EMIRATES KENNEL CLUB

DOG OBEDIENCE CHALLENGE 

 

 

BASIC RULES:

 

The purpose of obedience challenge / exercises is to demonstrate the usefulness and skill of the dog as man’s companion.

 

Dogs are judged on their ability, skill, and precision to perform exercises. 

 

Dogs are not at all judged on their conformation or breed qualities. Cross breeds and neutered dogs are allowed to compete.

 

Any dog showing any aggressive behavior inside or outside the ring shall be disqualified and excused from the ring and not be allowed to compete.

 

The handler may not offer the dog any food, treats, or toys in the ring while competing. The carrying of any food, treats, toys or training aids by the handler is not permitted in the ring while competing.

 

The handler is allowed to verbally praise the dog between exercises.

 

The handler may use the dog’s name once before any command/signal.

 

Whistling or the use of a whistle is not permitted.

 

JUDGES OBSERVE AND SCORE ACCORDING TO THE FOLLOWING:

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Precision of exercises performed.  Gentleness and smoothness of handling.

 

The dog must be on the left hand side of the handler for all exercises.

 

Any talking to the dog, snapping fingers, slapping sides, stomping of feet shall be

penalized from the Novice class and on wards.

 

Minimal talking and other cues are tolerated in Elementary Beginners and Beginners.

 

Only a single command is allowed when leaving the dog during the “stay” exercises.

 

No extra commands are allowed once the handler has left the side of the dog.

 

For the “finish” exercise the dog may return to the heel position either around

the handler or direct to position.

 

The dog must not anticipate commands.

CLASSES, CONDITIONS & POINTS

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ELEMENTARY BEGINNERS:

 

All exercises are on lead except for the stay exercises.

Handlers shall not be penalized for extra commands and for encouraging their dogs.

Handlers will be penalized for touching their dogs.

 

Heel on lead, including left turn, right turn, about turn, sit. 40 points

Recall, without finish. 15 points

Sit stay, handler in sight and facing dog, 5 paces, 1 minute. 20 points

Down stay, handler in sight and facing dog, 5 paces, 1 minute. 25 points

 

TOTAL 100 points

 

BEGINNERS:

 

All exercises are on lead except for the stay and retrieve exercises.

Handlers shall be penalized for more than two commands. 

Handlers will be penalized for extra commands during the stay exercises.

Handlers shall not be penalized for encouraging their dogs.

Handlers will be penalized for touching their dogs.

 

Heel on lead, including left turn, right turn, about turn, left about turn, sit. 30 points

Recall including finish. 15 points

Sit stay handler in sight and facing dog, 10 paces, 1 minute. 20 points

Down stay, handler in sight and facing dog, 10 paces, 1 minute. 20 points

Retrieve, owner’s article,(may not be food – not necessary to sit & present).15 points

 

TOTAL 100 points

 

NOVICE CLASS:

 

Exercises are on and off lead.

Handlers shall be penalized for extra commands.

Handlers shall be penalized for touching their dogs.

Handlers may be asked to face away from their dogs during the sit stay exercise.

 

Heel on lead including left turn, right turn, about turn, left about turn, sit. 15 points

Heel off lead including left turn, right turn, about turn, left about turn, sit. 25 points

Recall including finish. 10 points

Sit stay handler in sight, 15 paces, 1 minute. 15 points

Down stay, handler in sight and facing dog, 10 paces, 3 minutes. 20 points

Retrieve (dumbbell – sit and present). 15 points

 

TOTAL 100 points

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