A BIT OF GENERAL INFO: There are 2 levels within Companion Dog: Beginner Companion Dog (BCD) and Companion Dog (CD). The beginner level was introduced in 2014 for the first time.
The difference between BCD and CD is that in BCD (a) there is no off-lead heel-work; (b) you supply your own search article while the judge supplies on in CD, and (c) the down-stay is shorter and done within sight of the handler.
You do not have to start with Beginner CD - you can go straight to CD if you prefer. Once you have qualified in CD (scored 80% or more), you cannot go back to BCD. You can do the CD test as often as you like, at both Open and Championship shows, even if you qualify every time. You need to qualify in CD before you can do TD (Tracker Dog).
CD is a qualification which you can proudly write behind your dog's name once you have Qualified.
The difference between BCD and CD is that in BCD (a) there is no off-lead heel-work; (b) you supply your own search article while the judge supplies on in CD, and (c) the down-stay is shorter and done within sight of the handler.
You do not have to start with Beginner CD - you can go straight to CD if you prefer. Once you have qualified in CD (scored 80% or more), you cannot go back to BCD. You can do the CD test as often as you like, at both Open and Championship shows, even if you qualify every time. You need to qualify in CD before you can do TD (Tracker Dog).
CD is a qualification which you can proudly write behind your dog's name once you have Qualified.
BEGINNER COMPANION DOG
Maximum Marks 80
Minimum qualifying marks 64
Eligibility
It is not a requirement to start at this level; a handler may proceed directly to Companion Dog Stake.
Dogs that have qualified three (3) times in this grade or have qualified in a higher grade are no longer eligible to compete in the Beginner Companion Dog grade.
GROUP I - CONTROL
Group marks 50
Minimum qualifying marks for group 35
Heel on Lead, 10 marks
The handler will present himself at the place indicated by the Judge with his dog on lead in the heel position (i.e. sitting at heel at the handler’s working side). From the start of the exercise the handler will move with his dog as directed by the Judge. The object of the exercise is to test the dog’s ability to remain naturally at the handler’s working side while moving at normal, fast and slow paces, around obstacles and people. The exercise will be held in the open and while performing this exercise the handler will be expected to execute left, right and about turns and halts.
The dog must work on a loose lead all the time. Any tightening or jerking of the lead or guiding with the lead will be penalised.
Recall to Handler, 10 marks
Upon orders from the Judge the handler will leave his dog in the “Sit” or “Down” position (at handler’s choice) and move forward at Judge’s direction for a distance of approximately 20m, when (upon orders from the judge) he will halt and about turn to face his dog.
On further orders from the Judge the handler will call his dog which must come smartly to the handler, and must sit straight in front of him. On orders from the Judge the handler will command his dog to the “Heel” position.
Send-Away, 10 marks
On orders from the Judge the handler will send his dog forward from the handlers working side to an object at a distance of approximately 15m, in a direction indicated by the Judge. When the handler considers his dog has reached the place indicated by distance and direction, or as near as possible, he shall command the dog to stop in any position. The dog is to stop immediately and remain there until the Judge instructs the handler to recall the dog. Upon its return, the dog shall sit straight in front of his handler. On Judge’s orders the handler will command the dog to the “Heel” position. The handler will not move from his place throughout the exercise without the Judge’s approval.
Retrieve a Dumbbell, 10 marks
With the dog in the “Heel” position the handler, on orders from the Judge, will throw his dumbbell in a direction and for a distance indicated by the Judge. On further orders from the Judge the handler will send his dog to retrieve the dumbbell. The dog should go out immediately, collect the dumbbell and return to sit straight in front of the handler.
On order from the Judge the handler will take the dumbbell from the dog and on further order from the Judge command the dog to the “Heel” position. The dumbbell should be visible to the dog after it has been thrown.
Down Stay – Five Minutes insight 10 marks
The dogs are to remain in the “Down” position. The handlers are allowed to give a last command when instructed by the Judge to leave their dogs. The handlers will move away from their dogs and gather together at a spot determined by the Judge at a distance of at least 10 metres in front and insight of their dogs,. Extra commands from the handler when away from the dogs will be penalized by 5 marks.
Any dog which moves from the “Down” position in the first half of the timed period shall lose all marks for the exercise. Thereafter all points deducted will be graduated.
A dog shall not be penalised for minor movement provided it does not move from the required “Down” position or move more than its own body length from its position. A dog which moves from its position more than its own body length shall lose all marks for the exercise.
There will be no test for steadiness during the exercise.
Group II - Agility
Group marks 20
Minimum qualifying marks for Group 14
Once Judging for Group II has commenced, the handler may not touch any of the obstacles. Should the handler do so, all marks for the obstacle(s) will be deducted. If the dog runs past any of the obstacles, it shall lose all marks for that obstacle.
“A” Frame (10 marks)
Upon orders from the Judge the handler will take up a position approximately 3m in front of the “A” Frame with his dog on the working side off lead. Upon further orders from the Judge the handler will command the dog over the “A” Frame. (The handler may move forward with the dog, but no closer than 1.5m and MUST stop immediately the command to “jump” is given). A command to the dog to stay (in any position) after landing on the far side of the “A” Frame is permitted. Upon further orders the handler will be commanded to move forward at normal pace and at the discretion of the Judge the handler will be commanded to turn left or right, and when the dog is in sight of the handler, the handler will be instructed to call his dog to “Heel”. Once the dog has joined the handler the command “Halt” will be given and the exercise is finished.
A dog which does not obey the command to stay on the far side of the “A” Frame MUST be penalized While the dog is at the far side of the “A” Frame , the Judge may test the dog for steadiness by himself (or a Steward) walking around the dog before the handler is instructed to move forward and recall his dog. Should the dog fall at the first attempt and itself initiate a successful second attempt, no marks should be deducted, if this second attempt by the dog should fail, the exercise should be terminated.
If the dog falls at the first attempt and an extra command is given by the hander to re-attempt the “A” Frame, that section of the exercise should be judged out of half marks. If this second attempt fails, the exercise should be terminated.
If the dog is recalled by the handler the exercise should be terminated.
Clear Jump, 5 marks (two or more elements below the top element)
The handler is to approach the jump with his dog off lead at “Heel”, moving at a pace of his choice. The handler will command the dog forward over the jump in his own time but before the dog reaches the jump. The dog must be ahead of the handler when the dog begins the jump. As the command is given, the handler will halt and await the Judge’s order to rejoin his dog beyond the jump. A command to the dog to “Stay” (in any position) after landing beyond the jump is permitted.
A second element must be added to the clear jump.
Long Jump, 5 marks
This jump will be done in exactly the same manner as the clear jump.
Group III – NOSE WORK
Group marks 10
Minimum qualifying marks for Group 7
Elementary Search, 10 marks
Handlers must submit 3 (three) different articles to the Judge that are not brightly coloured and which are no bigger than a tennis ball (7 x 7 x 7cm). NO BRIGHTLY COLOURED ARTICLES PERMITTED. These articles must be submitted to the Judge when the record cards are presented. The Judge to select one that blends in with the terrain to be used for the exercise. The Judge reserves the right to supply a suitable article should none of the handler’s articles be so. The article will be given to the handler in order that dog becomes familiar with it, prior to the Elementary Search being conducted.
The handler is to scent the article.
Using an area of ground approximately 15m x 15m, which is clearly defined and which has been foiled (by being walked over by a group of handlers and dogs), the handler is to send his dog to find and bring out the article. The article is to be placed in the area by a Steward/Judge unseen by the dog and handler. The handler is not permitted to move into the defined area. The time allowed for the exercise is two (2) minutes
COMPANION DOG
Maximum marks 100
Minimum qualifying marks 80
Eligibility
This is the entry level to Working Trials Classic. Dogs which have qualified in a higher grade are no longer eligible to compete in the Companion Dog grade.
Group 1 - Control
Group marks 65
Minimum qualifying marks for Group 46
Heel on Lead, 10 marks
The handler will present himself at the place indicated by the Judge with his dog on lead in the heel position (i.e. sitting at heel at the handler’s working side). From the start of the exercise the handler will move with his dog as directed by the Judge. The object of the exercise is to test the dog’s ability to remain naturally at the handler’s working side while moving at normal, fast and slow paces, around obstacles and people. The exercise will be held in the open and while performing this exercise the handler will be expected to execute left, right and about turns and halts.
The dog must work on a loose lead all the time. Any tightening or jerking of the lead or guiding with the lead will be penalised.
Heel Free, 10 marks
The exercise will be carried out in the same manner as Heel on Lead, except that the dog will be off the lead.
Recall to Handler, 10 marks
Upon orders from the Judge the handler will leave his dog in the “Sit” or “Down” position (at handler’s choice) and move forward at Judge’s direction for a distance of approximately 20m, when (upon orders from the judge) he will halt and about turn to face his dog.
On further orders from the Judge the handler will call his dog which must come smartly to the handler, and must sit straight in front of him. On orders from the Judge the handler will command his dog to the “Heel” position.
Send-Away, 15 marks
On orders from the Judge the handler will send his dog forward from the handlers working side to an object at a distance of approximately 20m, in a direction indicated by the Judge. When the handler considers his dog has reached the place indicated by distance and direction, or as near as possible, he shall command the dog to stop in any position. The dog is to stop immediately and remain until the Judge instructs the handler to recall the dog. On return, the dog shall sit straight in front of his handler. On Judge’s orders the handler will command the dog to the “Heel” position. The handler will not move from his place throughout the exercise without the Judge’s approval.
Retrieve a Dumbbell, 10 marks
With the dog in the “Heel” position the handler, on orders from the Judge, will throw his dumbbell in a direction and for a distance indicated by the Judge. On further orders from the Judge the handler will send his dog to retrieve the dumbbell. The dog should go out immediately, collect the dumbbell and return to sit straight in front of the handler.
On order from the Judge the handler will take the dumbbell from the dog and on further order from the Judge command the dog to the “Heel” position. The dumbbell should be visible to the dog after it has been thrown.
Down Stay - Ten Minutes, 10 marks
The dogs are to remain in the “Down” position. The handlers will move out of sight of the dogs at the Judge’s direction.
Any dog which moves from the “Down” position in the first half of the timed period shall lose all marks for the exercise. Thereafter all points deducted will be graduated.
A dog shall not be penalised for minor movement provided it does not move from the required “Down” position or move more than its own body length from its position. A dog which moves from its position more than its own body length shall lose all marks for the exercise.
The Judge shall test the dogs for steadiness by himself or a helper (Steward) moving among them at a steady pace once during the exercise.
Group II - Agility
Group marks 20
Minimum qualifying marks for Group 14
“Once Judging for Group II has commenced, the handler may not touch any of the obstacles. Should the handler do so, all marks for the obstacle(s) will be deducted.”
If the dog runs past any of the obstacles, it shall lose all marks for that obstacle.
“A” Frame (10 marks)
Upon orders from the Judge the handler will take up a position approximately 3m in front of the “A” Frame with his dog on the working side off lead. Upon further orders from the Judge the handler will command the dog over the “A” Frame. (The handler may move forward with the dog, but no closer than 1.5m and MUST stop immediately the command to “jump” is given). A command to the dog to stay (in any position) after landing on the far side of the “A” Frame is permitted. Upon further orders the handler will be commanded to move forward at normal pace and at the discretion of the Judge the handler will be commanded to turn left or right, and when the dog is in sight of the handler, the handler will be instructed to call his dog to “Heel”. Once the dog has joined the handler the command “Halt” will be given and the exercise is finished.
A dog which does not obey the command to stay on the far side of the “A” Frame MUST be penalized. While the dog is at the far side of the “A” Frame, the Judge may test the dog for steadiness by himself (or a Steward) by walking around the dog before the handler is instructed to move forward and recall his dog. Should the dog fall at the first attempt and itself initiate a successful second attempt, no marks should be deducted, if this second attempt by the dog should fail, the exercise should be terminated.
If the dog falls at the first attempt and an extra command is given by the hander to re-attempt the “A” Frame, that section of the exercise should be judged out of half marks. If this second attempt fails, the exercise should be terminated.
If the dog is recalled by the handler the exercise should be terminated.
Clear Jump, 5 marks
The handler is to approach the jump with his dog off lead at “Heel”, moving at a pace of his choice. The handler will command the dog forward over the jump in his own time but before the dog reaches the jump. The dog must be ahead of the handler when the dog begins the jump. As the command is given, the handler will halt and await the Judge’s order to rejoin his dog beyond the jump. A command to the dog to “Stay” (in any position) after landing beyond the jump is permitted.
Long Jump, 5 marks
This jump will be done in exactly the same manner as the clear jump.
Group III - Nosework
Group marks 15
Minimum qualifying marks for Group 11
Elementary Search, 15 marks
Using an area of ground approximately 15m x 15m, which is clearly defined and which has been foiled (by being walked over by a group of handlers and dogs), the handler is to send his dog to find and retrieve one (1) article supplied by the Judge, which carries the handler’s scent. The article is to be placed in the area by a Steward/Judge unseen by the dog and handler. Handler is not permitted to move into the defined area. The time allowed for the exercise is two (2) minutes
Maximum Marks 80
Minimum qualifying marks 64
Eligibility
It is not a requirement to start at this level; a handler may proceed directly to Companion Dog Stake.
Dogs that have qualified three (3) times in this grade or have qualified in a higher grade are no longer eligible to compete in the Beginner Companion Dog grade.
GROUP I - CONTROL
Group marks 50
Minimum qualifying marks for group 35
Heel on Lead, 10 marks
The handler will present himself at the place indicated by the Judge with his dog on lead in the heel position (i.e. sitting at heel at the handler’s working side). From the start of the exercise the handler will move with his dog as directed by the Judge. The object of the exercise is to test the dog’s ability to remain naturally at the handler’s working side while moving at normal, fast and slow paces, around obstacles and people. The exercise will be held in the open and while performing this exercise the handler will be expected to execute left, right and about turns and halts.
The dog must work on a loose lead all the time. Any tightening or jerking of the lead or guiding with the lead will be penalised.
Recall to Handler, 10 marks
Upon orders from the Judge the handler will leave his dog in the “Sit” or “Down” position (at handler’s choice) and move forward at Judge’s direction for a distance of approximately 20m, when (upon orders from the judge) he will halt and about turn to face his dog.
On further orders from the Judge the handler will call his dog which must come smartly to the handler, and must sit straight in front of him. On orders from the Judge the handler will command his dog to the “Heel” position.
Send-Away, 10 marks
On orders from the Judge the handler will send his dog forward from the handlers working side to an object at a distance of approximately 15m, in a direction indicated by the Judge. When the handler considers his dog has reached the place indicated by distance and direction, or as near as possible, he shall command the dog to stop in any position. The dog is to stop immediately and remain there until the Judge instructs the handler to recall the dog. Upon its return, the dog shall sit straight in front of his handler. On Judge’s orders the handler will command the dog to the “Heel” position. The handler will not move from his place throughout the exercise without the Judge’s approval.
Retrieve a Dumbbell, 10 marks
With the dog in the “Heel” position the handler, on orders from the Judge, will throw his dumbbell in a direction and for a distance indicated by the Judge. On further orders from the Judge the handler will send his dog to retrieve the dumbbell. The dog should go out immediately, collect the dumbbell and return to sit straight in front of the handler.
On order from the Judge the handler will take the dumbbell from the dog and on further order from the Judge command the dog to the “Heel” position. The dumbbell should be visible to the dog after it has been thrown.
Down Stay – Five Minutes insight 10 marks
The dogs are to remain in the “Down” position. The handlers are allowed to give a last command when instructed by the Judge to leave their dogs. The handlers will move away from their dogs and gather together at a spot determined by the Judge at a distance of at least 10 metres in front and insight of their dogs,. Extra commands from the handler when away from the dogs will be penalized by 5 marks.
Any dog which moves from the “Down” position in the first half of the timed period shall lose all marks for the exercise. Thereafter all points deducted will be graduated.
A dog shall not be penalised for minor movement provided it does not move from the required “Down” position or move more than its own body length from its position. A dog which moves from its position more than its own body length shall lose all marks for the exercise.
There will be no test for steadiness during the exercise.
Group II - Agility
Group marks 20
Minimum qualifying marks for Group 14
Once Judging for Group II has commenced, the handler may not touch any of the obstacles. Should the handler do so, all marks for the obstacle(s) will be deducted. If the dog runs past any of the obstacles, it shall lose all marks for that obstacle.
“A” Frame (10 marks)
Upon orders from the Judge the handler will take up a position approximately 3m in front of the “A” Frame with his dog on the working side off lead. Upon further orders from the Judge the handler will command the dog over the “A” Frame. (The handler may move forward with the dog, but no closer than 1.5m and MUST stop immediately the command to “jump” is given). A command to the dog to stay (in any position) after landing on the far side of the “A” Frame is permitted. Upon further orders the handler will be commanded to move forward at normal pace and at the discretion of the Judge the handler will be commanded to turn left or right, and when the dog is in sight of the handler, the handler will be instructed to call his dog to “Heel”. Once the dog has joined the handler the command “Halt” will be given and the exercise is finished.
A dog which does not obey the command to stay on the far side of the “A” Frame MUST be penalized While the dog is at the far side of the “A” Frame , the Judge may test the dog for steadiness by himself (or a Steward) walking around the dog before the handler is instructed to move forward and recall his dog. Should the dog fall at the first attempt and itself initiate a successful second attempt, no marks should be deducted, if this second attempt by the dog should fail, the exercise should be terminated.
If the dog falls at the first attempt and an extra command is given by the hander to re-attempt the “A” Frame, that section of the exercise should be judged out of half marks. If this second attempt fails, the exercise should be terminated.
If the dog is recalled by the handler the exercise should be terminated.
Clear Jump, 5 marks (two or more elements below the top element)
The handler is to approach the jump with his dog off lead at “Heel”, moving at a pace of his choice. The handler will command the dog forward over the jump in his own time but before the dog reaches the jump. The dog must be ahead of the handler when the dog begins the jump. As the command is given, the handler will halt and await the Judge’s order to rejoin his dog beyond the jump. A command to the dog to “Stay” (in any position) after landing beyond the jump is permitted.
A second element must be added to the clear jump.
Long Jump, 5 marks
This jump will be done in exactly the same manner as the clear jump.
Group III – NOSE WORK
Group marks 10
Minimum qualifying marks for Group 7
Elementary Search, 10 marks
Handlers must submit 3 (three) different articles to the Judge that are not brightly coloured and which are no bigger than a tennis ball (7 x 7 x 7cm). NO BRIGHTLY COLOURED ARTICLES PERMITTED. These articles must be submitted to the Judge when the record cards are presented. The Judge to select one that blends in with the terrain to be used for the exercise. The Judge reserves the right to supply a suitable article should none of the handler’s articles be so. The article will be given to the handler in order that dog becomes familiar with it, prior to the Elementary Search being conducted.
The handler is to scent the article.
Using an area of ground approximately 15m x 15m, which is clearly defined and which has been foiled (by being walked over by a group of handlers and dogs), the handler is to send his dog to find and bring out the article. The article is to be placed in the area by a Steward/Judge unseen by the dog and handler. The handler is not permitted to move into the defined area. The time allowed for the exercise is two (2) minutes
COMPANION DOG
Maximum marks 100
Minimum qualifying marks 80
Eligibility
This is the entry level to Working Trials Classic. Dogs which have qualified in a higher grade are no longer eligible to compete in the Companion Dog grade.
Group 1 - Control
Group marks 65
Minimum qualifying marks for Group 46
Heel on Lead, 10 marks
The handler will present himself at the place indicated by the Judge with his dog on lead in the heel position (i.e. sitting at heel at the handler’s working side). From the start of the exercise the handler will move with his dog as directed by the Judge. The object of the exercise is to test the dog’s ability to remain naturally at the handler’s working side while moving at normal, fast and slow paces, around obstacles and people. The exercise will be held in the open and while performing this exercise the handler will be expected to execute left, right and about turns and halts.
The dog must work on a loose lead all the time. Any tightening or jerking of the lead or guiding with the lead will be penalised.
Heel Free, 10 marks
The exercise will be carried out in the same manner as Heel on Lead, except that the dog will be off the lead.
Recall to Handler, 10 marks
Upon orders from the Judge the handler will leave his dog in the “Sit” or “Down” position (at handler’s choice) and move forward at Judge’s direction for a distance of approximately 20m, when (upon orders from the judge) he will halt and about turn to face his dog.
On further orders from the Judge the handler will call his dog which must come smartly to the handler, and must sit straight in front of him. On orders from the Judge the handler will command his dog to the “Heel” position.
Send-Away, 15 marks
On orders from the Judge the handler will send his dog forward from the handlers working side to an object at a distance of approximately 20m, in a direction indicated by the Judge. When the handler considers his dog has reached the place indicated by distance and direction, or as near as possible, he shall command the dog to stop in any position. The dog is to stop immediately and remain until the Judge instructs the handler to recall the dog. On return, the dog shall sit straight in front of his handler. On Judge’s orders the handler will command the dog to the “Heel” position. The handler will not move from his place throughout the exercise without the Judge’s approval.
Retrieve a Dumbbell, 10 marks
With the dog in the “Heel” position the handler, on orders from the Judge, will throw his dumbbell in a direction and for a distance indicated by the Judge. On further orders from the Judge the handler will send his dog to retrieve the dumbbell. The dog should go out immediately, collect the dumbbell and return to sit straight in front of the handler.
On order from the Judge the handler will take the dumbbell from the dog and on further order from the Judge command the dog to the “Heel” position. The dumbbell should be visible to the dog after it has been thrown.
Down Stay - Ten Minutes, 10 marks
The dogs are to remain in the “Down” position. The handlers will move out of sight of the dogs at the Judge’s direction.
Any dog which moves from the “Down” position in the first half of the timed period shall lose all marks for the exercise. Thereafter all points deducted will be graduated.
A dog shall not be penalised for minor movement provided it does not move from the required “Down” position or move more than its own body length from its position. A dog which moves from its position more than its own body length shall lose all marks for the exercise.
The Judge shall test the dogs for steadiness by himself or a helper (Steward) moving among them at a steady pace once during the exercise.
Group II - Agility
Group marks 20
Minimum qualifying marks for Group 14
“Once Judging for Group II has commenced, the handler may not touch any of the obstacles. Should the handler do so, all marks for the obstacle(s) will be deducted.”
If the dog runs past any of the obstacles, it shall lose all marks for that obstacle.
“A” Frame (10 marks)
Upon orders from the Judge the handler will take up a position approximately 3m in front of the “A” Frame with his dog on the working side off lead. Upon further orders from the Judge the handler will command the dog over the “A” Frame. (The handler may move forward with the dog, but no closer than 1.5m and MUST stop immediately the command to “jump” is given). A command to the dog to stay (in any position) after landing on the far side of the “A” Frame is permitted. Upon further orders the handler will be commanded to move forward at normal pace and at the discretion of the Judge the handler will be commanded to turn left or right, and when the dog is in sight of the handler, the handler will be instructed to call his dog to “Heel”. Once the dog has joined the handler the command “Halt” will be given and the exercise is finished.
A dog which does not obey the command to stay on the far side of the “A” Frame MUST be penalized. While the dog is at the far side of the “A” Frame, the Judge may test the dog for steadiness by himself (or a Steward) by walking around the dog before the handler is instructed to move forward and recall his dog. Should the dog fall at the first attempt and itself initiate a successful second attempt, no marks should be deducted, if this second attempt by the dog should fail, the exercise should be terminated.
If the dog falls at the first attempt and an extra command is given by the hander to re-attempt the “A” Frame, that section of the exercise should be judged out of half marks. If this second attempt fails, the exercise should be terminated.
If the dog is recalled by the handler the exercise should be terminated.
Clear Jump, 5 marks
The handler is to approach the jump with his dog off lead at “Heel”, moving at a pace of his choice. The handler will command the dog forward over the jump in his own time but before the dog reaches the jump. The dog must be ahead of the handler when the dog begins the jump. As the command is given, the handler will halt and await the Judge’s order to rejoin his dog beyond the jump. A command to the dog to “Stay” (in any position) after landing beyond the jump is permitted.
Long Jump, 5 marks
This jump will be done in exactly the same manner as the clear jump.
Group III - Nosework
Group marks 15
Minimum qualifying marks for Group 11
Elementary Search, 15 marks
Using an area of ground approximately 15m x 15m, which is clearly defined and which has been foiled (by being walked over by a group of handlers and dogs), the handler is to send his dog to find and retrieve one (1) article supplied by the Judge, which carries the handler’s scent. The article is to be placed in the area by a Steward/Judge unseen by the dog and handler. Handler is not permitted to move into the defined area. The time allowed for the exercise is two (2) minutes