On this weekend the Lagos City Hall organized a guided tour to the Dinosaur footsteps traces left in Salena Beach 120 million years ago.
Definitely a very well done initiative since hardily I could distinguish this footsteps on the rock and since Prof. Luís Azevedo Rodrigues was the guide, everything was properly explained and become a very educational and lightening trip.
Because it was field visit I took Teco, my Australian Shepherd, to give him and people the chance to interact.
It was a very pleasant trip, in a sunny day, that allowed us to know a new Algarve area.
1º set of footsteps that is believed to me made by a Terópodes group
Herding is one of the most antique activities engaged by the team men-dog. Its origin come from the necessity of men to have large herds and to control those herds. Being the dog his companion a collaboration relation form. The first herding dogs were big animals, somewhat difficult to control, but help direction the herd.
When men necessities changed, many different type of dogs start to be mixed in a search of the ideal herding dog. Only the dogs in a litter that worked and show skills that were interesting to herding were kept and bread.
As centuries went by and modern age come, the shepherd dog lost some of its use, but still, many countries use herding dogs in farms and keep then with the some herding functions.
The herding trials were created to incentive people to continue this activity in our modern world. No individual that sees such a trial can’t keep be wonder with the team work between men and dog.
International Rules for Sheepdog Trials
INTRODUCTION
The object of a trial course is to test the ability of a dog to manage sheep properly under the variable circumstances which may be encountered in everyday work: the various tests such as Penning, Leading, Grazing, Traffic/Obstacles and Immobilizations (Stops) are all tasks which may be necessary as the shepherd goes his daily round. The aims of the sheepdog trials should be to promote good handling of the sheep with a minimum of stress for them as well a good handling of the sheepdog, to promote its utility and sport, and to secure and select the best working lines. It reflects "traditional herding". Regarding the difficulties of finding the "ideal field" or the "ideal sheep" some flexibility is allowed in the distances and in the amount of sheep used in the three classes 1, 2, 3. Before a dog is allowed to compete in a trial it has to pass the FCI Herding Working Test (Traditional style). International trials shall be conducted according to these rules. Those trials must be advertised as: CACIT International Herding Trial - FCI. The catalogue must show the FCI logo together with the following notice: “Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)”.
GENERAL CONDITIONS
Organization The organization is carried out by a national sheepdog working group which has to be affiliated to, or have an agreement with its National Canine Organization recognized by the FCI. Large areas with a variety of characteristics are required. The course is to be set up for a suitable work.
Trial Committee The organizing committee for each local, national or international trial works under the responsibility of its national sheepdog working group which has to be affiliated to, or have an agreement with its National Canine Organization recognized by the FCI. . This committee, with the agreement of its working group, will determine the number of entries for each class, the entry fees and all the awards. Sheepdog trials should be organized on clean and closed field (natural edges, fences or flexi nets) that gives a maximum of security for the public, sheep and dogs.
The organizing committee consists of members in charge of :
- getting all the helpers they need, - sending the programme to the competitors and judges as soon as possible, - preparing the judging sheet (report) and providing assistants for the judges, - laying out the course and supervising the running of their respective trial, - controlling the good health of the sheep and the dogs, - controlling the handler’s and dog’s qualifications to run in the class, - keeping all the dogs out of the field before and after their respective run, - handing over the judging sheet (report), correctly filled and signed, to each competitor.
It is the responsibility of each member organisation to select the team (handler & dog) for any local, national or international trial.
The organizing committee is to be headed by one course director responsible for all the tasks related to the trial; he should be present at all times.
Sheep The sheep in all classes will be selected in such a way that each competitor shall work with sheep of equal quality. Preferably, the sheep used for the trials shall all come from the same flock and be similar in type. The sheep shall be well dogged, in good condition, age and shape. Lambs should be weaned. The flock is to consist of minimum 15 sheep. Larger flocks (up to 80) should be preferred because they give a better opportunity for success. There should be enough sheep. The organizing committee should make sure to have sufficient sheep in order that each lot of sheep should not be stressed and should not be used more than twice in a day for class 3, three times for class 2 and maximum four times for class 1. The sheep shall be brought to the pen (start) in the same way for each competitor in a quiet manner.
Dogs The trials are reserved for sheepdogs of at least one year old and handled by a shepherd or herdsman. Monorchid, cryptorchid and sick dogs are not allowed to compete. Bitches in season must run last. Sheepdog trials (traditional style) are open to herding dogs (FCI Groups 1, 2, 5) capable of performing such a course
excluding Border Collie and Kelpie
The dogs must be entered in a stud book recognized by the FCI. All results must be noted in the dog’s scorebook or any equivalent document. Identification of the dog: must be done by controlling their tattoo number or micro-chip. Any dog which is not in condition e.g. a bitch which is near birth or lactating, a dog that is laming or suffering from an infectious disease shall not be brought to the ground. Competitors whose bitch is in season must notify the organizing committee before the start and cannot take her to the ground until called to do so. No dog competing shall wear or carry anything that might in anyway assist or hinders its performance.
Competitors Any owner or handler may work with several dogs in class 1, 2 or 3. Each competitor must be ready when called by the course director and anyone failing to answer the call can be disqualified and forfeit his run. Competitors must be aware that even if the order of the programme will be followed strictly, the timing cannot be guaranteed if any handler is missing due to unforeseen circumstances.
Once a competitor has started, his work is under the evaluation and authority of the judges and he is considered to know the course and to follow it precisely. Before the trial starts, the course director has to summon all the competitors and brief them about all details related to the competition. All questions or clarifications have to be asked by the competitors at that time. While working, competitors cannot get any help or advice from anybody. Any participant receiving assistance in any form will be disqualified. Any participant in conflict with the rules or whose behaviour, in and out of the field, could harm, according to the organizing committee or to the judges, the organisation of the trial, will automatically be punished by sanctions or disciplinary actions such as :
a) disqualification from the day’s trial, b) cancellation of any prizes and awards won by him at the day’s trial, c) suspension from sheep dog trials in the organizing country for a period as decided by the organizing committee. d) any other penalty considered suitable by the organizing committee.
Handlers without their dogs can inspect the course before the trial commences.
Participants shall keep their dogs under full control at all times. Any handler or/and his dog disturbing another dog or another participant who is working shall be eliminated and disqualified. The affected participant will be given a re-run by the judge. It is within the authority of the judge to decide on a complete or a partial re-run. In case of a partial re-run, the points which the participant already achieved will count. Any participant who is disqualified shall lose all his points. Any participant losing one or more sheep shall be disqualified. Entries are made in the name of the owner(s) but a dog can be handled either by the owner or by a handler who must be a member of an FCI recognized member or contract partner. When handlers are nominated, the owner(s) must indicate their name and address on the entry form.
Qualifications In order to compete in the different classes, the following has to be achieved
(minimum qualifying points >= 70 %). After 1 time >= 70 %, the dog can move to the next class. After 3 times >= 70%, the dog has to move to the next class.
>= means “higher than or equal to”
Return to a lower class is not permitted.
All judging sheet handed over to the competitor have to be completed, signed by the judges and have to include the following information:
Excellent (Exc): >= 80 % up to the total points Very good (VG): >= 70 % & < 80% Good (G): >= 60 % & < 70 % Non-qualifying: less than 60 %
>= means “higher than or equal to” < means “lower than”
Complaint Any decision made by a judge regarding the merits of the dogs, the placing and the points, is final and indisputable, unless the judge has violated formalities and existing rules.
Such complaints as well as complaints about how the trial was run, have to be made immediately in writing to the organising committee and against the deposit of 50 € as surety. If the complaint is found to be unjustified, this surety will be handed over to the organiser of the trial. If the protest is substantiated, the deposit will be refunded.
The judges will meet with the organizing committee and the protest shall, if possible, be settled. The majority decision will be final and binding.
Disqualification In an unsporting situation, for the well-being of the sheep and the dog, the handler is asked to withdraw before being disqualified. The handler will be immediately disqualified, if the dog is not under perfect control or grabs unnecessarily. It is within the judge’s authority to decide if a gentle nip is needed in a particular situation. In case of a dog facing a nasty sheep that turns on to charge the dog several times, the judge might accept one self-defence grab if so justified and the competitor will be authorized to continue his course under the condition that the grab was not a nasty bite in which case the dog must be immediately disqualified. A handler who is visibly drunk or under the influence of drugs will be disqualified. In case the sheep are not workable, the judges, together with the course director, can take the decision to allow a re-run.
Re-run The judges can instruct the course director to stop a dog at any point of its course and order a complete or a partial re-run if they consider that the circumstances justify such an action. This is entirely up to the judge to decide. In case of a partial re-run the points which the participant already achieved will count.
Judges The organizing committee shall invite judges with experience and integrity and who are approved and recognized by their national canine organisation.
Exercises
A. Pen or sheepfold
B. Difficult passages
C. Conduct and manoeuvre
D. Stops
E. Intelligence of execution
A. Pen or sheepfold.
The judge evaluates, regarding the exit or re-entry of the pen, the relative difficulty of the two manoeuvres, on the proposed terrain, in order to attribute their relative value: exit, re-entry, protection of handler and jump.
Exit: After the authorization of the judge the handler may open the pen for the dog to enter. The handler may or may not accompany the dog, in order to accomplish the exit of the flock. The exit is accomplished by the active work of the dog under commands of the handler. It should be done calmly and the taking in hand of the flock should be immediate. The judge evaluates the behaviour of the dog in contact with the flock, its calmness and firmness.
Re-entry: should be accomplished by the active work of the dog under the commands of the handler. It should be calm and without jostling. Near the sheepfold the flock should be halted and held in place by the dog while the shepherd opens the gate.
Protection and jump : Before the exit of the flock from the enclosure where it is contained or at the time that it has re-entered the gate is closed, the handler simulates feeding and going around the paddock. The dog clears a passage between the shepherd and the flock. At the beginning or the end of the exercise in order to protect shepherd’s entrance or exit of the pen, the dog is placed between the flock and the gate. The handler leaves through the gate and leaves the dog protecting it. After the gate has been closed the handler recalls his dog which is to jump over a panel in order to return to his place at the feet of the handler.
B. Difficult passages.
There should be at least two difficult passages, even three, as natural as possible. For example: narrow passage, or between crops, hedges, or barriers between two fields, or passage of a bridge, or sorting pen.
The jury should distribute the points in this test according to the relative difficulty of the exercises and their number and in appreciation of the approach, the placement of the handler, the dog, as well as the control and taking in hand of the flock at the exit. The entry of the flock into difficult passages should be done by the dog and executed calmly. In the case of a bridge the handler and dog both should cross it to continue the course because, even if it is artificial, it represents a gorge too large or too deep to cross. In the case of a sorting pen, the dog may enter but not the handler. In other cases the handler places himself in the fashion that appears to be the best way of negotiating the passage. Going around or past an obstacle brings about the loss of points for that obstacle and the handler is not allowed to try again.
C. Conduct and manoeuvre.
Graze. The work consists of the graze, either square or elongated in a natural field or temporary field with its limits marked by four stakes at the corners or along the front of an authorized space (15 x 15 meters).
The jury evaluates the shepherd’s handling, the position of the dog in relation to the flock and the ability of the dog to bring the flock into the graze and maintain it in place with calmness, efficiency and initiative (time is up to the judge's decision).
Holding the flock and catching a sheep. While the flock is immobilized and calm in the indicated space, the handler catches and briefly holds a marked sheep indicated by the jury. During this time the dog should contain the rest of the flock in the indicated space, if possible on its own initiative.
Work at distance (150 to 300 meters). After having regrouped and stabilized the sheep within the indicated limits, the handler: - can entrust the dog to assure on its own initiative the maintenance of the flock in the space previously defined in order to earn maximum points for this exercise and go to the place designated by the jury. If the flock goes outside the limits or if the handler must command the dog to ensure that the flock stays in place, points are deducted. - Or, accompanied by the dog, go to the place indicated by the jury. At the authorization of the jury the handler, without changing place, commands the dog to re-gather the group and calmly bring them to him along the indicated path to him.
Car passage: This may be done on a real road or on a simulated road that represents the conditions encountered on a real road. The road must be clearly delineated, with at least one side which the flock may "lean on" during the passage. In the case of a real road, where the traffic cannot be interrupted, but only controlled, the average of the different passages will be kept for our definition.
Movement: The jury appreciates the movement of the flock during all the duration of the course. The dog will be noted for his ability to guide the flock between two exercises or obstacles, following the defined course in accordance with the relative difficulty of the movements and their number.
D. Stops.
The dog should be capable of stopping the flock in all circumstances and there should be at least two stops, placed at a natural place: path, road, enclosure, crop, etc. The jury distributes the points of this test in accordance with the relative difficulty of the stops.
The stopping of the flock is a very important manoeuvre and should be done, not by the handler, but by the dog which must come to the front of the flock. After the flock stops and the handler checks to see that the passage is not dangerous, the resumption of movement should be fairly quick, without jostling, with the dog going around the flock to push at the rear or at least assure the control of a side. Going past the stop brings about the loss of all the points for this exercise and the handler is not authorized to take up the flock in order to attempt a new stop.
E. Intelligence of execution
This is judged throughout the whole trial and divided into three headings: a. Commands: This may be made by voice, gesture or whistle and will have a great influence on the behaviour of the dog and the quality of its response. The jury evaluates the vocabulary, clarity, force, intonation and number of commands. Useless commands or commands not followed by the dog are penalized and it should be recalled that each sound of the whistle is a command whatever the mode, the commands which are applied to each movement should always be the same and as abstemious as possible.
b. Obedience: this should be immediate, complete and definitive: it conditions the good control of the flock.
c. Activity - initiative - gentleness – behaviour : the jury evaluates the ability of the dog to gather, guide, stop or move the flock, as the handler demands, as well as the ability of the dog to intervene on its own initiative and advisedly channel, stop or hold the flock in place and regroup strays.
The behaviour of the dog to strange persons is to note: it must be natural, lively, not shy or aggressive. A little reserve is accepted.
Save in exceptional cases the dog should not bite the sheep and all brutality is severely penalized. A brief nip is admissible, only when necessary and in order to keep control of the flock. Flagrant and untimely bites are the cause of immediate disqualification and the dog should not endanger the sheep.
Summary: Class 3 (Time 35 minutes)
1) Pen or sheepfold 25 p 2) Difficult passages 25 p Min. 105 points 3) Conduct/Manoeuvre 50 p 4) Stops 20 p 5) Intelligence of execution 30 p 150 p
Class 2 (Time about 30 minutes)
1) Pen or sheepfold 25 p 2) Difficult passages 15 p Min. 70 points 3) Conduct/Manoeuvre 20 p 4) Stops 10 p 5) Intelligence of execution 30 p 100 p
Class 1 (Time about 25 minutes)
1) Pen or sheepfold 25 p 2) Difficult passages -no- Min. 52,5 points 3) Conduct/Manoeuvre 20 p 4) Stops -no- 5) Intelligence of execution 30 p 75 p
Point deductions:
1. Pen or sheepfold • anticipates departure • too hurried or too slow in work allows re-entry • allows runaway of more than 30 meters, does not work, does not control sheep • does not keep the sheep back from handler when both are inside pen, does not jump • allows runaway of more than 50 meters
2. Difficult passages • sheep step out of limits, poor approach • dog poorly placed • late in negotiating passage, bad negotiation of passage, intervention of handler • loss of control when exiting passage • flock goes around or does not pass through
3. Conduct and manoeuvre • By commanding at a distance (graze) dog poorly placed • goes through the course too rapidly/too slowly • late in putting the flock in place • difficulty in immobilizing the flock • tentativeness in catching/holding the marked sheep • choppy, winding, imprecise transit of the course scattering or jostling the sheep • grazing out of limits • dog poorly placed (car passage) • loss of control, little work • does not immobilize sheep • movement of flock during "hold" and "stops" • dog returns to handler during graze • complete escape of flock
4. Stops • a sheep that pushes past • sheep pulled back too far, slight overflow from the flock, but controlled • late in resuming motion • stop done by the handler, not the dog • dog keeps working, does not stop • allowing total movement
5. Intelligence of execution
a) commands • useless or not performed • too numerous, lacking in firmness • wrong command • recalling the dog on its abandoning work • correcting the dog
b) obedience • does not obey command • late in obeying • obeys command in a wrong way • abandons the flock / disqualification
c) activity – initiative - gentleness • wandering, chasing • difficulty in asserting itself, fearfulness • cutting into the flock, scattering the flock • lack of interest in work, inattentive • dog places itself poorly, allows escapes • doesn't move when ordered • brutality, rough gripping • unnecessary grip
6. Disqualifications • wrong act by the handler • drunken and/or under the effect of drugs • unjustified dispute • hindrance of the normal unrolling of the course • abandoning the flock • refusal to obey, flagrant disobedience • unjustified or dangerous bites • repeated brutalities by the dog or handler • frequent scattering of the flock • fearfulness or aggressiveness • failure to control the flock • dog wandering during the passage of another competitor
Congratulations to the organization of the event, that matches the official ones and I hope the raised money will be enough to help the animal associations.
The 10th Scruffts Dog Show taking place at FATACIL in Lagoa, Algarve on Sunday the 20th September 2009, is sponsored this year by Albuferia based pet food and supplies company “Paws4Pets.”
“We are delighted,” says Julie Pickering Sales Director of Paws4Pets, “to be the main sponsor of this years show and we will supply the prizes for all judging classes and the agility winners.”
The judge for 2009 will be the Vice President of the Portuguese Kennel Club Snr Pedro Albergaria. In addition to the normal judging classes there will be demonstrations by the AHCTA Search and Rescue Team from Faro and also obedience displays. Local company “Dogsbodies” have also announced that they will offer as a raffle prize a commissioned hand painted pet portrait. The painting will be done by local artist and “Dogsbodies” partner Karyn Real and be presented after completion by APAA President Alan Camplin-Smith to the winner of the raffle.
Another feature of the show will be personalised seminars by international dog trainer, Yolande Bosman with particular regard to clicker training for puppies and older dogs.
For those bringing their dogs to the show are reminded that Portuguese Ministry of Agriculture permission is that all dogs attending Scruffts must be micro chipped and have their vaccinations papers.
Entrance to the show is 1 euro with children free, whilst class entry fees are 3 euros per class per dog.
For more information please e.mail scruffts2009@yahoo.co.uk
The 10th Scruffts Dog Show taking place on Sunday 20th September at the FATACIL Pavilion in Lagoa, will welcome for the first time the Association for Guide Dogs for the Blind (Associação e Escola Cães Guia da Mortagua) who have only been established here in Portugal for a few years. The show will give the guide dogs and their handlers an opportunity to mingle and interact with those visiting the show and increase public awareness of what here in Portugal is a fairly recent but worthy cause.
In addition to the guide dogs, Faro based AHCTA Search and Rescue Team will show a number of simulated “emergency response” demonstrations. Besides the 17 pedigree and non pedigree judging classes there will another opportunity for dogs and their owners to try the Agility Course organised by Margaret Gobby and also learn about “Clicker” training with Yolande Bosman.
Says APAA President Alan Camplin-Smith “We are delighted that Paws4Pets - the well known Albufeira based pet food and supplies company - has agreed to be our main sponsor; they are providing all the prizes for the 19 judging classes. There has been an excellent response from individuals and businesses such that all individual judging classes have now been sponsored, as well as there being over 25 trade stands booked for the event. With lots of entertainment planned, and plenty of food outlets, this is a day out for all the family.”
Further clarification has now been obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture on those bringing their dogs to the show. All dogs entering any of the judging classes need up-to-date vaccination papers (and these must be available for inspection by the Vets at the Show); additionally, dogs born after 1st January 2008 - and all dangerous breeds - must have microchips.
This week I decided to write a post about a very asked question. “Do you believe in Dogs Love ?”
Maybe because I am a single mom with a few bad relations with humans in my history, I simple do believe in dogs love.
Yes I could write dozens of stories that I read and experience from my dogs to prove that, but I think that the belief comes from our heart and our daily live experience with our dogs.
I do have dogs, because I love to have then. They really make my day and they really helped me over and over again in bad moments and to become a better person.
A few professional dog trainers told me repeatedly that if I wanted to have a super champion obedient dog, I would have to keep my dog in a box and just take him out when was training time or owner-attention time. But doing that to my friend ? Ok ! Now I seam the guy from Marley and Me that feels bad for neuter the dog, because he is his friend.
Well, what can I say … I just love to pet my dog that sleeps with me, the way he seems to feel so happy when I do that. I love the way my dogs lay down around the table when I heat. The way they give without asking nothing in return. The simple way they become happy or anxious to be their turn when I brush their hair. The exited reaction when is training time. The craziness when is walking time. The way they ask to be pet and attention. Even the way they speak and dance with me.
So maybe … just maybe isn’t true love … but for sure it feels like true love.
For me Obedience Competition has the huge big advantage of time and location training. You don’t need any big expensive items, you definitely don’t need a short period to teach your dog and you don’t need a huge proper space.
Patience, a learning open mind and a calm spirit, are the 3 major bases in this sport. For someone experience in this sport, maybe takes little time to pass each class, but for others, I believe that calm and patience in passing each class, just give more experience and knowledge in such a sport.
I see my competition life in long term … a very long term, since I expect to still going to competitions, workshops and seminars with my 14-15-… year old dog. So if it takes me 2 years to pass a class, that is fine by me.
Also, I think it is a social event to go to a seminar, workshop and competition trial. I believe that we all should make the most of each event, know new people, exchange ideas, learn new techniques and learn with each other experience. Take a too competitive spirit or old discussions, just spoils the trip and the idea of a good dog day, spent between people with the same passion and love for dogs and dog sport.
Come on, where else we are seen as normal ?
So, after give you my idea and why I love Obedience Competition, I take you in a trip for International Obedience exercises,
EXERCISES IN THE INTERNATIONAL OBEDIENCE CLASS
Rules and instructions for the performance and judging of the exercises
EXERCISE 1 – Sitting in a group for 2 minutes.
Commands: “Sit”, “Stay”
Performance: The dogs are sitting in heel position in a row at approx. 3 metres distance from each other. When told, the handlers leave the dogs and walk out of sight of the dogs and stay hidden for 2 minutes. When 2 minutes have elapsed, the handlers are instructed to walk back into the ring and take a standing position inside the ring. The handlers are then told to walk up beside their dog so that the dog is in heel position. There should be at least three dogs in a group, but not more than six.
Directions: A dog that stands up, lies down or moves/creeps more than its own body length gets 0 points. All moving reduces points. If the dog barks 1-2 times, 1-2 points are withdrawn; if it barks most of the time, the exercise is failed (0 points). Restlessness, such as shifting weight from one side or one foot to another, should be penalised. The dog is allowed to turn its head and look around, and it is allowed to show interest if there is distraction or noise inside or outside the ring. This, however, should not give an appearance of restlessness or anxiety. If the dog lies down or stands up after the two-minute period is over and the handler has already reached the inside of the ring, not more than 5 points can be awarded. If a dog stands up and goes close to another dog, so that there is fear for a fight, the exercise must be stopped and then resumed for all dogs except the dog that caused the disturbance.
It is recommended that the area outside the ring in front of the dogs is a closed area (no outsiders besides personnel are allowed) during this exercise. In the EW and WW competitions this arrangement is obligatory.
Coeff. : 3 Max. points 30
EXERCISE 2 – Lying in a group for 4 minutes with distractions
Commands: “Down”, “Stay”, “Sit”
Performance: The dogs are sitting in heel position in a row at approx. 3 metres distance from each other. The lying down on command from heel position is performed one by one. The dogs should be commanded to lie down from left to right and to sit up from right to left so that the first to lie down is the last to sit up and vice versa. The steward tells when to give the command. The handlers walk out of sight of the dogs together and stay hidden for 4 minutes. The dogs stay lying down and are subjected to distractions, for example a person weaving between the dogs. When 4 minutes has elapsed, the handlers are instructed to walk together back into the ring and take a standing position approx. 3 metres behind their dog. The handlers are then instructed to walk up beside their dog and told, one by one, to command their dog to heel position. There should be at least three dogs in a group but not more than six.
Directions: A dog that stands or sits while the handlers are out of sight or crawls more than its own body length fails the exercise (0 points). All movement should clearly reduce points. If the dog barks 1-2 times, 1-2 points are deducted; if it barks most of the time, the exercise is failed (0 points). Restlessness, such as shifting weight from one side to another, should be penalised. The dog is allowed to turn its head and look around, and it is allowed to show interest if there is distraction or noise inside or outside the ring. This must not give an appearance of restlessness or anxiety, however. If a dog stands up and goes close to another dog, so that there is fear for a fight, the exercise must be stopped and then resumed for all dogs except the dog that caused the disturbance.
No more than 7 points can be awarded if a dog lies on its side (flank).
If the dog sits or stands up after the four-minute period is over and the handler has already reached the inside of the ring, not more than 5 points can be awarded.
It is recommended that the area outside the ring in front of the dogs is a closed area (only personnel are allowed) during this exercise. In the EW and WW competitions this arrangement is obligatory.
Coeff. : 2 Max. points 20
EXERCISE 3 – Heelwork
Command: “Heel”
Performance: Heelwork is tested at different speeds in conjunction with directions, turns and turnabouts. The unleashed dog should willingly follow the handler, walking on the handler’s left side, with the shoulder level with the handler’s left knee and following the handler in a parallel line. The handler should move his arms in a natural way during the exercise.
Heelwork shall be tested in normal, slow and quick pace together with turns, turnabouts and halts. The handler can choose to do the turnabouts to the left or the right. The “German turnabout” is equally acceptable, i.e., the dog is allowed to circle around the handler on the right side, but very tightly. The dog must also be tested when the handler moves two or three steps in different directions from standing position, and when the handler makes turns and turnabouts from the standing position.
All dogs in one test or competition should do the heelwork according to the same scheme.
The heel command may be given at every start, when changing speed, when taking steps in different directions from standing position and at turns and turnabouts from the standing position. When the handler stops, the dog shall take the heel position immediately and without command.
Directions: A dog that leaves the handler or follows the handler at a distance of more than half a metre during the major part of the exercise is failed. If the dog moves slowly, only 6-7 points should be given. Lack of contact and extra commands are mistakes. An imperfect direction (not parallel) of the heel position should result in loss of about 2 points.
Performance: The exercise is performed under march around a 8 m x 8 m square counter-clockwise, so that left turns will be taken at the corners. Under the march the handler commands, on instruction of the steward, the dog to a standing, sitting and down position. Cones in the corner mark the square.
The starting point for the march is in the middle of one of the sides of the square (the first side). The steward will instruct the handler to command the dog to a standing position when they have reached the middle (approximately) of the next (second) side while the handler continues his walk around the square. Upon reaching the dog again, the handler gives the heel command under march. The exercise continues so that correspondingly the handler commands the dog to sit in the middle of the third side and to down position in the middle of the fourth side. The exercise will end when they reach the starting point once more.
The stand, sit and down positions should be parallel to the imaginary lines of the square and ca. 0,5 m from the imaginary lines taking the size of the dog into consideration. The corners should be 90o, not rounded off.
Directions: If the dog stops once in a wrong position (e.g., sitting instead of down), not more than 7 points can be awarded. If the dog misses one position (does not stop at all), not more that 6 points can be awarded.
To get any points for a given position the dog should not move more than one body length after the command, and take the commanded position (stand, sit, down) before the handler has passed the next corner of square. To get points for the exercise, at least two positions must be performed. In judging, attention should also be paid to the heelwork. Moving slowly, bad heelwork and rounded corners are mistakes.
Coeff. : 3 Max. points : 30
EXERCISE 5 – Recall with stand and down
Commands: “Down”, “Stay”, “Come” (3 times), “Stand”, “Down” OR hand signals.
Performance: The dog is placed in down position and the handler walks approx. 30 – 35 m in the indicated direction. On permission from the steward, the handler recalls the dog. The handler orders the dog to stand when the dog has covered approx. one third of the distance. When told, the handler recalls the dog again. Having covered approx. two thirds of the distance, the dog is ordered to lie down. After the second stop and on permission from the steward, the handler calls the dog to heel position. The steward tells the handler only when to recall the dog. The handler gives the stop commands independently at the markers (cones). Oral commands and hand signals may be mixed so that an oral command may be used at one position and a hand signal at another, but not simultaneously. The dog’s name may be combined with the first recall command, but name and command must be well combined together and may not give the impression of two separate commands.
Directions: It is important that the dog responds willingly to all recall commands. The dog should move at good speed and keep its pace, at least a fast trot. Slow movement is a mistake. The breed should be taken into consideration in judging the speed. The dog should at once, on command, begin its stop. When evaluating the stop, the speed of the dog should also be considered. There can be some tolerance on the actual stopping for fast dogs, but not for slow dogs. To get full points (for a stop) not more that one body length can be exceeded from the time of command to the stop. To obtain any points (for a stop) not more than 3 body lengths can be exceeded. If more than 3 recall commands are given, the highest score is 6. A third recall on a single position results in failure of the exercise.
If the dog misses one position (i.e., does not stop within the limit) no more than 6 points can be awarded. If there is no attempt to stop at one of the positions, not more than 5 points can be awarded. If the dog fails to stop at both positions, or takes the positions in an opposite order, the exercise is failed. If the dog stops once in a wrong position not more than 7 points can be awarded. If the dog sits or stands up before the first recall command, not more than 7 points can be given. If the dog moves more than one body length before the first recall command, the exercise is failed.
Coeff. : 4 Max. points : 40
EXERCISE 6 - Send away with directions, down and recall
Commands: “Forward”, “Stand”, “Right/Left” and/or arm signal (“Stop”), “Down”, “Come”.
Performance: The dog is sent to a cone (small, preferably a half sphere) approx. 10 m from the starting point and is commanded to stand by the cone. The dog should take its stand position within a circle of 2-meter radius drawn about the cone. After approximately 3 seconds, the handler is told to direct the dog to a 3 m x 3 m square at approx. 25 metres from the starting point.
The square should be situated approx. 3 – 5 meters from the ringside border. Cones mark the square at each corner. Visible lines (e.g., tape, chalk lines) should connect the cones on their outer side. When the dog reaches the square, the handler commands the dog down. When told, the handler walks towards the dog. Approximately 2 m from the dog, the handler is told to turn, and after approx. 10 m to turn again and walk towards the starting point. After another 10 m the handler is told to recall the dog while continuing to walk towards the starting point.
The dog should move in a straight line to the cone and to the square and should enter the square from the front. The angle between the connecting lines of the starting point and the cone, and between the cone and the middle of the square should be 90°.
See Figure in Chapter VI.
Directions: The dog’s willingness to follow directions and commands, the dog’s tempo and straight routes should be emphasised. To get 10 points, the handler should not use more than 6 commands during this exercise, the sixth command being a stop command in the square. The dog must follow the commands (e.g., if a stand command is given in the square). An option is to use only the down command when the dog has entered the square and thus use only five commands.
If the dog acts on his own, this is penalised. This means that for example the “stand” command by the cone and “down” command in the square have to be given. If the handler moves forward (takes steps in any direction) while giving the commands, the exercise is failed (0 points). If there is excess action (body language) from the handler, not more then 8 points should be given. The dog should have all four feet within the circle before the handler is told to direct the dog to the square. A dog that takes a sitting or down position by the cone should not be awarded more then 8 points. If the dog sits or lies down outside the circle or if the dog lies down outside the square the exercise is failed. If the dog is already down, no redirecting command is allowed. To get points, the dog’s whole body, except for the tail, must be in the square.
The exercise is failed if the dog rises to sit or stand before the handler’s second turn. Not more than 5 points can be awarded if the dog rises (to sit or stand) after the handler’s second turn before it is recalled. If the dog moves in the square without rising, not more than 7 points can be awarded. If it moves and crosses the border before recall, the exercise is failed. If the dog moves very slowly, only about 6 points should be given.
A second recall, stop or down command is penalised (- 2 points/command). The exercise is failed if even one these commands has to be given a third time. The penalty for extra directing commands depends on their strength and the dog’s willingness to obey the commands.
It is not allowed to show the dog directions at the starting point or to show the square to the dog before the exercise. These lead to failing the exercise.
Coeff. : 4 Max. points : 40
EXERCISE 7 – Directed retrieve
Command: “Forward”, “Stand”, “Right/left” and/or arm signal, “Retrieve”, “Release”
Performance: Three wooden dumbbells of the same size are placed in a row approx. 5 m apart from each other so that they are easily seen. The starting point is approx. 20 m from the central dumbbell. The dog is sent to a cone situated approx.10 m from the starting point. The dog is commanded to stand at the cone, within about 2 m distance from it. After about 3 seconds, the handler is told to direct the dog to either the right or the left dumbbell, determined by draw, and the dog should retrieve and deliver it correctly.
The steward places the three dumbbells after it has been determined by draw, which one is to be retrieved. (The central dumbbell is never drawn.) The dumbbell that is drawn (left or right) is always set down first. During this procedure the handler and the dog stand at the starting point facing the central dumbbell at a distance of approx. 20 m.
Three sizes of dumbbells should be available (max. about 450g), suitable for different breeds. The size of the dumbbell should be in relation to the size of the dog but the handler is free to choose the size.
Directions: Emphasis should be on the dog’s willingness to follow the directive commands, the dog’s tempo and its taking the shortest way to the correct dumbbell. Showing the dog directions at the starting point will be judged as touching the dog and lead to failing of the exercise. To obtain points for this exercise, the dog should stand at the cone within a circle of a radius of 2 m drawn about the cone. A dog that lies down or sits at the cone, can not get more than 8 points.
Chewing or biting on the dumbbell must be penalised by a reduction in points to 7 or less. If chewing is extensive not more than 5 points should be awarded. Very extensive chewing or breaking the dumbbell results in failing the exercise (0 points). No penalty should be given, however, if the dog once takes a better grip on the dumbbell.
If the dog picks up the wrong dumbbell, the exercise is failed (0 points).
Dropping the dumbbell: If the dog drops the dumbbell but picks it up on its own initiative, not more than 7 points can be awarded. If an extra “retrieve” command has to be given, the maximum is 5 points. If the dog drops the dumbbell beside the handler and the handler picks it up without taking a step, 5 points can be awarded.
The penalty for extra directing commands depends on their strength and the dog’s willingness to obey the commands. The penalty for other extra commands should be congruent with the general directions and with exercise 6.
Coeff. : 3 Max. points : 30
EXERCISE 8 – Jumping a hurdle and retrieving a metal object
Command: “Jump”, “Retrieve” and “Release”. Performance: The handler is placed in front of a hurdle at approx. 3 m from the hurdle, with the dog in heel position. The handler throws a metal dumbbell over the hurdle. When instructed, the handler commands the dog to jump over the hurdle, retrieve the dumbbell and jump back. Three different sizes (and weights) of metal dumbbells must be available, in proportion to the sizes of the dogs. The maximum weight of the largest dumbbell is approx. 200 g. It is, however, the handler’s choice which dumbbell he or she selects, regardless of the size the dog. The hurdle should be 1 m. wide and approximately as high as the dog at the withers, rounded up to the closest 10 cm. It should never be more than 1 m high.
Directions: The “retrieve” command should not be given later than when the dog starts its jump. If the dog touches the hurdle even slightly when jumping, the maximum score is 8 points. If the dog supports itself on the hurdle or if it does not jump back, the exercise is failed.
Dropping the article: If the dog drops the article but picks it up on its own initiative, not more than 7 points can be awarded. If an extra “retrieve” command has to be given, the maximum is 5 points. If the dog drops the article beside the handler and the handler picks it up without taking a step, 5 points can be awarded.
Chewing or biting on the article is penalised by a reduction in points to 7 or less. If chewing is extensive not more than 5 points can be awarded. Very extensive chewing or breaking the article results in failing the exercise (0 points). No penalty should be given, however, if the dog once takes a better grip on the article.
Coeff. : 3 Max. points : 30
EXERCISE 9 - Scent and retrieve
Commands: “Seek/retrieve”, “Release”
Performance: Just before the start of this exercise the steward gives the handler a wooden retrieve article (10 cm x 2 cm x 2 cm), which the handler marks with his or her start number. The handler can keep the marked article in his/her hand for approx. 5 s. The dog is not allowed to touch or scent the article at this stage. The steward tells the handler to turn around and the handler then hands over the article to the steward. The handler decides whether the dog does or does not see when the objects are positioned. The steward walks to place the handler’s article, without touching it, together with 5 similar articles on the ground or floor at a distance of about 10 metres from the handler. The steward touches the other five articles and places them by hand. The articles are placed in a circle or horizontal line at a distance of approx. 25 cm from each other. The handler is then told to turn around and command the dog to retrieve the marked article. The dog should find the handler’s article, retrieve it and deliver it to the handler in accordance with the general directions. The articles should be placed in the same pattern for all competitors, but the position of the handler’s article may vary. In case of a horizontal line the handler’s article should not be in an outside position, however.
The dog should be allowed to work approximately half a minute if the working is active and goal driven. There should be six new articles for each competitor.
Directions: Emphasis should be on the dog’s willingness to work and its speed. The exercise is also failed, if the dog is allowed to scent or touch the article before it is handed back to the steward, if commands are given when the dog is at the articles, or if the dog picks up the wrong article.
Chewing or biting on the article is penalised by a reduction in points to 7 or less. If chewing is extensive not more than 5 points can be awarded. Very extensive chewing or breaking the article results in failing the exercise (0 points). No penalty should be given, however, if the dog once takes a better grip on the article.
Dropping the article: If the dog drops the article, but picks it up on its own initiative, not more than 7 points can be awarded. If an extra “retrieve” command has to be given, the maximum is 5 points. If the dog drops the article beside the handler and the handler picks it up without taking a step, 5 points can be awarded.
Coeff. : 3 Max. points : 30
EXERCISE 10 – Distant control
Commands: “Down” “stay”, “Sit”, “Stand”, “Down” and /or hand signals.
Performance : The dog is set in down position at a predetermined place. When instructed, the handler leaves the dog and moves to an assigned place approx. 15 m from the dog. The dog should change positions 6 times (stand/sit/down) and remain in its original place. The order of taking the positions can vary, but should be the same for all competitors. Each position should be done twice and the last command for changing position should be “down”. The steward shows the handler, with written signs, in which order the dog should change position. The steward should not be able to see the dog when displaying the instructions. The steward should change the sign about every 3 seconds. The handler may use both voice commands and hand signals, but they must be short and used simultaneously. A boundary is marked in front or back of the dog by an imaginary line connecting two markers.
Directions : Emphasis should be on how much the dog moves, the speed at which positions are changed, the clearness of the positions and how well the positions are held. To get any points, the dog should not move in total more than its body length from the starting point (in any direction). Back and forth movements are summed. If the dog misses one position of the six, not more than 7 points should be given. However, if the dog jumps over one position and takes the next position, the exercise is failed.
The dog has to change position at least 5 times to get points. If the dog sits up before the handler returns, not more then 8 points should be given. Extensive use of voice and exaggerated or continuous hand signals are penalised.
Coeff. : 4 Max. points : 40
For more information about trials and regulations in Portugal just click on http://obediencia.cpc.pt/
Finally, take a few minutes to watch the world champion, Mads Möller, working,
Subscribe to my feed
