Category: sports

## **CHAPTER 1. GENERAL REGULATIONS** 

**Section 4. Obedience Classes Offered.** _(paragraph 3)_ Regular classes are the traditional standard titling obedience classes. Preferred classes offer alternative titling opportunities without a group exercise and have reduced jump heights. Optional titling classes offer a variety of intermediate and standard exercises. Non-regular classes are not titling classes; they provide an opportunity for dogs and handlers to hone their skills and gain ring time. 

**Section 17. Disqualification, Ineligibility, Excusal, and Change in Appearance of Dogs.** _(paragraph 11)_ If it is reported to the trial secretary or the superintendent that the bitch is in season before the bitch enters the ring for judging the matter is to be brought to the attention of the trial committee. 

**Section 31. Stewards.** Judges are in sole charge of their rings until their assignments are completed. Stewards are provided to assist but may act only on the judge’s instructions. They must not give information or instructions to owners and handlers except when the judge asks them to do so. 

_The judge shall review with the stewards their duties and the manner in which they are to be performed. Any request from an exhibitor for special consideration must be directed to the judge._ 

**Section 32. Ring Conditions.** An indoor ring should be rectangular and about 40 by 50 feet for all obedience classes. The Utility ring should never be less than 35 by 50 feet, and the Novice or Open ring should not be less than 30 by 40 feet. The floor must have firm footing, using rubber or similar non-slip material at least 4 feet wide for the takeoffs and landings of all jumps unless the judge feels the surface does not require it. 

At an outdoor show or trial, the rings should be about 40 by 50 feet. The ground should be clean and level. Any grass should be cut short. Under unusual or adverse weather conditions, a club may provide a separate regulation size ring for the group exercise. If inclement weather at an outdoor show or trial necessitates the judging of obedience under shelter, the requirements as to ring size may be waived. 

The judge’s table and chairs will be of such size and location so as not to interfere with the dog and handler’s performance while in the ring. 

## **CHAPTER 2 – REGULATIONS FOR PERFORMANCE AND JUDGING, JUDGING STANDARDS AND PROCEDURES** 

**Section 4. Judge’s Directions.** The judge’s orders and signals should be given to the handlers in a clear and understandable manner but in such a way that the 

work of the dogs is not disturbed. Before starting each exercise, the judge will ask, “Are you ready?” At the end of each exercise the judge will say, “Exercise finished.” Each dog will be worked and judged separately, except for during the group exercise. The judging of an exercise will not begin until the judge has given the first order. 

**Section 8. Re-judging.** If a dog has failed an exercise, it will not ordinarily be re-judged unless the judge feels the dog’s performance was prejudiced by peculiar and unusual conditions. In such a case, the judge will re-judge the dog only on the portion of a two-part exercise in which the unusual condition occurred (e.g., the Figure 8 part of the Heel on Leash/Heel Free exercise, the Sit - or Down part of the Novice Group Sit and Down Stay exercise, the Sit or Down - part of the Open Stay Get Your Leash exercise, the first or second part of Directed Jumping). 

Re-judging of the dog or dogs for the group exercise will be done with the next scheduled group. The limits on the number of dogs allowed in the ring for the group exercise will apply as listed in Chapter 3, Section 12. Should there be no further group within that class, the dog or dogs to be re-judged will immediately do the exercise alone. The dog or dogs involved will be re-judged only on the exercise in question. 

**Section 10. Judge’s Book and Score Sheets.** The judge must enter the number of points deducted from each exercise in the official judge’s book immediately after each dog has been judged on the individual exercises. An “NQ” should be recorded in the proper box and on the Total Score line for any dog that fails to qualify in that exercise. This is to be completed before the next dog is judged. 

If a handler leaves the ring the judge will mark the book “HLR” for “Handler Left Ring” and carry an “NQ” down to the Total Score box. If a dog has non-qualified and is released from performing the group exercise the judge will mark the book “NQ-R” (“Non-Qualifying Released”) and carry an “NQ” down to the Total Score box. 

Scores for the dogs performing the group exercise and qualifying total scores will be entered in the official judge’s book immediately after each group of dogs has been judged. 

**Section 11. Notification and Announcement of Scores.** Immediately following the last individual exercise in Novice, the judge will inform the handler if the team may return for the group exercise. After the group exercise the judge will inform the handlers of a qualifying performance. In Beginner Novice, Preferred Novice, Graduate Novice, Open, Preferred Open, Graduate Open, Utility, Preferred Utility, and Versatility, the judge will inform the handler immediately following the last exercise of a qualifying performance. 

**Section 15. Judging Program Order.** Dogs should be judged in the judging program order listed for each day if it is practical to do so without holding up 

any judging in any ring. The group exercise will be judged in judging program order. Judges are not required to wait for dogs for either the individual or the group exercise. Each handler is responsible for being ready at ringside when required and without being called. The judge’s first consideration should be the convenience of those exhibitors who are ready when scheduled and who ask no favors. 

**Section 16. Use of Leash.** All dogs must be kept on a leash except when in the obedience ring, warm-up ring or exercise area and must be brought into and taken out of the ring on leash. 

Leashes must be clipped to the collar when dogs are brought in for classes requiring an on-leash exercise, a group exercise and awards. In a class where a leash is not required for the performance of the individual exercises, the dog may be brought into and taken out of the ring on a leash that slips/attaches through the dog’s collar. 

The leash must be made of fabric or leather and need only be long enough to provide adequate slack during the Heel on Leash exercise, unless stated – otherwise in these regulations. The Novice Group Exercise Sit and Down Stay, - and the Beginner Novice Sit for Exam must be performed with the dog on a 6 foot leash. 

**Section 25. Misbehavior.** The handler is required to enter and exit the ring with the dog under control and without jumping, pulling or tugging on the leash. Any display of fear or nervousness by the dog or any uncontrolled behavior such as barking or running away from its handler must be penalized according to the seriousness of the misbehavior whether it occurs during or between an exercise or before or after judging. The judge may release the dog from further competition in the class. 

If a dog is working smartly and continuously but goes outside a ring boundary while completing an exercise (as opposed to a dog that bolts out of the ring or leaves the ring between exercises), the penalty, if any, is left to the discretion of the judge. 

If the misbehavior occurs during an exercise, the penalty must first be applied to the score for that exercise. Should the penalty be greater than the value of the exercise, the additional points will be deducted from the total score under Miscellaneous Penalties. If such behavior occurs before or after the judging or between exercises, the entire penalty will be deducted under Miscellaneous Penalties. 

## **CHAPTER 3 – NOVICE** 

**Section 1. Novice A Class.** The Novice A class shall be for dogs that have not won the CD title. A handler must own the dog entered or be a member of the owner’s household or immediate family and may not have previously handled any dog that has earned an AKC Regular or Preferred Novice, Open, or Utility title. Owners may enter more than one dog in this class. The same person who 

handles the dog in the first five exercises must handle the dog in the group exercise; however, if a person has handled more than one dog in the first five exercises that will participate in the group exercise, that person must provide a handler for the additional dog in the same group exercise. The additional handler for the group exercise need not be a member of the owner’s household or immediate family. No dog may be entered in both Novice A and Novice B at any one trial. 

Prior to the start of judging, the judge will decide where the leash will be placed and post this information at the ring approximately 45 minutes or earlier before the start of the class. 

**Section 2. Novice B Class.** The owner or any other person may handle dogs in this class to earn a CD title. Owners may enter more than one dog in this class. The same person who handles the dog in the first five exercises must handle the dog in the group exercise; however, if a person has handled more than one dog in the first five exercises that will participate in the group exercise, that person must provide a handler for the additional dog in the same group exercise. No dog may be entered in both Novice A and Novice B at any one trial. Prior to the start of judging, the judge will decide where the leash will be placed and post this information at the ring approximately 45 minutes or earlier before the start of the class. 

**Section 3. Novice Exercises and Scores.** The exercises and maximum scores in the Novice classes: 



<!-- Start of picture text -->
|||
|---|---|
|1. Heel on Leash and Figure Eight|40 points|
|2. Stand for Examination|30 points|
|3. Heel Free|40 points|
|4. Recall|30 points|
|5. Sit Stay – Get Your Leash|30 points|
|6. Group Exercise – Sit & Down Stay|30 points|
|Maximum Total Score|200 points|

<!-- End of picture text -->

The maximum judging rate is nine (9) dogs per hour. 

**Section 12. Sit Stay – Get Your Leash.** The principal feature of this exercise is that the dog remains in the sit position. 

The orders are: “Sit your dog,” “Leave your dog to get your leash,” and “Back to your dog.” 

The handler will stand with the dog sitting in heel position in a place designated by the judge. The judge will ask “Are you ready?” before giving the first order. On the judge’s order the handler may command and/or signal the dog to sit without touching either the dog or the dog’s collar. On further order to “Leave your dog to get your leash,” the handler may give a command and/or signal to stay and will walk forward immediately to the place designated by the judge for the leash, pick up the leash, turn, and face the dog. The judge will give the order “Back to your dog.” The handler must return directly, walking around and in back of the dog to heel position. The dog must not move from the sitting 

position until after the judge has said “Exercise finished.” The judge will tell the handler “Clip your leash to the collar and maintain control of your dog.” The handler is required to exit the ring with the dog under control and without jumping, pulling or tugging on the leash. 

**Judging Procedures:** _The judge will instruct the steward to place the leash at the designated location after the Heel on Leash and Figure Eight exercise.  The handler and dog will be positioned at least 30 feet from and facing the direction of the gate entrance. The judge must be in position to watch the dog and handler throughout the exercise including exiting the ring._ 

**Section 13. Sit Stay – Get Your Leash, Scoring.** A non-qualifying score (NQ) is required for the following: The dog moving a substantial distance away from the place where it was left any time during the exercise, not remaining in the sit position until the handler has returned to heel position, and repeatedly barking or whining. 

Scoring of the exercise for such things as rough treatment of a dog by its handler or resistance by a dog to its handler’s attempts to make it sit starts with the first order, “Sit your dog.”  These will be penalized substantially and in extreme cases the dog may be released. 

Substantial deductions will be made for a dog that moves even a short distance from where it was left, that barks or whines only once or twice, or that changes from the sit position after the handler has returned to the heel position and before the judge has said, “Exercise finished.” A substantial deduction, under Miscellaneous Penalties, must be made for a dog that does not remain under control while leaving the ring. 

**Section 14. Group Exercise – Sit and Down Stay.** The principal feature of this exercise is that the dog remains in a sitting or down position, whichever is required at the time. 

The orders are: “Sit your dogs,” “Down your dogs,” “Leave your dogs,” and “Back to your dogs.” 

If a dog has non-qualified (NQ) in an individual exercise the judge must release the dog from performing the group exercise. A dog that does not remain sitting during the first part of this exercise must be released from participating in the second part. 

Handlers of dogs that have qualified during the individual exercises will have the option of returning for the group exercise. After completion of the last individual exercise, if the dog has qualified, the judge will ask if the handler will be returning for the group exercise. Once handlers have notified the judge of their decision not to return for the group exercise they may not change their minds. Dogs that have been released or excused and handlers who have left the ring during the individual exercises may not return for the group exercise. See Judges’ Guidelines, Judge’s Book. 

Dogs must be spaced with a minimum of six (6) feet between each dog and a minimum of four (4) feet from the ring barriers.  Judges will position the dogs in 

the approximate center of the ring in one row or back-to-back in two rows with a minimum of six (6) feet between the rows. If the back-to-back formation is used, it must be used for all groups in the class. On a 50’ side of the ring the maximum # of dogs allowed in a single row would be six (6) and in a back-toback row twelve (12) dogs (see table): 

||Ring<br>Length||Maximum #<br>of Dogs<br>Single Row||Maximum #<br>of Dogs<br>Back-to-Back<br>Row|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||50’||6||12|
||45’||5||10|
||40’||4||8|
||35’||4||8|
||30’||3||6|



The group exercise will be conducted after the last individual team in the class, or combined classes, is judged. If there are more dogs competing than can be handled in one group exercise, the judge will divide the class into approximately equal sections. 

If two classes in the same classification have different judges, each judge must judge the group exercise separately. A judge with only a single dog competing in a class would be required to have the dog perform the group exercise alone. If the same judge is judging both Novice A and B classes (in the same classification) and the combined total of the dogs returning for the group exercise can be judged in only one group without exceeding the limit of dogs based on the size of the ring, the judge may combine the two classes for the group exercise. 

This exercise must be performed with the dog on a 6-foot leash. The leash will remain clipped to the dog’s collar and the handler will hold on to the leash throughout the entire exercise. The armband will remain on the handler’s left arm. The dogs will be lined up in judging program order. Prior to beginning the exercise, the judge will instruct the handlers to remove their dog if it starts to move out of position. The judge will ask “Are you ready?” before giving the first order. On the judge’s order, the handlers will command and/or signal their dogs to sit without touching either the dog or the dog’s collar.  On further order to “Leave your dogs,” the handlers may give a command and/or signal to stay and will walk forward immediately to the end of the leash, without jerking or tightening the leash, turn, and face their dogs. The leash must remain loose with slack throughout the entire exercise. 

After one minute from the time the judge ordered the handlers to leave their dogs, the judge will give the order “Back to your dogs.” The handlers must return directly, walking around and in back of their own dog to heel position. The dogs must not move from the sitting position until after the judge has said “Exercise finished.” This order will not be given until the handlers are back in 

Before starting the Down Stay portion of this exercise the judge will ask “Are you ready?” On the judge’s order, the handlers will command and/or signal their dog to down without touching either the dog or the dog’s collar. On further order to “Leave your dogs,” the handlers may give a command and/or signal to stay and will walk forward immediately to the end of the leash, without jerking or tightening the leash, turn, and face their dogs. The leash must remain loose with slack throughout the entire exercise. 

After one minute from the time the judge ordered the handlers to leave their dogs, the judge will give the order, “Back to your dogs.”  The handlers must return directly, walking around and in back of their own dog to heel position. The dogs must not move from the down position until after the judge has said “Exercise finished.” This order will not be given until the handlers are back in heel position. The judge will tell the exhibitors “Maintain control of your dogs.” The handlers are required to exit the ring with their dogs under control and without jumping, pulling or tugging on the leash. 

**Judging Procedure:** _If a judge observes any signs of aggression or potential problems when the dogs are being assembled outside the ring for the group exercise or once the dogs are brought into the ring, the judge must excuse the dog and mark the judge’s book “Excused” and state the reason. Any handlers who physically correct their dogs before or after the group exercise or while leaving the ring must be penalized under Miscellaneous Penalties._ 

_Judges must stand with their full attention on the dogs and handlers during the group exercise and remain alert to any potential problems. To have both dog and handler under constant observation in this exercise, a judge should take a position slightly to the rear of the dogs at one end of the row(s) of dogs._ 

**Section 15. Group Exercise – Sit and Down Stay, Scoring.** A nonqualifying score (NQ) is required for the following: The dog moving a substantial distance away from the place where it was left any time during the exercise, not remaining in the required position until the handler has returned to heel position, and repeatedly barking or whining. 

Substantial deductions will be made for the following: A dog that must be repositioned by its handler if it is out of position enough to interfere with an adjacent dog (in extreme cases the dog may be released), that moves even a short distance from where it was left, that barks or whines only once or twice, or that changes position after the handler has returned to heel position and before the judge has said, “Exercise finished.” A substantial deduction will be made for jerking or tightening of the leash before the judge has said “Exercise finished;” - depending on the extent, the deduction may include a non qualifying (NQ) score. A substantial deduction, under Miscellaneous Penalties, must be made for a dog that does not remain under control while leaving the ring. 

Minor or substantial deductions, depending on the circumstances, will be made for touching the dog or its collar while getting the dog into the down position. 

Scoring of the exercise for such things as rough treatment of a dog by its handler or resistance by a dog to its handler’s attempts to make it sit or lie down starts with the first order, sit or down your dogs. These will be penalized substantially and in extreme cases the dog may be released. 

The timing of each stay exercise begins on the judge’s order, “Leave your dogs.” 

## **CHAPTER 4 – OPEN** 

**Section 1. Open A Class.** _(Revised 1[st] paragraph – group exercise information removed.)_ The Open A class will be for dogs that have won the CD title but have not won the CDX title. Anyone who has trained or exhibited a dog that has earned an OTCH may not enter or handle dogs in this class. Each dog must be handled by its owner or by a member of the owner’s household or immediate family. Owners may enter more than one dog in this class. No dog may be entered in both the Open A and Open B classes at any one trial. Prior to the start of judging, the judge will decide where the leash will be placed and post this information at the ring approximately 45 minutes or earlier before the start of the class. 

**Section 2. Open B Class.** _(Revised 1[st] paragraph – group exercise information removed.)_ The Open B class will be for dogs that have won the CD or CDX titles. A dog may continue to compete in this class after it has won the UD title. The owner or any other person may handle dogs in this class. Owners may enter more than one dog in this class. No dog may be entered in both Open A and Open B classes at any one trial. 

Prior to the start of judging, the judge will decide where the leash will be placed and the order of exercises to be performed in that class. The placement of the leash and the order will not be disclosed to exhibitors until it is posted at the ring, approximately 45 minutes or earlier before the start of the class. In future assignments, judges are required to alternate the six orders of exercises so that each will be used approximately the same number of times. 

**Section 3. Open A Exercises and Scores.** The exercises and maximum score in the Open A class: 



<!-- Start of picture text -->
||||
|---|---|---|
|1. Heel Free and Figure Eight|40 points|
|2. Command Discrimination (Stand, Down, Sit)|30 points|
|3. Drop on Recall|30 points|
|4. Retrieve on Flat|20 points|
|5. Retrieve over High Jump|30 points|
|6. Broad Jump|20 points|
|–|
|7. Stay|Get Your Leash (Sit, Down)|30 points|
|Maximum Total Score|200 points|

<!-- End of picture text -->

**Section 4. Open B Exercises and Scores.** The various orders of exercises in the Open B class (points and total scores are the same as in Open A): 

OPEN I OPEN II 1. Heel Free & Figure Eight 1. Broad Jump 2. Command Discrimination 2. Retrieve over High Jump (Stand, Down, Sit) 3. Retrieve on Flat 3. Drop on Recall 4. Drop on Recall 4. Retrieve on Flat 5. Command Discrimination 5. Retrieve over High Jump (Down, Sit, Stand) 6. Broad Jump 6. Figure Eight & Heel Free 7. Stay - Get Your Leash 7. Stay - Get Your Leash (Sit, Down) (Down, Sit) OPEN III OPEN IV 1. Retrieve on Flat 1. Drop on Recall 2. Drop on Recall 2. Heel Free & Figure Eight 3. Retrieve over High Jump 3. Retrieve over High Jump 4. Broad Jump 4. Command Discrimination 5. Figure Eight & Heel Free (Down, Stand, Sit) 6. Command Discrimination 5. Broad Jump (Stand, Sit, Down) 6. Retrieve on Flat 7. Stay - Get Your Leash 7. Stay - Get Your Leash (Sit, Down) (Down, Sit) OPEN V OPEN VI 1. Retrieve over High Jump 1. Command Discrimination 2. Drop on Recall (Down, Stand, Sit) 3. Command DiscriminationCommand Discrimination 2. Broad Jump 

3. Command DiscriminationCommand Discrimination (Stand, Sit, Down) 4. Figure Eight & Heel Free 

3. Figure Eight & Heel Free 

4. Drop on Recall 

5. Retrieve on Flat 5. Retrieve over High Jump 6. Broad Jump 6. Retrieve on Flat 7. Stay - Get Your Leash 7. Stay - Get Your Leash (Sit, Down) (Down, Sit) 

5. Retrieve over High Jump 

**Section 7. Command Discrimination.** The principal features of this exercise are the dog’s correct response to the handler's commands and/or signals and that the dog stays until the handler returns to heel position. 

The orders are: “Leave your dog” and “Back to your dog.” The judge must use signals for directing the handler to command and/or signal the dog to change position except for the first position and that order is: “Stand your dog” or “Down your dog.” 

The handler will stand with the dog sitting in heel position in a place designated by the judge. The judge will ask “Are you ready?” before giving the first order to “Stand your dog” or “Down your dog.” The handler will give a 

command and/or signal for the dog to change position. On further order to “Leave your dog,” the handler may give a command and/or signal to stay and will immediately walk forward 15 feet, turn, and face the dog. On the judge’s signal, the handler will give a command and/or signal for the dog to change to the second position. The judge will then order “Leave your dog.” The handler may give a command and/or signal to stay and will immediately turn around and walk forward an additional 15 feet, turn, and face the dog. On the judge’s signal, the handler will give a command and/or signal for the dog to change to the third position. The judge will then order "Back to your dog." The handler may give a command and/or signal to stay, and then must return directly, walking around and in back of the dog to heel position. The dog must stay in position without additional commands or signals until the handler has returned to heel position. 

**Judging Procedure:** _This exercise must be performed on a long dimension of the ring. The 15 foot distances must be clearly marked. The judge must be positioned so that both the dog and handler are under continuous observation during the entire exercise. An excellent position for judging this exercise is at an adequate distance to the side and slightly to the rear of the dog._ 

**Section 8. Command Discrimination, Scoring.** A dog that fails to obey the handler’s first command and/or signal for each position or that does not stay - until the handler returns to heel position must receive a non qualifying (NQ) score. 

Substantial deductions will be made for a dog that changes position after the handler has returned to heel position and before the judge has said “Exercise finished.” 

- Minor or substantial deductions, up to a non qualifying (NQ) score, will be made for a dog that walks forward. 

_The following sections have been renumbered._ **Section 9. Drop on Recall. Section 10. Drop on Recall, Scoring. Section 11. Retrieve on Flat. Section 12. Retrieve on Flat, Scoring. Section 13. Retrieve Over High Jump. Section 14. Retrieve Over High Jump, Scoring. Section 15. Broad Jump. Section 16. Broad Jump Scoring.** 

**Section 17. Stay – Get Your Leash.** The principal feature of this exercise is that the dog remains in the sitting or down position, whichever is required at the time. 

The orders are: “Sit your dog,” “Down your dog,” “Leave your dog,” “Leave your dog to get your leash” and “Back to your dog.” For the first part of this exercise, the handler will stand with the dog sitting in heel position in a place designated by the judge. The judge will ask “Are you 

ready?” before giving the first order. On the judge’s order the handler will command and/or signal the dog to sit or down without touching the dog or the dog’s collar. On further order to “Leave your dog,” the handler may give a command and/or signal to stay and will walk forward immediately to a place designated by the judge, turn, and face the dog. 

After one minute from the time the judge ordered the handler to leave the dog, the judge will give the order “Back to your dog.” The handler must return directly, walking around and in back of the dog to heel position.  The dog must not move from the required position until after the judge has said “Exercise finished.” 

Before starting the second part of this exercise the judge will ask “Are you ready?” On the judge’s order, the handler will command and/or signal the dog to sit or down without touching either the dog or the dog’s collar. On further order to “Leave your dog to get your leash,” the handler may give a command and/or signal to stay and will walk forward directly to the place outside the gate entrance designated by the judge for the leash. The handler will pick up the - leash, re enter the ring, stop at the gate entrance facing the dog, and wait for the judges’ order “Back to your dog.” The handler must return directly, walking around and in back of the dog to heel position. The dog must not move from the required position until after the judge has said “Exercise finished.” The judge will tell the handler “Attach your leash to the collar and maintain control of your dog.” The handler is required to exit the ring with the dog under control and without jumping, pulling or tugging on the leash. 

**Judging Procedures:** _Prior to the start of judging, the judge will decide where the leash will be placed, either on the judges’ table or tableside chair. The leash will be placed outside the ring by the steward after the dog and handler have entered the ring for judging.  For both parts of this exercise, the handler must remain at least 30 feet away from the dog until ordered to return to the dog.   When positioning dogs for the second part of this exercise, judges should ensure that such positioning will permit the dog to keep the handler in its direct line of vision as the handler leaves and returns to the ring. During this exercise the judge must be in position to watch the dog and see the handler leave and return to the ring.  Once the exercise is finished, the judge must watch the dog and handler exit the ring together._ 

**Section 18. Stay – Get Your Leash, Scoring.** A non-qualifying score (NQ) is required for the following: The dog moving a substantial distance away from the place where it was left any time during either part of the exercise, not remaining in the required position until the handler has returned to heel position, and repeatedly barking or whining. 

Scoring of the exercise for such things as rough treatment of a dog by its handler or resistance by a dog to sit or down starts with the first order, “Sit (or Down) your dog.”  These will be penalized substantially and in extreme cases the dog may be released. 

Substantial deductions will be made for a dog that moves even a short distance from where it was left, that barks or whines only once or twice, or that changes from the required position after the handler has returned to heel position and before the judge has said, “Exercise finished.” A substantial deduction, under Miscellaneous Penalties, must be made for a dog that does not remain under control while leaving the ring. 

## **CHAPTER 11 – PREFERRED NOVICE – ALTERNATIVE TITLING CLASS** 

**Section 2. Preferred Novice Exercises and Scores.** The exercises, maximum scores and order of judging: 



<!-- Start of picture text -->
|||
|---|---|
|1. Heel on Leash and Figure Eight|40 points|
|2. Stand for Examination|30 points|
|3. Heel Free|40 points|
|4. Recall|30 points|
|5. Stay – Sit or Down|30 points|
|6. Sit Stay – Get Your Leash|30 points|
|Maximum Total Score|200 points|

<!-- End of picture text -->

The maximum judging rate is nine (9) dogs per hour. 

**Section 10. Sit Stay – Get Your Leash Performance and Scoring.** This exercise will be performed and scored in the same manner as the Novice Sit Stay – Get Your Leash. 

## **CHAPTER 12 – PREFERRED OPEN – ALTERNATIVE TITLING CLASS** 

**Section 1. Preferred Open Class.** The Preferred Open class is an alternative titling class for dogs that have won the CD or PCD or higher Regular or Preferred titles. This is an additional class that may be offered by clubs at obedience events. The owner or any other person may handle dogs in this class. Owners may enter more than one dog in this class. Dogs entered in Preferred Open may also be entered in other obedience classes. 

Prior to the start of judging, the judge will decide where the leash will be placed and the order of exercises to be performed in that class. The placement of the leash and the order will not be disclosed to exhibitors until it is posted at the ring, approximately 45 minutes or earlier before the start of the class. In future assignments, judges are required to alternate the six orders of exercises so that each will be used approximately the same number of times. 

This class may be judged by anyone approved to judge Open obedience classes. 

**Section 2. Preferred Open Exercises and Scores.** The various orders of exercises in the Preferred Open class (points and maximum scores are the same for all orders): 

## PREFFERED OPEN I 



<!-- Start of picture text -->
|||
|---|---|
|1. Heel Free and Figure Eight|40 points|
|2. Command Discrimination (Stand, Down, Sit)|30 points|
|3. Drop on Recall|30 points|
|4. Retrieve on Flat|20 points|
|5. Retrieve over High Jump|30 points|
|6. Broad Jump|20 points|
|7. Stay – Get Your Leash (Sit, Down)|30 points|
|Maximum Total Score|200 points|

<!-- End of picture text -->

The maximum judging rate is eight (8) dogs per hour. 

## PREFERRED OPEN II 

1. Broad Jump 

2. Retrieve over High Jump 

3. Retrieve on Flat 

4. Drop on Recall 

5. Command Discrimination (Down, Sit, Stand) 

6. Figure Eight & Heel Free 

7. Stay - Get Your Leash (Down, Sit) 

PREFERRED OPEN III 

PREFERRED OPEN IV 

1. Retrieve on Flat 

1. Drop on Recall 

2. Drop on Recall 

   2. Heel Free & Figure Eight 

3. Retrieve over High Jump 

   3. Retrieve over High Jump 

4. Broad Jump 

4. Command Discrimination (Down, Stand, Sit) 5. Broad Jump 

5. Figure Eight & Heel Free 

6. Command Discrimination (Stand, Sit, Down) 7. Stay - Get Your Leash (Sit, Down) 

6. Retrieve on Flat 

7. Stay - Get Your Leash (Down, Sit) 

PREFERRED OPEN V 

## PREFERRED OPEN VI 

1. Retrieve over High Jump 

   1. Command Discrimination (Down, Stand, Sit) 

2. Drop on Recall 

3. Command Discrimination (Stand, Sit, Down) 

   2. Broad Jump 

   3. Figure Eight & Heel Free 

4. Figure Eight & Heel Free 

   4. Drop on Recall 

5. Retrieve on Flat 

   5. Retrieve over High Jump 

6. Broad Jump 

   6. Retrieve on Flat 

7. Stay - Get Your Leash (Sit, Down) 

7. Stay - Get Your Leash (Down, Sit) 

_Sections 3 and 4 remain unchanged._ 

**Section 5. Command Discrimination Performance and Scoring.** This exercise will be performed and scored in the same manner as the Open Command Discrimination. 

_The following sections have been renumbered._ **Section 6. Drop on Recall Performance and Scoring. Section 7. Retrieve on Flat Performance and Scoring. Section 8. Retrieve over High Jump Performance and Scoring. Section 9. Broad Jump Performance and Scoring.** 

**Section 10. Stay – Get Your Leash Performance and Scoring.** This exercise will be performed and scored in the same manner as the Open Stay – Get Your Leash. 

## **CHAPTER 17 – GRADUATE NOVICE – OPTIONAL TITLING CLASS** 

**Section 1. Graduate Novice Class.** _(Revised 1[st] paragraph – group exercise information removed.)_ The Graduate Novice class is an optional titling class for all dogs. This class may be offered by clubs at obedience events. The owner or any other person may handle dogs in this class. A person may enter more than one dog in this class. 

Prior to the start of judging, the judge will decide where the leash will be placed and post this information at the ring approximately 45 minutes or earlier before the start of the class. 

This class may be judged by anyone approved to judge Novice or higher classes. 

**Section 2. Graduate Novice Exercises and Scoring.** The exercises and maximum scores in the Graduate Novice class: 



<!-- Start of picture text -->
|||
|---|---|
|1. Heel Free and Figure Eight|40 points|
|2. Drop on Recall|40 points|
|3. Dumbbell Recall|30 points|
|4. Dumbbell Recall over High Jump|30 points|
|5. Recall over Broad Jump|30 points|
|6. Stay – Get Your Leash (Sit, Down)|30 points|
|Maximum Total Score|200 points|

<!-- End of picture text -->

The maximum judging rate is eight (8) dogs per hour. 

**Section 13. Stay – Get Your Leash Performance and Scoring.** This exercise will be performed and scored in the same manner as the Open A class Stay – Get Your Leash. 

## **CHAPTER 18 – GRADUATE OPEN – OPTIONAL TITLING CLASS** 

**Section 8. Go Out, Scoring.** _(Revised last paragraph – group exercise information removed.)_ A dog will receive a non-qualifying (NQ) score if it: anticipates the handler’s command and/or signal to go out; fails to leave the handler; does not go out between the jumps; does not stop and remain at least 10 feet past the jumps without an additional command. 

Substantial deductions will be made for a dog that changes position after sitting or moves even a short distance after stopping. 

Minor or substantial deductions will be made for a dog that does not stop on command, that does not stop in the approximate center of the ring about 20 feet past the jumps, that does not sit, that receives an additional command to sit after the dog has stopped, or that anticipates the handler’s command to sit. Depending on the extent, minor or substantial deductions will be made for slowness in going out. 

## **CHAPTER 19 – VERSATILITY – OPTIONAL TITLING CLASS** 

**Section 1. Versatility Class.** The Versatility class is an optional titling class for all dogs. This class may be offered by clubs at obedience events. The owner or any other person may handle dogs in this class. A person may enter more than one dog in this class. 

Six exercises will be performed: two each from the Novice, Open and Utility classes. There will be no group exercise. The exercises will be performed and judged as in the regular classes. For the purpose of this class, scent discrimination articles 1 and 2 will be considered as a single Utility exercise. 

## **CHAPTER 20 – NON-REGULAR CLASSES** 

**Section 7. Team Class.** The Team class will be for teams of any four dogs that are eligible under these regulations. Five dogs may be entered, one to be considered an alternate for which no entry fee will be required. 

However, the same four dogs will perform all exercises. Dogs may be handled by the owner or any other person, need not be entered in another class at the same trial, and need not have obedience titles. A separate official entry form will be completed in full for each dog entered. No 

dog may be entered on more than one team. 

There will be two judges, one of whom will call orders while the other scores the team’s performance. The teams will be judged one at a time, except for the group exercise. Dogs must be spaced with a minimum of six (6) feet between each dog and a minimum of four (4) feet from the ring barriers. Judges will position the dogs in the approximate center of the ring in one row or back-to- 

- back in two rows with a minimum of six (6) feet between the rows. If the back to-back formation is used, it must be used for all groups in the class. On a 50’ side of the ring the maximum # of dogs allowed in a single row would be six (6) and in a back-to-back row twelve (12) dogs. (See table in Chapter 3, Section 14.) 

The dogs on a team will perform the exercises simultaneously and will be judged as specified for the Novice class, except that a Drop on Recall will be used in place of the Recall exercise. In all exercises except the Drop on Recall, the teams have the option of executing the judge’s orders on the team captain’s repeat of the command. 

In the Figure Eight portion of the Heel on Leash exercise, five stewards will be used. The stewards will stand 8 feet apart in a straight line. Each handler, with the dog sitting in heel position, will stand about equidistant from each of two stewards with all members of the team facing the same direction. On orders from the judge, the team will perform the Figure Eight, each handler starting around the steward on his/her left and circling only the two stewards between whom he/she had been standing. 

In the Drop on Recall exercise the handlers will leave their dogs simultaneously on order of the judge. The dogs will be called or signaled in, one at a time, on a separate order from the judge to each handler. Handlers will, without any additional order from the judge, command or signal their dogs to drop at a spot midway between the line of dogs and the handlers. 

Each dog will remain in the down position until all four have been called and dropped. The judge will give the order to call the dogs, which will be called or signaled simultaneously. The finish will be done in unison on order from the judge. 

**Section 8. Team Class, Scoring.** Individual dogs’ scores will be based on the performance of the dogs and handlers individually plus team precision and coordination. Each dog and handler will be scored against the customary maximum for a team total of 800 available points. Individual dogs’ scores need not be recorded. 



<!-- Start of picture text -->
|||
|---|---|
|The exercises and maximum scores in the Team class:|
|1. Heel on Leash and Figure Eight|160 points|
|2. Stand for Examination|120 points|
|3. Heel Free|160 points|
|4. Drop on Recall|120 points|
|5. Sit Stay – Get Your Leash|120 points|
|6. Group Exercise – Sit & Down Stay|120 points|
|Maximum Total Score|800 points|

<!-- End of picture text -->

## **GLOSSARY** 

**Released** – a dog will be released from performing the group exercise if it has non-qualified in the individual exercises. In the group exercise, in extreme cases, a dog that must be repositioned by its handler if it is out of position enough to interfere with an adjacent dog may be released. A dog must be released from the group exercise if it does not remain sitting during the first part. A dog may be released from competition in the class for misbehavior. 

## **OBEDIENCE JUDGES’ GUIDELINES CHAPTER 3 – PROCEDURES IN THE RING** 

A judge’s comments, other than orders to the handler of a dog, shall be limited to a brief greeting, instructions on positioning the dog, and instructions covering the group exercise. A judge will never ask handlers about club affiliations, their opinions or about their dogs’ past performances. 

## **OBEDIENCE JUDGES’ GUIDELINES CHAPTER 4 – PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED HANDLERS** 

**Group Exercise.** It is permissible for a judge to allow additional space on each side of a disabled handler to permit the handler to work the dog without touching it or without touching the dog on either side. All dogs, however, must be judged in judging program order. 

## **PROCEDURES FOR JUDGES TO FOLLOW IN MARKING THE JUDGE’S BOOK (Use Ballpoint Pen)** 

- When a dog non-qualifies, and is “Released” write “NQ-R” (“NonQualifying Released”) then carry down an “NQ” in the “Total Score” box. 

- Verify that the Group Exercise box has been marked accordingly, including a zero for no points off. 

## **THE STEWARD IN OBEDIENCE** 

**THE GATE STEWARD** . _(Deleted paragraph 6 as it is no longer relevant. This revision is consistent with the changes in Novice where the handler retrieves the leash.)_ 

## **NOVICE CLASS** 

The gate steward will line up the dogs and handlers outside the ring – immediately prior to the judging of the Group Exercise Sit & Down Stay. The judge should not be made to wait while the handlers are lined up. The Group Exercise is done in judging program order. The stewards must be ready to follow whatever instructions the judge may give. 

## **OPEN CLASS** 

_(Deleted paragraph 4 as it is no longer relevant. All other paragraphs in this section remain the same.)_ 



Question: In AKC Novice obedience, what is the maximum total score, what are the point values of the six exercises, and what is the maximum judging rate?
Answer: The maximum total score is 200 points. The exercises are Heel on Leash and Figure Eight (40), Stand for Examination (30), Heel Free (40), Recall (30), Sit Stay – Get Your Leash (30), and Group Exercise – Sit & Down Stay (30). The maximum judging rate is nine dogs per hour.