Structural Rules for TJ

Before the Exercise

• Judge sets up / approves the course layout — declines anything not meeting spec.
• Exercise sequence is drawn once, before the event — same for all participants.
• Reporting In is always first. Off-leash heeling follows immediately after. Down Under Distraction is always last.
• All dexterity (GW) exercises are drawn as a block — judge determines the sequence within that block.
• Area search: contaminate area (people criss-crossing) up to 15 min before first search.
• Rubble: VPs must be in position 10 min before dispatch.
• Alert exercise always happens before the area/rubble search.

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During Heeling

The judge only gives the start directive. All turns, halts, and pace changes are executed by DH without the judge’s instruction.

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During Down Under Distraction

The down runs parallel to the other dog’s UO/GW.

Sequence: both dogs do Reporting In together → before 2nd dog’s UO/GW, 1st dog is downed → 2nd dog does its UO/GW while 1st dog holds the down.

DH returns to D’s right side (not left) at the judge’s instruction. Then gives sit at the judge’s second instruction.

DH Position and Duration per Level

Level	DH distance	DH orientation	D must hold during
V	20 steps	Facing D	2nd dog’s exercises 2–4
A	40 paces	Back to D	2nd dog’s exercises 2–9
B	Out of sight	Hidden	2nd dog’s exercises 2–9

Leaving the Down — Call These Precisely

• Level V: leaves >3 m before end of exercise 2 → 0 points; after exercise 2 → Insufficient
• Level A/B: leaves >3 m before end of exercise 4 → 0 points; after exercise 4 → Insufficient
• (For L and W: exercise 3 is the threshold instead of exercise 4)

After the scored down period in Level V: DH stays with D at the down area; D may be leashed during remainder of 2nd dog’s work.

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During Nosework

• Search time starts when the judge finishes announcing the tactical situation.
• The judge calls DH to D for the alert — DH may not approach on their own.
• Tactical changes during work: DH must notify the judge; time keeps running.
• Rubble: the judge decides when DH may follow D into the rubble.

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AC/VC Counting

• Dog’s name = 1 AC.
• AC and VC must be given simultaneously if both used — not in sequence.
• 2nd AC/VC → −2 points on that exercise or partial. Fixed, not discretionary.
• 3rd AC/VC → entire exercise = Insufficient.
• No execution after 3rd AC/VC → exercise terminated, 0 points.
• 3-second pause must be maintained between each AC/VC — watch DH rushing.
• D refuses apparatus or area → 0 points; repeating is not permitted.
• Non-used AC/VCs: not penalised.
• Body help (leaning, pointing, stepping toward) = hidden aid = devalue.
• Watch for covert signals — DH sometimes thinks the dog’s name “doesn’t count.”