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ELIGIBILITY AND SCHEDULE OF CLASSES

1. In the following Definitions of Classes First Prize wins in Limited Show Obedience Classes and Open Shows confined to one breed do not count for entry in Open and Championship Show Obedience Classes but do count for eligibility at Limited Obedience Shows or Open Shows confined to one breed.
2. Dogs are ineligible to compete at Limited and Match Competitions which have won an Obedience Certificate or obtained any award that counts towards the title of Obedience Champion under the rules of any governing body recognised by the Kennel Club. Obedience Champions are only eligible to compete in Class C at Open and Championship Shows.
3. A dog not qualified to enter Championship Class C must be entered in the lowest Scheduled class for which it is eligible and may also be entered in another standard class if desired plus one additional special class if scheduled. Only qualified dogsmay be entered in Championship Class C and these dogsmay also enter Open Class C and/or one additional special class if scheduled. (Note the qualifications for Championship Class C and ObedienceWarrant.)
Exemptions from this regulation are:
A dog entered in a Good Citizen Dog Scheme Special Pre-Beginner Obedience Stakes Class or a Young Kennel Club (YKC) Obedience Class which may also be entered in amaximumof two other scheduled classes (including YKC classes) for which it is eligible. 4. Societies may schedule Classes other than those defined below. The eligibility for "Special" classes must be defined by the Society and included in the schedule. The word "Special" must be included in the title of the class.

CLASSES

Pre-Beginners.

To compete in Pre-Beginners a handler or dog must not have won a First place in either Pre Beginners or Beginners nor gained a third place or above in any other obedience class. Handlers will not be penalised for encouragement or extra commands except in the Sit and Down tests. In these tests at the discretion of the Judge, handlers may face their dogs, Judges or Stewards must not use the words "last command" except in the Sit and Down tests. The detailed tests will be:
(1) Heel on lead 15 points
(2) Heel free 20 points
(3) Recall from sit or down position at handler's choice. Dog to be recalled by handler when stationary and facing the dog. Dog to return smartly to the handler, sit in front, go to heel-all on command of Judge or Steward to handler. Distance at discretion of Judge Test commenceswhen handler leaves dog. 10 points
(4) Sit one minute, handler in sight 10 points
(5) Down two minutes, handler in sight 20 points
(6) TOTAL 75 points

Beginners.

To compete in Beginners a handler or dogmust not have won a total of two or more First Prizes in Beginners Class, or one First Prize in any other Obedience Class, (Pre Beginners excepted). Handlers will not be penalised for encouragement or extra commands except on the Sit and Down tests. In these tests at the discretion of the Judge, handlers may face their dogs. Judges and Stewards must not use the words "last command" except in the Sit and Down tests. The detailed tests will be:
(1) Heel on lead 15 points
(2) Heel free 20 points
(3) Recall from Sit or Down position at handler's choice. Dog to be recalled by handler when stationary and facing the dog. Dog to return smartly to handler, sit in front, go to heel - all on command of Judge or Steward to handler. Distance at discretion of Judge. Test commences when handler leaves dog 10 points
(4) Retrieve any article. Handlers may use their own article 25 points
(5) Sit one minute, handler in sight 10 points
(6) Down two minutes, handler in sight 20 points
(7) TOTAL 100 points

Novice.

For dogs which have not won 2 First Prizes in Obedience Classes. (Pre Beginners and Beginners excepted). Handlers will not be penalised for encouragement or extra commands except in the Sit and Down tests. In these tests, at the discretion of the Judge, handlers may face their dogs. Judges or Stewards must not use the words "last command" except in the Sit and Down tests. The detailed tests will be:
(1) Temperament Test. Dog to be on the lead, in the Stand position, handler to stand by dog. Judge to approach quietly from the front and to run his hand gently down the dog's back. Judge may talk quietly to the dog to reassure it. Any undue resentment, cringing, growling or snapping to be penalised. This is not a stand for examination or a stay test. 10 points
(2) Heel on lead 15 points
(3) Heel Free 20 points
(4) Recall from Sit or Down position at handler's choice. Dog to be recalled by handler when stationary and facing the dog. Dog to return smartly to handler, sit in front, go to heel-all on command of Judge or Steward to handler. Distance at discretion of Judge. Test commences when handler leaves dog 10 points
(5) Retrieve a dumb-bell, handlers may use their own dumb-bell 15 points
(6) Sit one minute, handler in sight 10 points
(7) Down 2 minutes, handler in sight 20 points
(8) TOTAL 100 points

Class A.

For dogs which have not won 3 First Prizes in ClassA, B and Open Class C in total. Simultaneous command and signal will be permitted. Extra commands or signals must be penalised. The detailed tests will be:
(1) Heel free 30 points
(2) Recall from Sit or Down position at handler's choice. Dog to be recalled to heel by handler, on command of Judge or Steward, whilst handler is walking away from dog, both to continue forward until ordered to halt. The recall and halt points to be the same for each dog and handler. Test commences following handler's last command to dog 15 points
(3) Retrieve a dumb-bell, handlers may use their own dumb-bell 25 points
(4) Sit 2 minutes, handler in sight 20 points
(5) Down 3 minutes, handler out of sight 30 points
(6) Scent discrimination. The handler's scent on a marked cloth supplied by the Judge. There must be a total of 6 scent cloths, this total must not include any decoys, but must include the cloth provided by the judge. These 6 cloths must be set out in a straight line, which may be in any direction. 30 points
(7) TOTAL 150 points

Class B.

For dogs which have not won 3 First Prizes in Class B and Open Class C in total. One command by word or signal is permitted, any extra commands and signals must be penalised. However, a simultaneous command and signal is permitted in the Send Away element of the Send Away, Drop and Recall exercise. The detailed tests will be:
(1) Heel free. The dog shall be required to walk at heel free and shall also be tested at fast and slow pace. Each change of pace shall commence from the halt position 40 points
(2) Send Away, Drop and Recall. On command of Judge the handler to bring the dog to the place indicated, set up the dog and stand upright. On further command, the handler will send the dog in the direction indicated by the Judge. After the dog has been dropped, handler will call the dog to heel whilst walking where directed by the Judge and both will continue forward until ordered to halt. No obstacle to be placed in path of dog. Markers, if used, must be stationary and contain no moving parts. Simultaneous command and signal is permitted but as soon as the dog leaves the handler, the arm must be dropped. (N.B. an extra command may be simultaneous command and signal but must be penalised.) 40 points
(3) Retrieve any one article provided by the Judge but which must not be in any way injurious to the dog (excluding food or glass). The article to be picked up easily by any breed of dog in that Class and to be clearly visible to the dog.Aseparate similar article to be used for each dog. Test commences following Judge or Stewardswords "last command" to handler. 30 points
(4) Sit 2 minutes, handler out of sight 20 points
(5) Down 5 minutes, handler out of sight 30 points
(6) Scent discrimination. The handler's scent on a marked cloth supplied by the Judge. There must be a minimum of 6 and up to a maximum of 10 scent cloths, the total must include one decoy cloth, and the cloth provided by the Judge. The pattern of cloths is at the Judge's discretion 40 points
(7) TOTAL 200 points

Class C.

For Championship Class C at Championship Shows, dogs must have won out of Novice, Class A and Class B and have won Open Class C on one occasion and have been placed not lower than third on three occasions, all Open Class C places and wins under different Judges at Kennel Club licensed shows.
At Open Shows, and in the Open C Classes held at Championship Shows, open to all dogs.
At Limited Shows, open to all dogs except Obedience Certificate winners and dogs which have obtained any award that counts towards the title of Obedience Champion or the equivalent thereof under the rules of any governing body recognised by the Kennel Club. One command by word or signal is permitted, any extra commands and signals must be penalised. However, a simultaneous command and signal is permitted in the Send Away element of the Send Away, Drop and Recall exercise.
The detailed tests will be:
(1) Heel Work. The dog shall be required to walk at heel free, and also be tested at fast and slowpace.At some time during this test, at the discretion of the Judge, the dog shall be required, whilst walking at heel at normal pace, to be left at the Stand, Sit and Down position in any order (the order to be the same for each dog) as and when directed by the Judge. The handler shall continue forward alone without hesitation, and continue as directed by the Judge until reaching the dog when both shall continue forward together until halted. 60 points
(2) SendAway, Drop and Recall as in Class B. 40 points
(3) Retrieve any one article provided by the Judge but which must not be in any way injurious to the dog (excluding food or glass). The article to be picked up easily by any breed of dog in the Class and to be clearly visible to the dog. A separate similar article to be used for each dog, Test commences following Judge or Stewards "last command" to handler. 30 points
(4) Distant Control. Dog to Sit, Stand and Down at a marked place not less than 10 paces and not more than 20 paces from handler, in any order on command from Judge to handler. 6 instructions to be given in the same order for each dog. Excessive movement, i.e. more than the body length of the dog, in any direction by the dog, having regard to its size, will be penalised. The dog shall start the exercise with its front feet behind a designated point. No penalty for excessive movement in a forward direction shall be imposed until the back feet of the dog pass the designated point 50 points
(5) Sit 2 minutes, handler out of sight 20 points
(6) Down 10 minutes, handler out of sight 50 points
(7) Scent discrimination. The Judge's scent on amarked cloth supplied by the Judge. There must be a minimum of 6 and up to a maximum of 10 scent cloths, this totalmust include the Judge's scent cloth and a decoy or decoys. The pattern is at the Judge's discretion. 50 points
TOTAL 300 points

2. Tests.

a. Heel on Lead-The dog should be sitting straight at the handler's side. On command the handler should walk briskly forward in a straight line with the dog at heel. The dog's shoulder should be approximately level with and reasonably close to the handler's leg at all times when the handler is walking. The lead should be slack at all times. On the command to turn, the handler should turn smartly in the direction indicated and the dog should keep its position at the handler's side. Turning manoeuvres must not be coupled together. The handler and dog must be allowed several paces if required to turn again. On the command "Halt" the handler should halt immediately, and the dog should sit straight at the handler's side. Throughout the test the handler may not touch the dog or make use of the lead without penalty.
(1) Pre-Beginners and Beginners Classes. In these classes the only permissible turns are turns of 90 degrees to the left or right and 180 degrees about turns to the right.
(2) Novice. Diagonal turns are permissible, however, it is not acceptable to include left about turns.
b Heel Free-The dog must be off the lead throughout this test. The Test must be carried out in the same manner as Heel on Lead and with the same restriction on turns except as specified below.
(1) Class A. Diagonal turns are permissible, however it is not acceptable to include left about turns.
(2) Classes B and C. Turns of up to 180 degrees to the left (left about turns) are permitted at normal and/or slow pace.
(3) Class C. Figures of eight and/or weaving between poles/markers may be introduced at slow and/or normal pace. Circles may also be included at any pace, but judges must ensure that such manoeuvres can be satisfactorily accomplished by all breeds entered in the Class. Heelwork patterns may also include multiple or combination turns at normal and/or slow pace, provided that such turns, once started, must continue in the same direction and do not exceed a total of 360 degrees. For example a "Double left about turn" or a "left about turn-left turn" is permitted but a "left about turn-right turn" or an "About turn-left turn" is not.
(4) After the completion of a multiple or combination turn, the handler and dog must be allowed several paces if required to turn again.
c Recall-See specific Class Tests.
d. Retrieve a Dumb-bell/Article-At the start of this exercise the dog should be sitting at the handler's side. On command the handler must throw the dumb-bell/article in the direction indicated. The dog should remain in the Sit position until the handler is ordered to send it to retrieve the dumb-bell/article. The dog should move out promptly at a smart pace to collect the dumb-bell/article cleanly. It should returnwith the dumb-bell/article at a smart pace and sit straight in front of the handler. On command the handler should take the dumb-bell/article from the dog. On further command the dog should be sent to heel. In ClassesA, B and C the test commences on the order "Last Command" to handler.
e. Stays-The Judge or Steward will direct handlers to positions in the ring. The command "Last Command" will be given and handlers should then instantly give their final command to their dogs. Any further commands or signals to the dogs after this "Last Command" will be penalised. Handlers will then be instructed to leave their dogs and walk to positions indicated until ordered to return to them. These are group tests and all dogs must compete together, but where this is impracticable at an indoor show, the Class may be equally divided but the Judging for the groups must be consecutive.
(1) Sit/Stay-Dogs should remain in the Sit position throughout the test.
(2) Down/Stay-Dogs should remain in the Down position throughout the test.
f. Scent Discrimination
(1) Cloths must be placed in position by a steward and must be at least 1m (3ft) and not more than 1.6m (5ft) apart.
(2) Themethod of taking scent is at the handler's discretion.However, in Class C this shall not require the judge to place his hand on or lean towards the dog.
(3) In Class C, more than one decoy steward may be used, and each decoy steward is permitted to place a maximum of 2 cloths for each dog.
(4) Decoy stewards must not handle a cloth for longer than the handler in Class B, or the judge in Class C. Cloths must be stored out of reach of the dog whilst not in use.
(5) Any cloth which is fouled in any way e.g. mouthed, must be replaced with a fresh cloth.
(6) At the commencement of the test the dog must be brought to a designated point. The dog must be facing away from the cloths while scented/decoy cloths are placed in position. When the cloths have been placed, the handler must give the dog scent, stand up straight and send the dog on command fromthe judge or steward to find the correct cloth. The dog, on finding the correct cloth must then complete the test as for the Retrieve Test.
(7) Limiting the time for this test is at the judge's discretion.

REGULATIONS FOR ENTRIES IN THE STUD BOOK, CHAMPIONS AND WARRANTS

1. Stud Book Qualifications.

a. An entry in the Stud Book shall consist of the registered name of the dog, its sex, colour, date of birth, owner, breeder and an extension of its pedigree limited to three generations, or a Stud Book Reference within that limit.
b. All dogs must be entered in the Stud Book in the name of the registered owner at the time of qualification.
c. A Kennel Club Stud Book number will be assigned to each dog accepted for entry.
d. A neutered dog, which has qualified for an entry in the Stud Book will be listed therein with the letters ‘NEUT’ appearing after its name.
e. The following dogs are entitled to entry in the Kennel Club Stud Book subject to regulations a, b, c, and d above.
f. Winners of First, Second or Third Prizes in Championship Class “C”, at Championship Obedience Classes.

2. Championship Qualifications.

e. Title of Obedience Champion (Ob Ch) The following dogs shall be entitled to be described as Obedience Champion.
(1) Any dog awarded three Obedience Certificates under three different Judges in accordance with the Kennel Club Regulations for Obedience Classes.
(2) Any dog which has won a Kennel Club Obedience Championship. 3. Warrants.
b. Obedience Warrants
An Obedience Warrant will be issued on application by the registered owner at the time of qualification in respect of a dog that has obtained 14 points whilst ineligible to compete in Championship Class C. The points are to be gained at Championship or Open Obedience Shows, as follows:
(1) Two points for a First Prize in Novice Class on two occasions only.
(2) Two points for a First Prize in Class A on two occasions only.
(3) Two points for a First Prize in Class B on two occasions only.
(4) Two points for a First Prize in Open Class C on one occasion only.
(5) The title “OW” may be used after the name of the dog on show entries and in catalogues.