Puppy Level

Suitable for any age dog in good physical condition.

This level introduces the dogs or puppies to different surfaces, moving surfaces, narrow gaps, going under things, balance work, and teaches them where their back feet are and how to control them. It will help teach them to work with focus on what they are doing and how to properly use their body while building muscles they might not usually use much. It also lays the foundation for the more challenging obstacles in the upper levels.

Each obstacle should be worked slowly with a focus on puppy/dog safety, focus on the obstacle and confidence in completing the obstacle without rushing. The goal is to build confidence, not cause fear! We want the dog to be focused on the obstacle and what its body is doing, not just rushing to get the treat. Rewards will be used (can be food, toys, and praise) but luring will be minimal. We will set things up to help the dog succeed, celebrate small successes and keep the sessions fun and happy.

Handler agrees to accept and assume the risk involved in working on the canine confidence course.

To complete the puppy level and move up, the pup/dog must be able to correctly do the following in a safe and confident manner at least twice:

___ ___ Dog is comfortable in a harness when the harness is used to slow the dogs speed, assist balance and provide support. (Harness should have a “Y” front, no horizontal strap in the front, not get tighter on the dog, and should be properly fitted to be snug and well fitting to the dogs body.)

___ ___ Dog is comfortable with the handler touching them all over and lifting each foot, lifting the front half of the dog, and lifting the whole dog if it can be done safely.

___ ___ Shows understanding of a wait (momentary pause) and stay (duration pause) cue (handler’s choice of cue words)

___ ___ Walk on at least 10 different unusual surfaces

___ ___ Navigate horizontal cavaletti poles set to hock height

___ ___ Navigate through a ‘proprioception pile’ of objects

___ ___ Complete the ‘walk the plank’ obstacle

___ ___ Push through the ‘puppy chute’ without assistance

___ ___ Cross the length of the tire pile

___ ___ Go through ‘The Narrows’ set close enough that the dog has to push to get through

___ ___ Walk through a curtain of hanging objects when called by owner on the other side

___ ___ Enter and traverse a shallow dark ditch filled with water (swimming not required).

___ ___ Walk on a surface of different levels

___ ___ Cross a pallet ramp obstacle

___ ___ Maintain balance while doing 3 position changes with all 4 feet on a surface that tilts/moves

Signs of a confident dog:

No scrambling, rushing, hesitation or frantic movement when doing an obstacle
Dog will take treats and/or play
Relaxed body language:
- no tense muscles (except briefly as needed for balance)
- no shaking or straining while performing an obstacle
- tail in a relaxed or happy position
- ears relaxed or up (not laid back on head/neck for prick eared dogs or extra droopy and back in drop eared dogs)