HANDLING
RULES & REGULATIONS
(Conformation & Obedience)
The purpose of Handling is to introduce and encourage youth to participate in the sport of purebred dogs, and to provide them with meaningful competition where they can learn, practice, and hone their skills and knowledge of the various breeds.
Definitions
For the purpose of these rules and regulations, the following interpretations shall apply:
“Working group” means the Board of The World Kennel Group
“WKG” means The World Kennel Group
“Club” means a club or association officially recognized by The World Kennel Group
“dog” means a dog of either sex, whether or not purebred, unless the context implies a purebred dog
“exhibitor” means the owner or handler who enters in a Handling Competition
“handler” means the person handling the dog in competition
“representative” means an individual appointed by the Working group member from the respective zone to
act as a liaison between clubs and participants.
Handling Events
Defined & Classified
An approved Handling competition is a formal event given by a WKG accredited club at which points
are awarded to the first four (4) placements in each class.
A Sanctioned Handling competition is an informal event given by a WKG accredited club in which placement points are awarded.
GUIDELINES FOR JUNIOR KENNEL CLUBS
Introduction
Each WKG organization may have a Junior Kennel Club activity. WKG representatives are appointed by the Board members in each zone to oversee and coordinate Junior Kennel Club activities such as conforming and obedience competitions. The representatives will also act as WKG advisors to the Junior Kennel Club Council at the national level.
Junior Kennel Clubs exist to promote the participation and education of young people in all activities involving dogs, especially pedigree dogs. Their main aim should be to form and develop in their members a lifelong love and understanding of animals, whether they only have a pet or want to develop their knowledge of dogs to the highest level.
Regular classes may be scheduled to encourage learning and participation in one or more areas of interest to members such as:
1. Classes in conformation, handling, obedience and field training of all kinds.
2. Discussions or presentations on the selection, care, grooming, history, psychology and welfare
of dogs, as well as other discussions or presentations on breeding theory and practice, breed standards, movement, anatomy and first aid.
3. Guest speakers who can illustrate the work performed by various dogs, facilities and services available to junior handlers for the training and care of dogs. Guest speakers may include breeders, judges, trainers, WKG officials and veterinarians, etc.
4. Instruction in stewarding and judging.
5. Conduct day sessions or longer on working with dogs, films, field trips, camping, visiting kennels, training facilities and community areas.
6. Involvement in community projects thus promoting the human/animal bond and educating the public about purebred dogs.
7. Participating in activities and competitions with other young people interested in dogs, and other Junior Kennel Clubs from the local to the international level.
The WKG stresses the need to ensure that the fun element stays in all junior handling competitions and dog-related events.
Junior Kennel Clubs may hold club competitions, social functions and official independent Junior Handling events. Accredited Junior Kennel Clubs with the approval of the Board member who represents that zone, may hold sanctioned matches.
Any club or association officially recognized by The World Kennel Group to hold a conformation show or obedience trial may apply to the WKG to hold Handlingcompetitions for conformation and/or
obedience in conjunction with its shows and trials.
A club applying for a Handling competition
(conformation and/or obedience) must make application provided by the WKG. The Event Date Application must be submitted and be received 60 days prior to the date of the proposed competition.
A competition held in conjunction with a conformation show or obedience trial must be applied for on the same Event Date Application form the conformation show or obedience trial is applied for.
Any club that offers Handling competitions
in conjunction with an event must provide the following information in its premium list:
1 Type of Handling competition being offered (conformation and/or obedience).
2 Dates of the Handling competition.
3 A list of the classes offered.
4 Any certificates offered.
5 The entry fee.
6 A pre-registration entry form, if available.
Judging Schedule
The time and location for the judging of any
Handling competitions shall be indicated in the
judging schedule.
Entries
Handlers, must apply to organizers office on the appropriate form for a Handling Number within 30 days of competing in their first Handling event.
This Handling Number will be used by the Handler for the duration of their Handling career. If a Junior Handling number is not obtained, Handling points earned will not be tracked.
Handlers shall have the opportunity to enter a Handling competition by completing the entry form at least 10 days in advance of the scheduled judging day of the event. The entry form shall
include the following information:
1 Name of the event-giving club and date of event.
2 Name, address and telephone number of the handler.
3 Date of birth and signature of the handler.
4 Class entered.
5 Breed of the dog to be handled.
6 Handler number, if available.
A nominal fee may be levied by the event giving club.
Eligibility of Dog
A Handler may compete with any dog duly entered in the event, provided he has obtained the consent of the owner or agent to do so.
Every dog entered in the regular shows or trials, or for Exhibition Only, is eligible for entry into Handling Conformation or Handling Obedience provided it meets have a health certificate.
Dogs may be spayed or neutered, provided that they are entered in the trials. The Handler will wear the armband assigned to the dog for the regular event. Substitutions of dogs will be allowed during the course of the competition.
Dogs being used in these competitions must be of the appropriate size and temperament to enable the Handler to compete to the best of their ability. The Junior Kennel Club representative, their designate (or a Show Official if the former are not available), has the authority to monitor and remove a handler and dog from the ring if, in his opinion, it is necessary to prevent a situation which could potentially disrupt the competition.
The use of bitches in season in any junior competition will not be permitted.
Persons with Disabilities
A handler with a disability may compete using a cane, crutch, wheelchair or electric wheelchair.
When gaiting the dogs a handler with disabilities may request the use of a runner.
Blind handlers may have a second person assist them in individual and group gaiting of the dogs.
If the ring surface or terrain makes it difficult for the assisted handler to gait the dog at a normal speed, the judge may adjust where the dog is placed in line to give all handlers an equal opportunity to show their dogs. Blind handlers may have the second person assist in placing table dogs onto table and verify weight and measurements that may be required under the breed standards. The primary function of exhibiting the dog is the responsibility of the handler and not the second person in the ring.
End of Show/Trial
The Event Secretary shall, within 21 days of the completion of the event, forward to the WKG the names of the Handler that placed in each class marked on the appropriate form and score sheet. This information will include the country where the Handler resides.
Use of Ramps
At the judge’s discretion, a ramp can be used instead of a table for all dogs that are normally judged on a table or ramp.
CONFORMATION
Conformation Class Structure
Classes in Conformation Handling competition shall be divided by age as follows:
1 Baby Class
This class is for handlers four (4) years of age on the date of the competition up to the date of their 7th birthday. This class is optional and non-competitive. No placements are to be awarded; only participant ribbons, rosettes and token trophies may be presented.
2 Junior Open Class
This class is for handlers seven (7) years of age on the date of the competition up to the date their 11th birthday.
3 Intermediate Class
This class is for handlers 11 years of age on the date of the competition up to the date of their 15th birthday.
4 Open Class
This class is for handlers 15 years of age on the date of the competition up to the date of their 21th birthday.
5 Senior Class
This class is for handlers 21 years of age on the date of the competition up.
It is the Handler’s and/or Guardian’s responsibility to ensure that the Junior Handler is entered in the correct class for their age group.
Best Overall and Reserve Overall
The awarding of the Best Overall and Reserve Overall is optional at the discretion of the host club. No further points will be awarded to the winners of these awards.
Judges
Judges for Conformation Handling competitions shall be elected by the Junior Kennel Club representative and/or the show giving club.
In selecting a judge the following criteria must be used:
1 The judge must be 21 years of age or older.
2 In good standing with the WKG, and is familiar with the rules of Handling and the Conformation Rules and Regulations.
3 Has experience in handling dogs.
4 Immediate family members of Handlers who are currently competing are not eligible to judge any class in Handling.
Judges will fill out and sign judging sheets, as in other events marking absentees, class placements and Best Overall Handler (if this class is provided).
Tabulation of Points
It is recommended that for all handling competitions, the Junior Kennel Club Representative or tabulator record the allocated points.
Four placements will be made in each class:
First 100 Second 75 Third 50 Fourth 25
Points are to be tabulated from January 1 to December 31 of a calendar year.
Only points awarded at WKG events will be tabulated.
A copy of the results of the junior competitions shall be posted in a prominent location at the event.
If a Handler competes in a zone other than that of his residence, all points awarded to that handler will be tabulated. A Junior Handler cannot qualify in more than one classe.
APPLICABLE RULES & REGULATIONS
Rules outlined in the current Obedience Trial & Rally Obedience Rules and Regulations will have effect with respect to the following:
1 the assessment of a dogs performance;
2 handler with disabilities;
3 re-judging;
4 ties;
5 score sheets;
6 explanations and errors;
7 commands and signals;
8 praise, food, petting;
9 leash and collar;
10 heel position;
11 rings and equipment;
12 high and broad jumps;
13 bitches in season.
Except for exercises in Baby performed on leash in Junior Obedience and duration of all group exercises, the Obedience Trial & Rally Obedience Trial Rules & Regulations shall apply, insofar as they do not conflict with the rules of Junior Obedience. In areas where such a conflict occurs, the Junior Obedience rules shall take precedence.
General Rules and Regulations apply to Junior Obedience competitions.
Judges Role
The judge’s role in junior obedience competition is to assess the handler’s ability in terms of errors they make and things they could do better. The latter can include actions that might enhance the dog’s performance or avoidance of potential errors.
The judge is encouraged to consider the following criteria and score accordingly:
1 Naturalness, gentleness and smoothness of handling are to be rewarded;
2 Handler and dog should present a team: the handler offering praise and the dog responding by working happily and eagerly.
3 A value of 100% is placed upon the handler’s performance with the dog’s performance at 0%.
Scoring
Scoring the Handler
(a) Minor penalty range from .5 to 1.5 points deducted.
(b) Substantial penalty range 2.0 and higher.
Judges should place their scores within the appropriate box on each scoresheet.
At the bottom of each scoresheet is a category for “Penalty” in which the judge can deduct points they feel reflect a general or specific area of concern related to the handler.
At the bottom of each scoresheet is a category for
“Bonus” in which the judge can add points for
rewarding the handler, dog or team for an exemplary act, performance or behaviour.
The maximum scoring (exclusionary of penalty and bonus points) for Obedience Baby is as follows:
| Handler Points | |
| Heel on Leash & Figure 8 | 40 |
| Stand for Examination | 40 |
| On Leash Recall | 40 |
| On Leash Sit | 40 |
| On Leash Down | 40 |
| TOTAL | 200 |
The maximum scoring (exclusionary of penalty and bonus points) for Junior Obedience is as follows:
| Handler Points | |
| Heel on Leash & Figure 8 | 40 |
| Stand for Examination | 30 |
| Heel Free | 40 |
| Recall | 30 |
| Sit | 30 |
| Down | 30 |
| TOTAL | 200 |
The maximum scoring (exclusionary of penalty and bonus points) for Obedience Open is as follows:
| Handler Points | |
| Heel on Leash & Figure 8 | 40 |
| Stand for Examination | 30 |
| Heel Free | 40 |
| Recall | 30 |
| Sit | 30 |
| Down | 30 |
| TOTAL | 200 |
JUDGING EVALUATION CRITERIA
General
The judge shall not permit any handler to train any dog or practice any exercise in the ring either before, during or after being judged.
Any disciplining by handler in the ring, or any uncontrolled behaviour of the dog, even between exercises shall be severely penalized. The judge may excuse the team from further competition.
Physical guidance such as placing the dog in position with the hands or straightening the dog with the knees or feet is not permitted and shall be substantially penalized even if occurring before or between the exercises.
Unnecessary talking to the dog by the handler, snapping of fingers, slapping of sides, and stamping of feet should be penalized.
The dog should never anticipate the handler’s orders, but should wait for the commands or signals. A judge may excuse from competition any dog or handler that interferes willfully with another competitor or competitor’s dog and any dog which the judge considers unfit to compete.
In the case of a handler giving extra commands a penalty must be assessed.
The overall impression of the team is important.
Handlers should have acceptable obedience trial attire and be well groomed. Clothing and hairstyles that may interfere or distract the dog should be penalized. Footwear should be appropriate to the ring surface.
Judging Procedure: General
Prior to the commencement of judging, the judge will demonstrate the heeling pattern in order that the entrants have an equal opportunity to learn the pattern. The judge will attempt to standardize the heeling routine for the entire class.
Judges are not required to wait for dogs or handlers. At the judges discretion they may alter the order of judging. It is the responsibility of each handler to be ready with his dog at ringside when required,
without waiting to be called.
In all classes, dogs must enter the ring on a leash and proceed to starting position of the first exercise. All dogs must leave the ring on leash. All dogs must be brought into and leave the ring on leash for all group exercises. All exercises must be started with the dog sitting in the heel position.
Before each or part of every exercise, a judge must ask the handler “Are you ready?” and the exercise shall not start until acknowledged by the handler. Judging occurs during the entire duration in the ring.
All orders or signals given to handlers shall be sufficiently clear and distinguishable for everyone to follow the judging and, at the end of each test, the judge shall say, “Exercise finished.”
During the dog’s heel work, the handler should always walk briskly with the dog on the left side on a loose leash (guiding the dog by the leash is to be penalized). During heel work, the judge must follow
the team at a discreet distance.
In Novice class the dog may be guided gently by the collar between exercises and may be guided by the collar into proper position for the next exercise.
In Open the dumbbell shall be taken from the handler at the entrance and the leash taken by the ring steward at the designated start position and left on the judge’s table. The dog must leave the ring on leash. The dog shall not be guided or controlled by the collar at any time from the beginning of the first exercise to the completion of the last exercise.
Judging Procedure/Consideration and
Evaluation: Classes
Heel On Leash
1 In Pre-Novice, the handler shall enter the rings with the dog on a loose leash and shall stand still, at the starting position, with the dog sitting at heel position. The armband should be easily readable to the judge. The judge may check the leash and collar to see if it conforms. The judge should then make a mental note of the dog’s heel position and it shall remain such for the entire evaluation. The judge asks “Are You Ready?” The handler should then look and check if their dog is ready. If they do not check this is a substantial penalty on the handler. If the dog is not ready the handler should make adjustments and then respond with an acknowledgement of being “Ready”.
2 The judge then gives the order “Forward” at which time the handler may give the command or signal to heel, and at the same time start walking briskly with the dog on a loose leash. The command should be clear and if not the handler is penalized. The dog shall walk close to the left side of the handler without forging, lagging or crowding, permitting the handler freedom of motion at all times. If the dog does not adhere to the above it must be penalized accordingly. The handler must be penalized if they adjust to the dog’s direction or speed while heeling or while coming to a halt. At each “Halt” order the handler will stop and the dog should sit smartly
at heel without command or signal.
3 It is permissible after each halt, before moving again, for the handler to give a clear command or signal to heel. Any tightening or jerking of the leash that gives the dog unnecessary or unfair assistance shall see the handler penalized
4 If the handler does not significantly change pace
from Normal they should be penalized in proportion to the degree. In executing the “About Turn”, the handler will do a Right About Turn in all cases. After the completion of the heeling exercise the judge will say “Exercise Finished.”
5 The posts (stewards) shall then take position in the ring with the judge on one side and at the centre of the posts (stewards). The team should move to the opposite side and align the dog between the centre of the two posts an appropriate distance back depending upon the size and speed of the dog. The team should be set in a position to optimize the exercise. The judge should check to see the handler has the dog in the original heel position. If the dog is not the handler should be penalized.
6 The judge asks “Are You Ready?”. The handler should check their dog and make adjustments if necessary. If the handler does not check and/or make adjustments the handler should be substantially penalized. When the handler responds “Ready” the judge will issue the commands for the exercise.
7 The judge should watch for the handler moving an unreasonable distance from the stewards (either too close or too far); adjusting to their dogs speed, lack of smoothness and footwork. The handler should know where they are in relation to the stewards at all times.
8 When the judge indicates “Exercise Finished” and does their scoring the handler should be focusing their dog’s attention for the next exercise.
Stand For Examination
1 The handler should have the dog in original heel position in an appropriate location in the ring without being directed by the judge.
2 The judge shall ask “Are You Ready?” and mark the handler/dogs actions accordingly (if at all). The judge will then say “Stand your dog and leave when ready.”
3 The handler will stand and or pose their dog without further orders from the judge and will give the command and/or signal to “Stay” and walk to the end of the loose leash, turn and face the dog. The method by which the dog is made to stand or pose is optional. The handler may take any reasonable time in posing the dog before deciding to give the command and/or signal to stay. The leash shall be held clear of the
floor when the handler is in position. The judgeshould include in their evaluation that the dog is set respectfully (without harshness) and the commands are clear to the dog. Any frustration by the handler should be penalized. Any roughness should be penalized. When the handler goes to the end of the leash the handler should not back away at any point. The leash should not be taut, swinging or tugged at any time.
4 The judge will approach from the front and touch the dog’s head, body, and hindquarters only and
then will give the order “Back to your dog”.
5 The handler should return back to the dog by walking at an angle to the side of the dog and behind the dog to the original heel position. The judge should penalize any handler who walks straight back to the dog in such a manner that the dog would think he was to be trodden on. The handler should also take care that they
do not step over the dog or step so close to the dog that it might interfere with the dog. The leash should also not potentially interfere with the dog by touching the dog in any way. The judge should also penalize a lack of smoothness on the handler’s part or failing to return to original heel position.
6 The judge shall say “Exercise finished”. While the judge is marking the scoresheet they should also be aware of the handler and dog interaction. The team should be moving appropriately to the location for Recall. The team should be in positive manner and the handler should be maintaining the dog’s attention and working attitude.
11.3.3 Recall
1 This on leash exercise shall begin with similar command and evaluations as the beginning of the other exercises.
2 The judge will say “Leave your dog.” The handler must then give a clear command, walk away in front of the dog to the end of the loose leash, turn and face the dog. When the handler goes to the end of the leash the handler should not back away at any point. The leash should not be taut, swinging, tugged or touching the
ground at any time.
3 The judge will give the order or signal to “Call your dog”. The handler will call or signal the dog in a clear manner.
4 Upon the dogs brisk return facing the handler the judge shall order or signal “Finish”. The handler should give a clear command for the dog to return to heel position. The leash should not interfere with the dog in any way.
5 The judge will say “Exercise Finished” and the team shall leave the ring in a positive manner with the dog under control.
Group Exercise
1 In the Group exercises all the competing dogs in a class take the exercise together, except if there
are more than eight (8) dogs they are split into groups of not more than eight.
2 The dogs shall enter the ring on leash, and must line up in order of judging along one side of the ring. Handler’s armbands shall be placed behind the dogs without being told by the judge. The armband numbers must be clearly visible to the judge. The judge shall pay attention to proximity to other dogs entering
and leaving the ring.
3 On order from the judge to “Sit your dogs” the handlers shall sit their dogs. On further order from the judge to “Leave your dogs” the handlers must then give a clear command, walk away in front of the dog to the end of the loose leash, turn and face the dog. When the handlers go to the end of the leash the handlers should not back away at any point. The leash should not be taut, swinging, tugged or touching the group at any time.
4 After 30 seconds from the command to leave the dogs, the judge will order “Back to your dogs” where upon the handlers must return promptly to their dogs, each walking around behind his own dog to the original heel position. The judge should be watching for the leash distracting the dog, the handler walking straight back at the dog or stepping over any part of the dog. The handler should walk at a slight angle back to the dog and return to the original heel position.
5 The judge will then say “Exercise finished.” The judge should also be watching to see whether the handler distracts the dog in any way during the exercise. Penalty given fortouching the dog or collar in getting it into the sit or down position should be appropriate to the source of the difficulty.
6 The judge should also be watching to see whether the handler allows their dog to disturb other dogs between exercises.
7 The long down is conducted in a similar manner except it is for one (1) minute and the dogs
remain lying down rather than sitting.
8 Should the dogs move or act in an errant manner the handler should be evaluated as to how
they react to the situation (if at all).
Heel on Leash The heel on leash and figure 8, L, T will be judged and managed according to the criteria set out in any general rules.
If possible, the following assessment is carried out in classes above intermediate
Stand for Examination
1 On completion of the Figure 8 Exercise, the handler will remove the leash and give it to a steward who will place it on the judge’s table.
2 On the judge’s order, the handler will stand and/or pose his dog. The method by which the dog is made to stand or pose is optional. The handler may take any reasonable time in posing the dog, then without further order from the judge, will give the command and/or signal to stay, walk straight forward about 1.8 m (6 ft),
turn and face the dog.
3 The judge will approach the dog from the front and touch the dog’s head, withers and hindquarters only. On the judge’s order, the handler will return by walking around behind the dog to heel position.
4 The dog shall remain in a standing position until the judge says “Exercise finished.”
5 The scoring of this exercise will not start until the handler has given the command and/or signal to stay except for such things as rough treatment of the dog by its handler or active resistance.
6 Substantial or minor deductions, depending on the circumstances, shall be given for any handler who backs away from his dog, is not approximately 1.8 m (6 ft) from the dog during the examination.
Heel Free
1 The scoring and orders for this exercise shall be the same as for the Heel on Leash (except no Figure 8, L, T) and/or titling Novice (Under Obedience Trial & Rally Obedience Trial Rules & Regulations).
2 After the exercise is finished handlers should move automatically to the appropriate position for Recall.
Recall
1 In this exercise, upon order or signal from the
judge to “Leave your dog,” the handler will give the dog the command and/or signal to stay in the sitting position, leave the dog, and go about 12.2 m (40 ft), turn and face the dog.
2 Upon order or signal from the judge, “Call your dog,” the handler will call or signal the dog which must come straight in at a brisk pace, sitting straight in front of the handler, close enough so that he can readily touch the dog’s head without moving either foot or having to stretch forward.
3 Upon order or signal from the judge “Finish,” the dog on command or signal should go smartly to heel. In the Finish the method in
which a dog goes to heel should be the option of the handler, providing it is done smartly.
4 Judges should pay particular attention to the clarity and volume of command over the greater distance plus the handler’s proximity to ring edge. The handler should remain standing while not learning to the dog or any unnecessary movements. The handler’s arms must be hanging naturally at their side. There must be ample room for the dog to move around the handler.
Group Exercises
1 The Group exercises for Novice are similar to the titling Novice (under Obedience Trial & Rally Obedience Trial Rules & Regulations) exercises except they are one (1) minute in duration each. All Novice classes can be combined at the judges discretion.
2 The leash should be neatly placed behind the dog during the evaluation and supporting the armband number. This should be done without the judges indication. The scoring and orders for this exercise shall be the same as for Junior.
3 The judge shall pay attention to each teams
proximity to other dogs entering and leaving the ring; commands from the handler; setting the dog; the handlers body language (looking back at the dog); manner of return to the dog; proximity to the dog; return to heel position; and interference with other dogs.
Open Exercises
Heel Free
1 Upon entering the ring the handler is expected
to hand the dumbbell to the steward without being told. The leash should be handed to the steward at the start position.
2 The orders and scoring for this exercise shall be the same as for the Heel Off Leash in Novice except the Figure 8, L, T is included. The principal features and deductions are the same as in Junior.
Drop on Recall
1 The handler will move automatically from the completion of the Figure 8, L, T exercise (after Exercise finished) to the position for the Recall.
2 The judge will ask “Are you ready”. After the handler responds “Ready” the judge will indicate to “Leave your dog”.
3 The handler will command and/or signal to stay in the sitting position, leave the dog and go about 12.2 m (40 ft), turn and face the dog.
4 Upon order or signal from the judge to “Call your dog”, the handler will call or signal the dog which must come straight in at a brisk pace.
5 While the dog is in motion, upon order or signal from the judge, or at a pre-designated point, the handler will command or signal the
dog to drop.
6 Upon further order or signal from the judge to “Call your dog” the handler will call or signal the dog.
7 Upon order or signal from the judge to “Finish”, the dog on command or signal should go smartly to heel.
The judge should pay attention to clarity and volume of commands/signals; too late or early a drop command; using two commands for drop; holding signals; extra command to finish or using two commands; extra commands to stay.
Retrieve on Flat
1 The judge will ask “Are you ready”. After the handler responds “Ready” the judge will indicate “Throw It” whereupon the handler may give the command and/or signal to stay and shall throw the dumbbell.
2 The judge orders “Send your dog”, whereupon the handler gives a command or signal to the dog to retrieve the dumbbell.
3 The judge orders “Take It” whereupon the handler may command the dog to give it up, then takes it.
4 The judge orders or signals “Finish”. The handler commands or signals the dog to return to heel position.
After the completion of the Retrieve on Flat the team will move to position for the High Jump.
The judge should pay attention to the following:
1 bad throws;
2 late or early send commands;
3 handler using two commands to send for retrieve;
4 handler using more than one finish com mand;
5 handler not commanding dog to wait/stay;
6 handler who holds signal or drops the dumbbell;
RING PROCEDURE – CONFORMATION
The judge may use any examination pattern normally used in the conformation ring. The same pattern must be followed for each handler when the dogs are moved individually.
Common Patterns
1 The handlers come in as called by the ring steward and will be judged from the moment that they enter the ring. They stack dogs where the judge gets a first view. The judge may re-arrange the dogs and they should be moved together. Each team gets an individual examination. They demonstrate an individual movement pattern and the free stack. In the more advanced classes the judge may add group stacks towards the front and rear, side by side down and backs used infrequently and exchanging of dogs at the Senior level.
When exchanging of dogs is used, the ring steward and an assistant or the judge shall hold the dogs to facilitate an uneventful transfer. The handler should inquire as to the dog’s name and any special instructions.
A grooming tool is permissible based on the breed shown, excessive tools and their use should be penalized.
1.2 The judge should inspect each dog individually, as this will indicate to the judge if the handler knows how to show the dog at close quarters. For example: each junior should have to show the bite and expression of the dog to the judge’s satisfaction; feet can be placed incorrectly to see if the handler corrects this etc. Watch for the following actions by the handler. The junior poses the dog to present the side picture. The handler shows expression of the dog as the judge moves to the front of the dog. The judge approaches and the junior shows the bite in the manner normally used in the breed e.g. full dentition for Dobermans, tongue colour in Chows. As the judge goes over the front, the handler glances to check rear position has not shifted. The judge examines rear and the handler checks the front for movement. Junior checks for any movement as the judge moves to the side to get final picture, junior settles dog and poses it for the final look. Tabled breeds follow the above pattern and must be presented on a table if required at the breed level with the exception of the Baby class, which is never examined on the table for the safety of the dog.
1.3 The dog should be moved with smoothness, grace and at the correct speed for the breed.
1.4 The dog must be between the handler and the judge at all times, thus giving the judge ample opportunity to observe how the handler presents the dog.
1.5 The lead should be in the hand nearest the dog at all times. The lead must be folded up without any end trailing and not wrapped around the fingers while gaiting. Some handlers showing larger dogs have the lead looped around one finger for control purposes. In
some breeds such as German Shepherds, it is customary to use longer leads held in folds. Any difference in style should reflect the custom in various breed rings and should be honored in junior rings just as different posing styles are. The dog should always be under control and the overall look should be pleasing.
1.6 As a handler comes out to move his dog individually he should present the dog to the judge allowing the dog to pose naturally. A courtesy turn is highly desirable. After gaiting, the handler should again allow the dog to pose naturally while baiting the dog
before the judge.
1.7 When the handlers are moved individually, a pattern which requires a lead change from hand to hand such as a “crossover” is desired. The dog should be moved with smoothness, grace and at the correct speed for the breed. Judges should take into account that at certain stages of physical development the handler may appear awkward and should not be penalized. When handlers are gaited
in the side by side down and back (only at Senior Open level and infrequently) the faster dog should be adjusted to the speed of the smaller dog and the handlers should insure verbally and visually that they are both ready before proceeding.
Common patterns that may be used are as follows:
• Up and Back
• Triangle
• “L”
• Reverse Triangle
• Reverse “L”
• “T”
The handler must switch smoothly whenever the judge moves around the dog to insure that the judge’s view of the dog is not blocked in the free stack at the end of the pattern. Excessive movement around or over the dog is not required to assess the handler’s ability. Most handlers perform a courtesy turn to present the dog to the judge before individually gaiting. All instructions as to what the desired pattern is should be given the whole line and given as many times as needed to make it possible for all handlers to hear them from the judge. Handlers can ask for instructions to be repeated in a polite manner.
A Handler should be given appropriate time to get a free stack from the dog at the end of the individual gaiting.
1.8 It is highly desirable that the judge asks questions of the handlers, relating to commonly known information regarding the breed shown, anatomy or common show terms. For consistency and to fairly assess the handler’s ability, each handler is to be asked identical questions. These questions should not be used to break a tie.
When asking questions, the judge should keep in mind the age level and apparent skill level of the competitors. Competitors should not see or hear the answers of the others.
1.9 At local competitions the exchange of dogs is not permitted except at the Senior Open level and then only at the discretion of the judge.
1.10 At zone finals, the exchange of dogs may be permitted at the discretion of the judge.
1.11 Judges and Handlers should be mindful at all times that while excellence of accomplishment is to be sought, the enjoyment and experience of participation is more important than winning. Special attention should be given to the obvious rapport of the handler with the dog. Good sportsmanship should always be encouraged and you should observe and encourage the handlers in congratulating the winners. Winners should also be encouraged to accept their placements with grace and humility. Judges make themselves available to exhibitors for pictures as soon after competition as feasible.
Judges should also encourage improvement in the juniors by offering constructive criticism. Judges must be sensitive to the feelings of the youngsters and realize that although some handlers will be especially successful in the Junior Handling competitions and the other may not be, this success is not indicative of a handler’s future potential in the fancy. Some who have gone on to be very valuable in the dog fancy for a lifetime were spectacularly unsuccessful as Junior Handlers. Others that have shown in the junior handling ring dropped out as they grew older because they were more interested in the junior level and when it ended for them, they
moved onto other interests. There is nothing wrong with that but judges should bear in mind that each contact with Junior Handler could foster or destroy interest. If time permits an oral critique of all the class benefits the handlers.
SUGGESTED QUESTIONS FOR JUNIOR HANDLERS – CONFORMATION
The answers given at this level will demonstrate the knowledge of the handlers. Note that the following questions are suggestions only. At the discretion of the judge, other questions may be asked that are appropriate for the level of competition. In order to
avoid any misunderstanding, all questions must be phrased clearly and completely.
General Questions
• What is the breed of your dog?
• What do you call the colour of your dog?
• What group does your dog belong to?
• What is the purpose of a dog show?
• What was your dog’s breed used for?
When asking anatomy questions, they should be such that it is not necessary to point to a specific part of the dog thus providing a clue of the answer to the other handlers.
Where/what is the:
• Bite
• Wither
• Elbow
• Muzzle
• Stifle
• Occiput
• Metacarpus
• Croup
• Loin
• Feathering
Senior Questions
• What is the breed’s purpose?
• What are the breed’s disqualifying faults?
• Name the quality of your dog you want the judge to see.
When asking anatomy questions, it is not necessary to point to a specific part of the dog thus providing a clue to the answer.
Where/what is the:
• Pastern
• Loin
• Sternum
• Flew
• Flank
• Ischium
• Upper Arm
• Forechest
• Brisket
• Stifle
• Croup
• Stop