GENERAL GUIDELINES
- A dog may enter in only one obedience class in a competition. An exhibitor may enter multipledogs according to show guidelines.
- The dog and handler are not allowed to enter the show ring before the class.
- Baiting the dog with food, squeakers, or toys will not be permitted in any class and is cause for disqualification.
- In case of a tie, a sudden death runoff on the heel exercise (on leash unless entered in novice or above) will be used to determine the winner.
- Shows may elect to start with individual workouts followed by sits/downs, or the show may start with sits/downs and then move to individual workouts to complete class work.
- In all off leash sit and down exercises, the leashes will remain attached to the dog’s collar but not held by the exhibitor.
- A one-time single phrase of praise or encouragement by the handler to the dog during the heeling exercise, will not be allowed without penalty for classes Novice, Graduate Novice, Advanced Graduate Novice, Graduate Open, Open and Utility.
- Show office can choose to utilize cones or stewards for figure 8 exercises.
- It is recommended that handlers choose the lowest level available in their first year of 4-H. Once a handler starts at an obedience level, they may not move to a lower level.
Group Exercise Guidelines
Dogs should be spaced with minimum of six feet between each dog and a minimum of four feet from ring barrier. Judges will position the dogs in the approximate center of the ring in one row. On a 50’
side of the ring the maximum number of dogs allowed in a single row should be six. If there are more dogs competing than can be handled in one group exercise, the judge will divide the class into approximately equal sections.
AKC Classes and Scorecards
Dogs with AKC degrees will show as follows:
- “CD” degree must show in Graduate Novice or higher.
- “CDX” or “UD” degrees must show in Open or Utility.
There is no limit on the number of years a dog may be shown in the Utility Class.