ULTIMATE DOG PERFORMANCE
OBEDIENCE PROGRAM RULES
Mission Statement:
The UDP Inc Obedience Program will allow dogs and handlers to demonstrate their skills at graduated levels of training and ability on various courses using a variety of patterns and exercises. The exercises are designed to meet the training level of many of the more traditional obedience venues. Precision and accuracy are key elements in the obedience program.
Standard Rules
Levels
- There are five levels in UDP Obedience - Introductory, Novice, Open, Advanced and Ultimate Champion
- Once a dog has been entered in a level and competed that dog must remain in that level until earning the level title.
- You may not go down to a lower level once you have competed in a level
- Three qualifying scores under at least two different judges are required to earn a title.
- A Challengers program is also offered in UDP Obedience. See that program for more details
Level 1: Introductory Level – This level is for dogs and puppies just starting out in a venue. Training has been started for the venue.
Level 2: Beginner Level – This level is for dogs that have training in the venue and can consistently perform simple skills for that venue.
Level 3: Open Level – This level is for dogs performing increasingly difficult skills in the venue. The dog should have been consistently earning qualifying scores at the beginner level of the venue.
Level 4: Advanced Level – This level is for dogs that have been trained to exhibit advanced skills for the venue. The dog should have been consistently earning qualifying scores at the open level of the venue.
Level 5: Championship Level – The dog must have earned the necessary qualifying scores in the advanced level to earn a Championship with UDP Inc. This level is to allow a fully trained dog a venue to compete against other dogs at the same level of competency.
Pattterns and Exercises
The first three levels are performed in a set pattern. Patterns are found in the Obedience Pattern section of this web.
Advanced and Ultimate Champion patterns willl be designed by the judge and will include at least ten of the required exercises for the level you are competing in. The Judge will post the pattern for Advanced and Ultimate before each trial and walk thrus for those two levels only will be allowed.
Titles
Titles will be earned when a team earns 3 qualifying scores, under at least two different judges.
Year end points will be calculated for annual Top Ten UDP Rally Awards.
Annual and Lifetime earnings will be calculated for determining various awards and invitations.
Payouts
Money back payouts will be paid in all levels..
Payout schedule is a set schedule of percentages based on number of entries.
Amount of percentage payouts will be determined by the entry fee for each level.
Collars
- UDP does not allow the use of correction collars in the ring - choke chains, slip collars and prong collars are not allowed, nor are head halters or "no-pull" harnesses. Dogs must be shown in a flat buckle or snap collar, a properly fitted limited-slip collar, or standard harness.
Walk-thrus
- Advanced and Champion Obedience Competitors are provided with a 10 minute period at the beginning of the event during which to walk the course (without dogs) and ask the judge questions. If there are more than 20 competitors, an additional 10 minutes will be provided after every 20 competitors have walked the course. All walk-thrus will be held before judging the entire class begins.
Ring Size and Footing
- The recommended minimum obedience ring size is approximately 50 x 80 feet. In some instances, ring size may be modified. Footing is of utmost importance and the safety of the dogs and exhibitors most be considered at all times. Mats or suitable flooring shall be provided when competing on concrete. Dirt floors and grass are acceptable.
Sanctioning of Events:
1. Obedience events are open to all dogs regardless of breed. Dogs must be 6 months and older.
2. Female dogs in estrus may not compete.
3. Members and dogs must be registered with UDP in order to be eligible to compete.
4. Events can be hosted by a club or member in good standing with UDP Inc.
5. UDP’s sanctioning form must be completed 60 days in advance and sent to the Corresponding Secretary.
6. Copies of UDP’s program, score sheets and trial result forms will be provided on a CD at a nominal fee.
7. A copy of the Premium list will be provided to the Corresponding Secretary at least three weeks prior to the event. It will include: start time for classes, awards to be given, classes offered, facility renting fees, trial secretary’s name, and run fee.
8. If more than one run per level is offered each day, the second run must be on a differently designed course, if the same judge is used for the second run.
9. If a third run is offered on the same day or at the same event that is run over consequetive days, then a second judge must be used.
Organization and Recording:
TRIAL COMMITTEE AND OFFICIALS
The following officials shall preside at each UDP Obedience Trial:
1. Judge: A minimum of one Judge per day is required.
The Judge shall be chosen from the approved UDP Judges list.
The Judge’s duties are as follows:
Designing Advanced and Champion courses prior to the trial. Courses must have the required exercises and required number of exercises for each level.
Recommended courses and example courses are available from UDP.
If more than one run per level is offered each day, the judge is required to change the design of the courses for the second run, if they have judged the previous run.
Inspect equipment, facilities, flooring - UDP specifications, safety
Finalizing each course prior to class judging
Instructs Scribe - points
Briefing exhibitors about the course prior to each class. Completing any required UDP Judge’s reports.
The reports shall be sent to UDP directly from the judge. Do not include with the host club results.
Judges must give their permission to the host club if the club wants to change their trial limits after a contract has been signed.
Note: the judge cannot give permission to exceed UDP limits: 350 per day. The club cannot change their limits if less than 6 weeks to the trial, or if the premium has been posted.
ALL DECISIONS OF THE JUDGE ARE FINAL
Judges will not use video to determine a score; video may be used only to obtain a time if the timer did not get a time.
A judge may show their dogs IF the host club is allowing it. It is not allowed for a two ring trial (rings running simultaneously).
Judges cannot place on their own course designs, regardless of the dog they are running.
Judges cannot judge a person residing in their household or immediate family members (child, spouse, sibling, parent).
Family members who are judged by a step-in judge do receive earned placements.
Judges cannot judge their own dog run by someone else.
Judges cannot judge a dog that is co-owned with another owner that resides outside of their residence.
If a judge’s dog is run and judged by other persons, the dog is not eligible for placements if earned.
All of the following positions are allowed to show dogs at a UDP trial if the handler wishes:
Trial Chairperson & Trial Secretary: The Chairperson is the official contact person for complaints or infractions. The Chairperson is also the back up for the Show Secretary in an emergency situation. Both are required to be current year members.
The Trial Secretary is responsible for answering prospective entrants’ questions, email/mailing premium lists to prospective entrants, email/mailing confirmation notices, preparation of the show catalog, ensuring the table help understands the scoring and computer procedures, preparation of the results catalogs for UDP and the host club.
Course Builders: The course builders are responsible for the set up of the course as close as possible to the course design provided by the Judge. Changes are not to be made to the physical course design without authorization from the Judge. The course builders shall be available to assist the Judge in finalizing the course, and during measuring should the Judge need them.
Table Stewards: The table stewards (preferably 2 per ring) are responsible for recording class information for the results catalog. Information to be recorded in the results catalogs include: Top of page: Judge’s name, Course Level, Standard Course Time, marking any absent dog(s), dogs run information.
Scribe sheets are turned into the table stewards. They also calculate faults, points and determine the qualifying scores. Scribe: A scribe is required for each class. The scribe’s responsibility is to observe the Judge while each handler and dog team is running, marking any faults or points the Judge signals during the performance. Under no circumstances will the scribe interpret the dog’s performance. The scribe shall write the time on the scribe sheet or NT if the judge gives the “NO TIME” signal. If the scribe has a question regarding faults or points during a run, he / she shall ask the Judge immediately following that dog’s run.
