additional instructions for this exercise concern the actions of the handler. The handler is only permitted to use voice commands when starting the exercise or when changing pace. When the handler comes to a stop, the dog sits in the basic position without being influenced by the handler. During the halt, the handler is not permitted to change the basic position and especially must not move to align with the dog so as to cause the dog to be in proper position.

Next are the instructions concerning the actions of the dog. 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. A dog that demonstrates positive, energetic, attentive behavior toward the handler is very desirable.

Last are the instructions for the gunfire test. While the dog and handler are performing the heeling exercise, at least two gunshots (6-9 mm) are to be fired (not while moving through the group) and the dog must remain indifferent to the gun noise. The shots must be fired from a distance of fifteen paces with two shots fired with a three second interval. Should the dog demonstrate gun insecurity, the dog must be assessed a non-qualifying score and be excused immediately from the trial. If the dog demonstrates a certain aggression toward the gunshots, this must be scored as conditionally faulty as long as the dog remains under the control of the handler. The full score can only be awarded to the dog that demonstrates gunshot indifference.
Special emphasis must be placed upon gunshot indifference. Should the dog show strong avoidance of the gunshot, such as running away, the dog must be assessed a non-qualifying score and be excused immediately from the trial. If the dog shows potential gunshot insecurity, the judge may elect to test the dog with additional gunshots to determine the dog’s response. The gunfire test must only be executed during the heeling exercise.

c. Scoring the Heeling Off Leash Exercise. The judge is evaluating the correctness of the heeling position and the

behavior of the dog. Dogs that display positive, energetic attitudes and attentiveness 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 the dog constant or repeated extra commands or signals.

b) Handler slapping the leg or snapping fingers excessively.

c) Handler continually adapting pace to dog.

d) Unqualified heeling.

e) Dog “breaks” or “leaves” the handler’s side and is unable to regain its composure and resume heeling.

f) Dog clearly demonstrates gunshot insecurity.

2) Major and Minor Imperfections. Imperfections may be major or minor depending on the extent of the following:

a) Handler moving forward and then giving a “heel” command shall be penalized a major imperfection.

b) Handler gives a signal command to heel.

c) Handler giving extra commands.

d) Handler doesn’t know the routine.

e) Dog moves out of the basic heel position before a command from the handler.

f) Dog anticipating command.

g) Dog crowding the handler, forging, heeling wide, heeling in an improper position, lagging, poor sitting on the halts, sniffing, and any other additional heeling imperfections.

h) Dog fails to stop and sit automatically in the proper basic position each time the handler is required to “Halt”.

i) Failure to change pace by the dog or handler during the fast or slow portion of the heeling exercise.

j) Dog sniffs a Steward, judge or group exercise marker.

k) Lacks natural smoothness

l) Dog demonstrates slight gunshot insecurity.

4. Sit Out of Motion. The principal purpose of this exercise is to demonstrate the dog’s ability to perform off leash heeling and upon a verbal command from the handler, perform a stationary sit while the handler proceeds in a straight-line without stopping, turns to face the dog and returns to the dog at the end of the exercise.

a. Judge’s Instructions. The orders for this exercise are: the judge indicates where and when to start, when to return to the dog after the sit, and when the exercise is complete.

b. Sit Out of Motion Exercise. The dog/handler team reports to the designated area as indicated by the judge. The handler acknowledges the judge and from the basic position, the handler and a free heeling dog proceed in a straight line for a minimum of 10 or maximum of 15 paces, and upon voice command by the handler, the dog should move quickly to the sit position while the handler does not interrupt their 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 instructed by the judge, the handler returns to the dog and assumes the basic position on the right side of the dog. The handler then acknowledges 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 before acknowledging the judge for concluding the exercise.

c. Scoring the Sit Out of Motion Exercise. Scoring of this exercise starts after the judge acknowledges the handler to start. The judge is evaluating the proper 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 two extra commands to sit.

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

c) Dog does not sit but continues with the handler.

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

a) Dog doesn’t sit but stands or lies down.

b) Dog doesn’t maintain proper heeling position.

c) Dog sits extremely slowly.

d) Dog lies down or stands before the exercise is complete.

e) Handler gives any kind of body language when giving the sit command.

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

3) Major or Minor Imperfections. Deductions shall be assessed for the following:

a) Dog moves prior to the heel command.

b) Dog sits slowly or moves slightly.
c) Dog whines or barks.
d) Handler doesn’t acknowledge the judge when starting and finishing the exercise.
e) Handler doesn’t know the routine.
f) Dog shows pressure when the handler returns.
g) Overall performance is not well executed.

5. Down with Recall. 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 Instructions. The judge indicates to the handler where to start, when to start, when to recall the dog and when the exercise is finished.

b. Down with Recall Exercise. 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 and acknowledges the judge. The handler should have indicated to the judge the type of “Finish” the dog will perform when the dog is recalled (i.e.: a front and finish or straight to side finish). The judge instructs the handler when to begin the heeling routine after the handler indicates he or she is 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 30 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.

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 an extra command 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 or sits prior to recall.
d) Dog anticipates the recall.
e) Dog is very slow coming to the handler.
f) Dog does 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.

6. Agility Recall. The primary purpose of this exercise is to demonstrate the dog’s ability to perform a recall exercise while performing agility. The dog will be required to perform climbing and jumping over obstacles that lie in the dog’s path to the handler.

a. Judge’s Instructions. The judge indicates where and when to start, when to recall the dog, and when the exercise is complete.

b. Agility Recall Exercise. The dog/handler team starts the exercise from the same location where the down and recall exercise ended. The exercise starts by the handler acknowledging the judge with the dog in the basic position and off leash. The handler and a free heeling dog will proceed to an area containing the agility obstacles. The handler heels the dog to a designated area three to five paces back from directly facing an incline wall. When reaching this point the handler halts with the dog sitting in the basic position, a verbal command to sit is permitted or the handler may down the dog accepting a ½ point deduction for less difficulty. The handler leaves the dog and walks briskly or jogs to the designated area. The designated area is approximately 10 paces directly behind the last obstacle in the series. The handler acknowledges the judge for permission to recall; the handler with a single voice command recalls the dog. The dog immediately starts toward the handler first climbing the incline wall and then continuing without hesitation jumping over a series of jumps which include (in any order) a window jump, rail jump and a solid jump; then continuing without hesitation another 10 paces where the dog arrives at the handler and performs a front and finish or straight side finish. The handler waits three seconds and acknowledges the judge for concluding the exercise.

Note: The handler may give a single jump command each time the dog has to cross an obstacle. The dog is required to follow a direct path that requires the dog to successfully negotiate (cross) each obstacle. The obstacles are each placed approximately 8 paces apart in a straight line. The judge is responsible for approving the set-up of the obstacles and location. Each obstacle is worth two points.

c. Scoring the Agility Recall. Scoring of this exercise begins when the judge acknowledges the handler to start. The judge is evaluating the entire exercise to determine the rating the performance deserves. Dogs that demonstrate positive, energetic, attentive behavior toward the handler and strong willingness to perform the exercise are most desirable.

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

a) Dog follows the handler and doesn’t perform any agility.
b) Dog breaks and comes to the handler without performing any agility.
c) Dog leaves the field.
d) Dog refuses to the recall after three commands.

2) Major and Minor Imperfections. Major or minor imperfection deductions may be assessed for any deviation from the ideal performance.

a) Dog lags, forges, crowds, or is wide during heeling phase.
b) Dog is slow to respond to the command.
c) Dog moves or takes extra steps after becoming stationary in the sit.
d) Dog hesitates to perform the agility obstacle.
e) Dog doesn’t successfully negotiate each agility obstacle.
f) Dog’s feet touch or tick the window jump, rail jump, solid jump.
g) Dog leaves early or breaks prior to being called.
h) Recall is slow, crooked front, or improper finish.
i) Handler gives extra commands or handler help with body signals.

3) Required Deduction. One-half point deduction when the handler elects to down the dog for the recall.

7. Flat Retrieve. The principal purpose of this exercise is to demonstrate the willingness of dog to retrieve an object thrown by the handler.

a. Judge’s Instruction. The orders for this exercise are: the judge

indicates where and when to start the exercise and when the exercise is complete.

b. Flat Retrieve Exercise Instructions. The exercise starts by acknowledging the judge with the dog in the basic position and off leash. The dog/handler team demonstrates proper heeling and control as they report to a designated area where the handler obtains the object to be retrieved by the dog. The handler should heel the dog to within 2 paces of the location of the objects and place the dog in a sit. The handler leaves the dog in the sit position, obtains an approved object, returns to the dog and demonstrates heeling to the designated area for performing the flat retrieve exercise. (the trial host shall provide a wooden dumbbell approved by the judge. However, each handler may bring their own object which should be their own wooden dumbbell, wallet, small purse, retrieving bumper, jute roll or other type of similar object which must have first been approved by the judge) Once reaching the designated area, the handler acknowledges the judge and then throws or pitches the object a minimum of 10 paces away from the dog. The dog remains in the sit position until the handler gives the command to retrieve. The handler allows a three second pause between the time the object comes to rest and when the command to retrieve is given. Upon a single voice command, the dog leaves the handler’s side and goes directly to the object, retrieves it and returns to the handler performing a front sit position where the handler can easily take the object from the dog without moving. The dog’s speed going to and coming from the retrieve should be the same. The dog holds the object in its mouth while maintaining the sit position for at least 3 seconds before the handler commands the dog to release the object and takes it from the dog. The handler secures the retrieved object by putting it away or placing it under either armpit; the handler then commands the dog back into the basic finish position. After the dog returns to the basic position, the handler acknowledges the judge for concluding the exercise.

c. Scoring the Flat Retrieve Exercise. Scoring of this exercise begins when the judge acknowledges the handler to start. The primary area the judge is evaluating for obtaining the most points is the willingness of the dog to retrieve the object and the control the handler displays over the dog. The judge rewards the most points to a dog that demonstrates eagerness, willingness, speed and enthusiasm to retrieve the selected object.

Note: Mouthing the object slightly is not a fault and excessive mouthing will have a maximum one point deduction providing the dog does not drop the retrieved object prior to the handler taking it from the dog.

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

a) Dog refuses to go out on the second command.

b) Dog doesn’t retrieve the object.

c) Handler moves from the stationary position when the object is thrown.

d) Dog refuses to release the object.

e) Dog doesn’t return with the object.

f) Handler uses any form of rough correction to get the dog to release the retrieved object.

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

a) Handler gives extra verbal or signal command(s).

b) Dog is very slow or reluctant in performing the exercise.

c) Dog leaves the handler’s side prior to giving the command to retrieve.

d) Dog sits too far back from the handler to comfortably take the object from the dog.

e) Dog is very slow in releasing the object or a double command is given.

f) Dog drops the object prior to the handler taking it from the dog’s mouth.

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

a) Dog demonstrates pressure or reluctance to perform the exercise.

b) Speed of the retrieve going and coming is significantly different.

c) Mouthing the object to a point the object is difficult for the handler to retrieve from the dog.

d) Dog is slow in its release or the object must be pulled slightly.

e) Dog sits crooked or returns to the basic position.

f) Handler help or assistance that deviates slightly from the ideal.

g) Dog’s pick-up of the object is slow.

h) Dog’s return to the handler is slow.

i) Dog doesn’t go directly to the object and return directly to the handler with the object. The deduction depends on the degree of deviation from the most direct route.

8. Concluding the Protection 2 obedience routine for both dog/handler teams. The basic obedience exercises for the Protection 2 class ends when both dog handler teams have completed all required exercises. The handlers will then report to the judge for a closing procedure, which includes each dog/handler team stating the handler’s name, the dog’s name and the name of the class completed. The judge informs the handlers where to report for critiques and announcement of the score. The judge has the option of providing a detailed critique, short summary or simply announcing the score of the performance of each dog/handler team. Handlers may request an individual critique or review of the performance with the judge if a critique is not provided. The judge determines the time and place for any individual reviews.

Note: The judge’s score is final. Respect and good sportsmanship must be displayed by all parties at all times.

B. EQUIPMENT FOR OB 2.

A. Agility Jump Height table.

	Height at withers	Hurdle height
Div. 1	Up to and including 14”	12 to 16”
Div. 2	Over 14” up to and including 22”	22 to 26”
Div. 3	Over 22”	32” to 36”

B. Agility Obstacle Equipment Requirements. Equipment requirements concerning obstacles in advanced obedience and protection titles are the following: The trial judge for the event will be responsible for inspecting all equipment prior to conducting the trial. The following equipment must be available: A-Frame, Window Hurdle, Rail Fence Hurdle, and a Solid Vertical Hurdle. Equipment currently being used for Agility Trials, Obedience Trials or Schutzhund type events is acceptable as long as they comply with the requirements as outlined below.

C. Window Hurdle.

1. Framework. The framework for the window hurdle may be constructed with varying materials, however the top rail or material should contain a protective cover to help in preventing any injury; suggested material includes foam rubber, brush material, carpet etc.

2. Panel. Overall dimensions of the panel should be approximately 42”- 48” wide and 7- 8 feet tall with an opening 18” to 30” wide and 30” high. Provisions to adjust the bottom of the opening to 12 to 16”, 22 to 26”, and 32 to 36” for jump height Divisions 1, 2, and 3, respectively, must be provided. The panel with the opening may be made of wood or heavy cloth such as denim or canvas. When made of cloth, a 4-inch sleeve may be sewn along each of the vertical sides so that the cloth can be held in place by slipping the sleeve over the uprights. In this case, changes in heights may be made by pushing the cloth panel up or down over the uprights.

D. A-Frame:

1. This obstacle consists of two panels (ramps) connected together at one end and positioned to form a structure that simulates an A-Frame. The A-Frame apex should have a protective cover to prevent the dog’s feet from being caught or pinched. Carpet or some form of rubber mating is suggested.

2. Height. The height at the apex should not exceed 60 inches; a range of 52 to 60 is acceptable.

3. Panels. The panels may each measure 6’8” or 8’ in length and 30” to 49” in width. They may be constructed from wood or a wood like substance attached to a metal or wooden framework rigid enough to withstand the impact of large dogs jumping part way up on to the panels. The panels are connected along one end by hinges. An insert must cover any gap between the two panels at the apex. A chain or other brace is attached approximately halfway up on the inside of each panel to secure the proper angle to the panels when set up for use. The apex for the 6’8” panel is set 49”-50” vertically above ground, while the 8’ panel is set at 59” vertically above ground.

4. Slats. Slats are approximately 3/8” to 1” thick and ¾ – 1½” wide and cut to extend the width of the panels. The slats are attached 12” apart with a 2” tolerance. Slats must be rounded or beveled so as to not be sharp.

E. High (Vertical or solid) Hurdle. This hurdle is similar to the High Jump used in traditional Obedience. Construction: This obstacle may be constructed of PVC or wooden boards. The obstacle can be made of varying material and the overall dimensions should be approximately 42” to 48” wide and with the availability to adjust heights for three height categories of the following: 12 to 16”,22 to 26” and 32 to36” . The structure should appear to be a solid structure. In addition the top surface area should contain a surface that provides some form of protection for the dog if struck during the routine. PVC option: Framework consisting of a pair of uprights on each side with support legs as needed may be made of 1” PVC to support stacked 3 to 4” PVC sections as a vertical wall. The bottom section of 4” pipe must be notched to fit over the bottom support pipe of the framework on both ends, so that the pipe rests on the ground.

F. Rail Fence Hurdle:

1. This hurdle has several cross rails held between two uprights. Spaces between the rails give the appearance of a rail fence. The structure should be approximately between 42“ to 48” wide and have a height availability to adjust the top rail to any of the following heights: 12 to 16”, 22 to 26” and 32- 36” inches. The rail hurdle may be constructed out of varying material; however the top rail should have a protective material that helps in preventing an injury if struck during the jump by the dog.

2. Construction. Several cross rails made of PVC pipe or narrow wooden boards are held between two uprights. It is preferred that the rails may be displaceable, however non-displaceable is allowed. PVC pipe rails may be held by inserting them through holes drilled through the uprights, or by means of cupped supports attached to the inside of the uprights. The cupped supports should be shallow enough to allow for the easy displacement of the pipe rails.

3. Hurdle Heights: The number of rails may vary, but there must be a minimum of one for the 12 to 16” hurdle, two for the 22 to 26” and three for the 32 to 36” hurdle. If small diameter pipes are used as the rails, 2, 4, and 6 rails may be used for the three heights.