The Imaginative Sport for Active Dogs
and
Creative Trainers
and
Creative Trainers
Core Exercises
Social Control
The objective of this exercise is to
demonstrate that the dog has been trained to be under control
during normal social interaction, treatment and management. The
dog should not react with over excitement, stress, anxiety or
aggression.
3 = the dog remains in a stable or
relaxed position without undue reaction
2 = the dog maintains a stable or relaxed
position, but reacts more than is necessary
1 = the dog is under some cue control,
reacts excessively but can be bought under control again
0 = the dog responds excessively and is
not under cue control
Walking at Heel
Trainer to decide pattern suitable for
their dog, unless specified.
This activity will be assessed for a
safe, comfortable and consistent position. The trainer may walk
the dog off the leg or close on the leg provided that the
position is maintained and the trainer must walk in an upright
and normal fashion. The dog may be on the left or right of the
trainer. The dog must remain at a consistent pace and position,
ie not walk forward or behind the trainer, not move excessively
sideways or bump the trainer, or change between walking and
trotting. The same position should be kept for the sit at heel.
The trainer must walk in such a way to make this as easy as
possible for the dog, ie walk in a straight line and at a
consistent pace, halt without stepping into the dog etc.
Cues must be given for turns and halts to
ensure the dog can maintain the consistent position through the
turns, ie not surging back when the trainer turns into the dog,
not going wide or dropping behind when the trainer turn away,
or shooting forward at the halt.
All heelwork patterns must begin and end
with the dog in a sit at heel.
An About Turn is the turn away from the
dog through 180 degrees with the dog maintaining the position.
A Contrary Turn is a turn towards the dog
through 180 degrees with the dog maintaining the position.
Change of pace: the aim is to demonstrate
that the dog can remain in a consistent heel position
regardless of the trainer's pace, the difference between
normal, slow and fast must be clearly defined.
3 = the dog maintains a consistent
position and pace in partnership with the trainer, responding
promptly to the cues. The trainer shows an awareness of the
dog, gives cues with good timing and handles him or herself in
a controlled manner.
2 = the dog shows an understanding of the
required position, but is occasionally inconsistent. The
trainer is not fully aware of the dog, gives mistimed cues.
1 = the dog keeps in reasonable but
inconsistent proximity, the trainer gives excessive amount of
cues or support.
0 = the dog does not hold a consistent
position or respond to the cues.
Recall
The dog must show it is willing and eager
to come to the trainer.
3 = the dog responds promptly and with
eagerness, showing comfortable, self control on arrival
2 = the dog responds promptly, but some
areas are in need of further training, ie over excitement on
arrival, anticipation, or slight distraction
1 = the dog shows an understanding of the
exercise but requires significant further training
0 = does not respond to the trainer
within a reasonable time or does the wrong behaviour/activity
more than once
Stays
The dog must remain in the same position
(ie stand, sit or down) without being recued during the
specified time. The dog can move within the position, ie can
move their feet whilst lying down. If the dog leaves the
position the trainer can reset/recue the dog and continue the
exercise but be assessed as a 1/2 at the Assessor's discretion.
The objective of this exercise is to
demonstrate the dog's self control without the trainer's
support or intervention, and that this control can be extended
over distance and time.
3 = the dog maintains a stress-free,
consistent, controlled position
2 = the dog essentially maintains a
stress-free, consistent, controlled position, but may show
lapses in concentration, with fidgeting, scratching etc.
1 = the dog maintains a stress-free,
consistent, controlled position, but may need reassurance from
the trainer, or re-cueing.
0 = does not maintain a stress-free,
consistent, controlled position for sufficient length of time
Control
The dog must be able to move promptly and
correctly on the cue in a precise and consistent movement.
From the Stand position to the Sit
position
From the Stand position to the Down
position
From the Sit position to the Stand
position
From the Sit position to the Down
position
From the Down position to the Sit
position
From the Down position to the Stand
position
Movement must be direct and cleanly made
and not incorporate another position during transition, ie
moving from the Stand to the Down must be a clean drop and not
via the Sit position.
3 = the dog shows an excellent
understanding of the exercise and performs as required.
The movements are prompt, confident and the position is
maintained.
2 = the dog shows a good understanding of
the exercise but some areas are in need of further training, ie:
the dog may make a slightly different movement but end in the
same position, or readjust itself once in position.
1 = the dog shows an understanding of the
exercise but requires significant further training, ie it does
not respond to the first cue, or responds with the incorrect
behaviour
0 = does not respond to the trainer
within a reasonable time or does the wrong behaviour/activity
more than once
Targeting
The objective of this exercise is to
demonstrate control going away from the trainer to a specific
location.
3 = the dog shows an excellent
understanding of the exercise and performs as required.
2 = the dog shows a good understanding of
the exercise but some areas are in need of further training, ie:
the dog may travel slightly off line when sent in a different
direction etc.
1 = the dog shows an understanding of the
exercise but requires significant further training, ie it
requires additional cues, stops or returns to the trainer
before arriving at the target
0 = does not respond to the trainer
within a reasonable time or does the wrong behaviour/activity
more than once
Trainers must supply their own target mat
for this exercise which cannot be larger than the dog when
lying down.