Utility

Utility (affectionately known as Futility) separates the men from the boys. The part that makes it so challenging is that the dog has to make decisions... There is a very high failure rate while showing for the UD title - because there are so many places a dog can make a mistake. That being said, this is a FUN class to train for. Signals. The ubiquitous heeling exercise takes on a little variation in Utility. All of the commands are given as hand signals. It's a hand signal to get up and get started . Then it's heeling as usual. A hand signal says stand and stay Raised right hand for down Followed by a left hand signal for sit And an across the front signal for come (The actual distance between the dog and handler is 30 to 40 feet) Front and finish. On a hand signal, the dog moves from sitting in front to heel position on the side Scent Articles. Four metal and four leather articles are spread out about 15 feet from the dog and handler. The handler takes an identical article (metal or leather) and rubs it to put his/her scent on it. The judge adds this scented article to the "pile" and the dog has to go to the pile and identify by scent the handler's article and bring it back. Then it is repeated for the other type article. Directed Retrieve. Although what you see is a dog retrieving a white cloth glove, the purpose of this exercise is not strictly a retrieve. Three gloves are put out behind the dog and handler. The handler and dog must pivot (turn around) in place to face whichever glove the judge designates. The handler points to that ONE glove, and the dog must go directly to it and retrieve it. Moving Stand. Your dog is heeling and you tell her to stop and stay in a standing position. The judge examines the dog more thoroughly than in Novice, then you call the dog to your side. Directed Jumping. The dog has to run out 40 to 50 feet, stop on command and turn, sit and face the handler. The handler then signals which of the two jumps the dog is to take. Then this is repeated for the other jump.