OBEDIENCE TRIAL RULES AND REGULATIONS (CKC)
REGULATIONS for PERFORMANCE & JUDGEING
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Judging Standard
Standardized judging is of paramount importance. Judges are not permitted to introduce their own variations into the exercises, but must see that each handler and dog executes the various exercises exactly as described in the standard. A handler who is familiar with the standard should be able to enter the ring under any judge without having to inquire how the particular judge wishes to have any exercise performed. Judges must adhere to the obedience Trial Rules & Regulations, and must not qualify dogs that do not meet the minimum requirements.
It is the responsibility of the judge to make the tests interesting to the gallery and worthwhile to the handler. The judge must not permit judging to exceed the time limitations as specified in these rules so that the handlers and those watching do not become bored, and the competing dogs do not become tired.
The judge must remember that he is judging the dogs only on their ability to perform the tests set for them and not on their show points or conformation.
The judge must test each exhibitor/handler separately (except for the Sit and Down where groups of dogs are in the ring together).
A judge shall excuse from competition any dog or handler that interferes wilfully with another competitor or competitor's dog and any dog which the judge considers unfit to compete.
Disqualification & Reinstatement of a Dog
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A dog that bites a judge, another person or dog in the ring shall be disqualified by the judge. At the judge's discretion, a dog that attempts to bite a judge, another person or dog in the ring shall be excused or disqualified by the judge and shall not be permitted to compete further at that event. When a dog has been excused twice on this account, it shall have the status of a disqualified dog. Once a dog has been disqualified for any reason at an obedience trial, it may not be entered or shown in any CKC event until the dog has been reinstated by the CKC.
When a judge disqualifies or excuses a dog, the disqualification or excusal and the reason therefore must be recorded in the judge's book. The owner or handler of the dog must be advised of the reason before he leaves the ring.
A dog that has been disqualified may be reinstated as follows:
The owner of a dog, which has been disqualified at a trial held under these rules may, after 30 days from the date of disqualification, apply in writing to the CKC for reinstatement of the dog. A deposit, as set by the Board, must accompany the request for reinstatement. After the examination, the Examining Committee shall submit its report to the CKC who, in turn, will advise the owner of the results. If reinstated, half of the deposit will be returned to the owner. If not reinstated, the deposit is forfeited to the CKC. Reinstatement of a dog following an examination as set forth in this section in no ways affects the right of a judge to again disqualify the dog for the same or other reasons.
Any dog disqualified for biting or viciousness shall automatically be disqualified from entering in any other event in any other discipline until such time as the dog is officially reinstated.
All persons must exercise care and control of any dog in their possession while attending an event.
Handler with Disabilities
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Handlers with disabilities may compete, provided such handlers can move about the ring without physical assistance. The use of a wheelchair, crutches, or cane is acceptable.
When necessary, an exercise may be modified in order to help the handler execute the exercise, but the modification must not aid the performance of the dog. The dog is required to perform all parts of the exercises as described in these rules.
The heeling exercises are expected to be performed at a brisk pace and there must be a definite change of pace during the slow and fast portion. Failure to do the above will result in a penalty, the same as for any other handler. Proper heel position must be determined prior to the commencement of the exercises and this position should be maintained throughout.
A handler who is blind may be assisted, if necessary, by the judge to get from one exercise to another. The judge may permit the stewards to utter softly a verbal aid so that the handler may determine the position of the stewards as he performs the Figure Eight. After positioning a handler who is blind for a jumping exercise, the judge may permit the handler to leave the dog and walk up to the jump to feel it in order to determine its exact location.
In the case of a handler with a hearing disability, a judge should take a position so that it will be conveniently possible for the handler to observe continuously the judge during the performance of the individual exercises. If the handler desires, the judge may use prearranged signals, in lieu of verbal commands to the handler, or the handler may provide an interpreter who communicates the judge's commands.
A handler who is prevented from throwing the dumbbell the required distance (in the Retrieve Exercises) by a physical disability may be permitted to line his dog up in the desired starting position, then on the judge's command of "Throw It", the handler may:
Give a "Stay" command, leave the dog, proceed away from the dog, throw the dumbbell and then return alongside the dog to continue the exercise Throw the dumbbell with the aid of a device.
The same procedure may be followed for the Retrieve Over the High Jump except that the handler may go up to, or go around the jump in order to throw the dumbbell the required distance.
In the Group Exercises extra assistance or space may be allowed depending upon the disability. However, the dogs must be in catalogue order.
Qualifying Performance
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The orders for the exercises and the standards for judging are set forth in the following sections. The lists of faults are not intended to be complete but minimum penalties are specified for most of the more common and serious faults. A dog that makes none of the errors listed may still fail to qualify or may be scored zero for other reasons.
The judge shall carry a mental picture of the theoretically perfect performance in each exercise and shall score each dog against this visualized standard of perfection which shall combine the utmost in willingness, enjoyment and precision. Each fault or deviation from this standard must be penalized. There shall be no penalty of less than 1/2 point or multiple of _ point.
The judge must look for the following in testing each dog and score accordingly:
Enjoyment and willingness should be taken into consideration over a better worker that shows fear and a dislike of working.
Talking to the dog by the handler, snapping of fingers, slapping of sides, and stamping of feet will be penalized.
Signalling a correction to a dog from a distance during any exercise is forbidden. During the dog's heelwork, the handler should always walk briskly with the dog on the left side on a loose leash (guiding the dog by the leash is to be penalized)
Naturalness, gentleness and smoothness of handling are to be greatly desired
The dog should never anticipate the handler's orders, but should wait for the commands or signals In all exercises where the dog must return to the handler, a dog that fails to come close enough so that the handler can touch it or recover the article without moving either foot must receive a score of zero
In all exercises where the dog is to return to the handler, while the dog is coming in and until the dog has sat in front, the handler must stand facing the dog with hands and arms hanging naturally at the sides. A substantial deduction shall be given for infractions of this rule.
A judge shall not require any dog or handler to do anything, or penalize a dog or handler for failing to do anything, which is not required by these rules, such as requiring a dog to sit at the conclusion of Stand for Examination and Long Down.
A dog that fails to execute a principal designated feature of any exercise shall not be given a qualifying score in the exercise. A dog that anticipates the principal features of any exercise shall receive a score of zero in that exercise.
A dog which, in the judge's opinion, would have failed to do a principal designated feature of an exercise had the handler not given additional commands or signals not permitted by the standard, shall be scored as though it had failed to do that particular exercise.
A qualifying score must never be awarded to a dog whose performance has not met the minimum requirements, that shows fear, resentment or aggression, relieves itself at any time in the obedience ring, leaves the ring during an exercise (except to complete a retrieve), or to a dog whose handler disciplines or abuses it in the ring. (See Chapter 7, Unsportsmanlike Conduct).
Judge's Orders & Signals
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Before each or part of every exercise, a judge must ask the handler "Are You Ready?," and the exercise shall not start until acknowledged by the handler.
All order or signals given to handlers shall be sufficiently clear and distinguishable for everyone to follow the judging and, at the end of each test, the judge shall say, "Exercise Finished".
When giving orders (especially for heelwork), the judge must not stand at one end of the ring, but shall follow the handler at a discreet distance so that he may observe signals or undertones given by the handler to the dog.
Catalogue Order
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Dogs must be judged in catalogue order to the extent that it is practical to do so without holding up the judging in any ring for a dog that is entered in more than one class at the show and/or trial.
Judges are not required to wait for dogs. It is the responsibility of each handler to be ready with his dog at ringside when required, without waiting to be called.
It is the handler's responsibility to notify the ring steward who notifies the judge if there is likely to be a conflict with the same dog being in the conformation ring. In the case of a conflict between an official obedience class and an unofficial obedience class, the official class takes precedence.
Judge's Book
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The judge shall not judge any dog until he has entered the scores of all dogs judged previously in the official judge's book, and until he has subtotalled such scores. Scores for the Long Sit and Long Down must be entered in the official judge's book immediately after each group of dogs has been judged. No scores may be changed except to correct a mathematical error. All totals must be entered in the judge's book before prizes are awarded. No person other than the judge may make an entry in the judge's book.
Following completion of the judging of each obedience class, the yellow copy of the judge's book which sets forth the scores assigned by the officiating judge, must be posted in a prominent place, within the precincts of the trial.
Upon completion of the judging assignment, the judge must ensure that the cover of the judge's book is completed with start and finish times, signed and H.I.T. recorded and awarded in the ring by the last judge completing the assignment for the trial.
Re-Judging
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If a dog has failed in a particular part of an exercise, it shall not ordinarily be re-judged or given a second chance. If however, in the judge's opinion the dog's performance was prejudiced by peculiar or unusual conditions, the judge may, on a discretionary basis, re-judge the dog on the entire exercise.
Ties
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In case of a tie, the dogs shall be re-tested again by having them perform individually, all or the same part of one or more of the regular exercises. In the case of a tie in Utility, the dogs shall be tested again by performing individually all or the same part of the signal exercise. The original scores shall not be changed.
In case of a tie for High In Trial, the dogs shall be tested by performing the Heel Free exercise individually.
Scoresheets
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At the conclusion of each class judging, judges are required to provide meaningfully marked individual scoresheets to each exhibitor.
Announcement of Scores
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The judge shall not disclose any score or partial score to handlers or spectators until he has completed the judging of the entire class, except that immediately following the Novice and Open group exercises and the directed jumping in Utility and before the handlers have left the ring, the judge shall inform all handlers whether or not they have qualified. After all the scores for the class are recorded, the judge shall call for all available dogs that have won prizes or qualifying scored to be brought into the ring. Before awarding the prizes, the judge shall inform the spectators as to the maximum number of points for a perfect score, and shall then announce the score of each prize winner, and announce to the handler the score of each dog that has won a qualifying score.
Explanations & Errors
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The judge is not required to explain scoring, and should not enter into any discussion with any handler who appears to be dissatisfied. Any interested person who thinks that there may have been a mathematical error, or an error in identifying a dog, may report the facts to one of the ring stewards, or to the superintendent, or show or trial secretary so that the matter may be checked.
Ring Procedure
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The judge shall not permit any handler to train any dog or practice any exercise in the ring either before, during or after being judged.
Imperfections in heeling between exercises will not be judged, but any disciplining by the handler in the ring, or any uncontrolled behaviour of the dog, such as snapping, unjustified barking, or running out of the ring, even between exercises, will be severely penalized by deducting points from the total score, and the judge may excuse the dog from further competition at that trial.
In all classes, dogs will enter the ring on a leash and proceed to the starting position of the first exercise.
In the Novice Class, the dog may be guided gently by the collar between exercises and may be guided by the collar into proper position for the next exercise.
In the Open and Utility Classes, the dumbbell and articles shall be taken from the handler at the entrance to the ring, until required, then returned before leaving the ring.
In Utility, the handler shall carry the glove to the start of the seek back exercise.
In Open and Utility, the dog shall not be put on leash or guided or controlled by the collar at any time from the beginning of the first exercise to the completion of the last exercise.
All dogs must leave the ring on leash. Likewise, all dogs will be brought into and leave the ring on leash for all Group Exercises.
Dogs shall not be picked up and carried in any obedience ring. The penalty imposed shall be a substantial deduction.
Any violation of the Obedience Trial Rules & Regulations committed by the handler will result in substantial or minor deductions or a non-qualifying score.
Physical guidance such as placing the dog in position with the hands or straightening the dog with the knees or feet is not permitted and shall be substantially penalized even if occurring before or between the exercises.
All exercises must be started with the dog sitting in the heel position.
Commands & Signals
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In all parts of all exercises performed in the ring, only one single command or signal may be given by the handler. Any extra commands or signals, or the giving of a command and a signal must be penalized; except that wherever the standard specified command and/or signal, the handler may give either one or the other, or both command and signal simultaneously. Where a signal is permitted and given, it must be a single gesture with either arm and hand only and the arm must be returned immediately to its normal position.
When the dog is in heel position, the handler is permitted to bend body and knees so that the hand is brought to the dog's eye level.
Signals must be inaudible and the handler shall not touch the dog. Signalling correction to the dog from a distance is forbidden. Any unusual noises or motions may be considered to be signals.
The dog's name may be used once immediately before any verbal command, but may not be used when a signal is employed even though the standard specified a command and/or signal. Whistling or the use of a whistle is prohibited. Any of these infractions must be penalized.
Praise, Food & Petting
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Moderate praise and moderate petting is allowed between exercises, and parts of exercises, providing the dog is under control. A dog whose handler takes food or other training aids into the ring must be excused from that class.
Leash & Collar
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The leash used in the Novice Classes shall be approximately 1.83m (6 feet) long and must be fabric or leather.
As each handler enters the ring, the judge shall see that the dog has on either a well-fitting plain buckle (metal or plastic) collar, martingale, slip or quick release collar. Slip collars of an appropriate single length of leather, fabric or chain with 2 rings, one on each end are acceptable. Martingale collars may be of chain, fabric, or leather; or of the all-check type, with fabric or leather around the neck, and chain in the joining loop. Fancy collars, special training collars, or collars that are either too tight or so large that they hang down unreasonably in front of the dog, are not permitted. There shall not be anything hanging from the collars.
Collars other than those specified in these rules are not allowed within the venue. Violation of this may result in the removal of the dog from further competition at that obedience trial.
Heel Position
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Heel position, whether the dog is sitting, standing, lying down, or moving at heel, means that the dog's body shall be in a straight line facing the same direction as the handler. The dog's head to shoulder area should be in line with the handler's left hip and the dog should heel close to the handler but not to the point of touching.
In all heeling exercises, a dog that does not stay within three feet of its handler for at least 50% of the heeling pattern must receive a score of zero.
Rings & Equipment
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The superintendent and the officials of the club holding the obedience trial are responsible for providing rings and equipment which meet the requirements of these rules. However, the judge also must check the ring and equipment provided, and must report to the CKC after the trial any deficiencies that are not promptly corrected upon request.
If the exercises take place indoors, the ring should have a working area of at least 9.14m (30') wide and 12.19m (40') long. The ring must be thoroughly cleaned one hour before the judging starts if it has previously been used for breed judging. The floor shall have a surface or covering adequate to provide firm footing for the largest dogs, and rubber or similar non-slip material for the take-off and landing at all jumps.
At outdoor trials held in conjunction with a conformation show, a separate ring or rings (to be used for obedience only) shall be provided for the obedience classes. The ring size shall have a working area of at least 12.19m (40') wide and 15.24m (50') long. The ground shall be level and the grass, if any, shall be cut short.
Indoor and outdoor rings shall be enclosed with fencing or gates or rope or drapery approximately 60.9 cm (2') high.
The High Jump
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The side posts of the High Jump shall be 1.11m (4 feet) high and the jump shall be 1.52m (5 feet) wide between the posts, and shall be so constructed as to provide adjustment for each 2.54cm (1") increment, from 10.16cm (4") to 91.44cm (36"). The bottom board shall be 10.16cm (4") wide to give the minimum height required from the ground or mat surface, together with additional boards as follows:
- One 2.54cm (1") board
- One 5.08cm (2") board
- One 10.16cm (4") board
- One 15.25cm (6") board
- Three 20.25cm (8") boards
The jump shall be painted a flat white. The width in metric and inches shall be marked clearly on each side of each board in black, in 5.08cm (2") figures with the exception of the 2.54cm (1") board. The various boards' width shall be set up in such a manner that they shall be as nearly as possible the height of the dog at the withers (except for the breeds of dogs listed in Appendix "C").
The judge and handler are responsible for making sure the dog jumps the correct height as required by these rules (See Appendix D for jump height table).
The Broad Jump
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The Broad Jump shall consist of 5 separate hurdles, built to telescope for convenience; 3 hurdles 20.32cm (8") wide; 2 hurdles 10.16cm (4") wide, the largest measuring about 1.52m (5') in length and 15.24cm (6") in height at the highest point, all painted a flat white. When set up, they shall cover a distance equal to twice the height of the High Jump, with the low side of each and the lowest hurdle nearest the dog. The two 10.16cm (4") hurdles (to accommodate the small dogs) pushed together will represent the first 20.32cm (8") hurdle in all distances jumped over 35.56cm (14").
The hurdles shall be used for the various jumps as follows:
- four 20.32cm (8") hurdles for jumps, 127cm - 183cm (50-72")
- three 20.32cm (8") hurdles for jumps, 76.2cm - 122cm (30-48")
- two 20.32cm (8") hurdles for jumps, 40.64cm - 71cm (16-28")
- two 10.16cm (4") hurdles for jumps, 20.5cm - 35.5cm (8-14")
- The highest hurdle shall be removed first when less than 4 hurdles are required.
The judge and handler are responsible for making sure the dog jumps the correct distance as required by these rules.
The Bar Jump
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The Bar Jump shall consist of a bar between 5.08cm and 6.35cm (2-21/2") in diameter. It may be round or square with the 4 edges rounded sufficiently to remove any sharpness. The bar shall be marked in alternate sections of black and white of about 7.62cm (3") each. The bar shall be supported by 2, unconnected, 1.22m (4') upright posts 1.52m (5') apart. The bar shall be adjustable in 2.54cm (1") increments in height, from 10.16cm (4") to 91.44cm (36"), and the jump shall be so constructed and positioned that the bar can be knocked off without disturbing the uprights.
The judge and handler are responsible for making sure the dog jumps the correct height as required by these rules. See Appendix B for construction specifications.
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