AWTA Book of Rules and Regulations

JUDGING

Approximately three entries should be in the Holding Area at any given time. The Den Steward will call individual entries into the Holding Area shortly before it is time for them to be judged.

Novice Classes:

The Den Steward will call the dog that is to be judged from the Holding Area into the judging area. The handler will remove the dog’s collar and leash at the entrance, then proceed to the starting point carrying the dog. The starting point is ten feet from and directly in front of the den entrance. The handler may give the dog verbal encouragement during this time. The judge briefly goes over what the handler must do, and then tells the handler to release the dog. The dog must be released at or below the handler’s waist. The dog may be placed on the ground before being released. Throwing the dog in the direction of the entrance will not be permitted and will result in no score. At the time of release the handler may give one short command, after which the handler must remain silent unless instructed otherwise by the judge. Further encouragement results in point deductions. The Novice Class handler may walk to the entrance and stand quietly without losing points. The dog receives 50 points if it reaches the quarry within one minute and 25 points if it reaches the quarry within two minutes. No score after two minutes. When a Novice dog reaches the quarry, the Judge may shake, tap, scratch, or rattle the quarry cage to evoke interest. The dog must work (defined as barking, whining, digging, growling, biting or clawing the bars, lunging at the cage, or a frozen concentrated focused stare). Note for judges: When a dog is showing concentrated staring, the focus of the dog may be tested by moving the rat cage. This should result in a response from the dog if it is actually working. The work must be continuous without a break for 30 seconds to receive 50 points. Any natural change from one type of work to another does not constitute a break in the time worked. At the completion of the test, the handler will retrieve the dog from the earth and carry the dog away from the judging area.

Open Class:

Dogs shall be brought to the judging area in the same way as for the Novice Class. When the judge is ready, the handler will release the dog and may issue one short command. After releasing the dog, the handler must remain at the release point, silently and without moving. Any further encouragement will result in no score. The dog must reach the quarry within 30 seconds then work, without a break, for a full 60 seconds. If the dog fails to reach the quarry within 30 seconds or does not work a full 60 seconds then he receives no score. No help can ge given the dog either by the handler or the judge. At the completion of the test, the handler must remove the dog from the earth and promptly carry it from the judging area.

Certificate Class:

When a dog scores 100% in the Open Class he earns the Certificate of Gameness. The AWTA keeps a record of every dog that earns a CG. After being issued the Certificate of Gameness a dog is eligible for the Certificate Class only and cannot be entered in any other class. The Certificate Class is judged in the same manner as the Open Class.