OBEDIENCE TRIAL RULES AND REGULATIONS (CKC)

13 TRANSITION CLASSES

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13.1 General

13.1.1 - The Pre-Novice and Intermediate Novice are optional classes that may be offered by the trial giving club. Should a club decide to offer Transition Classes it must be so stated on the premium list.

13.2 Pre-Novice

13.2.1 - The Pre-Novice class shall be for purebred dogs of any breed and those breeds as designated on the list of miscellaneous class breeds and of either sex, which have not earned the title of P.C.D. (Pre-Companion Dog) in Canada.

13.2.2 - Dogs in this class may be handled or exhibited by the owner or any other person. A person may enter more than one dog in this class and must have an additional handler for each dog when they are judged together in the Group Exercise.

13.2.3 - A dog may be entered in the Pre-Novice that has not earned the title of C.D. in Canada or a comparable title in any other country.

13.2.4 - The Pre-Novice class is an elective class and earning a title is not a requirement to advance to the Novice Classes.

13.2.5 - Tests, Order of Judging and Grading Performances

The tests, order of judging, and pass/fail evaluation for a qualifying performance shall be:

13.2.6 - Pre-Novice Title (P.C.D)

(a) The CKC will permit the use of the letters P.C.D. signifying Pre-Companion Dog to be used in connection with and after the name of each dog which has met the requirements for that title as hereinafter provided.

(b) There need not be any specified number of dogs in the Pre-Novice Class. To be permitted to use the title of Pre-Companion Dog a dog must:

(i) be registered in the records of the CKC, or if a miscellaneous class breed, must hold a CKC Miscellaneous Class Certification number, or if foreign born and owned, the dog must have a CKC Registration number, or an Event Registration Number, or Performance Event Number (PEN).

(ii) Receive a qualifying performance pass in each of the five exercises at 3 obedience trials held under these rules; and

(iii) Receive 3 qualifying performances passes under at least 2 different judges.

(c) When the foregoing requirements for the title Pre-Companion Dog are fully met, the owner (who must be recorded as owner in the records of the CKC) shall be entitled to a certificate issued by the CKC certifying that the title has been earned at approved trials held under CKC regulations.

13.2.7 - Heel on Leash

(a) The orders for this exercise are "Are You Ready?", "Forward", "Halt", "Right Turn", "Left Turn", "Fast", "Normal", "Slow", "About Turn" and "Exercise Finished".

(b) In the Pre-Novice class, the handler shall enter the ring with his dog on a loose leash and shall stand still, at the start position, with the dog sitting at heel position until the judge asks, "Are You Ready?". The judge then gives the order, "Forward", at which order the handler may give a command or signal to heel, and at the same time start walking briskly with the dog on a loose leash. The dog shall walk close to the left side of the handler permitting the handler freedom of motion at all times. At each order, "Halt", the handler will stop and the dog should sit smartly on command. Any tightening or jerking of the leash which in the opinion of the judge gives the dog unnecessary or unfair assistance will be scored as failure to perform the principal feature of the exercise.

(c) Handlers are permitted to give moderate encouragement in heeling with no more than two extra commands during this exercise except where designated otherwise and also give moderate praise between exercises.

(d) The judge shall attempt to standardize the heeling routine for all dogs in any class.

(e) The orders "Forward", "Halt", "Right Turn", "Left Turn", "About Turn", "Slow", "Normal", and "Fast", may be given in any sequence and may be repeated if necessary. On the Slow and Fast pace, handler and dog must significantly change pace from Normal. In executing the About Turn, the handler will do a "Right About Turn" in all cases. After the completion of the Heeling Exercise, the judge will say "Exercise Finished".

13.2.8 - Circle Left and Right

(a) The orders for Circle Left are, "Are You Ready", "Forward", "About Turn", "Halt". The orders for Circle Right are, "Forward", "Halt", "Exercise Finished".

(b) In the Circle Left exercise, the handler, with the dog at heel position on a loose leash, in a place designated by the judge and facing the direction the team is to proceed. The judge asks if the handler is ready and upon further order from the judge the handler shall walk briskly executing a left circle on the first rotation around and completely circling both of the two stewards who shall stand about 2.44m (8 feet) apart. The judge will order the team to "About Turn and Halt", after one full rotation, whereupon the dog will sit smartly on command at the handler's left side in the heel position.

(c) In the Circle Right Exercise, the handler, with his dog at heel position on a loose leash, shall execute a right circle completely around both of the stewards who shall stand about 8 feet apart. The judge will order the team to "Halt" after one full rotation whereupon the dog will sit smartly on command at the handler's left side in heel position.

(d) The principal feature of this exercise is the ability of the dog and handler to work together as a team.

(e) Any attempt to control the dog, constantly adapting to the dog's pace, a tight leash or failure to sit when commanded will be considered a failure. No more and two commands are permitted in this exercise, and if in the judge's opinion the dog would not have performed the principal designated feature of the exercise had the handler not given additional extra commands shall be scored as though they failed that particular exercise.

13.2.9 - Sit For Examination

(a) The orders for this exercise are "Are You Ready", "Sit Your Dog for Examination and Leave When Ready", "Back to Your Dog", and "Exercise Finished".

(b) On order from the judge, the handler will command or signal his dog to sit and, without further orders from the judge, will give the command and/or signal to "Stay", walk smartly away in front of the dog to the end of a 1.83m (6 foot) leash, turn and face the dog. The leash shall be held clear of the floor when the handler is in position.

(c) The judge will approach from the front and touch the dog's head only and then will give the order, "Back to Your Dog", whereupon the handler will walk around behind the dog and return to heel position. The dog shall remain sitting until the judge says "Exercise Finished".

(d) The scoring of this exercise shall not start until the handler has given the command and/or signal to "Stay".

(e) The principal features of this exercise are that the dog sits in position before and during examination and shows no shyness, resentment or aggression.

(f) A dog that does not sit on command, lies down, moves from the place where left, shows shyness or resentment or aggression before or during the exercise or any rough treatment of the dog by the handler or active resistance by the dog to the handler's attempts to make it sit shall be scored as a failure or if in the judge's opinion, the dog would not have performed the principal feature of the exercise had the handler not given an extra command shall be scored as though the dog failed that particular exercise.

13.2.10 Recall

(a) The orders for this exercise are "Are You Ready", "Leave Your Dog", "Call Your Dog", "Exercise Finished".

(b) In this exercise, the handler will remove the leash from the dog, thereafter keeping it in one hand or place it around this neck, and upon a "Ready" acknowledgement from the handler the judge will further order the handler to, "Leave Your Dog". The handler will give the dog a command and/or signal to stay in the sitting position, leave the dog and go about 6.1m (20 feet) turn and face the dog. Upon order or signal from the judge, "Call Your Dog", the handler will call or signal the dog which must come within arm's length radius of the handler. The dog will sit on the handler's command and remain sitting until the handler reaches, without moving either foot or having to stretch forward, to touch the dog's collar and clips the leash back on the dog. The dog must remain sitting until the judge says, "Exercise Finished". The dog may be given verbal encouragement once it reached half the distance in the recall and it must come promptly to the handler.

(c) The principal features of this exercise are that the dog stays where left and comes promptly to the handler when called.

(d) The dog that fails to stay where left until called, or receives an additional command or signal to come or does not come close enough to the handler to touch the dog's collar without moving either foot will be considered a failure.

13.2.11 - Group Sit Exercise - Long Sit

(a) The orders for this exercise are "Sit Your Dogs", "Leave Your Dogs", "Back to Your Dogs", "Exercise Finished".

(b) In the Long Sit Exercise, all competing dogs in a class take the exercises together, except that if there are more than 8 dogs, they are split into groups of not more than 8.

(i) Dogs and handlers shall enter the ring on leash and in catalogue order along one side of the ring.

(ii) Handler's armbands shall be placed behind the dogs. The leash shall remain attached to the dog's collar and shall be neatly placed at the dog's right side.

(iii) On order from the judge, "Are You Ready?" the judge will give the order "Sit Your Dogs", the handlers sit their dogs and on further order from the judge to "Leave Your Dogs". The handlers shall give the "Stay" command and/or signal to stay and immediately proceed to the centre of the ring where they will turn and line up facing their respective dogs.

(iv) The scoring of this exercise will not start until the judge gives the command "Leave Your Dogs".

(v) The judge shall take a position in the ring where both the dogs and the handlers can be observed.

(vi) After 30 seconds from the time the judge has ordered the handlers to leave their dogs, the judge will order the handlers "Back to Your Dogs", whereupon the handlers must return promptly to their own dog, each walking around behind the dog to the heel position.

(vii) The dogs should not move from position nor should handlers touch the dog until after the judge says "Exercise Finished".

(c) No additional commands are permitted during this exercise however; moderate praise should be given upon completion of this exercise.

(d) The principal features of this exercise are for the dog to stay and remain in the sitting position until the handler returns to the heel position.

(e) A dog which fails to remain in the sitting position after the judge gives the order "Leave Your Dogs" until the judge orders "Exercise Finished" shall not receive a pass rating. A dog, which in the judge's opinion, would have failed to do the principal designated feature of the exercise had the handler not given extra commands or signals shall be scored as though he had failed to perform that particular exercise. Any unreasonable barking or whining, or going over to another dog is also considered failure to do the exercise.

13.3 Novice Intermediate Class

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13.3.1 - Novice-Intermediate class shall be for purebred dogs of any breed and those breeds as designated on the list of miscellaneous class breeds and of either sex that have earned the title of (C.D.) Companion Dog, Companion Dog Excellent, Utility Dog and any other advanced obedience title in Canada.

13.3.2 - A dog eligible for entry in the Open A or B class at any obedience trial held under these rules is also eligible for entry in the Novice C and Novice Intermediate class at the same trial.

13.3.3 - The Novice Intermediate class (C.D.I.) is an elective class and earning a title is not a requirement to advance to a Companion Dog Excellent title. Scores earned by dogs competing in this class are not eligible for High In Trial. Dogs are eligible to compete in this class indefinitely.

13.3.4 - Dogs in this class may be handled or exhibited by the owner or any other person. A person may enter more than one dog in this class.

13.3.5 - Tests, Order of Judging and Scores

The tests, order of judging and scores for a qualifying performance shall be:

(a) Honour 30 points

(b) Heel Free and Figure 8 40 points

(d) Recall Holding Dumbbell 40 points

(e) Drop from Heel 30 points

(f) Broad Jump 30 points

13.3.6 - Companion Dog Intermediate (C.D.I.)

(a) The CKC will permit the use of the letters C.D.I., signifying Companion Dog Intermediate, to be used in connection with and after the name of each dog, which has met the requirements for that title as hereinafter provided.

(b) There need not be any specified number of dogs in competition in the Novice Intermediate class. To be permitted to use the title Companion Dog Intermediate a dog must:

(i) be registered with the CKC, or have an Event Registration Number (ERN), or a Performance Event Number (PEN) or if listed in the miscellaneous list a Miscellaneous Certification Number (MCN).

(ii) receive a qualifying score of more than 50% of the available points in each of the 6 exercises and a total score of 170 or more points in the Novice Intermediate Class at 3 Obedience Trials held under these regulations; and

(iii) receive three qualifying scores under at least two different judges.

(c) When the foregoing requirements for a title are fully met, the owner (who must be recorded as owner in the records of the CKC) shall be entitled to a certificate issued by the CKC certifying that the title has been earned at approved trials held under CKC regulations.

13.3.7 - Honouring

(a) The orders for this exercise are "Down Your Dog", "Leave Your Dog", "Back to Your Dog", and "Exercise Finished".

(b) In the Honour Exercise, the Honouring Dog enters the ring before the Working Dog and is placed in the "Down" just before the Working Dog begins its exercise and is released after the completion of the "Figure 8" exercise.

(c) The handler, with the Honouring Dog on a loose leash, enters the ring and proceeds in heel position to a place designated by the judge that will not interfere with the judge or the dog that is working, but close enough so that the Honouring Dog will be exposed to the distraction of the Working Dog.

(d) The handler's armband, weighted with the leash if necessary, shall be placed behind the dog. On order from the judge to "Down Your Dog", the handler will down the dog and on further order from the judge to "Leave Your Dog", the handler shall give the command and/or signal to stay and immediately leave the dog, go to the opposite side of the ring, turn and face the dog. The handler will stand so as not to interfere with the Working Dog, its handler or the judge.

(e) The dog shall remain in the down position until the judge orders the handler "Back to Your Dog", whereupon the handler will return promptly to the dog, walking around behind the dog to heel position. The dog should not move from the down position until the judge says "Exercise Finished".

(f) Upon completion of Honouring Exercise, the Honour Dog shall be scored, put back on leash and released from the ring.

(g) A designated steward is to assist the judge as needed in watching the Honouring Dog.

(h) The scoring of this exercise will not start until the judge gives the command to "Down Your Dog".

(i) The principal feature of this exercise is for the dog to down and stay and remain in the down position.

(j) A score of zero shall be given to any dog which, at any time during the exercise, moves a substantial distance from where it was left, barks or whines unreasonably, or fails to remain in the down position until the handler has returned to the heel position.

(k) A substantial deduction shall be given for repositioning the dog after the dog is in the down position, sitting or standing after the handler has returned to the heel position but before the judge has said "Exercise Finished.

(l) Substantial or minor deductions, depending on the circumstances shall be given for touching the dog or its collar in getting it into the down position, occasional barking or whining, or movement from position before the handler has returned to heel position.

13.3.8 - Heel Free and the Figure 8

(a) The orders and scoring for this exercise shall be the same as for the Heel on Leash. Heeling in both Novice and Novice Intermediate classes is done in the same manner except all Intermediate Novice exercises are done off leash. The leash shall be removed from the dog at the start position and placed on the judge's table for all work done in the Novice Intermediate exercises.

(b) In the Novice-Intermediate class, the handler shall enter the ring with the dog on a loose leash and shall stand still, at the starting position, with the dog sitting at heel position, thereafter removing the leash and handing it to a steward after which time the judge asks if the handler is ready.

(c) The judge then gives the order "Forward", at which order the handler may give the command or signal to heel, and at the same time start walking briskly with the dog. The dog shall walk close to the handler without forging, lagging or crowding; permitting the handler freedom of motion at all times.

(d) At each order to "Halt", the handler will stop and the dog should sit smartly at heel without command or signal. It is permissible after each halt, before moving again, for the handler to give the command or signal to heel.

(e) Any act, signal, or command, which in the opinion of the judge gives the dog unnecessary or unfair assistance, shall be penalized.

(f) The judge shall attempt to standardize the heeling routine for all dogs in any class.

(g) The orders "Forward", "Halt", "Right Turn", "Left Turn", "About Turn", "Slow", "Normal", and "Fast" may be given in any sequence and may be repeated if necessary. On the Slow and Fast pace, handler and dog must significantly change pace from Normal. In executing the About Turn, the handler will do a Right About Turn in all cases. After completing the heeling exercise, the judge will say "Exercise Finished" and "Are You Ready?" before the start of the Figure 8.

(h) In the Figure 8 exercise, the handler with the dog shall walk briskly around and between the 2 stewards who shall stand about 2.44m (8 feet) apart. The handler and dog shall go twice completely around the Figure 8 with at least one halt during and one halt at the end of the exercise.

(i) The principal feature of this exercise is the ability of the dog and handler to work as a team.

(j) A score of zero shall be given if a dog is unmanageable, or if the handler constantly controls the dog's performance or constantly adapts to the dog's pace.

(k) Substantial deductions shall be given for additional commands to heel, or for failure of the dog or handler to noticeably change pace for Fast or Slow, or failure to sit at a Halt.

(l) Substantial or minor deductions shall be given for poor sits, lagging, heeling wide, forging, crowding, or failure of the handler to walk at a brisk normal pace, or any other imperfections in heeling.

13.3.9 - Stand for Examination (Off Leash)

(a) The orders for this exercise shall be "Stand Your Dog" and "Leave When Ready" "Back to Your Dog", "Exercise Finished".

(b) On order from the judge to "Stand Your Dog" and "Leave When Ready" the handler will stand and/or pose the dog and without further orders from the judge, will give the command and/or signal to "Stay", walk away in front of the dog approximately 1.83m (6') turn and face the dog.

(c) The handler must give a command and/or signal to stand the dog and may pose the dog as described in the Novice exercise. The handler may take any reasonable time with the command and /or signal to the dog to stand before deciding to give the command and/or signal to stay.

(d) The judge will approach from the front and examine the dog as in conformation; however the judge may not open the dog's mouth, touch the dog's testicles or feet.

(f) The judge will give the order "Back to Your Dog" whereupon the handler will walk around behind the dog and return to heel position. The dog shall remain in a standing position until the judge says "Exercise Finished".

(g) The scoring of this exercise will not start until the handler has given the command and/or signal to "Stay", except for such things as rough treatment of the dog by its handler or active resistance by the dog to the handler's attempts to make it stand, which shall be penalized substantially.

(h) The principal features of this exercise are that the dog is to stand in position before and during examination and to show no shyness, resentment or aggression.

(i) A score of zero shall be given if a dog, either before or during the examination, sits, lies down, moves away from the place where left, displays shyness, resentment or aggression, or if a dog growls or snaps at any time. Substantial or minor deductions shall be given for the dog that moves its feet, sits or lies down after the examination but before the judge says "Exercise Finished".

13.3.10 - Recall Holding the Dumbbell

(a) The orders for this exercise shall be "Give the Dumbbell", "Leave Your Dog", "Call the Dog", "Take It", "Finish", "Exercise Finished".

(b) In this exercise upon order or signal from the judge to "Give the Dumbbell", the handler, while standing with the dog at the heel position will, on command or signal from the judge, command the dog to take the dumbbell. The dumbbell may either be placed in the dog's mouth or presented to the dog whereupon the handler may give the command to take the dumbbell and continue holding it.

(c) Upon further order from the judge to "Leave Your Dog" the handler will give the dog the command and/or signal to stay in the sitting position, leave the dog, and go about 12.19m (40'), turn and face the dog. Upon order or signal from the judge, "Call Your Dog", the handler will call the dog which must come at a brisk pace, sitting straight in front of the handler, close enough so that the handler can touch the dog readily without moving either foot or having to stretch forward. Upon order from the judge to "Take It", the handler may command the dog to give it up, then takes it. Upon order or signal from the judge to "Finish", the dog, on command or signal, should go smartly to heel.

(d) The recall should be executed at a brisk pace without unnecessary mouthing or playing with the dumbbell.

(e) In the Finish, the method in which the dog goes to heel should be at the option of the handler, provided it is done smartly.

(f) The principal features of this exercise are that the dog shall take the dumbbell, stay where left, and come promptly to the handler when called.

(g) A score of zero shall be given to any dog that does not take the dumbbell, fails to stay where it is left until called, or receives an additional command or signal to stay after the handler leaves, or fails to come on the first command or signal, fails to deliver the dumbbell or does not come close enough for the handler to touch the dog's head without moving either foot or fails to give up the dumbbell plus all those penalties applicable to the Novice Recall.

(h) Substantial or minor deductions shall be made for a second command to stay before the handler leaves, for standing or lying down instead of waiting it the sit position, for slow response to come, for failure to sit in front, mouthing, playing with or dropping the dumbbell, for the handler having the stretch forward to take the dumbbell, plus those penalties applicable to the Novice Recall.

13.3.11 - Drop from Heel

(a) The orders for this exercise shall be "Are You Ready", "Forward", "Drop Your Dog", "Leave Your Dog", "Call Your Dog", "Finish", "Exercise Finished".

(b) In this exercise, upon order from the judge, the handler will heel with the dog approximately 12.19m (20') with the dog in a straight line and on further command or signal from the judge to "Drop Your Dog", the handler shall command and/or signal the dog to drop.

(c) Upon order or signal from the judge to "Leave Your Dog", the handler will give the dog the command and/or signal to stay in the down position, leave the dog, go to the far end of the ring, and turn to face the dog. Upon order or signal from the judge to "Call Your Dog", the handler shall call or signal the dog which must come straight at a brisk pace sitting straight in front of the handler, close enough so that the handler can readily touch the dog's head without moving either foot or having to stretch forward. Upon order or signal from the judge to "Finish" the dog on command or signal should go smartly to heel.

(d) The method by which a dog goes to heel shall be optional with the handler providing it is done smartly.

(e) The dog will be judged on the promptness of its response to the command or signal to drop and all the designated features of the recall and heeling exercises.

(f) The principal features of this exercise are the heeling of the dog as described for the Heeling exercises, the dog's ability to respond correctly to the handler's command or signal to drop, and to come promptly to the handler when called.

(g) A score of zero shall be given any dog that anticipates the drop, does not drop completely to the down position on a single command or signal, or for a dog that does not remain the down position until called or signalled to come, plus those penalties applicable to Heeling and the Novice Recall.

(h) Substantial or minor deductions, varying with the degree of error, shall be made for a slow response to the handler's command or signal to drop, for delay or slowness in the recall, plus the penalties applicable to the Heeling Exercise and the Novice Recall.

13.3.12 - Broad Jump

(a) The orders for this exercise shall be "Leave Your Dog", "Send Your Dog", "Finish", "Exercise Finished".

(b) In this exercise, the handler will stand with his dog in heel position at least 2.44m (8') from and in front of the jump. When set up, the jump shall be spaced to cover a distance equal to 1 _ the height of the dog at the withers, and the lowest hurdle nearest the dog or twice the height of the high jump with specific breed exceptions.

(c) On order from the judge to "Leave Your Dog", the handler will give the dog the command and/or signal to stay and go to a position facing the right side of the jump about 2.44m (8 feet) beyond and in a direct line with the right side of the jump. On order from the judge, "Send Your Dog", the handler will give the command or signal to jump and the dog should clear the entire width of the broad jump without touching it and, without further command or signal, return to a sitting position straight in front of the handler. The handler shall change position while the dog is in mid-air by executing a right turn. Upon order from the judge, "Finish" the dog, on command or signal, should go smartly to heel. The judge will further command "Exercise Finished".

(d) The principal features of this exercise are that the dog stays where left, jumps on command or signal.

(e) A score of zero shall be given any dog which fails to stay until directed to jump, is given an extra command to stay after the handler leaves, refuses to jump on the first command or signal, walks over any part of the jump, fails to clear the full distance, or fails to come close enough to the handler to touch the dog's head without moving either foot.

(f) Substantial or minor deductions shall be given for the dog being given an extra command or signal to stay before the handler leaves; for the handler standing too close to the jump; for the dog that stands or lies down before directed to jump; for touching the jump going over; for the handler not turning while the dog is in mid-air; or for a poor return, plus all penalties applicable to the Novice Recall.

13.4 Novice "C"

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13.4.1 - The Novice "C" class is open to any dog of either sex that has gained the title Companion Dog, Companion Dog Excellent, Utility Dog or any other advanced obedience title in Canada prior to the closing date of the trial in which it is to be entered. Exhibitors may enter more than one dog in this class but must have a separate handler for each dog in the Long Sit and the Long Down exercises when they are judged in the same group. The Novice "C" exercises will be performed and judged as described in the official Novice class except that exhibitors may compete in the Novice "C" class indefinitely.

13.4.2 - Scores earned by dogs entered in the Novice "C" class are not eligible for High In Trial.

13.4.3 - The P.C.D. and C.D.I. and Novice "C" are elective classes which are offered for those people who feel the dog requires ring experience and acclimation to the trial situation or would like to earn additional titles. Dogs may be entered in the Novice Intermediate (C.D.I.) and/or Novice "C" in addition to any one of the Official Classes or Unofficial Classes.

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