Pilot Program Starting April 1st 2021

The new wording in Chapter 2, Section 27 will be as follows:

Chapter 2, Section 27. Training and Handling in the Ring. “When a handler is using excessive verbal commands, this could indicate the dog is not under control and is not working with the handler willingly. The judge must determine if this dog should be released for a lack of control. The handler is not allowed to correct or discipline a dog and will be released from the ring.

“When the dog’s performance does not meet the handler’s expectation, the handler may choose to use a ‘Fix n’ Go’ option once, which allows the exhibitor to immediately reattempt a single individual exercise. This allows the team to reattempt that one exercise, and then leave the ring. In a two-part exercise, the handler may choose only one part to reattempt. It is the handler’s responsibility to tell the judge they are choosing to ‘Fix n’ Go.’ Using the Fix n’ Go option will result in a non- qualifying score (NQ). The handler may begin the reattempt from the start or at any point during the exercise. The judge will call the orders for the reattempted exercise as normal. If a jump needs to be reset, it will be set to the original height.

“The handler may choose to help the dog through the Fix n’ Go exercise. Helping the dog may be accomplished using verbal

“Harsh verbal and/or physical corrections will not be tolerated. If there is any determination of harshness by the judge, the handler will be immediately released from the ring.

“Spectators form their opinion of the sport through seeing the action of the handler and the dog. Care must be taken to avoid any action that might reflect poorly on the sport.”

With any new item that may come along, exhibitors may need help in understanding the concept to its fullest. Enter the AKC Obedience/Rally Blog which is designed to give further input, explanations and examples not covered in the specific wording of an Obedience Regulation. I strongly urge you to sign up for the Blog and fill in the box indicated with your email address. Then, and only then, will you be notified of a new post. A wonderful way to keep on top of things, especially with the new topic such as Fix n’ Go. The Blog link is at the end of this article.

Now let’s pull out some of the key points in this new Fix n’ Go concept for starters. First, this concept may be new to the Sport of Obedience, whereas Agility has had a similar program in place, and it has received positive responses by exhibitors. Another way to look at this concept is it is merely an extension (if you will) of the now in place “Handler Left Ring” with added options.

A few key points to keep in mind:

1. Fix n’ Go is an *option* being made available for the handler to use; you do not have to use this option, it is your choice. If you do decide you want to use this option, it is the handler’s responsibility to tell the judge they are choosing to “Fix n’ Go”.

2. A handler may still choose to leave the ring without initiating the Fix n’ Go.

3. The Fix n’ Go option may be used only once and only on one exercise. Once the option is completed the team is to leave the ring.

4. One does not “fix” the original execution of an exercise when the dog’s performance does not meet the handler’s expectation. The handler is not allowed to correct or discipline a dog and will be released from the ring. Also, when a handler is using excessive verbal commands, this could indicate the dog is not under control and is not working with the handler willingly. The judge must determine if this dog should be released for lack of control. After announcing to the judge you want the Fix n’ Go option, the handler may begin the exercise from the start of that exercise or at any point during the exercise.

5. If the exercise chosen is a two part exercise, only one part may be reattempted. For example, only one part of the Directed Jumping or one part of the Heeling Exercise (Part 1 straight heeling – Part 2 Figure Eight).

6. In regards to the Heeling exercise, it can be started from the beginning or at any point during the pattern, handler’s choice. From what is written in the Regulations, as long as the team is moving along, judge is running the exercise as normal, the handler is allowed to talk, encourage and proceed as long as there are no harsh corrections or commands.

7. When an exercise is reattempted the judge will call the orders from the point the handler chooses to start. The handler may help the dog using signals and/or verbal commands and praise. If the dog needs to be approached to maybe fix a drop in the Drop on Recall exercise, as an example, it will be in a friendly/positive manner without touching the dog. Harsh verbal and/or physical corrections will NOT be tolerated. If there is any determination of harshness by the judge (remember, this is a judgement call made by the judge), the handler will be immediately released from the ring. As stated above, spectators form their opinion of the sport through seeing the action of the handler and the dog. Care must be taken to avoid any action that might reflect poorly on the sport.

8. Keep in mind, releasing the dog (as stated in the Regulation change) is not the same as excusing a dog. In the act of releasing the dog, the dog will still count in the number of dogs in competition for OTCH points.

9. How should the judge’s book be marked? The exercise is marked “NQ.” The Judges’ Guidelines, Chapter 5, page 124, “If a handler leaves the ring before completing the exercises, write ‘HLR’ (Handler Left Ring) then carry a ‘NQ’ to the ‘Total Score’ box.”

10. The dog doesn’t have to NQ an exercise for the handler to request to Fix n’ Go. The judge is not required to tell the exhibitor the dog NQ’d an exercise and ask if the handler wants to Fix n’ Go.

Remember to keep up-to-date with the AKC Obedience/Rally Blog as more information detailing specific actions may follow.