OBEDIENCE TRIAL RULES AND REGULATIONS (CKC)

13 UTILITY CLASS

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13.1 Utility Class A

13.1.1 - The Utility A Class shall be for any dog of any recognized or listed breed which has earned the title of C.D.X. but has not earned the title of U.D.

13.1.2 - Any person who has trained or exhibited a dog that has earned a M.O.T.Ch title may not handle dogs in this class.

13.1.3 - The handler of any dog in this class must be the owner or a member of their immediate families.

13.1.4 - Owners may enter more than one dog in this class.The same person must handle the dog in all exercises.

13.1.5 - When a dog is wrongfully entered in this class, any score awarded will be cancelled.

13.2 Utility Class B

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13.2.1 - The Utility B Class shall be for any dog of any recognized or listed breed which has earned the title of C.D.X. or U.D.

13.2.2 - Dogs in this class may be handled by the owner or any other person.

13.2.3 - Owners may enter more than one dog in this class.The same person must handle the dog in all exercises.

13.2.4 - No dog may be entered in both the Utility A and Utility B classes at any one trial.

13.2.5 - Prior to the start of judging, the judge will decide the order of exercises to be performed. This order will not be disclosed to exhibitors until it is posted at the ring side, approximately 30 minutes 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.

13.3 Tests, Order of Judging & Scores for Utility A

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13.3.1 - The tests, order of judging and scores for a perfect performance shall be:

    (a) Seek Back

    30 points


    (b) Scent Discrimination Article No.1

    30 points


    (c) Scent Discrimination Article No.2

    30 points


    (d) Signal Exercise

    40 points


    (e) Moving Stand

    30 points


    (f) Directed Jumping

    40 points



    Maximum Total Score 200 points

13.4 Tests, Order of Judging & Scores for Utility B

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13.4.1 - The tests, order of judging and scores for a perfect performance shall be:

UTILITY 1

    (a) Seek

    30 points


    (b) Scent Discrimination Article No.1

    30 points


    (c) Scent Discrimination Article No.2

    30 points


    (d) Signal Exercise

    40 points


    (e) Moving Stand

    30 points


    (f) Directed Jumping

    40 points

UTILITY 2

    (a) Signal Exercise

    40 points


    (b) Scent Discrimination Article No.1

    30 points


    (c) Scent Discrimination Article No.2

    30 points


    (d) Seek Back

    30 points


    (e) Moving Stand

    30 points


    (f) Directed Jumping

    40 points

UTILITY 3

    (a) Directed Jumping

    40 points


    (b) Moving Stand

    30 points


    (c) Seek Back

    30 points


    (d) Scent Discrimination Article No.1

    30 points


    (e) Scent Discrimination Article No.2

    30 points


    (f) Signal Exercise

    40 points

UTILITY 4

    (a) Scent Discrimination Article No.1

    30 points


    (b) Scent Discrimination Article No.2

    30 points


    (c) Seek Back

    30 points


    (d) Signal Exercise

    40 points


    (e) Moving Stand

    30 points


    (f) Directed Jumping

    40 points

UTILITY 5

    (a) Moving Stand

    30 points


    (b) Directed Jumping

    40 points


    (c) Signal Exercise

    40 points


    (d) Seek Back

    30 points


    (e) Scent Discrimination Article No.1

    30 points


    (f) Scent Discrimination Article No.1

    30 points

UTILITY 6

    (a) Seek Back

    30 points


    (b) Signal Exercise

    40 points


    (c) Directed Jumping

    40 points


    (d) Moving Stand

    30 points


    (e) Scent Discrimination Article No.1

    30 points


    (f) Scent Discrimination Article No.1

    30 points

 

13.5 Utility Dog Title (U.D.)

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13.5.1 - The CKC will permit the use of the letters U.D. signifying Utility 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.

13.5.2 - To be permitted to use the title Utility Dog a dog must:

    (a) 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).

    (b) Earn a qualifying score of more than 50% of the available points in each of the six (6) exercises and a total score of 170 or more points in the Utility Class at three (3) obedience trials held under these regulations.

    (c) Earn three (3) qualifying scores under at least two (2) different judges in the Utility A and/or B class.

13.5.3 - When the foregoing requirements for the title of Utility 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.

13.6 Seek Back

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13.6.1 The principal features of this exercise are the heeling of the dog as described for the Heel Free Exercise and that the dog shall, on command, seek and retrieve the glove and return promptly with it to the handler.

13.6.2 - The orders for this exercise are: “Forward,” (followed by any other orders which the judge may give from the Heel Free routine), “Drop it,” “Halt,” “Send your dog,” “Take it,” “Finish,” “Exercise finished.” The judge must include at least one right or left turn in the heeling pattern. The glove will be dropped anywhere other than the center line of the send away.

13.6.3 - The glove must be plain, dark in color, and approved by the judge. It must be carried in the handler’s right hand.

13.6.4 - The handler will stand with the dog sitting in the heel position and on the judge’s order, will signal or command the dog to walk at heel. The handler and dog will execute the portions of the heel free exercise as the judge orders. On the judge’s order to “Drop it”, the handler will surreptitiously drop the glove while walking with the dog at heel. When the handler and the dog have proceeded at least 9.14m (30’) after dropping of the glove, the judge will order the handler to turn and halt facing the end of the ring where the glove was dropped. Then on order from the judge, the handler will give the command or signal to seek and retrieve the glove.

13.6.5 - The handler must not point to the glove, but may point in the direction of the trail. He is to remain in the place from which the dog was sent. The dog may retrieve either by sight or scent and is expected to pick up the glove smartly and return briskly to the handler. The exercise is completed as in the Retrieve On Flat Exercise.

13.6.6 - A non-qualifying score shall be given any dog which fails to leave the handler on the first command, goes before commanded, does not continue to seek, does not find and pick up the glove, does not return close enough for the handler to take it without moving either foot, or refuses to give up the glove.

13.6.7 - Substantial or minor deductions, depending on the circumstances, shall be given for imperfections in heeling, playing with the glove, going or returning slowly, failure to return directly, or reluctance to release the glove.

13.6.8 - All penalties listed under the Heel Free and Retrieve On Flat exercises shall also apply.

13.7 Scent Discrimination

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13.7.1 - The principal features of this exercise are the dog’s selection of the handler’s articles from among the other articles by scent alone, and returning the article promptly to the handler.

13.7.2 The orders for each of these exercises are “Take an article,” “Are you ready?” “Send your dog,” “Take it,”,”Finish,” and “Exercise finished.”

13.7.3 The judge must ensure that the same two (2) materials from two of the three (3) article sets are used for each exhibitor.The materials to be used for each trail will be posted at ringside 30 minutes prior to the start of judging.

13.7.4 The Scent Discrimination exercise consists of 2 separate exercises in which the dog must select an article by scent.The articles shall be provided by the handler and shall consist of 3 sets of 5 identical articles. One set will be made of wood, one of metal, and one of leather. The articles may be items of everyday use. The size of the articles will be proportionate to the size of the dog.The metal articles will be of rigid metal. The articles in each set will be legibly numbered with a different number, and must be approved by the judge.The judge will select the two articles to be used. These 2 articles shall be placed conveniently within reach of the handler and shall not be handled by anyone else. The remaining 13 articles will be placed in full view, about 6.09m (20’) in front of the handler and dog, about 15.24cm (6”) apart and may be handled by the steward or judge.

13.7.5 After the articles are placed, the handler will turn his back to the articles. On the judge’s order, the handler will choose 1 of the 2 designated articles.The handler should confirm the number of the article with the judge and one steward. The judge will make certain the handler scents each article with their hands only. The handler’s hands must remain in plain sight at all times.When ready, the handler will put the article on the judge’s book or clipboard.The judge will ask “Are you ready?” then place the scented article among the other articles.

13.7.6 Taking the article from the handler will be considered the first order, and scoring of the exercise will begin at that time.

13.7.7 On the judge’s order, the handler may send the dog either directly or from heel position.

(a) If sending the dog directly, the handler may give the dog his scent by placing the palm of one hand in front of the dog’s nose and returning it to the original position then give the command or signal to retrieve before executing the right about turn towards the articles.

(b) If sending from heel position, the handler will give the dog the command or signal to heel, execute a right about turn, then stop, facing the articles. The dog should execute the turn with the handler and sit at heel. The handler may give the dog his scent by placing the palm of one hand in front of the dog’s nose and returning it to the original position before giving the command or signal to retrieve. The method by which the handler sends the dog must be the same for both articles.

13.7.8 The dog shall go briskly to the articles, but may take a reasonable time to select the correct article provided the dog works continuously. After finding and picking up the correct article, the dog should bring it briskly to the handler.The exercise is completed as in the Retrieve on Flat exercise.

13.7.9 The same procedure shall be followed in each of the two (2) Scent Discrimination Exercises. Should an incorrect article be retrieved in either exercise, the incorrect article shall be placed on the judge’s table or chair and the judge must remove the handler’s scented article from the remaining articles. After the completion of the exercise, the articles shall be picked up and removed.

13.7.10 A non-qualifying score shall be given any dog which fails to go to the articles on the first command or signal, fails to retrieve the correct article, goes to the articles before the command or signal is given, fails to return close enough for the handler to take it without moving either foot, fails to give up the article or if the handler changes his method of sending the dog.

13.7.11 Substantial deductions shall be given for a dog that is excessively slow going or returning, or which picks up an incorrect article, even if the dog puts it down immediately.

13.7.12 Substantial or minor deductions, depending on the circumstances, shall be given to a dog which does not work continuously or plays excessively with or mouths the articles.

13.7.13 All penalties listed under the Retrieve On Flat Exercise shall also apply.

13.7 Signal Exercise

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13.8.1 - The principal features of this exercise are the heeling of the dog as described for the Heel Free Exercises, and the dog’s ability to respond correctly to the handler’s signals.

13.8.2 - The orders for this exercise are the same as in the Novice Heel Free exercise as well as “Stand your dog” and “Leave your dog”. In addition the judge will signal the handler to drop, sit, come and “finish” the dog in that order.

13.8.3 - In the Signal Exercise the heeling is done in the same manner as the Novice Heel Free Exercise except that throughout the entire exercise the handler uses signals only and should not speak to the dog at any time.

13.8.4 - Following a heeling pattern executed as in the Novice Heel Free Exercise, on the judge’s order, while heeling at a normal pace, the handler shall signal the dog to stand in the heel position near one end of the ring. On further order, the handler shall signal the dog to stay, then walk to the far end of the ring, turn and face the dog. On specific signals from the judge, the handler shall signal the dog to drop, sit, come and finish.

13.8.5 - Each signal must be given smartly with one single gesture, using either arm and hand only. The arm must be returned immediately to its original position.

13.8.6 - A non-qualifying score shall be given to any dog which fails to stand, remain standing where left, drop, sit, come close to the handler on a single signal or to a handler that gives an audible command to the dog to do any part of these exercises.

13.8.7 - Substantial deductions shall be given for any audible command given during the heeling part of the exercise or for the finish.

13.8.8 - Substantial or minor deductions, depending on the circumstances, shall be given for a dog that makes minor moves during the stand, drop, and/or sit portion of the exercise.

13.8.9 - All penalties listed under the Novice Heel and Recall Exercises shall also apply.

13.9 Moving Stand & Examination

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13.9.1 - The principal features of this exercise are that the dog heel, stand and stay as the handler moves away, accept the examination without shyness, resentment or aggression and return to the handler on command.

13.9.2 - The orders for this exercise are: "Forward," "Stand," "Call your dog," "Finish" and "Exercise finished".

13.9.3 - The handler will stand with his dog sitting in heel position at a point indicated by the judge. On the judge's order the handler will command or signal the dog to heel and walk forward at a normal pace. After the handler has proceeded about 3.05m (10’), on the judge's order, the handler will command without pausing and/or signal the dog to stand and continue forward about 3.05m - 3.66m (10’-12’), then turn around and stand facing the dog.The dog must stand and stay in position. The judge will approach from the front to examine the dog as in conformation, except that the judge shall not open the dog’s mouth or touch the dog’s testicles or tail. On the judge's order or signal, the handler will command or signal the dog to come and complete the exercise as in the Novice Recall Exercise.

13.9.4 - A non-qualifying score will be given to any dog that displays fear, resentment, or aggression, moves from the place where it was left, sits or lies down before it is called, repeatedly whines or barks, stands before commanded or fails to heel, stand, stay or to accept the judge's examination or returns to the handler.

13.9.5 - Substantial or minor deductions, depending on the circumstances, shall be given to a handler that hesitates or pauses while giving the stand command and/or signal, or a dog which moves its feet while remaining in place.

13.9.6 - All penalties listed under the Novice Heel Free, Stand for Examination and Recall Exercises shall also apply.

13.10 Directed Jumping

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13.10.1 - The principal features of this exercise are that the dog shall go away from the handler in the direction indicated, stop when commanded, and jump as directed.

13.10.2 - The orders for this exercise are: "Send your dog", "High jump," "Bar jump," "Finish" and "Exercise finished".

13.10.3 - The handler will stand with the dog sitting in heel position on the center line of the ring about 6.09m (20’) from the line of the jumps. The jumps shall be placed midway in the ring at right angles to the sides of the ring, not less than 4.27m (14’) apart. The bar jump is to be placed on one side and the high jump on the other side. Jump heights are to be set as in the Retrieve Over High Jump exercise.

13.10.4 - In the first half of this exercise, on the judge's order, the handler will command and/or signal the dog to go forward at a brisk pace between the jumps to the other end of the ring to an equal distance beyond the jumps and in the approximate center, at which point the handler will command the dog to sit. The dog should stop, turn to face the handler and sit.The dog need not sit squarely at this point.

13.10.5 - The judge will then designate which jump (bar jump or high jump) is to be jumped first; whereupon, the handler will command and/or signal the dog to return over the designated jump. The order of the jumps shall be the same for all dogs. The jump shall be jumped clear. The signal must be a single gesture with one arm and hand only, and the arm must be immediately returned to its original position. While the dog is in midair, the handler may turn to face the dog as it lands. The dog shall sit in front of the handler and finish as in the Recall Exercise.

13.10.6 - The same procedure will be followed for the second half of the exercise except the opposite jump will be taken. It is the judge’s option to designate which jump is to be taken first but both jumps must be taken to complete the exercise.

13.10.7 - A non-qualifying score shall be given to a dog that does not leave the handler on the first command and/or signal, leaves before the command and/or signal is given, does not go out between the jumps, stops before commanded, does not stop on command at least 3.05m (10') beyond the jumps, does not jump as directed on the first command in either half of the exercise, takes a jump before commanded, climbs the jump, or knocks off the bar or to a handler that gives a second command to sit while the dog is still in motion.

13.10.8 - Substantial deductions shall be given to any dog which does not sit on command or to a handler who gives a second command to sit after the dog has stopped.

13.10.9 - Substantial or minor deductions, depending on the circumstances, shall be given to any dog which does not stop in the approximate center of the ring about 6.09m (20’) beyond the line of the jumps, is slow in going or returning, touches the jumps or to a handler that turns to face the dog before it has jumped or after it has landed.

13.10.10 - All penalties listed under the Recall Exercises shall also apply.

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