From a judges point of view.

Pre-beginners and Beginners Classes at Open and Championship Dog Shows

All the rules and guidelines can be found in The Kennel Club rule book 

The exercises are as follows but may not be in this order.

Heel on the lead - I would be looking for a happy enthusiastic dog working in a close and consistent manner, alongside the handlers left leg with the lead slack at all times. The dog should not surge or lag at any stage and all deviations away from the leg would be marked in 1/4 or 1/2 a mark. The handler is allowed to encourage the dog but I personally like to see a good percentage of the work done by the dog and so I am looking for team work, in a happy manner.

Heel off the lead - As above with plenty of encouragement and help from the handler.

Recall - The dog to be left in the sit position and to wait until called. The dog to come quickly to the present position. Now, I personally do not like the dog to end up through the handlers legs, with the dogs chest leaning against the handlers legs. On command from the steward, the handler to send the dog to the finish position, and this can be either the English finish or the German. On this exercise I am looking for a quick response from the dog, with nice straight presents, and then a slow amble to the recall command and I would mark accordingly.

Retrieve - As above for the recall, but with the dog retrieving an article or dumbbell. The pickup of the retrieve article must be clean and smart and returned to the handler with no mouthing, presented and given to the handler on command. A drop of the article and mouthing is marked. Finish is as for the recall.

Sit Stay - No extra commands after the judge has said last command. The handler to turn sideways or back to the dog. Any movement such as shuffling, scratching or laying down is marked by points depending on the time of the break. Interference to another is a no-no.

Down Stay - As above only in the down position and any sign of daylight under the dog is marked.

Temperament test - The dog should stand still alongside the handler, but I feel this exercise can subdue the dog, so I  personally do not worry if the dog moves as long as it is not in an aggressive manner when I stroke the dog. I like to speak to the dog and the handler.

In these classes my aim would be to encourage handlers to continue and enjoy to train and work their dogs, so I always try to give the handler good points to remember. I like the atmosphere in my ring to be relaxed and happy and that is always my instructions to my steward.

I have no  objections to handlers playing with their dogs between the exercises and I try to start the exercises away from the entrance of the ring, often in the opposite corner to allow the handler to play train the dog if they wish.

I have no objections to handlers wishing to turn their round into training if things go pear shaped, but I do like to be asked, but if you do decide to do this, please train not practice and there is a big difference.

NO HARSH HANDLING, VERBAL OR WITH THE LEAD OR HANDS IS ALLOWED, you will be asked to leave the ring and at worst reported to the Kennel Club.

I must point out that judges differ in what they like and don't like, we are given guidelines, but we all have a preference as to how a dog should work, so judges marks will differ. Please ask your judge at the end of the test if you are not sure why they have marked you for something, but the judges decision is final.

As I have already said, my aim is for you and the dog to be happy together and to want to enter another show.

Next time I will talk about a Novice round and the difference between beginners and novice.

Carole West. ADTB