General Proficiency Rules

The purpose of these tests are to guide Participants through the learning process needed to attain a high level of Heelwork to Music and Musical Freestyle.

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

Heel Position

is 1 of the 8 recognized heel positions (see Appendix A in Competition Guide or Heeling Chart)
Dog must not move more than 45° from parallel to handler. (depending on appropriateness to that heel position)
Dog must remain close to Handler, preferable within .6 mtr (24”)
a Handler must not use the ring or wall as a guide; they are to remain 1 meter away from the ring (or wall) for all straight line work
a Handler’s hand may be placed on their hip/waist or hang loosely down by their side, but not act as a lure or a guide or look like they are carrying food
Unless otherwise indicated, dogs are to remain standing throughout testing; an automatic sit will result in a NQ of that element, for that attempt (you may still make 2 other attempts)
all dogs must start and finish each element in basic Heel position (position 1 or 2), unless otherwise indicated

Steps

All steps required are to be “normal” handler walking steps, one foot in front of the other, unless otherwise indicated.
Side steps are defined as being at least double the shoulder width of your dog. A step is counted only when the dog moves (so will require twice the number of Handler steps as the dog can only moves when the Handler’s closest leg moves)
Unless otherwise indicated, all Handler steps are to be in a straight line, not following the dog’s path

Pivots

The Judge or Steward will place a mark on the floor at the beginning of the Proficiency testing.
Handlers are required to remain on that spot for all pivots. Pivots may then be done by leaving 1 foot in place, or by taking tiny steps to turn around, as long as the Handler does not move from that spot.

Handler Movement

some musical interpretation is allowed, as long as it does not over-shadow the dog, or the elements being attempted. However, no additional marks will be given for choreography
all cues should be verbal; there is to be no luring. Minimal hand or body cues are acceptable
Handler must cover a reasonable amount of the ring; they may not remain rooted in one spot, unless otherwise indicated:
any element marked as ‘Stationary’ is to be done with the handler remaining in place and the dog completing the movement

Costumes

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

Props

Props are not permitted, unless specified

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 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.
A sign listing the elements for that level will be posted on the Judge’s Table, or elsewhere that the Participant can easily reference

Sequence/Passing/Certificates

Teams must start at Bronze level 1 and work their way through
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 Proficiency test for each competition, and time permitting, they may do an additional Proficiency Test if they are successful, i.e. move up a level and attempt the next level.
Teams may not do a second attempt of the same level on the same day.

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