AD : An endurance test originated in Germany
The dog and handler (the handler on bicycle) must travel 20 km. at a steady trotting pace . 10 - 15 minute breaks are given at the 8 km. mark and the 15 km. mark . At the completion of the run, dog and handler must perform a simple obedience routine .

CD : Companion Dog (First obedience title) .

To earn the title of Companion Dog (CD) the dog must pass three NOVICE Obedience Trials under at least Two different licenced obedience judges . Each Trial consists of 6 exercises . The dog must pass each exercise (obtain at least 50%) and accumulate a total score of at least 170 . A perfect score is 200 points . The exercises are as follows :

1. HEEL ON LEASH AND FIGURE 8 : 40 Points The dog must perform a heeling pattern on-leash as well as heeling in a figure-8 pattern around the two ring stewards . A Non-Qualifying ZERO results from i) Unmanageable behavior OR ii) Unqualified Heeling .

   NOTE : In this as well as all the following exercises , points will be deducted for minor infractions from "perfect" execution of the exercise being tested .

2. STAND FOR EXAMINATION : 30 Points The handler will Stand the dog and then move in front to the end of the leash . Non-Qualifying ZERO results from i) Sitting before or during examination (by the judge) OR ii) Growling or Snapping . ( You don't pass if you bite the judge ! )

3. HEEL FREE : 40 Points The dog must perform a heeling pattern off-leash . A Non-Qualifying ZERO results from i) Unmanageable behavior OR ii) Unqualified Heeling .

4. RECALL : 30 Points The handler leaves the dog on a Sit-Stay and walks to the end of the ring and then calls the dog . A Non-Qualifying ZERO results if the dog does not come on the first command or signal .

5. LONG SIT (1 Minute) : 30 Points This is a group exercise . The dogs are lined up and made to sit in a row . The handlers then move to the opposite side of the ring . (They usually stare at their pets trying to mesmerize them into staying put .) A Non-Qualifying ZERO results from i) Not remaining in place OR ii) Disturbing another dog OR iii) Standing up or lying down before the handler returns .

6. LONG DOWN (3 Minutes) : 30 Points This is the 2nd group exercise . The dogs are lined up in a row and made to lie down . The handler then moves to the opposite side of the ring . A Non-Qualifying ZERO results from i) Not remaining in place OR ii) Disturbing another dog OR iii) Sitting or standing up before the handler returns .

CDX : Companion Dog Excellent (Second obedience title) .

After a dog has obtained its CD title , it can earn the title of Companion Dog Excellent (CDX) by passing three OPEN Obedience Trials under at least Two different licenced obedience judges . Each Trial consists of 7 exercises . The dog must pass each exercise (obtain at least 50%) and accumulate a total score of at least 170 . A perfect score is 200 points . The exercises are as follows :

1. HEEL FREE AND FIGURE 8 : 40 Points The dog must perform a heeling pattern off-leash as well as heeling in a figure-8 pattern around the two ring stewards . A Non-Qualifying ZERO results from i) Unmanageable behavior OR ii) Unqualified Heeling OR iii) The handler continually adapting his/her pace to the dog .

   NOTE : In this as well as all the following exercises , points will be deducted for minor infractions from "perfect" execution of the exercise under examination .

2. DROP ON RECALL : 30 Points The handler leaves the dog on a Sit-Stay and walks to the end of the ring and then calls the dog . On a signal the dog must drop to a stationary position and the come to the handler on the next signal . A Non-Qualifying ZERO results from i) The dog does not come on the first command or signal OR ii) Does not drop on the first command or signal OR iii) Handler gives an extra command or signal to stay after leaving the dog OR iv) Dog does not wait for recall OR v) Dog anticipates the come after the drop .

3. RETRIEVE ON THE FLAT : 25 Points The handler throws a dumbell out away from him/herself and the dog and then signals the dog to retrieve the object . A Non-Qualifying ZERO results from i) The dog fails to go out on the first command or signal OR ii) Dog goes out before the first command or signal OR iii) Dog fails to retrieve the dumbell .

4. RETRIEVE OVER A HIGH JUMP : 35 Points The handler throws a dumbell over the High-Jump and then signals the dog to retrieve the object . The height of the jump is equal to the height of the dog at the withers (top of the shoulder) , to a maximum of 36 inches . A Non-Qualifying ZERO results from i) The dog fails to go out on the first command or signal OR ii) Dog goes out before the first command or signal OR iii) Dog fails to retrieve the dumbell OR iv) Dog fails to jump either going or returning (or both) .

5. BROAD JUMP : 20 Points From a sitting start , the dog must leap over a broad jump and return to its handler . The length of the jump is equal to 2 times the height of the dog at the withers (top of the shoulder) , to a maximum of 72 inches . A Non-Qualifying ZERO results from i) The dog refuses to jump on the first command or signal OR ii) Dog does not wait for the first command or signal OR iii) Dog walks through or on top of the jump OR iv) Dog does not clear the jump .

6. LONG SIT (3 Minutes) : 25 Points This is a group exercise . The dogs are lined up and made to sit in a row . The handlers then move out of the ring and out of sight from the dogs . A Non-Qualifying ZERO results from i) Not remaining in place OR ii) Disturbing another dog OR iii) Standing up or lying down before the handler returns to heel position .

7. LONG DOWN (3 Minutes) : 25 Points This is the 2nd group exercise . The dogs are lined up and made to lie down (in a row) . The handlers then move out of the ring and out of sight from the dogs . A Non-Qualifying ZERO results from i) Not remaining in place OR ii) Disturbing another dog OR iii) Sitting or standing up before the handler returns to heel position .

CGC / CGN : Canine Good Citizen (USA) ; Canine Good Neighbor (Cdn)

This certificate is obtained when the dog passes a combination of obedience and temperament testing in various situations that a dog might encounter in everyday life . Some of the tests are : passing shopping carts ; being groomed or handled by a stranger ; meeting other people and dogs ; being left tied somewhere while the handler is out of sight ; playing with the dog and then bringing the dog under control again , etc .

CH : Champion (Conformation title)

A dog shall attain the rank of CHAMPION when it is declared a winner by at least 3 different Judges and accumulates a minimum of 10 points

This section will attempt to answer the questions :
- " How does a dog become a Champion ? " AND
- " How does a dog show work ? " .

The dogs are shown in CLASSES : The Males are judged first and a winner is declared (WINNERS MALE) . The females are judged next and a WINNERS FEMALE is named .

CONFORMATION CLASSES

Junior Puppy : For puppies 6 months of age on the day of the show, and under 9 months of age on that date .
Senior Puppy : For puppies 9 months of age on the day of the show, and under 12 months of age on that date .
12 - 18 Months : For dogs 12 months of age on the day of the show, and under 18 months of age on that date . NOTE : This class is only offered at Specialty Shows .
Canadian Bred : For dogs born in Canada; Champions in any country excluded .
Bred by Exhibitor : For dogs owned and handled in the ring by the breeder .
Open : For all dogs .
Specials Only : For Champions of record in Canada .

JUDGING : Each class is judged separately ; placements from 1st to 4th are awarded . Ribbon colours are : 1st - Blue , 2nd - Red , 3rd - Yellow , 4th - White .

All the male classes are judged first . The first place dogs from each of the classes are judged to pick Winners Dog . THIS IS THE ONLY DOG THAT IS AWARDED POINTS towards his Championship . Winners Dog is awarded a purple ribbon .
Then, the second place dog from the class where the Winners Dog came from competes with the first place dogs from all the other classes for Reserve Winners Dog . This dog is awarded a lavender ribbon .
A reserve winner is chosen in case (for some reason) the winner is later found out to be NOT ELIGIBLE to receive the points . In this (rare) instance, the Reserve Winner will be awarded the points .

The female classes are judged next following exactly the same procedure as the male classes . The WINNERS FEMALE IS THE ONLY DOG TO BE AWARDED POINTS towards her Championship .

The Winners Dog and the Winners Bitch then compete with the Specials in the Best of Breed competition . The Best of Breed ribbon is red, white and blue .
After the judge has chosen Best of Breed, all animals that are in the ring that are of the opposite sex to the Best of Breed compete for Best of Opposite Sex . The ribbon awarded to the Best of Opposite is green and white .
Then, the Winners Dog and the Winners Bitch compete for Best of Winners . This ribbon is purple and gold . The total number of points awarded to the Best of Winners takes into account the total number of animals competing in the classes .

Finally, all undefeated puppies compete for Best Puppy in Breed . This puppy is awarded a pale blue ribbon .

NOTE : In rare cases , if the judge feels that the best male/female present is not worthy of a champinship , he or she may withold the award of WINNERS MALE/FEMALE and that dog shall not receive any points .

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THE CANADIAN KENNEL CLUB SCHEDULE OF POINTS

Dogs Competing:	1	,	2	,	3 - 5	,	6 - 9	,	10 - 12	,	13 or more
Points:	0	,	1	,	2	,	3	,	4	,	5

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GROUP JUDGING : After all the breeds in a Group have been judged, the Best of Breed winners from each breed compete in the Group . Group placements are awarded from first to fourth place . Rosettes are awarded ; colours are the same as in the classes .

After Group judging, the Best Puppies from each breed compete in Puppy Group . Only Best Puppy in Group is awarded . This rosette is pale blue .

BEST IN SHOW (BIS) : The first place winner from each of the seven groups compete for Best in Show . This dog is awarded an enormous red , white and blue rosette , and usually nice trophies as well .

The last judging at the show is for Best Puppy in Show . The seven group winning puppies compete for this award . This puppy is also awarded an enormous pale blue (again) rosette .

FH , FH2 : Tracking Titles .

FH : This is a tracking title - The track is to be 1,000 to 1,400 paces long with six 90 degree turns at least 3 hours old . Four articles are placed on the track, three at irregular intervals after the first 250 paces and the last at the end . The direction of the track is determined by the judge and layed by a stranger while the dog and handler are out of sight . Thirty minutes after the completion of the main track, a cross tracklayer will cross the track three times .

FH2 : This is the next level for a tracking title - The track is to be 2,000 paces long through different types of terrain with seven corners at least 3 hours old . Near the beginning of the track there will be a scent pad 20m x 20m . Within the pad, the track layer will insert 2 markers 20 steps apart placing an orientation article in between them which will be the starting point of the track . Six of the articles are placed on the track at irregular intervals after the first 250 paces and the last at the end . The direction of the track is determined by the judge and layed by a stranger while the dog and handler are out of sight . Thirty minutes before the track is to be worked, a cross tracklayer will cross over two legs of the first track .

HIC : Herding Instinct Certificate .

This exercise is designed to test the dogs on their herding instincts . Five or six ducks are normally used but sheep may be used as well . The tester will take the dog on leash behind the flock and try to encourage it to keep them together and move them at a slow steady pace around the enclosure . If the dog seems to be responding , then it is tried off leash . Trying to overun the flock or attack any of them is discouraged and the dog is failed . ( If the dog winds up with a mouth full of feathers , it fails .)

OTCH : Obedience Trial Champion .

The title of OTCH is awarded to any dog that has successfully passed the three obedience levels , and obtained the titles : CD , CDX , UD . See the approprate sections for the exercises involved .

OTCHX : Obedience Trial Champion Excellent.

The title of OTCHX is attained when 5 qualification scores are attained :
The dog and handler must pass both the Open and Utility Class in the same trial to obtain a qualification score.

MOTCH : Master Obedience Trial Champion .

A total of 40 points must be accumulated to attain MOTCH status.
Points are accumulated by passing either Open or Utility classes.
1 point is awarded for an Open score of 190 , to a maximum of 6 for a 200 score.
In Utility, 1 point is awarded for a score of 185 , to a maximum of 6 for a 199 or better.
A total of 40 points must be accumulated ; at least 15 must come from Open, AND at least 15 must come from the Utility class.

GMOTCH : Grand Master Obedience Trial Champion .

The Grand Master Obedience Trial Champion title may be earned after the completion of the MOTCH title.
The dog must obtain qualifying scores of 195 or better in both Open B and Utility in the same trial on 10 separate occasions under 10 different judges.
A least 1 High in Trial must be earned from each of the Open B and Utility classes.

SchutzHund Titles

These tests consist of three phases - each one scored out of 100 points for a total of 300 points .

The first phase is tracking . When the dog is started on the track, the handler must follow at a distance of 10 meters . Points are deducted for excessive circling on corners, false indications of articles, moving forward while indicating articles, dropping or missing articles, etc .

The second phase is obedience . Two dogs come onto the field - one is placed in a down stay at the side while the other does his routine . As all routines are identical, they are memorized by each handler . The pattern consists of normal, fast and slow paces, left, right, about turns and halts . The handler and dog team are also required to complete a figure of eight among a group of 4 milling people . When this has been completed on leash, the exercise is repeated off lead during which two shots are fired which the dog is to ignore . Also included is a sit in motion, the handler moving down the field and then returning to his dog and a down in motion, the handler moving down the field and then calling the dog to him . The final exercise is a "go out" where the dog is sent in a straight line down the field and given the command to down approximately 40 to 50 yards away . When all these exercises have been completed the handler returns to the dog that has been in the down stay and releases him . The other dog continues on with the exercises .

The third phase is protection . There are 6 "blinds" on the field with a "decoy" hiding in the last one . At each level the dog is required to "search" a specified number of blinds then proceed to the decoy and do a "hold & bark" which is sitting focused on the decoy and barking until either taken away or called away by the handler . The dog will also do an "attack" on the decoy coming out from a different blind while heeling with the handler . There is a courage test where the dog will chase after a decoy and "attack" . All bites that the dog will do on a decoy are on a padded burlap sleeve . The decoy is then escorted by dog and handler to the judge . Additional exercises are added at each level below .

All scores, pass or fail, are entered in the dog's scorebook which goes with the dog if that dog moves on to a new owner . The dog may continue to compete at the level that the last title was attained .

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SchH1 : SchutzHund 1 .

Tracking - The track is to be 350 to 400 paces long with two 90 degree turns at least 20 minutes old . Two articles are placed on the track, one in the middle of the first or second leg and the other at the end . The direction of the track is determined by the judge and layed by the handler while the dog is out of sight .
Obedience - The dog must retrieve a dumbbell on the flat and retrieve the dumbbell over a 1 meter fence .
Protection - The dog will search one other blind and proceed to the decoy .

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SchH2 : SchutzHund 2 .

Tracking - The track is to be 600 paces long with two 90 degree turns at least 30 minutes old . Two articles are placed on the track, one in the middle of the first or second leg and the other at the end . The direction of the track is determined by the judge and layed by a stranger while the dog and handler are out of sight .
Obedience - The dog must retrieve a dumbbell on the flat, over a 1 meter wall and over an "A" frame .
Protection - The dog must search 5 other blinds and then proceed to the last blind with the decoy in it . He will have to do a couple of "hold & barks" either in the blind or out in the middle of the field . There will be an escort where the decoy will attempt to attack the dog .

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SchH3 : SchutzHund 3 .

Tracking - The track is to be 800 paces long with four 90 degree turns at least 1 hour old . Three articles are placed on the track, one after 100 paces, the second on the middle of the second or third leg and the other at the end . The direction of the track is determined by the judge and layed by a stranger while the dog and handler are out of sight .
Obedience - The dog must do a running down and stand in motion where the handler returns to the dog and a running down and stand in motion with a recall . A larger dumbbell must be retrieved on the flat and over a 1 meter wall, the smaller dumbbell over the A frame .
Protection - The dog must search 5 other blinds and then proceed to the last blind with the decoy in it . He will have to do a couple of "hold & barks" either in the blind or out in the middle of the field . There will be an escort where the decoy will attempt to attack the dog .

Tracking Tests : These notes are taken from "Regulations and Standards for Tracking Tests ; The Canadian Kennel Club"

TD : Tracking Dog Test .

The length of the track shall not be les than 400 metres and not more than 450 metres, the track to be no less than one-half hour nor more than two (2) hours old at the time that dog starts the track . The scent shall be that of a stranger who shall leave a leather glove, wallet or other leather article, satisfactory to the judge, at the end of the track . All turns shall be well out in the open where there are no fences or other boundaries to guide the dog . Two of the turns shall each approximate a right angle . No conflicting track shall be laid .

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TDX : Tracking Dog Excellent Test .

The length of the track shall not be less than 900 nor more than 1000 metres . The track shall be not less than three hours old and shall be crossed in two places at well separated intervals by a more recent track . The track shall contain at least five turns . The first article should be dropped not less than two hundred and fifty (250) metres from the start of the track, the second article at an irregular interval between the first and the third, and the third article shall be dropped at the end of the track . One hour after the primary track has been completed, the judge shall instruct a second person, who must also be a stranger to the dog, to start out from a given point and cross the original track in two places . The primary track should be laid over varying terrain and across a road . The dog must find the last article and one other ; the dog must not follow one of the cross tracks for a distance of more than twenty (20) metres .

TT : Temperament Test (Can.) .

The Temperament Test administered by Temperament Test Associates is not a CKC recognized title . It is, however, an attempt to define a standard of acceptable temperament .

The Temperament Test consists of several individual tests designed to place varying amounts of stress on the dog . These tests have been designed to simulate circumstances that might occur during an outing with the dog .

The dog is assessed against its Breed Standard with regard to his reactions to the various tests, as different breeds will react very differently . The type of life the dog leads, as well as the amount of training he has received are also considered when assessing the reactions of the dog . The test is conducted by a Chief Tester, who will generally be assisted by one or more apprentice testers .

THE TEMPERAMENT TESTS :

1) NEUTRAL STRANGER : The dog and handler are approached by an individual who greets the handler, but ignores the dog .

2) FRIENDLY STRANGER : The dog and handler are approached by an individual who greets the dog, but ignores the handler .

3) CROWDS : The dog and handler are encircled by a "crowd" of four or five people .

4) NOISE TEST : A hidden assistant rattles a pail containing some stones for several seconds . The pail is then put out in sight of the dog, who is encouraged to investigate .

5) GUN TEST : An assistant hidden behind the dog, fires a starter's pistol .

6) UMBRELLA TEST : As the dog and handler approach, an assistant sits in a chair with a closed umbrella resting on the ground . When the dog and handler near the assistant, the umbrella pops open . The dog is encouraged to investigate .

7) FOOTING TEST : The dog and handler are required to walk over a length of chain link fence .

8) DECOY TEST : The dog and handler are approached by a stranger dressed in a poncho, who staggers about waving a riding crop and making strange noises . The decoy will come closer, continuing his act . He will then slap the crop on the ground several times before turning and running away .

In all instances, the dog is expected to accept the attentions of non threatening individuals . In tests where a sudden or loud noise occurs, it is quite acceptable for the dog to "start", but he is expected to recover and to investigate . He should be able to walk on strange footing . Not all dogs will try to attack the decoy, but they should all stand their ground . They are allowed to "start", as long as they recover . Giving chase only after the decoy has turned to flee is not acceptable .

UD : Utility Dog (Third & highest obedience title) .

After a dog has obtained its CDX title , it can earn the title of Utility Dog AND Obedience Trial Champion ( UD , OTCh ) by passing three UTILITY Obedience Trials under at least Two different licenced obedience judges . Each Trial consists of 5 exercises . The dog must pass each exercise (obtain at least 50%) and accumulate a total score of at least 170 . A perfect score is 200 points . The exercises are as follows :

1. SEEK BACK : 30 Points The dog must perform a heeling pattern off-leash and at some point the handler will drop an object that the dog is expected to retrieve ( usually a leather glove or something similar ) . A Non-Qualifying ZERO results from i) Dog does not leave promptly to search for the article OR ii) Dog does not continue to search for the article OR iii) Dog does not find the article OR iv) Dog does not pick up the article OR v) Dog does not return directly to the handler .

   NOTE : In this as well as all the following exercises , points will be deducted for minor infractions from "perfect" execution of the exercise under examination .

2. SCENT DISCRIMINATION : 30 times 2 (60) Points : A collection of 12 articles ( 4 wood , 4 metal , and 4 leather ) are placed in the center of the obedience ring . The handler will apply his/her scent to a fifth article and the judge will place it somewhere among the other articles . The handler will then send the dog to find the scented article . This is repeated for the fifth article of one of the other two materials . A Non-Qualifying ZERO results from i) The dog fails to go out on the first command or signal OR ii) The dog does not retrieve an article OR iii) The dog retrieves a wrong article .

3. SIGNAL EXERCISE : 40 Points The dog must perform a heeling pattern off-leash with only visual commands being given . At some point the handler will give the dog a command to stop in a standing position , and wait while the handler moves away . The handler then turns to face the dog and give further (visual) commands to a) Lie down ; b) Sit up ; and c) Come to the handler . A Non-Qualifying ZERO results from i) Unmanageable behavior OR ii) Unqualified Heeling OR iii) The handler continually adapting his/her pace to the dog while heeling OR iv) Any audible command OR v) Failure of dog on FIRST signal to Stand ; Stay ; Drop ; Sit ; or Come .

4. MOVING STAND : 40 Points The dog must perform a short heeling pattern and stop (on signal) as the handler continues on without him/her. After the judge examines the dog, it will return to the handler on command.

5. DIRECTED JUMPING JUMPING : 40 Points Two Jumps , a (solid) High Jump and a Bar Jump are placed a specified distance apart near the centre of the ring . The handler commands the dog to run out (between and past the two jumps) and then to sit . Another command will designate the jump the dog is to go over . The exercise is then repeated for the second jump . A Non-Qualifying ZERO results from i) The dog fails to go out on the first command or signal OR ii) Dog does not go substantially in the right direction OR iii) Dog fails to stop on command OR iv) Dog fails to jump the proper jump .

VB : Title originates in Germany : Dog must pass a combined Obedience and Temperament Test .

The first phase of the VB is obedience . Two dogs come onto the field - one is placed in a down stay at the side while the other does his routine . As all routines are identical, they are memorized by each handler . The pattern consists of normal, fast and slow paces, left, right, about turns and halts . The handler and dog team are also required to complete a figure of eight among a group of 4 milling people . When this has been completed on leash, the exercise is repeated off lead during which two shots are fired which the dog is to ignore .
Also included is a sit in motion, the handler moving down the field and then returning to his dog and a down in motion, the handler moving down the field and then calling the dog to him . The final exercise is a "go out" where the dog is sent in a straight line down the field and given the command to down approximately 40 to 50 yards away . When all these exercises have been completed the dogs switch places - the first dog doing a down stay and the second dog doing the pattern .

The second phase of the VB is a temperament test . The dogs are tested on a number of things - bicycles from behind and coming towards the dog and handler, a group of noisy people closing in on the dog in a sit position and then repeated while the dog is in a down position, cars going by honking horns, joggers passing and dogs and people passing the dog who is left tied while the handler is out of sight .

When both dogs have completed all the exercises in each phase, a critique is given by the judge . All scores, pass or fail, are entered in the dog's scorebook which goes with the dog if that dog moves on to a new owner . The dog must receive this title before he can earn any further Schutzhund titles .

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