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GWP PERFORMANCE DOGS
New AKC Beginner Novice Class By Kay Braddock
Beginner Novice was first offered July 2010. It is an optional titling class. A dog that earns three qualifying scores receives the title BN placed after its name. Beginner Novice is a transition class from Rally to Novice obedience. The exercises and maximum scores in the Beginner Novice class are: 1. 2. 3. 4.
Heel on Leash 40 points Figure Eight 40 points Sit for Exam 40 points Recall 40 points
Heel on Leash - The principal feature of this exercise is that the dog and handler work as a team. Rally signs are used for this exercise. The signs to be used are “Right turn,” “Left turn,” “About turn,” “Slow,” “Normal,” “Fast” and “Halt/Sit.” The leash may be held in either hand or both and the hands must be held in a normal position. Any tightening or jerking of the leash and the use of any extra commands will be penalized. When the judge gives the command “Forward,” the handler commands the dog to heel and proceeds forward with the dog on a loose leash walking close to the handler’s left side. The following Rally signs will be used for the BN Heel on Leash exercise: A one-time single phrase of praise or encouragement, by the handler to the dog, will be allowed without penalty. The dog will receive a non-qualifying score if a handler is constantly controlling the dog by tugging on the leash, constantly talking to the dog or adapting to the dog’s pace. Minor deductions are made for lagging, heeling wide, forging, crowding, poor sits or failure to sit at a halt. Figure Eight - The principal feature of this exercise is the ability of the dog and handler to work as a team. The handler will stand with the dog in heel position facing the judge midway between two stewards standing eight feet apart. The judge asks “Are you ready?” and gives the command “forward”. The handler can proceed in either direction. There will be one halt during the exercise and a halt at the end. The handler is allowed to praise or encourage the dog one time during this exercise. Scoring for the Figure Eight is the same as the Heel on Leash exercise.
©2010 GWPCA WIRE NEWS
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