XVI. Rules and Exercises for the Family Obedience class. The Family Obedience class is a training title that is designed around the training needs of a family companion dog. This title requires a handler with his/her dog to perform a series of basic and practical obedience exercises that have been chosen as essentials for having a well-behaved, family companion dog. In addition, the Family Obedience Title has a difficulty level suitable for introducing new people to the benefits and pleasures of dog training and a title that teaches the basic fundamentals for obedience training.

A. General Rules.


1. The family obedience class is made up of two parts, basic obedience exercises and practical obedience exercises.

2. Handler/dog teams will report to the Steward station just prior to begin competing. The Steward will inspect the equipment, to assist the handler in comply with these rules and will indicate any necessary changes or additions. The Steward will indicate to the handler where to report to the Judge. Although the dogs are not being judged, dogs are expected to be under control and show good manners.

3. Judges Notes. Each Exercise includes many items that the judge is required to assess as imperfections. However, the judge will also assess major or minor imperfections that are not listed for any other abnormal deviations from the ideal performance.

4. A dog that shows extreme aggression, fear, shyness or whose demeanor gives the Judge reason to believe that the dog may not safely be examined may be given a non-qualifying score and excused from the ring in accordance with Section XXV., paragraph A.

5. The judge will determine where the practical obedience exercises are to be performed.

6. Handler/dog teams must have obtained a 70% score (49 or more points) on the basic obedience exercises to be eligible to participate in the practical obedience exercises.

7. Concluding the practical obedience exercises. All handler and dog teams will be responsible for acknowledging the judge for instructions on where to report or wait when concluding the routine. The Judge will instruct all handler and dog teams where and when to report for receiving a critique of the performance, announcing the score, or awarding titles.

B. Family Obedience Basic Obedience exercises.


1. Reporting to the Judge Exercise. The primary purposes of this exercise will be to show that the handler and his/her dog can demonstrate proper heeling and control of the dog while reporting to the judge. In addition, this exercise will be used as a starting point for evaluating temperament and determining whether the dog/handler team is suitable for performing the evaluation.


a. Judge’s Instructions. The Judge’s instructions for this exercise include the following: the directing judge will indicate to the handlers when and where to report, when to begin the exercise, and where to report for on-leash heeling and for conducting the long down.

b. Exercise Instructions. The Family Obedience Class starts with two dog/handler teams reporting to the judge. The handlers will report with their dogs on leash, demonstrating proper heeling. Once reaching the judge, each handler will halt, with the dog automatically sitting, or one verbal sit command and maintaining a sit throughout the introduction. Handlers will be responsible for a formal introduction that includes introducing themselves, giving their dog’s name, and stating the type of title for which they are reporting. After the introductions, the judge will indicate which handler will report for the heeling exercise and which handler will report for the long down or honoring exercise. The Judge will direct the handlers to their respective location.

c. Scoring the Reporting to the Judge Exercise. This exercise will be evaluated primarily on the dog/handler team’s ability to perform a formal introduction to start the routine. The judge will be evaluating the heeling exercise, the introduction procedure, and the dog’s behavior during the introductions. The dog should display a neutral, well-mannered behavior toward the judge and other dog/handler teams. Note: The Reporting to the Judge exercise is a five-point exercise. However, if a dog is ruled extremely shy or aggressive, unruly or out of control, the judge may dismiss the dog and handler from performing any additional exercises.


1. Non-qualifying (Zero) Score. The following must be given a zero on this exercise:


a. The dog is ruled out of control.
b. Handler forcing the dog to sit.
c. Rough treatment of a dog by a handler.
d. The dog receives more than three commands to sit during the introductions and instructions.

2. Major Imperfections. The following are deviations from an ideal performance and are considered major imperfections:


a. The dog is slow to sit.
b. Handler does not know the routine.
c. Handler has to give an extra command.
d. Improper heeling while approaching or leaving the Judge.

3. Minor Imperfections. The following are deviations from an ideal performance, are considered minor, and will be assessed as a minor imperfections:


a. The dog’s heeling could be better.
b. The dog is dull and needs more enthusiasm.
c. The dog moves slightly during the sit.
d. The dog displays a “crooked” or off-line sit.

2. Long Down (Honoring) Exercise. The primary element of this exercise is to demonstrate the honoring dog’s ability to remain in the down position while distracted by the presence of the other dog/handler team.


a. Judge’s Instructions. The Judge’s instructions orders for this exercise are: The judge will indicate where to perform the long down, when the exercise begins and when to re-sit the dog from the down and where to report from the long down.

b. Exercise Instructions. Prior to the start of this class, the Judge will designate the location for the “Long Down” exercise. The Long Down (Honoring) exercise starts when the handler reaches the designated area for performing the long down and when the handler acknowledges the judge. The handler will have his/her dog on leash and in the basic heeling position, after acknowledging the judge the handler will command the dog verbally to down with the leash attached. The handler will remain beside the dog while the other dog handler/ team (referred to as the working dog) perform their routines. In addition, the honor dog handler may drop the leash beside the dog or hold it during the exercise. After the other dog/handler team completes the recall, the handler will acknowledge the judge and give the dog the command to sit. The handler again will acknowledge the judge for concluding the exercise and for receiving directions to what area they are to report. Handlers/ dogs will be required to perform formal heeling when reporting to all designated areas. Note - Reporting to the different locations should be demonstrated by the handler and dog team performing formal heeling and good display of control. Handlers may praise and encourage the dog during this process. Although these reporting exercises are not being evaluated individually, the manner in which they are conducted could affect the overall evaluation of the performance.

c. Scoring the Long Down (Honoring) Exercise. The Honoring Exercise will primarily be evaluated on the ability of the dog to demonstrate a long down while the working dog/handler team performs their required exercises. The exercise will start being evaluated when the handler acknowledges the judge to start the exercise. The dog should down quickly and remain calm and stationary.


1. Non-Qualifying (Zero) score. The following must be given a zero on this exercise:

a. The dog will not down after two commands.
b. Handler uses a leash correction to make the dog down.
c. Handler pushes or touches the dog to make it down.
d. The dog moves substantially or stands up before the working dog/handler team has completed half of their routine.
e. The Judge may deduct all points for any abnormal behavior not described.

2. Major Imperfections. The following will be assessed as major deductions:


a. The dog needs a double command to down.
b. Handler uses too much body language when giving the down command.
c. The dog is very slow to down.
d. The dog moves a substantial distance by creeping or crawling.
e. The dog will not re-sit.
f. The judge may assess a major deduction for any abnormal deviation not described.

3. Minor Imperfections. The following will be assessed as minor imperfections:


a. The dog is slow to down.
b. The dog moves slightly.
c. The dog whines or barks excessively.
d. The dog’s re-sit is slow.
e. The dog is dull or sluggish in his/her performance.
f. The Judge may deduct minor points for any deviation from the ideal performance.

3. Heeling on Leash Exercise. The primary purposes of these exercises are to demonstrate the ability of the dog and handler to work smoothly as a team and the ability of the dog to stay in the proper heeling position.

a. Judge’s instructions. The Judge’s instructions for this exercise are the following: the Judge will indicate to the handler where to start, when to start, when to restart after each halt, when the group will report and leave, and when the exercise is complete.

b. Exercise Instructions. It is the handler’s responsibility to perform the routine as instructed below without direction from the judges, with the exception to restart after each halt. The handler will start the Heeling on Leash exercise from the location indicated by the judge. The handler will acknowledge the judge and start the exercise from the basic position. The dog on leash should perform willingly, and it is preferred that the dog freely heel with the handler upon the voice command to heel. At the beginning of the exercise, the handler must proceed in a straight line 40 to 50 normal paces without stopping. At this point, a turnabout (right about turn or left about turn are allowed) is performed and after 10 to 15 additional paces of normal heeling, a running exercise and a slow exercise, each of at least 10 to 15 paces are to be demonstrated. The handler must go directly from the fast pace to the slow pace. Each change of pace allows for the handler to give a single heel command. After demonstrating the slow pace, the handler must continue at normal pace another 10 to 15 paces, then perform a right turn for 10 to 15 paces, followed with another right turn, continue forward for another 20 paces, then perform a turn about and continue another 10 to 15 paces until the team halts. At this time the handler will acknowledge the judge and continue for another 10 to 15 paces, perform a left turn, and then continue heeling toward the group. When entering the group, a right and left turn must be demonstrated. After the turns, the handler will halt and sit the dog in the group. The handler will then acknowledge the judge, continue heeling back to the original starting position, and perform a halt. The handler will then acknowledge the judge for concluding the exercise.

c. Scoring the Heeling on Leash Exercise. The dog should always heel close to the left knee of the handler and the shoulder blade of the dog should be aligned next to the handler’s knee. Dogs that demonstrate positive, energetic, and attentive attention to the handler are very desirable for awarding full points.


1. Non-qualifying (Zero) scores. The following must be given zero score on this exercise:


a. Handler giving dog constant or repeated extra commands or signals.
b. Handler constantly guiding or tight leash.
c. Handler slapping the leg or snapping fingers.
d. Handler continually adapting pace to dog.
e. The dog must be given a zero score for “unqualified heeling” when it “breaks” or leaves the handler’s side and cannot regain its composure and resume heeling.

2. Major and Minor Imperfections. Imperfections may be major or minor depending on the extent of the following:


a. A handler who moves forward and then gives a “heel” command shall be penalized a major imperfection.
b. The dog moving out of proper heel position before it is given a command or signal from the handler.
c. The dog anticipating command or signal.
d. The dog crowding the handler, forgoing, heeling wide, heeling in improper position, lagging, poor sit, sniffing, and any additional heeling imperfections.
e. Occasional tight leash.
f. The dog failing to stop and sit automatically in the proper heel position each time the handler is required to “Halt”.
g. Failure to change pace by the dog or handler during the heel on leash.
h. Handler giving extra commands or signals.
i. The dog sniffing a Steward or group member during the group exercise.
j. Lacks natural smoothness.

4. Sit Out of Motion Exercise. The principal purpose of this exercise is to demonstrate the dog’s ability to perform heeling and upon a verbal command or a verbal command with a small leash encouragement, perform a stationary sit while the handler proceeds in straight line a minimum of 10 or maximum of 15 paces without stopping. Once reaching the required distance, the handler will turn and face the dog. The dog must remain sitting in stationary position until the judge orders the handler to return and dismisses the exercise.


a. Judge’s Instructions. The orders for this exercise are: The judge will indicate the position to start the exercise, when to start, when the handler may return to the dog after the sit and when the exercise is complete.

b. Exercise Instructions. The handler and dog on leash will report to the designated area for performing the exercise. The handler will acknowledge the judge and, from the basic position, the handler will command the dog to heel and will proceed in a straight line for a minimum of 10 or maximum of 15 paces. The handler will give a voice command and option of adding a small leash encouragement that commands the dog to sit. The dog should come quickly into a sit position while the handler does not interrupt his or her pace nor turn about. After another minimum of 10 or maximum of 15 paces the handler stops and turns around to face the dog. Approximately 3 seconds is observed before the judge instructs the handler to return to the dog and assume the basic heeling position on the right side of the dog. The handler will then acknowledge the judge for concluding the exercise. A period of approximately 3 seconds is observed when the handler returns to the dog’s side and acknowledges the judge.

c. Scoring the Sit Out of Motion Exercise. Scoring of this exercise starts after the judge acknowledges the handler to start. The judge will be evaluating the entire exercise, heeling, response to the sit command, handler’s actions and the behavior and performance of the dog. Dogs that demonstrate positive, energetic, attentive behavior toward the handler and perform with quick responses will receive the most points.

1. Non-qualifying (Zero) score. The following must be given a zero score on this exercise:

a. Handlers give an extra command to sit.
b. The dog moves a substantial distance away from the place where it was sitting.
c. The dog does not sit but continues with the handler.

2. Major Imperfections. The following will be assessed as major imperfections:

a. The dog does not sit, but stands or lies down.
b. Handler gives too hard of a leash encouragement.
c. The dog does not maintain proper heeling position.
d. The dog sits extremely slowly.
e. The dog lies down before the exercise is complete.
f. Handler turns and looks back at the dog when the sit command is given or while leaving the dog.

3. Major or Minor Imperfections. Imperfections may be major or minor depending on the extent of the deviation from the ideal performance. Deductions shall be assessed for the following:

a. The dog moves prior to the heel command.
b. The dog sits slow or moves slightly.
c. The dog whines or barks.
d. Handler does not acknowledge the judge for starting and finishing the exercise.
e. The dog shows pressure when the handler returns.
f. Overall performance is not well executed.

5. Down with Recall Exercise. The primary purpose of this exercise is to demonstrate that a handler with his/her dog can perform formal heeling, a down exercise, and a recall.


a. Judge’s Orders. The judge will indicate to the handler where to start, when to start, when to recall the dog, and when the exercise is finished.

b. Instructions. The Down with Recall exercise starts with the handler reporting to the starting position assigned by the judge. The exercise starts by acknowledging the judge with dog in the basic position. The handler and his/her dog will demonstrate formal heeling in a straight line for minimum of 10 or maximum of 15 paces and then halt. The handler will then remove the leash, put it away, and give the dog a verbal command to down. The handler will then leave the dog and proceed walking in a straight line a minimum of 30 paces and then turn and face the dog. Upon the judge’s instructions, the handler will recall the dog to the front position. Small verbal or physical encouragements are allowed. The dog must come a front position that allows the handler to attach the leash without the handler moving from their stationary position, the dog may sit or stand. The handler will then command the dog back into the basic position, acknowledge the judge and wait for the judge’s indication to report with their dog to the long down (honor) exercise, or back to the judge for completion of the basic obedience exercise. The handler may praise the dog while waiting on the judge’s instructions or between each exercise. The judge’s evaluation of the Down and Recall exercise ends once the handler acknowledges the judge for completing the exercise. However the handler and dog team should demonstrate heeling and control when reporting for the long down (honor) or reporting back to the judge for completing the basic obedience exercise.

c. Scoring the Down and Recall Exercise. Scoring of this exercise starts after the handler acknowledges the judge. The judge will be evaluating all of the formal heeling, performance of the down, and the recall exercise. The judge will also be evaluating the overall smoothness for performing the entire exercise.


1. Non-qualifying (Zero) score. The following must be given a zero score on this exercise:


a. Handler gives an extra command or signal to “stay” after leaving the dog.
b. The dog will not come to the handler.
c. The dog follows the handler when leaving the dog in the down position.
d. Handler moves from the stationary position on the recall.

2. Major Imperfections. The following will be assessed as major deductions:

a. Improper heeling throughout the routine.
b. Giving extra commands.
c. The dog anticipates the recall.
d. The dog moves a substantial distance in the down by crawling or creeping.
e. The dog stands prior to recall.
f. Handler gives the down command prior to removing the leash.
g. The dog is very slow coming to the handler.

3. Minor Imperfections. The following will be assessed as minor deductions:

a. Slow down.
b. Creeping or moving slightly.
c. The dog heels improper for part of the routine.
d. Attitude of the dog is dull and not attentive to handler.
e. The dog could come faster.
f. Overall routine could be smoother.
g. Handler doesn’t acknowledge the judge.
h. Handler doesn’t know the routine.

6. Concluding the basic obedience routine for both dog handler teams. The Basic Obedience Routine ends when both dog handler teams have completed all required exercises. The handlers will then report to the judge for a closing procedure, which includes each handler/dog team stating the handler’s name, the dog’s name, and stating the completion of the title performed. The judge will inform the handlers where to report for critiques, announcement of the score. The judge will have the option of providing a detailed critique, a short summary, or simply announcing the score of the performance of each handler and dog team. Handlers may request an individual critique or review of the performance with the judge if a critique is not provided. The judge will determine the time and place for any individual reviews. Note - The judge’s score is final. Respect and good sportsmanship must be displayed by both parties at all times.

C. Practical Obedience Exercises. The Practical Obedience exercises are a series of exercises that are considered essentials for a family companion dog. These exercises include a handler walking a dog through a gate exercise, loading a dog into and out of a vehicle exercise, and a food exercise where the dog must perform a down stay until food is prepared. Each exercise has practical applications to every day life with a family companion dog.


1. Gate Exercise. The primary purpose of this exercise is for the handler with his/her dog to demonstrate a designed procedure for approaching a closed gate, passing through it to the other side, and re-closing the gate.


a. Judge’s Instructions. The Judge will indicate where to start, when to start, and when the exercise is finished.

b. Exercise Instructions. The Gate exercise begins by the handler reporting on leash with their dog to a designated area determined by the judge. The handler will acknowledge the judge, and starting with the dog in basic position, heel the dog toward a closed gate; the handler will stop and sit the dog a minimum distance far enough back to open a gate in either direction. After the sit, the handler may verbally or with a small leash encouragement reinforce the sit command; the handle will then drop the leash and leave the dog in a sit while he/she opens the gate. The handler will then return to the dog’s right side, pick up the leash, and heel the dog through the gate to a point where the gate can be closed without touching the dog, when the handler reaches this point, the handler will sit the dog, again, the handler may apply a verbal or small leash encouragement to sit, drops the leash, and return to the gate and closes it. After closing the gate, the handler returns back to dog’s right side, picks up the leash, and then acknowledges the judge for proceeding to the next exercise.

c. Scoring the Gate Exercise. The dog and handler team should work smoothly as a team demonstrating a series of obedience exercises that include two sit-stays and formal heeling. The dog should automatically sit at each halt or when verbally command, demonstrate proper heeling, and should remain stationary in each sit-stay exercise while the handler leaves and returns each time to the dog.


1. Non-qualifying (Zero) Scores. The following must be giving a (zero) score on this exercise:


a. The dog moves or leaves the sit-stay position and cannot be reclaimed by the handler calling the dog with no more than three commands to come.
b. The dog moves or leaves on both sit-stay exercises.
c. The dog has to be forced through or pulled through the gate.
d. The dog interferes or strongly bothers another dog.
e. The dog is aggressive toward the judge or other people on the field.
f. The dog and handler may be scored zero or dismissed from the trial if any abnormal behavior is determined by the judge.

2. Major Imperfections. Major imperfections will include the following:


a. The dog sits or stands up as the handler returns to the dog.
b. The dog moves a significant amount from where it was placed.
c. The handler and dog cannot demonstrate proper heeling through the gate.
d. Handler sits the dog too far back or close to the gate.
e. The dog whines or barks excessively.
f. Handler’s reinforced sit stay command is too harsh.
g. The dog shows pressure or shyness when the handler returns.
h. Handler’s pace performing the exercises is too slow or fast.
i. The dog relieves him/herself during the exercise.
j. Major imperfections will assessed for any abnormal behavior determined by the judge.

3. Major or Minor Imperfections. Assessments may be major or minor depending on the extent of the deviation from the ideal.


a. Handler doesn’t acknowledge the judge.
b. The dog is slow to sit at each halt.
c. The dog is slightly restless or moves a little during the sit-stays.
d. Heeling is slightly incorrect.
e. The dog is un-attentive to the handler
f. Handler doesn’t know the routine.

2. Loading Into and Out of a Vehicle Exercise. The primary element of this exercise is to demonstrate the dog’s ability to perform a designed procedure for loading into and out of a vehicle. The handler and dog should work as a team demonstrating a procedure that protects the vehicle from being damaged and the dog from being injured entering or exiting a vehicle.


a. Judge’s Instructions. The Judge will indicate when and where to start, when to command the dog back out of the vehicle, and when to proceed to the next and last exercise.

b. Exercise Instructions. The Loading Into and Out of a Vehicle exercise starts from the same location as the Gate exercise ended. After completing the Gate Exercise and acknowledging the judge, the handler with his/ her dog performs heeling to a location where a vehicle is waiting. Once reaching the vehicle, the handler will halt and sit their dog at a distance far enough back from the vehicle to open the door without touching the dog. The handler may then give a verbal sit command and a small leash encouragement to sit; the handler then drops the leash, leaves the dog and opens the vehicle. Next, the handler returns to the dog right side, picks up the leash and commands the dog to enter the vehicle, once the dog has entered the vehicle, the handler will command the dog to perform a down or sit; the handler will then look to the judge for the indication to recall the dog back out the vehicle. After receiving acknowledgment from the judge, the handler commands the dog back out of the vehicle and with another command back into the basic position, the handler then may give the dog a verbal and small leash encouragement to sit and stay, the handler then drops the leash and re-closes the vehicle. The handler then returns to the dog’s right side, picks up the leash, acknowledges the judge and waits for an indication from the judge to proceed to the next and final exercise, “Food Preparation”.

c. Scoring the Loading Into and out of Vehicle Exercise. The dog and handler will be evaluated on their ability to perform the required exercises.

1. Non-qualifying (Zero) scores. The following must be given a zero score on this exercise:


a. The dog leaves the sit-stay position and cannot be recalled by the handler, the handler will be allowed three commands to reclaim the dog.
b. The dog jumps onto the vehicle with their feet prior to the vehicle being opened.
c. The dog will not enter the vehicle or stay in the vehicle after two commands. The dog leaves the handler and strongly bothers another dog, handler, or judge. Any serious out of control aggression will result in the judge dismissing the dog from the trial.
d. The dog breaks the sit-stay position more than twice.
e. Handler uses force to get the dog to enter or leave the vehicle.
f. Handlers and dogs may be scored zero for any abnormal behavior determined by the judge.

2. Major Imperfections. Major imperfections shall be assessed for the following:


a. Dog stands up as the handler returns to the dog.
b. Dog moves or turns around while waiting in the sit position.
c. Dog and handler doesn’t demonstrate proper heeling going to the vehicle.
d. Handler’s reinforced sit stay command is too harsh.
e. Dogs that show pressure or shyness from their handler.
f. Handler’s pace performing the exercises is too slow or fast.
g. Dog that relieves itself during the exercise.
h. Major imperfections may be assessed for any behavior the judge determines as abnormal for the routine.

3. Minor Imperfections. Deductions shall be assessed for all of the following:


a. Any small deviation from the ideal performance could result in a minor deduction.
b. Handler doesn’t acknowledge the judge.
c. Dog is slow to sit on each halt.
d. Heeling is slightly incorrect.
e. Dog is un-attentive to the handler.
f. Handler doesn’t know the routine.
g. Dog is dull in attitude and temperament toward performing the exercises.
h. The Judge may assess minor deductions for any un-described deviation from the ideal performance.

3. Food Preparation Exercise. the primary purpose of this exercise is to demonstrate that a handler with his/her dog can perform a series of obedience exercises that enable a handler to place a dog in a downstay near a food container, while the handler takes food out of the container, places it on the ground near the container, and the dog remains in a stationary position not interfering with the handler.


a. Judge’s Instructions. The Judge’s orders for this exercise in clued the following: the judge will indicate where and when to start, when the exercise is complete and where to report for receiving a critique, or announcing the score.

b. Exercise Instructions. The Food Preparation Exercise starts from the same location that the Loading Into and Out of Vehicle ended. The handler will acknowledge the judge and heel the dog to a location assigned by the judge that is approximately five yards away from a container of dog food. Once the handler reaches this position, the handler will halt and command the dog into a down position, drops the leash, goes to the container and scoops out a bowl of dog food. The handler will place the bowl of food on the ground near the base of the container; the handler will then return to the right side of the dog, pick up the leash, and command the dog verbally to sit. The handler will then acknowledge the judge for concluding the exercise. After the exercise is complete, the handler will receive instructions from the judge on where to report.

c. Scoring the Food Preparation Exercise. The handler and dog team will be mainly evaluated on the ability of the handler to demonstrate that his/her dog will perform a stationary down while food is being prepared for the dog.


1. Non-qualifying (Zero) scores. The following must be given zero score on this exercise.


a. The dog leaves the down position while the handler is approaching the container.
b. The dog will not down after two commands.
c. The dog leaves the down position and goes for the food before the handler returns to the dog.
d. The handler uses a leash correction to down the dog.
e. The judge may assess a zero score for any major abnormal behavior not described.

2. Major Imperfections. Major imperfections shall be assessed for the following:


a. The dog takes a double command to down.
b. The dog leaves the handler during heeling.
c. The dog breaks the down position as the handler returns.
d. The handler uses too much body language in downing and sitting the dog.
e. The handler looks back at the dog when leaving the dog going to the container.
f. Dog relieves itself during the exercise.
g. The judge must assess a major deduction for any major deviation from the ideal performance not described.

3. Minor Imperfections. The judge will assess minor imperfections for any of the following:


a. Handler doesn’t acknowledge the judge.
b. The dog is slow to perform any portion of the required exercises.
c. The dog anticipates commands.
d. Attitude is dull and un-attentive to the handler.
e. Handler doesn’t know the routine well.
f. The judge will assess a minor point deduction for any deviation from an ideal performance not listed.