Members who are new to our sport and perhaps some who are not so new (!), have expressed some confusion over training rounds for food rewards. I myself have had some conflicting information from judges. Let’s dispel some of the myths.
Below are the relevant rules taken from The Kennel Club General Regulation (The ‘G Regs’ as you may have hear them referred to as).
In addition please see the very recent guidance regarding food rewards as discussed in KC Obedience Liaison Council. The minutes of the meeting held on 6th July 2016 state:
Competitors leaving the ring to feed their dog and returning to the ring during training rounds
77. The views of the Council were sought regarding the above practice. It was agreed that it should be at the discretion of individual judges, but that if doing so, competitors should show consideration to others and should ensure that pots of food remained outside the ring at all times, and did not cause a distraction to other dogs.
5. Introductory.
a. This class is to introduce and support newcomers to
Obedience Competition. In this class only incentives in
the form of a toy or rewards are allowed to be carried by
the handler in the competitive ring and may be given to
the dog at the end of an exercise or in between exercises.
Rewards include food which must be carried in a small
closed container during the exercises. The judge will
designate an area in the competitive ring where food
may be given to the dog by the handler.
36. Practice Rounds.
Practice rounds are permitted at the Judge’s discretion and the judge’s decision
is final, provided their main purpose is to aid the dog’s or handler’s confidence
and their experience of the working ring, and subject to the following:
a. Where practice rounds are allowed they must be available for all
competitors in that class.
b. The Judge may limit the amount of time taken, which is to be no longer
than the actual round.
c. The competitor may only practice those exercises that are set out in
Regulation G(A) ‘Eligibility and Schedule of Classes’ for the class in
which they are entered.
d. The use of toys which emit any noise and the use of food are not permitted.
e. The usual rules and etiquette for those who compete must be followed
except that the handler may use as many commands as are necessary to
aid the dog, and may touch the dog in a non-harmful and non-intimidating
manner.
f. Excessive exuberance from the handler or dog will not be permitted if
the Judge considers that it could interfere with the chances of winning
of dogs and handlers working in adjacent rings.
.
Below are the relevant rules taken from The Kennel Club General Regulation (The ‘G Regs’ as you may have hear them referred to as).
In addition please see the very recent guidance regarding food rewards as discussed in KC Obedience Liaison Council. The minutes of the meeting held on 6th July 2016 state:
Competitors leaving the ring to feed their dog and returning to the ring during training rounds
77. The views of the Council were sought regarding the above practice. It was agreed that it should be at the discretion of individual judges, but that if doing so, competitors should show consideration to others and should ensure that pots of food remained outside the ring at all times, and did not cause a distraction to other dogs.
5. Introductory.
a. This class is to introduce and support newcomers to
Obedience Competition. In this class only incentives in
the form of a toy or rewards are allowed to be carried by
the handler in the competitive ring and may be given to
the dog at the end of an exercise or in between exercises.
Rewards include food which must be carried in a small
closed container during the exercises. The judge will
designate an area in the competitive ring where food
may be given to the dog by the handler.
36. Practice Rounds.
Practice rounds are permitted at the Judge’s discretion and the judge’s decision
is final, provided their main purpose is to aid the dog’s or handler’s confidence
and their experience of the working ring, and subject to the following:
a. Where practice rounds are allowed they must be available for all
competitors in that class.
b. The Judge may limit the amount of time taken, which is to be no longer
than the actual round.
c. The competitor may only practice those exercises that are set out in
Regulation G(A) ‘Eligibility and Schedule of Classes’ for the class in
which they are entered.
d. The use of toys which emit any noise and the use of food are not permitted.
e. The usual rules and etiquette for those who compete must be followed
except that the handler may use as many commands as are necessary to
aid the dog, and may touch the dog in a non-harmful and non-intimidating
manner.
f. Excessive exuberance from the handler or dog will not be permitted if
the Judge considers that it could interfere with the chances of winning
of dogs and handlers working in adjacent rings.
.