Open

Open exercises are somewhat more demanding than Novice. Physical fitness comes into play and the ability to work away from the handler. Many, many cockers have attained the CDX (Companion Dog Excellent) title because it capitalizes on their natural retrieving ability, their athletic nature and (hopefully) their desire to please.

Heeling. The only difference between heeling in Novice and Open is that in Open it is all off-lead. The dog must walk by your side and stop and sit when you stop.

Drop on Recall. This is a modified recall. The dog is left on a wait, called and as the dog is coming, the handler commands the dog to drop (stop and lie down). The dog is then called in.

Retrieve on the flat. The handler throws a dumbbell and the dog has to bring it back.

Retrieve over the High Jump. The same as retrieve on the flat, except that the handler throws the dumbbell over a jump, and the dog has to go over the jump in both directions.

Broad Jump. This is a little more complicated. You leave your dog about 6 feet from the jump and walk to the side of the jump. The dog has to jump over the entire jump, then turn and come sit in front of you. \

Group Exercises. Looks like Novice? It IS like Novice - except that the handler is out of the ring and out of sight and the sit stay is for 3 minutes and the down stay is for 5.