Obedience levels

  Sport Dog Obedience offers levels 1 through 3 to earn a certificate. Each level of obedience will gradually get more difficult as you advance to the next level. You must complete the first level to continue to the next level of obedience title. Obedience is scored by a point system; 100 is highest score and needing 80 points to pass. 

Obedience pattern typically follows the standard ‘L’ pattern (Obedience consists of healing, sit, down, recall, left, right turn and a about turn optional). Judges are encouraged to use surrounding environment when laying out the field and have the option to change the pattern to accommodate space available. 

Field may be marked out with cones, paint or judge can call out speed, direction, or position changes. This will be at judge’s discretion for field layout. 

Obedience can be done with flat collar or choke/fur saver chain on the dead ring.  

Heel position to the left or right leg of the handler should stay clear and consistent throughout test.  Judge is looking for control, understanding positions and commands between handler and dog. Commands are allowed at every position change or direction change. 

Obedience 1 – On Leash 

Obedience 2 – Off Leash

Obedience 3 – Off Leash with Distractions 

Distractions can include but not limited to: Toys; bite equipment; decoys; gunfire 

Completion of Obedience 1 will account for the obedience portion required to compete in the Courage and Protection testing to obtain a title. During the Obedience no bites are allowed if decoys are on the field (Please see Sport Dog Protection and Courage test rules).

Points will be deducted for lagging/forging in heal position, multiple requests or slow to complete commands, dog loses focus on handler, etc. 

Rules 

Any "finish" is acceptable.

Leash no longer than 6 feet.

Leash is to have a U shape and never to be tight or restricting of free movement.

Recall can be from any position.

All commands must be heard by judge (can be duplicated with hand signals but cannot be over exaggerated) 

No E-collars, Pinch collars, harness, or muzzles allowed.

No food or treats allowed in pockets or on the field during test.

***HANDLER MEETING WILL AWAYS TAKE PLACE PRIOR TO EVENT, ALL DOG HANDLERS ENTERED ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE PART, TO INSURE UNDERSTANDING OF PROCEDURE, RULES AND MOST IMPORTANTLY SAFETY FOR YOUR DOG, DECOY, JUDGE AND BI-STANDERS***