Obedience TEAM Rules

Purpose:  Demonstrate impulse control in the presence of a distraction and without eye contact from the handler.

Equipment: A distraction bowl with food or a desired toy.  Target or mat optional.

Exercise set-up:  Dog is placed in a sit/stay, down/stay or stand/stay, with or without a mat or target. The exercise begins when the handler cues the dog to the position — a formal “stay” or “wait” cue after the position cue is optional. The handler then places the distraction on the ground approximately 1 ft. behind the dog. The handler then walks approximately 10 ft. (3 m) forward without looking back at the dog, and waits 15 seconds with his/her back to the dog. The 15-second count begins as the handler walks away from the dog. The dog must not change position or turn around during this time (looking back at the distraction is acceptable). The handler then returns to the dog and stands in heel position for 1–2 seconds. The exercise ends at the end of the 1-2 second count in heel position. The dog may be then be released to eat the food, or the handler may pick it up and give it to the dog. If a toy is used, the handler may play with the dog at this time.

Scoring: Pass/Not yet!

Non-qualifiers:  Dog requires multiple cues to start the exercise.  The dog breaks the stay for any reasons at any time during the exercise.  Handler looks back at the dog during the 15-second interval.  Video does not permit the exercise to be adequately judged.

Tips:  

1. You must remain facing away from your dog for the full 15 seconds; no looking back even as you walk away!
2. The exercise does not end until you return to heel position and stand for 1 to 2 seconds — stay silent until you arrive back in position.

Video example:

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