OBEDIENCE LEVEL 3 (OB3)

 

Obedience Exercises	Points
Reporting to the Judge	5
Heeling Off Leash w/gunshots	15
Sit out of Motion	15
Down & Recall	15
Agility Recall	15
Flat Retrieve	15
Long Down w/gunshots	10
Send Away	10
TOTAL POINTS	100

 

 

General Rules for the OB3

A.   Eligibility: To perform the OB3 routine a dog must have earned an OB2 title. Must be at least 18 months old.

B.   Collar: Only one collar is allowed on the dog. Single collars include the following: flat, choke chain, fur saver or similar types of slip collars, all used on a dead ring.

C.   Leash and leash option: All Obedience phase exercises are performed off leash, with the exception of the Reporting to the Judge and the Long Down exercises. Whenever a leash is removed, the handler must put it away or hang the leash over their shoulder or around their waist with the clasp positioned on the right side of the handler s body.

A dog must be leashed when:

1.    First reporting to the Judge or Steward.

2.    When doing the long down honoring exercise.

3.    End of class as soon as all the exercises have been completed.

4.    Whenever a Judge is critiquing the score.

5.    Whenever the Judge instructs the handler to place a leash on the dog.

6.    When re-attaching the leash any time while on trial field it is to be on a dead ring.

 

D.   Praise: When reporting to all assigned areas, teams are required to maintain formal heeling with mild praise permissible once arriving at the start position for the next exercise.

E.   Call name: A handler may use the dog s name prior to any command.

F.    When heeling is required: For the Obedience Routine, dog/handler teams are required to perform formal heeling when reporting to all designated areas.

G.   Heeling & hands: The dog should always heel close to the left knee of the handler and the shoulder blade of the dog should be aligned next to the handler s knee. The dog must not forge ahead, move to the side or lag to the rear. A dog that demonstrates positive, energetic, attentive behavior toward the handler is very desirable. The handler should walk freely with both arms moving freely as if the dog wasn t there. All exercises begin and end in the basic position.

H.   Left about turns: Are to be performed as either the (German turn) where the dog circles around the handler, or back up in place (FCI International/military) where the dog stays in heel position as the handler turns left. The handler and dog must execute the same turn throughout the obedience phase.

I.     Neutrality test: During its entire performance, a dog is under the neutrality test. A dog that shows extreme aggression, fear, shyness or whose demeanor gives the Judge reason to believe that the dog may not safely be judged may be given a non-qualifying score and excused from the ring and further participation in that trial.

J.    Judge s instructions: Any place these rules state Judge s Instruction the Judge or Steward can give the instruction.

K.   Qualifying score OB3 title: Requires passing with a score of 70 points or more.

L.    Scoring note: The score sheet for each exercise has multiple listed features that the Judge is required to assess to determine point deductions. However, the Judge must also assess major or minor imperfection deductions that are not listed on the score sheet for any other deviations from the ideal performance.

M.  Acknowledging the Judge and critique: For the OB3 exercises all handlers are responsible for acknowledging the Judge for instructions on when to report and when concluding the routine. The Judge shall instruct all dog/handler teams where and when to report to receive a critique of the performance and the announcement of the score.

N.   Judges note for all evaluations: The Judge will be evaluating the handler and dog on the basis of an ideal performance. All of the listed reasons for deductions are given as a guide for handlers to have some idea of what is expected. The Judge must assess deductions for other behavior that is not covered or that takes away from the ideal performance. In addition, the Judge will be assessing the dog s attitude, attention to the handler, and the willingness to perform the required exercises. Dogs that display an energetic attitude and are attentive and responsive to their handler will receive the most points.

O.   Knowledge of the routine is scored: The Judge/Steward will announce the exercise to be performed and will then indicate to the handler to start the exercise.

1.    Handlers are required to know all exercises and will lose points if performed incorrectly. The point loss will be proportionate to the error and circumstance. This loss can be .5 to 1.5 for minor to as much as 2 to 4 points for major. 

2.    Because improper use of equipment can be a safety issue or even an advantage, 1/2 of that exercise s points will be deducted for reporting with the wrong equipment. The equipment will be corrected prior to continuing. Point deduction will be taken upon handler entering the trial field or starting an exercise with wrong equipment.

Note: All other general rules on our general rule page also apply. See that page here. General Rules

Obedience Routine for the OB3

The OB3 Obedience routine consists of many advanced obedience exercises that are considered master level obedience training. The exercises contained in this class are excellent for providing competition among dog/handler teams and for identifying outstanding dogs and handlers.

1.    Reporting to the Judge Exercise. The primary purpose of this exercise is to show that the dog/handler team can demonstrate proper heeling and control of a dog while reporting to the Judge. In addition, this exercise will be used as a starting point for evaluating temperament and for determining whether the dog/handler team is suitable for performing the evaluation. Dogs that display extreme shyness or extreme aggression must be excused from further participation.

a)    Judge s Instructions. The Judge indicates to the handlers when and where to report, when to begin the exercise, where to report for off leash heeling and where to report for conducting the long down.

b)   Exercise Instructions. The OB3 Obedience routine starts with two dog/handler teams reporting to the Judge. The handlers report with their dogs on leash, demonstrating proper heeling. Once reaching the Judge, each handler halts with the dog automatically sitting in the basic position and maintaining the sit throughout the introduction. Handlers are responsible for a formal introduction that includes introducing themselves, giving the dog s name, stating the class for which they are reporting and specifies the type of finish the dog will perform for any recall exercise. After the introductions, the Judge indicates which team reports for the heeling exercise and which team reports for the long down or honoring exercise. When the handlers reach, the correct area specified by the Judge, the handlers acknowledge the Judge for instructions on when to down the dog and to start the heeling exercise.

c)    Scoring the Reporting to the Judge Exercise. This exercise is evaluated primarily on the ability of the dog/handler team to perform a formal introduction to start the routine. The Judge evaluates heeling, introduction procedure and the dog s behavior during introductions. The dog should display neutral, well-mannered behavior toward the Judge and other dog/handler team.

Note: If a dog is ruled unruly or out of control, the Judge may excuse the dog and handler from performing any further exercises.

1)    Non-qualifying (Zero) Score. The following must be given a zero on this exercise:

a.    Dog is ruled out of control;

b.    Dog receives more than two commands to sit during the introductions and instructions;

c.    Handler forcing the dog to sit; or

d.    Rough treatment of a dog by a handler.

2)    Imperfections may be judged as major or minor depending on the extent of the following:

a.    Dog is very slow to sit;

b.    Handler gives an extra command;

c.    Improper heeling approaching or leaving the Judge;

d.    Dog s heeling could be better;

e.    Dog is dull and needs more enthusiasm;

f.     Dog moves slightly during the sit; or

g.    Dog sits crooked.

2.    Long Down or Honoring Exercise w/gunshots. The primary element of this exercise is to demonstrate the honoring dog s ability to remain in the down position while distracted by the presence of another dog/handler team.

a)    Judge s Instructions. The Judge indicates where to perform the long down, when the exercise begins, when to re-sit the dog from the down, when the exercise is finished and where to report.

b)   Exercise Instructions. The long down or honoring exercise starts after the handler reaches the designated area. After acknowledging the Judge, the handler with a single voice or signal command (not both) commands the dog to down. The handler remains beside the dog holding the leash, the leash must remain loose and not restrain the dog. The dog must remain in its assigned position while the other dog/handler team performs their routine. After the other dog/handler team completes the flat retrieve, the handler acknowledges the Judge and on the Judge s, orders the handler with a single voice or signal command (not both) commands the dog to sit. The handler acknowledges the Judge and waits for Judge s orders to report.

c)    Scoring the Long Down or Honoring Exercise. The honoring exercise is primarily evaluated on the ability of the dog to demonstrate a long down while the other dog/handler team performs their required exercises. The exercise evaluation begins when the handler acknowledges the Judge to start the exercise. The dog should down quickly and remain calm and stationary.

1)    Non-Qualifying (Zero) score. The following must be given a zero on this exercise:

a.    Dog refuses to down after two commands;

b.    Handler pushes or touches the dog to make it down;

c.    Handler uses leash to make the dog down; or

d.    Dog moves substantially or stands up before the other dog/handler team has completed half of their routine.

2)    Imperfections may be judged as major or minor depending on the extent of the following:

a.    Dog needs a double command to down;

b.    Handler uses too much body language when giving the down command;

c.    Dog is very slow to down;

d.    Dog moves a substantial distance by creeping or crawling;

e.    Dog refuses to re-sit.

f.     Dog is slow to down;

g.    Dog moves slightly;

h.    Dog whines or barks excessively;

i.      Dog s re-sit is slow; or

j.      Dog s performance is dull or sluggish.

 

3.    Heeling off Leash Exercise w/gunshots. The primary purpose of this exercise is to demonstrate the ability of the dog and handler to work smoothly as a team and the ability of the dog to stay in the heel position.

a)    Judge s Instructions. The Judge indicates to the handler where to start, when to start, when to restart after each halt, when the group reports and leaves and when the exercise is complete.

b)   Exercise Instructions. The handler and dog (on leash) report to the correct area as specified by the Judge. The handler removes the leash and puts it away or hangs it over shoulder or around the waist with the clasp positioned on the right side of the handler s body. The heeling exercise starts with the handler acknowledging the Judge and with the dog in the basic position. The dog should willingly and freely follow the handler upon the voice command to heel. At the beginning of the exercise, the handler must proceed in a straight line 40 to 50 normal paces without stopping. A left turnabout is performed and after 10 to 15 paces of normal heeling, a running exercise and a slow exercise, each of at least 10 to 15 paces are to be demonstrated. The handler must go directly from the fast pace to the slow pace and then back to normal pace. Each change of pace allows the handler to give a single heel command. After the slow pace, the handler resumes normal pace and continues another 10 to 15 paces and then performs a right turn for 10 to 15 paces and then another right turn and continues forward for another 20 paces and then performs a left turnabout and continues another 10 to 15 paces and halt. At this time, the handler acknowledges the Judge and continues another 10 to 15 paces and performs a left turn and then continues heeling toward a set of markers (obstacles) where the handler must perform a heeling pattern around the markers. The markers shall be rubber cones or similar objects placed on the corners of a square approximately eight to ten feet apart. When entering the markers, a right and left turn must be demonstrated, after the turns, the handler halts and the dog sits (in the basic position) within the group of markers. The handler acknowledges the Judge, continues heeling back to the original starting position and performs a halt. The handler then acknowledges the Judge for concluding the exercise.

Additional instructions for this exercise concern the actions of the handler. The handler is only permitted to use voice command when starting the exercise, when changing pace and when starting from a halt. When the handler comes to a stop, the dog should sit in the basic position without being influenced by the handler. During the halt, the handler is not permitted to change the basic position and must not step sideways toward the dog.

Next are the instructions concerning the actions of the dog; the dog should always heel close to the left knee of the handler and the shoulder blade of the dog should be aligned next to the handler s knee. The dog must not forge ahead, move to the side or lag to the rear.

Last are the instructions for the gunfire test. While the dog and handler are performing the heeling exercise, at least two gunshots (.22 cal) are to be fired (not while moving through the group of markers) and the dog must remain indifferent to the gun noise. The shots must be fired from an approximate distance of fifteen paces with two shots fired with a three second interval. Should the dog demonstrate gun insecurity, the dog must be assessed a non-qualifying score and be excused immediately from the trial. If the dog demonstrates a certain aggression toward the gunshots, this must be scored as conditionally faulty as long as the dog remains under the control of the handler. The full score can only be awarded to the dog that demonstrates gunshot indifference. Special emphasis must be placed upon gunshot indifference. Should the dog show strong avoidance of the gunshot, such as running away, the dog must be assessed a non-qualifying score and be excused immediately from the trial. If the dog shows potential gunshot insecurity, the Judge may elect to test the dog with additional gunshots to determine the dog s response. The gunfire test must only be executed during the heeling exercise.

c)    Scoring the Heeling Off Leash Exercise. The Judge is evaluating the correctness of the heeling position and the behavior of the dog. Dogs that display positive, energetic attitudes and attentiveness to the handler are most desirable.

1)    Non-qualifying (Zero) scores. The following must be given a zero score on this exercise:

a.    Handler giving the dog constant or repeated extra commands or signals;

b.    Handler slapping the leg or snapping fingers excessively;

c.    Handler continually adapting pace to dog;

d.    Unqualified heeling; or

e.    Dog breaks or leaves the handler s side and is unable to regain its composure and resume heeling.

2)    Imperfections may be judged as major or minor depending on the extent of the following:

a.    Handler moving forward and then giving a heel command shall be penalized a major imperfection;

b.    Handler gives a signal command to heel;

c.    Handler giving extra commands;

d.    Dog moves out of the basic heel position before a command from the handler;

e.    Dog anticipating command;

f.     Dog crowding the handler, forging, heeling wide, heeling in an improper position, lagging, poor sitting on the halts, sniffing, and any other additional heeling imperfections;

g.    Dog fails to stop and sit automatically in the proper basic position each time the handler is required to Halt ;

h.    Failure to change pace by the dog or handler during the fast or slow portion of the heeling exercise;

i.      Dog sniffs a Steward or the objects in the group exercise; or

j.      Lacks natural smoothness.

4.    Sit Out of Motion Exercise. The principal purpose of this exercise is to demonstrate the dog s ability to perform off leash heeling and upon a verbal command from the handler, perform a stationary sit while the handler proceeds in a straight-line without stopping, turns to face the dog and returns to the dog at the end of the exercise.

a)    Judge s Instructions. The Judge indicates where and when to start, when to return to the dog after the sit, and when the exercise is complete.

 

b)   Exercise Instructions. The dog/handler team, with the dog off leash, reports to the designated area as indicated by the Judge. The handler acknowledges the Judge and from the basic position, the handler and a free heeling dog proceed in a straight line for a minimum of 10 or maximum of 15 paces and upon voice command by the handler, the dog should move quickly to the sit position while the handler does not interrupt their pace nor turnabout. After another minimum of 10 or maximum of 15 paces, the handler stops and turns around to face the dog. When instructed by the Judge, the handler returns to the dog and assumes the basic position on the right side of the dog. The handler then acknowledges the Judge for concluding the exercise. A period of approximately 3 seconds is observed prior to the Judge s orders for returning to the dog and another approximate 3 seconds is observed when the handler returns to the dog s side before acknowledging the Judge for concluding the exercise.

 

c)    Scoring the Sit Out of Motion Exercise. Scoring of this exercise starts after the Judge acknowledges the handler to start. The Judge is evaluating the proper heeling, response to the sit command, handler s actions and the behavior and performance of the dog. Dogs that demonstrate positive, energetic, attentive behavior toward the handler and perform with quick responses will receive the most points.

1)    Non-qualifying (Zero) score. The following must be given a zero score on this exercise:

a.    Handler gives two extra commands to sit;

b.    Dog moves a substantial distance away from the place where it was sitting; or

c.    Dog does not sit but continues with the handler.

2)    Imperfections may be judged as major or minor depending on the extent of the following:

a.    Dog doesn t sit but stands or lies down;

b.    Dog doesn t maintain proper heeling position;

c.    Dog sits extremely slowly;

d.    Dog lies down before the exercise is complete;

e.    Handler gives any kind of body language when giving the sit command;

f.     Handler turns and looks back at the dog when the sit command is given or while leaving the dog.

g.    Dog moves prior to the heel command;

h.    Dog sits slowly or moves slightly;

i.      Dog whines or barks;

j.      Handler doesn t acknowledge the Judge when starting and finishing the exercise;

k.    Dog shows pressure when the handler returns; or

l.      Overall performance is not well executed.

 

5.    Down with Recall Exercise. The primary purpose of this exercise is to demonstrate that a dog/handler team can perform formal and fast pace heeling, a down, a recall, front and finish or a straight to finish exercise.

a)    Judge s Instructions. The Judge indicates to the handler where to start, when to start, when to recall the dog and when the exercise is finished.

b)   Exercise Instructions. The Down with Recall exercise starts with the handler/dog team reporting to the original starting position assigned by the Judge. The exercise starts by acknowledging the Judge and with dog in the basic position. The handler with his/her dog will demonstrate normal pace off leash heeling in a straight line for minimum of 10 or maximum of 15 paces and then changing to fast pace heeling for a minimum of 10 or maximum 15 paces and without stopping and upon voice command, the dog will be commanded to down. The handler will proceed with a fast pace in a straight line a minimum of 40 paces; once reaching the required distance, the handler will turn and face the dog. Upon the Judge s instructions, the handler will recall the dog to his/her position. The dog should come to the handler and perform a front; the handler should wait approximately three seconds and then command the dog back into the basic position or the dog should recall directly to a side finish; after the dog is back in the basic position the handler then acknowledges the Judge for concluding the exercise. Note, the Judge should ask the handler what type of finish the dog will perform prior to performing the exercise.

In addition, the handler may praise the dog while waiting on the Judge s instructions or between each exercise. The Judge s evaluation of the down and recall exercise ends once the handler acknowledges the Judge.

c)    Scoring the Down and Recall Exercise. Scoring this exercise starts after the handler acknowledges the Judge. The Judge is evaluating formal heeling, performance of the down and the recall exercise. The Judge is also evaluating the overall smoothness of the entire exercise.

1)    Non-qualifying (Zero) score. The following must be given a zero score on this exercise:

a.    Handler gives an extra command or signal to stay after leaving the dog;

b.    Dog refuses to come to the handler;

c.    Dog follows the handler when leaving the dog in the down position; or

d.    Handler moves from the stationary position on the recall.

2)    Imperfections may be judged as major or minor depending on the extent of the following:

a.    Improper heeling throughout the routine;

b.    Dog moves a substantial distance in the down by crawling or creeping;

c.    Dog stands prior to recall;

d.    Dog anticipates the recall;

e.    Dog is very slow coming to the handler;

f.     Dog does the wrong finish;

g.    Handler gives extra commands;

h.    Handler gives the down command with body language.

i.      Dog heels improperly for part of the routine;

j.      Attitude of the dog is dull and not attentive to handler;

k.    Slow down;

l.      Creeping or moving slightly;

m.  Dog could come faster;

n.    Overall routine could be smoother; or

o.    Handler doesn t acknowledge the Judge;

 

The agility equipment requirements are listed on equipment page.

 

6.    Agility Recall Exercise. The primary purpose of this exercise is to demonstrate the dog s ability to perform a recall exercise while performing agility. The dog will be required to perform climbing and jumping over obstacles that lie in the dog s path to the handler. In addition, the dog must perform a single verbal command to down immediately after crossing the last obstacle and then another short recall to the handler.

a)    Judge s Instructions. The Judge indicates where and when to start, when to recall the dog and when the exercise is complete.

b)   Exercise Instructions. The dog/handler team starts the exercise from the same location where the down and recall exercise ended. The exercise starts by the handler acknowledging the Judge with the dog in the basic position and off leash. The handler and a free heeling dog will proceed to an area containing the agility obstacles. The handler heels the dog to a designated area five paces back from directly facing an incline wall. When reaching this point, the handler halts with the dog sitting in the basic position. The handler leaves the dog (a verbal command to sit is permitted) and walks or jogs to the designated area. The designated area is approximately 15 paces directly behind the last obstacle in the series. The handler acknowledges the Judge for permission to recall; the handler with a single voice command recalls the dog. The dog immediately starts toward the handler first climbing the incline wall and then continuing without hesitation jumping over a series of jumps which include (in any order) a window jump, rail jump and a solid jump; then immediately after jumping over the last obstacle, the dog is given a single verbal command to down; the dog should down immediately and maintain at least 10 paces distance from the handler. The handler then acknowledges the Judge to recall the dog; the dog, without hesitation, continues another 10 paces where the dog arrives at the handler and performs a front and finish or straight side finish. The handler waits three seconds and acknowledges the Judge for concluding the exercise.

Note: The handler may give a single jump command each time the dog has to cross an obstacle. The dog is required to follow a direct path that requires the dog to successfully negotiate (cross) each obstacle. The obstacles are each placed approximately 8 to 10 paces apart in a straight line. The Judge is responsible for approving the set-up of the obstacles and location. Each obstacle is worth two points. The height of the obstacles are based on the height of the dog at the withers; check height standards.

c)    Scoring the Agility Recall. Scoring of this exercise begins when the Judge acknowledges the handler to start. The Judge is evaluating the entire exercise to determine the rating the performance deserves. Dogs that demonstrate positive, energetic, attentive behavior toward the handler and strong willingness to perform the exercise are most desirable.

1)    Non-qualifying (Zero) scores. The following must be given a zero on this exercise:

a.    Dog climbs or passes the incline wall before Judge instructs handler to recall;

b.    Dog comes to the handler without performing any agility;

c.    Dog leaves the field; or

d.    Dog refuses the recall after three commands.

2)    Imperfections may be judged as major or minor depending on the extent of the following:

a.    Dog lags, forges, crowds or is wide during heeling phase;

b.    Dog is slow to respond to the command;

c.    Dog moves or takes extra steps after becoming stationary in the sit;

d.    Dog hesitates to perform the agility obstacle;

e.    Dog doesn t successfully negotiate each agility obstacle;

f.     Dog s feet touch or tick the window jump, rail jump, solid jump;

g.    Dog leaves early or breaks prior to being called;

h.    Recall is slow, crooked front, or improper finish; or

i.      Handler gives extra commands or handler help with body signals.

 

7.    Flat Retrieve. The principal purpose of this exercise is to demonstrate the willingness of dog to retrieve an object thrown by the handler.

a)    Judge s Instruction. The Judge indicates where and when to start the exercise and when the exercise is complete.

b)   Exercise Instructions. The exercise starts by acknowledging the Judge with the dog in the basic position and off leash. The dog/handler team demonstrates proper heeling and control as they report to a designated area where the handler obtains the object to be retrieved by the dog. The handler should heel the dog to within 2 paces of the location of the object and place the dog in a sit. The handler leaves the dog in the sit position, a stay command is allowed before leaving the dog (minimum two steps), obtains an approved object (will be a wooden dumbbell that weighs approximately 4 lb. and is allowed to have a protective cover over the handle; the dumbbell must be approved by the Judge) returns to the dog and demonstrate heeling to the designated area for performing the flat retrieve exercise. Once reaching the designated area, the handler acknowledges the Judge and then throws or pitches the object a minimum of 10 paces away from the dog. The handler is allowed to move one foot when throwing. The dog remains in the sit position until the handler gives the command to retrieve. The handler allows a three second pause between the time the object comes to rest and when the command to retrieve is given. Upon a single voice command, the dog leaves the handler s side and goes directly to the object, retrieves it and returns to the handler performing a front sit position where the handler can easily take the object from the dog without moving. The dog s speed going to and coming from the retrieve should be close to the same. The dog holds the object in its mouth while maintaining the sit position for at least 3 seconds before the handler commands the dog to release the object and takes it from the dog. The handler secures the retrieved object by putting it away or placing it under either armpit; the handler then commands the dog back into the basic position. The handler should heel the dog to within 2 paces of the location of where the object was obtained and place the dog in a sit. The handler leaves the dog in the sit position (minimum two steps), returns object to original place, returns to the dog heels a few steps to face the judge halts and acknowledges the Judge for concluding the exercise.

c)    Scoring the Flat Retrieve Exercise. Scoring of this exercise begins when the Judge acknowledges the handler to start. The primary area the Judge is evaluating for obtaining the most points is the willingness of the dog to retrieve the object and the control the handler displays over the dog. The Judge rewards the most points to a dog that demonstrates eagerness, willingness, speed and enthusiasm to retrieve the object.

Note: Mouthing the object slightly is not faulty and excessive mouthing will have a maximum one-point deduction providing the dog does not drop the retrieved object prior to the handler taking it from the dog.

1)    Non-qualifying (Zero) Score. The following must be given a zero score on this exercise:

a.    Dog refuses to go out on the second command;

b.    Dog doesn t retrieve the object;

c.    Handler moves from the stationary position when the object is thrown;

d.    Dog refuses to release the object;

e.    Dog doesn t return with the object; or

f.     Handler uses any form of rough correction to get the dog to release the retrieved object.

2)    Imperfections may be judged as major or minor depending on the extent of the following:

a.    Handler gives extra verbal or signal command(s);

b.    Dog is very slow or reluctant in performing the exercise;

c.    Dog leaves the handler s side prior to giving the command to retrieve;

d.    Dog sits too far back from the handler to comfortably take the object from the dog;

e.    Dog is very slow in releasing the object or a double command is given;

f.     Dog drops the object prior to the handler taking it from the dog s mouth.

g.    Dog demonstrates pressure or reluctance to perform the exercise;

h.    Speed of the retrieve going and coming is significantly different;

i.      Mouthing the object to a point the object is difficult for the handler to retrieve from the dog;

j.      Dog is slow in its release or the object must be pulled slightly;

k.    Dog sits crooked or returns to the basic position;

l.      Handler help or assistance that deviates slightly from the ideal;

m.  Dog s pick-up of the object is slow;

n.    Dog s return to the handler is slow; or

o.    Dog doesn t go directly to the object and return directly to the handler with the object. The deduction depends on the degree of deviation from the most direct route.

 

Note: Dog doing the Long Down or Honoring Exercise will be excused and moved to a place on the field that is not in the path of the send away.

 

8.    Send Away and Down Exercise. The principal purpose of this exercise is to demonstrate a dog s ability to leave the handler and go forward running in a direction indicated by the handler, demonstrate a down out motion upon a voice command by the handler and stay in the down position until the handler walks down the field for a pickup exercise.

a)    Judge s Instructions. The Judge indicates where and when to start the exercise, when to go to the dog for the pickup and when the exercise is complete.

Exercise Instructions. The dog/handler team reports to the designated area as indicated by the Judge. The handler acknowledges the Judge, and from the basic position, the handler and a free heeling dog proceed in a straight line for a minimum of 10 or maximum of 15 paces of normal heeling and upon voice and hand signal the handler commands the dog to go out and leave the handler. The dog should begin running in a straight line in the direction which the handler points. When the dog reaches a minimum of 40 or a maximum of 60 paces from the handler, the handler gives the dog a voice command to down, the dog should instantly demonstrate a response to the down command and remain down until the handler approaches the right side of the dog and command the dog to sit. The handler then acknowledges the Judge for concluding the exercise. The handler may praise the dog while waiting for the Judge s instructions. Attach leash now if one has not been used. The handler and dog team should demonstrate heeling and control when reporting for the long down (honor) or exiting the field.

 

b)   Scoring the Send Away and Down Exercise. Scoring of this exercise begins when the handler assumes the starting position and acknowledges the Judge. The Judge is evaluating is the response to the control commands and the eagerness or willingness of the dog to perform the exercise. The speed, direction, distance and response to the down command are major areas for evaluation. Dogs that display high enthusiasm and quick responses to commands receive the most points for this exercise.

1)    Non-qualifying (Zero) Score. The following must be given a zero score on this exercise:

a.    The dog refuses to leave the handler s side;

b.    The dog does not go more than a fourth of the required distance; or

c.    The dog leaves the field or breaks without any heeling.

2)    Imperfections may be judged as major or minor depending on the extent of the following:

a.    The dog is very slow when running in the direction of the send out;

b.    The dog does not reach the required distance;

c.    Extra commands for any part of the routine;

d.    The dog is slow to respond to any commands;

e.    The dog refuses to down ;

f.     The dog doesn t go in the correct direction indicated by the handler;

g.    The dog lacks enthusiasm to perform the exercise;

h.    The dog anticipates any of the commands for this exercise; or

i.      The Judge may assess major or minor deductions for any variation from an ideal performance.

Concluding the OB 3 obedience routine for both dog/handler teams. The Obedience routine is complete when both dog handler/teams have completed all required exercises. The Judge indicates a location for both dog/handler teams to report for their score and critique. The handlers report with their dogs on leash and halt with their dogs maintaining a sit in the basic position, handlers should then command their dogs into a down position while waiting for their score and critique. Dogs should display proper control during the critique and when exiting from the field. As much as a two-point deduction can be assessed for dogs that display lack of control during the critique or when entering or leaving the field.

Note: The Judge s score is final; respect and good sportsmanship must be displayed by both parties at all times.