Howard County's 4-H Dog Club
| Task | Ready | Not Ready |
| Dog walks on a loose leash without more than one leash correction. | Dog and handler complete this portion with less than one leash correction and demonstrate a good relationship. | Dog and handler require more than one leash correction, do not complete this section, or do not demonstration a good relationship. |
| Dog is allowed to explore a large, fenced area off leash and is recalled by handler when prompted by the tester. (Note: this is not a formal obedience recall – toys, treats, praise, and movement are allowed. If dog is unwilling to leave handler, a helper may lead the dog 40+ ft away to allow the handler the opportunity to recall the dog.) |
Dog comes quickly on first or second command from the handler, and completely returns to handler (sit in front and finish not required.) | Dog requires 3 or more commands to return to the handler, does not return at all, or is not able to be caught once it returns. |
| Dog sits without force, while off leash. (Note: handler may use hand signals in addition to verbal, but may not touch the dog.) | Dog sits on first or second command without handler touching or forcing the dog into position. | Dog requires 3 or more commands to sit, does not sit, or requires physical force to sit. |
| Dog downs without force, while off leash. (Note: handler may use hand signals in addition to verbal, but may not touch the dog.) | Dog downs on first or second command without handler touching or forcing the dog into position. | Dog requires 3 or more commands to down, does not down, or requires physical force to down. |
| Handler must provide appropriate collar, leash, and appropriate shoes in order to enroll in the agility classes. | Dog has a well-fitting fabric or leather (buckle, snap, or martingale) collar with no large hanging tags. Dog also has an appropriate nylon or leather leash 4-6 ft in length with only one handle. Handler has shoes appropriate for outdoor running (f.ex. tennis shoes / gym shoes) | Dog has an inappropriate collar (choke chains, pinch collars, prong collars, harnesses, head halters, or other training collar). Leash has more than one handle, or is otherwise considered unsafe. Handler has inappropriate footwear not suitable for running. |
| Summary: Toys, treats, and praise are allowed at any time during the test. Tester may allow handler to retake any portion of this test at his/her sole discretion. A “redo” of a maximum of 1 task may be allowed at any testing session. Dog and handler must pass all 5 tasks in a testing session to be able to join the agility class. These requirements are for both the dog and the handler's safety. Handlers encouraging or allowing their dog to act in an aggressive or reckless manner will be given a warning. If the behavior continues, dog and/or handler may not be allowed to continue in Puppy Pushers agility classes, at the discretion of the Leaders. Those interested in participating in agility in Puppy Pushers demonstrations, exhibitions, and/or county fair must have Leader approval due to the risk of injury to dog and/or handler if equipment is negotiated incorrectly. | ||
Howard County Puppy Pushers 2009 |
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