General Tricks Rules

The purpose of these tests are to help Participants learn the fundamental ‘Trick’ moves for Heelwork to Music and Musical Freestyle.

The order has been chosen to guide Participants through an ideal order of learning them.

General

if an element stipulates the minimum number of times to do it, you must do at least that amount. Any additional iterations of that element will also be judged.
you may have your dog in any position to start an element, unless otherwise specified

Crawling

All steps required are to be “normal” handler walking steps, one foot in front of the other, unless otherwise indicated. (not step-together, step-together)
A step is counted only when the dog moves (so will require twice the number of Handler steps as the dog only moves when the Handler’s closest leg moves) Crawling is judged by the dog moving with the handler’s leg closest to them, i.e. 4 steps of crawling would be the Handler moving the Left foot forward 4 times and the Right foot forward 4 times. Unless otherwise indicated, all Handler steps are to be in a straight line, not following the dog’s path

Pauses

There is often mention of a ‘Pause’ such as “a pause is acceptable” or “there is to be a pause or hesitation between”. These are usually backward moves and it is so that the Handler shows the Judge that they are in control and not just the dog backing up and them keeping pace.

Handler Movement

All cues should be verbal or use minimal body movement; i.e. non-luring. Any element marked as ‘Stationary’ is to be done with the handler remaining in place (on the marked spot) and the dog completing the movement

Costumes

Proper, simple attire for a Test is expected, but not a ‘Costume’ per se

Props

Props are permitted only as specified
Props may not be used as cues or lures

Leashes

Leashes are optional in Bronze levels but are not to be used in Silver or Gold levels.
An exception will be made for special circumstances if requested and pre-approved by Executive & Show Secretary in advance of the Competition

Music Time/Starts

a minimum of 9 pieces of music cut to 3 minutes long will be available for each Testing. (and changed periodically); Teams will be able to choose from the published list of music
Music starts when the Team signals. They may come into the ring, take a few seconds to focus their dogs and then signal for music. This must all happen within 3’ of the gate.
Teams may use as much, or as little of the music as they need to complete the elements. Once the music finishes, the Team must stop
Teams MUST do the elements in the order specified
there is to be a clear start and finish to each Element. It is suggested that Handler begins each element on the floor ‘X’, if at all possible
If a Handler wishes to repeat an element, they should say “Repeat”, and must do any repeats before moving on to the next element.
A maximum of 3 attempts of each element will be allowed.
Judges will not prompt Competitors as to which elements remain or if they have passed or failed.

Sequence/Passing/Certificates

Teams must start at Bronze level 1 and work their way through
The prerequisite for each Tricks level is a pass of the matching level of Regular Proficiency, i.e. Teams must have passed Proficiency Bronze 1 before entering Tricks Bronze 1, Proficiency Bronze 2 before entering Tricks Bronze 2, etc.
Once a Team has passed the 3 levels of each Class, they will receive a Proficiency Certificate for that Class (Bronze, Silver or Gold). Titles are not awarded.
a Ribbon may be awarded for a successful pass of each level. (at the Host Club’s discretion)
Teams may book one Tricks test for each competition, and time permitting, they may do an additional Tricks Test if they are successful, i.e. move up a level and attempt the next level. The Provisional test is to be booked at the same time as the original Entry.

Rewards

Food and toys are not allowed in the ring
Teams may praise their dogs or talk to them throughout
Teams may play with their dogs between elements

Disqualifications

not completing an element
luring the dog into position
use of Props or obvious costume
too many attempts at an element
food or toys in ring
tight leash during Bronze
harsh corrections, whether verbal or physical
fouling in the ring

Free Elements

a Free element cannot be an element from a lower level, or one that the Handler has already presented

Distances Needed for Tricks - Gold level 2

Distances are calculated on the dog’s body length as per the chart below. Distances requested are approximate.

Dog Size	Length	Circle Diameter (Gold 2b)	Crawl (Gold 2d)
S	<15"	10′	12′
M	16″-27″	15′	12′
L	28″-34″	20′	16′
XL	>35″	24′	19′

If the Handler feels that this is still a danger to their dog’s health, they should petition the Executive prior to entering a competition.