Draft Dog and Draft Dog Excellence Test Rules

In Canada Draft Dog tests are regulated by the CKC and the title is a CKC title.  There are two levels of draft dog: Draft Dog (DD) and Draft Dog Excellence (DDX).  In the United States the Draft Dog title is sanctioned by the NCA and there is only one level: Draft Dog (DD).  You can find the American Draft Dog rules on the NCA website.

Draft Dog (DD) Title

Control Exercises

The Control Exercises demonstrate the dog's ability to be a safe and obedient companion and worker. Control will be demonstrated in a ring approximately 40’ x50’. Three basic exercises will be performed: Heel Off Lead, Stand Stay for 1 minute, Down Stay for 3 minutes.

Exercise 1- Heel Off Lead

The dog shall be on the handler's left side and shall remain within arm's reach of the handler at all times.

The lead judge shall use at least one of each of the following commands: "forward", "slow", "fast","normal", "right turn", "left turn", "about turn", and "halt" in any order predetermined by the judge and the same for each dog. Dog and handler shall receive a "Pass" score providing the dog responds to the handler's command and remains within arm's reach of the handler. A stand at heel at the halt is acceptable.

Exercise 2 - Stand Stay

On command from the lead judge, the handler will stand his dog, positioning the dog comfortably if he chooses. The lead judge will give the command 'Leave your dog'. The handler shall give the dog one command to 'stay' by voice, hand signal or a combination, then will leave the dog and walk forward about 1.8 m (6 ft) and turn to face the dog. The dog shall remain in position, shifting of his weight will be allowed. The dog must remain standing from the time the handler leaves until after a one minute period when the judge tells that handler to return to the dog. Upon the handler's return, the dog will remain in position until the judge give the command 'Exercise Finished'.

Exercise 3 - Group Down Stay

This is a group exercise, with handlers across the width of the ring. No more than 10, nor less than 2 dogs,  shall be judged at one time. On command from the lead judge, the handler will put the dog in the down position prior to removing the leash and placing it behind the dog along with the exhibitor number. The dog may be downed manually.  The lead judge will give the command "Leave your dog." The handler will give the dog one command to "stay" by voice, hand signal, or a combination, then will leave the dog and walk briskly to the opposite side of the ring where he will turn to face the dog. The dog must stay in position from the time the handler leaves throughout a 3 minute period, and until the handler has been told by the judge to return to the dog, the handler has returned and the dog is in heel position and the judge has said "Exercise finished." A person may enter more than one dog in this level. The same handler who handled  each dog in the first 2 exercises must handle each dog in the Group Down, except that where a handler has handled more than one dog in the first 2 exercises, there must be an additional handler for each dog when judged together in the Group Exercise.

.

Carting Exercises

The Carting Exercises demonstrate the dog's usefulness as a draft animal in maneuvering loads safely and quietly on a wheeled vehicle over a moderate distance and smooth terrain. A cart or wagon will be the most suitable vehicle for this test.

Exercise 4 - Harness and Hitching

Handler harnesses and hitches dog in ring. The cart or wagon and harness may be brought in by an assistant or the ring steward; alternatively, the handler will put the dog on a stand stay and get the harness and vehicle himself.

During the harnessing and hitching, the handler's skill and the dog's willingness will be judged.

Exercise 5 - Maneuvres

The lead judge will direct the handler to perform a series of maneuvers to test the ability of the dog to be

a carting companion. The lead judge shall use each of the following orders at least twice: 'forward', 'left turn', 'right turn', 'halt'. The lead judge shall use the following order at least once: 'slow'. The 'change of pace' must be shown for a distance of no less than 1.2 meters (4 feet).

Exercise 6 -Figure 8

The lead judge will direct the handler to maneuver through a figure 8 course. Upon completion the lead judge will give the order 'exercise finished'.

Exercise 7 - Backup

The dog must be backed up while hitched for a distance of at least 1.2 m (4 ft). Both dog and vehicle must move backwards.

Field Work Exercises

The Field Work Exercises demonstrate the dog's ability to pull a suitable freight load over a moderate distance in cooperation with his handler. This test should take place on natural terrain, with sloping land, boulders, high grass and/or trees  providing natural obstacles.

Exercise 7-Hitching/Loading

The dog may be presented to the judges for inspection already harnessed and hitched if the harness and draft apparatus is identical to that used in the caning exercises. Alternatively, the dog will stand quietly for examination of the harness (dog may be presented already in harness) and stand quietly for hitching to

the draft apparatus (if any). Apparatus is not required in this exercise; a hauling harness may be attached directly to the load if preferred by the handler. Dog and handler will then proceed from the starting point to a designated load (could be a Christmas tree, some bush or firewood to be removed from work area, a bag of dog food or some other appropriate load that weighs approximately 18 kilograms (40 pounds) as set by the Test Chair). This load will be approximately 36 kilograms (80 pounds) for brace. This load will be positioned at a minimum distance of 100 metres (109 yards) to a maximum of 140 metres (153 yards) from the starting point. Dog will halt on command and stand quietly to be loaded. The judges will determine that the load is safe and secure before proceeding with the Hauling Exercise. During the Hauling Exercise, the judges will also evaluate the load.

Exercise 8 - Hauling

On command from the lead judge, dog and handler will move forward through a variety of terrain that includes both going up and down gentle hills as well as both left and right turns and 180 degree turn. The dog and handler will proceed at a good working pace for approximately 200 m (656 ft) back to the starting point or back to where the load was first loaded. On command from the lead judge the dog and handler will 'halt'.

Exercise 9 - Unloading and Unhitching

Dog will stand quietly to be unloaded and unhitched. Exercise finishes when dog is unhitched.