CHAPTER 4 - OPEN - Section 7 - Command Discrimination

CHAPTER 4 
OPEN
Section 7. Command Discrimination. 
The principal features of this exercise are the dog’s correct response to the handler’s first commands and/or signals and that the dog stays until the handler returns to heel position. 

The orders are: 
  1. “Leave your dog” 
  2. and “Back to your dog.” 
The judge must use signals for directing the handler to command and/or signal the dog to change position except for the first position and that order is:
  • “Stand your dog” {always the command in Open A} or
  •  “Down your dog.” 

  • The handler will stand with the dog sitting in heel position in a place designated by the judge. 
  • The judge will ask “Are you ready?” before giving the first order to “Stand your dog” or “Down your dog.” 
  • The handler will give a command and/or signal for the dog to change position. 
  • On further order to “Leave your dog,” 
  • the handler may give a command and/or signal to stay and will immediately walk forward 15 feet, turn, and face the dog. 
  • On the judge’s signal, the handler will give a command and/or signal for the dog to change to the second position. 
  • The judge will then order “Leave your dog.” 
  • The handler may give a command and/or signal to stay and will immediately turn around and walk forward an additional 15 feet, turn, and face the dog. 
  • On the judge’s signal, the handler will give a command and/or signal for the dog to change to the third position. 
  • The judge will then order “Back to your dog.” 
  • The handler may give a command and/or signal to stay, and then must return directly, walking around and in back of the dog to heel position. 
  • The dog must stay in position without additional commands or signals until the handler has returned to heel position. 
  • The handler’s hands and arms must hang naturally at the handler’s side. 

Judging Procedure: 
This exercise may be performed in an area of the ring that is at least 40 feet in length. The 15-foot distances must be clearly marked. The judge must be positioned so that both the dog and handler are under continuous observation during the entire exercise. An excellent position for judging this exercise is at an adequate distance to the side and slightly to the rear of the dog. 

Reference to Obedience Judges’ Guidelines, Chapter 3. 
Section 8. Command Discrimination, Scoring. 
  • A dog that fails to obey the handler’s first command and/or signal for each position and stay, or that does not stay until the handler returns to heel position must receive a non-qualifying (NQ) score. 
  • Substantial deductions will be made for a dog that changes position after the handler has returned to heel position and before the judge has said “Exercise finished.” 
  • Minor or substantial deductions, up to a non-qualifying (NQ) score, will be made for the handler’s hands and arms not hanging naturally at the handler’s side. 
  • Depending on the extent, minor or substantial deductions, up to a non-qualifying (NQ) score, will be made for a dog that walks forward.

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