Class Eligibility and Rules
(These Rules apply from 1 January 2007)
Definitions of Classes
Musical Dressage – (Additional Category - PnM Division A)
This routine must consist of dressage moves in the heel or free position. The movement of the dog will show a continuous natural rhythmic movement reflecting the timing of the music. It may be at more than one pace, i.e. walk, trot or canter and in any direction provided a balance and continuous rhythm is maintained.
Heelwork to Music – (Official Category)
The principal element of the Heelwork to Music category will be the dog working off lead in the heel work position, on the left or right hand side of the handler, facing forward or backward, across the front or back of the handler, moving in any direction, at any pace. The dog’s shoulder should be approximately level with, and reasonably close to, the handler’s leg. All other positions are defined as Freestyle. A minimum of two thirds of the routine should consist of heelwork.
Heel position: A dog working in the heel work position, on the left or right hand side of the handler, facing forward or backward, across the front or back of the handler, moving in any direction, at any pace. The dog’s shoulder should be approximately level with, and reasonably close to the handler’s leg. All other positions are defined as Freestyle. A minimum of two thirds of the routine should consist of heel work. Click here to see diagrams to show this
Freestyle – (Official Category)
A Freestyle routine will consist of the dog working off lead and contain movements in any position. Heelwork as described above is acceptable although such movements must not exceed one third of the routine.
Dances with Dogs – (Additional Category - PnM Division D)
This routine must be recognizable as a dance on the part of the handler. The dog may carry out moves from dressage, freestyle or a combination in any position.
Official Classes
For one dog and one handler only. When assessing eligibility to enter a competition, wins in one official category will not count for the other official category. At the discretion of the competition organizers, dogs may be entered in eligible classes in both categories. However a different routine must be worked.
In the following definitions of classes a First Prize win is one gained in official classes only.
Qualifications obtained prior to 1 July 2002. Handlers who have entered demonstrations prior to 1 July 2002 and have previously been accepted into classes higher than Starters must enter licensed competitions at the level and in the category for which they have previously qualified. Thereafter, once a qualification for class advancement is achieved further entries must be made in accordance with these Regulations.
Handlers who have entered competitions between 1st July 2002 and 31st December 2006 and have previously been working in classes higher than Starters must enter licensed competitions at the level and in the category for which they previously qualified.
A dog must be entered in the lowest scheduled official class for which it is eligible.
Definition of Classes
The following class definitions apply to Heelwork to Music and Freestyle Kennel Club official classes. In the following definitions of classes all points must be gained in Kennel Club official classes. The following points will be awarded in Kennel Club official classes. The same point system will apply to qualify out of PnM additional classes, with the exception of any scheduled fun classes. The following points will be awarded in all Kennel Club standard and PnM additional classes only:-
First Place - 10 points
Second Place - 6 points
Third Place 4 Points
Fourth Place - 2 Points
On entrance to the next level of classes, the points will return to zero.
It is the handlers responsibility to a keep full and accurate account of the points their dogs are awarded
If the average mark in any one section of the judges criteria is below 40% the class points will be withheld. The prizes for that class will still be awarded appropriately but the prize cards will be stamped with "points withheld".
The following definitions apply to both Heelwork to Music and Freestyle Classes, and Paws N Music additional classes as applicable.
a. Starters. For dogs and handlers which have not gained 14 points or more in official Starters classes at Kennel Club Licensed Heelwork to Music competitions.
b. Novice. Open to dogs or handlers, which have gained 14 points or more in official Starters classes at Kennel Club licensed Heelwork to Music competitions.
c. Intermediate. Open to dogs which have gained 16 points or more in official Novice classes at Kennel Club licensed Heelwork to Music competitions.
d. Advanced. Open to dogs which have gained 20 points or more in official Intermediate classes at Kennel Club licensed Heelwork to Music competitions.
In estimating the number of awards won, all wins up to and including the seventh day before the closing date of entries shall be counted when entering any class.
Once a dog has progressed to the next class it is entitled to use the previous class award after its name on entry forms and printed in catalogues. Only the highest award may be used. Separate awards should be indicated for Heelwork to Music and Freestyle as follows: HTM St., HTM N., HTM I. for different classes of Heelwork to Music. FS St., FS N., FS I, for the different classes in Freestyle. Once a dog has gained 24 points in Advanced classes it will be entitled to have HTM.A or FS.A after its name as appropriate.
Excellent Qualifications. If a first place has been won at a particular level, when the required level of points. have been gained the dog will also be awarded an excellent qualification and can use the title "Ex" after its class title, such as : HTM St Ex
All dogs must be in possession of a Kennel Club Heelwork To Music Record book detailing the points gained and where each award was gained.
Competing
In all divisions:
1. Routines should clearly demonstrate the dog’s athleticism, attentiveness, flexibility and training in conjunction with handler movements complementary to the appropriate division.
2. The dignity of the dog must be respected throughout the routine.
3. Routines may start and end wherever the handler chooses provided both the handler and dog are in the ring.
4. Dogs must be off lead in all Kennel Club official and Paws n Music additional classes.
5. Dogs must not be stationary for more than 10 seconds.
6. No moves or handling, which may be injurious to the dog, are allowed.
7. Routines should make good use of the available ring space.
8. Costume appropriate to the routine is encouraged.
9. Dogs may only wear dressed collars.
10. Props are allowed provided they are an integral part of the routine and are not used to threaten the dog. The use of firearms or simulated gunshot is prohibited.
11. The use of voice and body language is encouraged; handlers may make contact with dogs
12. Dogs will be marked for excessive barking unless cued and obviously a part of the routine.
13. Food and toys are not allowed to be carried in the ring.
14. A running order will be made for all classes and printed in the programme.
15. Handlers may enter more than one class or division
16. All dogs entered must be kept under control.
17. Only dogs that are registered at the Kennel Club and are of 12 months of age and over on the day of the competition are eligible for entry.
18. The organizers reserve the right to restrict entries should the competition be oversubscribed above 160 routines.
19. No bitch in season is allowed to compete.
20. The committee reserves to itself the right to refuse entries.
21. Entry fees are non-refundable.
22. Should a judge be unable to fulfill their appointment the organizers reserve the right to appoint an alternative judge.
23. No handler shall impugn the decision of the judges.
24. Competitors are responsible for ensuring they are available for their class and running order.
25. Should unforeseen circumstances so dictate, in consultation with the judges, the organizers may alter arrangements as necessary. Such changes will be reported to the Kennel Club.
26. The mating of bitches in season within the precincts of the Competition is forbidden.
27. Dogs must be entered for the lowest class for which they are eligible and may only be entered once in the same class.
28. No person shall carry out punitive correction or harsh handling of any dog at any time within the precincts of the competition.
29. The decision to withdraw from competition is entirely at the discretion of the competitor. However, a competitor may not withdraw once a routine has been completed and scored.
30. Once a dog has entered the ring to compete, no further practice may be carried out.
31. No amendment may be made to an entry after the closing date of entries.
32. Not for Competition entries will be accepted for dogs aged four calendar months and over. Details of each dog must be recorded on the entry form and must be Kennel Club registered.
Judging
Judges may enter the same event they are judging at but in a different class. There must be three judges for each class, except in exceptional circumstances, whereby the Society should notify the Kennel Club as soon as possible. Each judge will mark all three sections of the Judging Criteria as follows:-
Programme Content – 10 marks
1. The programme content conforms to the definitions for Heelwork to Music or Freestyle.
2. The programme should be varied with no excessive repetition of moves.
3. The movements of the dog should have a greater impact than those of the handler.
4. Movements should be appropriate to the structure and conformation of the dog.
5. Degree of difficulty of movements should be taken into account
Accuracy and Execution of Movement – 10 marks
1. Movements are accurately and smoothly executed.
2. The accuracy of heelwork must be taken into account.
3. The bearing and deportment of the handler is appropriate to the routine.
4. The dog should work in a natural and willing manner.
5. The dogs responds promptly and appropriately to the cues given.
6. Handler and dog should work as a team.
7. Any props used should be appropriate to the routine.
Musical Interpretation – 10 marks
1. Interpretation of the music, rhythm and phrasing is apparent.
2. The programme flows and is not a series of disjointed movements.
3. Movements are complementary to the programme’s concept.
4. Handler's dress is applicable to the programme.
5. Emphasis of interpretation is on the dog's movements although the handler may be expressive.
6. Choreography should be apparent and flowing. The routine should include balance, structure and making best use of available space.
7. The harmony and relationship should show the strength of the dog and handler partnership.
8. Handler and dog should work as a team.
9. Choice of music should suit the team.
Music
Each Handler should provide their own music. It can be CD (clearly marked with the track to be used) audio cassette tape with the music at the beginning of a blank tape. It is advisable to bring two copies of the tape or CD with one for back up. Handlers should book in with the organizers upon arrival and lodge their music with them.
Length of Music
Starters: up to 2½ minutes
Novice: up to 3½ minutes
Intermediate: up to 4 minutes
Advanced: up to 4 minutes
An over-run of 5% is permitted, but 2 marks will be deducted from the final score for any time taken in excess of this.
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