Obedience & Dexterity
Exercise 9 — Down Under Distraction
Applies to: RH – F, FL, T, L, MT, W; all levels
Points: 10 p
Setup
- Two spots marked by a line (for male and female D).
- Distance between down spot and obstacles: minimum 10 m.
- Distance between the two dogs (m/f): minimum 6 m.
Permitted AC/VC
- 1 AC or VC for “Down”
- 1 AC or VC for “Sit” (ending)
Execution — Common Start
- After “Reporting in and social behaviour” and before the 2nd dog’s UO/GW begins.
- DH takes off-leash D to GS at the marked down area.
- At TJ instruction: DH downs D with 1 AC/VC — no article left with D.
- DH walks away (distance depends on level — see below).
- D lies calmly without DH influence while the 2nd dog works.
- At TJ instruction: DH returns to D, stands to the right of D.
- At TJ instruction: DH gives AC/VC to sit — D sits quickly and straight. GS.
Level Differences
| Level V | Level A | Level B | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DH position | 20 steps away, facing D | 40 paces away, back to D | Out of D’s sight (screening wall or similar) |
| D must hold during | Ex. 2–4 (W: 3–4) | Ex. 2–9 (L: 2–6; W: 3–5) | Ex. 2–9 (L: 2–6; W: 3–5) |
| After down period | DH stays with D at down area; D may be leashed | DH ends exercise at TJ instruction | DH ends exercise at TJ instruction |
Leaving the Down — Thresholds
Level V:
- D leaves >3 m before end of exercise 2 (of 2nd RDT) → 0 points
- D leaves >3 m after exercise 2 ends → Insufficient
Level A and B:
- D leaves >3 m before end of exercise 4 (of 2nd RDT) (L, W: exercise 3) → 0 points
- D leaves >3 m after exercise 4 ends (L, W: exercise 3) → Insufficient
Evaluation — Faults
- D stands or sits but stays in down area → −5 points
- Restless lying with lack of concentration → devalue
- Approaching DH during pickup → devalue
- Any DH influence (body language, movement) → devalue
- Additional AC/VC or body help by DH → devalue