Change of speed: from normal to slow for 5 feet, then back to normal, or from normal to fast for 5 feet and back to normal.
Right and Left turn: these turns should approximate 90 degrees.
Gate management: driving up to a gate, stopping, the driver getting out and opening the gate, then calling or driving the dog through the gate, closing the gate, and continuing the drive. This is the only time the driver may be out of the vehicle during exercises.
Waiting under control: while the driver stops to chat with a passerby.
Serpentine: through 5 cones placed 12 feet apart, or a figure 8 around 2 cones so placed.
Ignore Distraction: suitable to the test level. E.g. Toy or food
Serpentine through 5 cones placed 5 feet apart, or a figure 8 around 2 cones
Ignore Distraction of a higher level. E.g. Treats, food, or other animal.
Pass hitched dogs parked at the side of the arena
Back up 2 feet (60 centimeters). For rigs without shafts, only the dog needs to back up, not the rig, but either the rig must move backwards or the tug line must be long enough to allow the dog to back the required distance without running into the rig. The dog may not be pulled backward.
The Narrows: go through a narrow space no more than 2’ wider than the widest point of the dog and rig. It must be no less than the length of the dog and rig. There must be walls on either side at least 2’ high. The dog and rig must pass completely through the narrow space. The Narrows may be bound by (but are not limited to) cars, walls of buildings, fences, or exercise pens.
Cross a bridge or obstacle made of 6 1×2″ boards laid on the ground across the line of travel, 12″ apart, held together with a 1×2″ board fastened across each side if necessary to hold them in place. This obstacle will be no less than 4’ wide and will be 5’ long.
Serpentine through 5 cones placed 5 feet apart, or a figure 8 around 2 cones
Ignore Distraction of a higher level. E.g. hot dogs, people with toys
Pass hitched dogs parked at the side of the arena
Back up 3 feet (90 centimeters)
The Narrows
Cross the “bridge” obstacle
Head-on passing of an approaching hitched dog.
Stay: The driver exits the rig and commands the hitched dog to either stand, sit, or down (driver’s choice). The driver will go 5’ in front of the dog, stay there for 2 minutes, then return around behind the rig and re-enter it. Breaking the stay at any time before the driver is ready to drive again will fail.
Attitude: The course must be performed with a happy, willing attitude. To be considered expert, the dog must make the course look easy.
