Frequently Asked Questions

6 months minimum; there is no maximum age.

Time will vary depending on the foundations you have already trained.   You should plan to spend several months preparing your dog for each title.

The required equipment is listed for each exercise at each level. These are fairly common dog training aids and it is likely that you already have most of these objects. Please see our “Definitions” page for more assistance.

No.  There should be no external cues to your dog that you are carrying reinforcement, even at the first levels where carrying reinforcement is allowed.

No. A mechanical clicker, like a bait bag, should not be used during your test submission. However, feel free to use one while teaching your dog the behaviors!

NO. The Fenzi TEAM program is a separate organization from Fenzi Dog Sports Academy.  Everyone is welcome!

Any dog can compete, but we are not structured to provide special accommodations for dogs with special needs. So, if your dog is differently-abled, he/she will still need to perform the exercises as written.  However, you can choose to omit one skill per level. For example, if your dog cannot jump due to a physical challenge, you have the option of omitting the jumping skill.  Normally the dog must attempt all exercises, so if you are omitting an exercise because of your dog’s specific health-related reason,  please mention this clearly in your video.

As an internet based company, we are everywhere.  Our judges are international. Our server is in the US. Our administrator is in Canada.

You can have your arms straight down at your side or behind your back for stationary exercises – you may NOT have your hands in front of your thighs or closer to create a target for fronts.

In heeling, in addition to hanging down normally at your side,  you have the option of the left arm at your waist, centered over your middle (bellybutton).  You may NOT hold your hand as a heeling target (straight up from left side) unless the test that you are working on specifies that a hand target is ok. Once an exercise begins, your hand/arm position should remain stable, unless giving a hand signal.

We do not see our program as a training ground for other organizations, so you will not find our program helpful if your goal is to train for other organizations’ obedience titles in the order specified by those organizations. However, if your dog is titled through TEAM6, you should be very well prepared for the essential portions of  the exercises in almost all venues, except for the group stays.

No.  Please review criteria for each skill and level carefully BEFORE submitting. Only submit videos that meet criteria so that you will earn a passing score! Each video submission is judged; that is what the fee covers.  If you choose to submit a new video, you will also submit another entry fee.

No. There is only one pass per title. In order to ensure that we can review as many videos as possible, only submit a video when you have a passing evaluation. Then train for the next level or work towards your Plus or Honors titles!

Our program is designed to measure the handler’s ability to achieve excellence in training, not a minimum level of acceptability.  All exercises in all levels must be performed correctly and according to criteria, and all exercises must be attempted.  One non-qualifying exercise per submission is allowed. (Please see the General FAQs for information regarding dogs and handlers who are differently-abled.)   Criteria are stated in the detailed exercise pages for each level.  In levels 1–3, accurate heeling and pivots and straight sits will be judged as part of the criteria — in other words, behaviors that would be judged as minor deductions in other organizations will be evaluated.  From level 4 and above, the emphasis is on behavior chains.  Here the same level of precision is not required, and the handler can decide whether or not to maintain their own personal criteria.

The pre-Levels are an exception.  The exercises are the same as for TEAM1, 2 and 3, but the competitors may attempt as few as six of the exercises and must pass five.  Criteria for a pass for each exercise remains the same.

When it comes to criteria, we try to be as black and white as possible but realistically, that won’t always happen.  Was that a 2-foot backup or 1.5 feet?  Was that sit within 30 degrees or closer to 45 degrees?  Did the handler make a minor error that did not affect the exercise? Because we recognize that criteria can be hard to judge, we allow judges to consider an exercise as “questionable.”  Two “questionables” is the same as one “not yet.”  So if you get two “questionables” and everything else is a clear pass, then you’ll earn your title!  If you have three “questionables,” or a “questionable” and a “not yet,” then your video will be judged as “not yet” for the title.

When in doubt, don’t make the judge think!  If you follow the sample video, then you will know that you have performed correctly according to the spirit intended for that exercise.  Each judge will decide for him or herself if an exercise is correct and meets passing criteria.  The exception is a legitimate reason for being unable to do the exercise as demonstrated in the video.  For example, the handler has a specific disability which needs to be accommodated.  In that instance, please contact us in advance for an acceptable alternative arrangement.

After submitting a passing video, you will earn a title for that level.  A printable certificate in .pdf format will be emailed to you acknowledging your accomplishment.

Yes, you can. If you qualify, you may add “TEAM” (with the correct level number) after your dog’s name. For example, “Brito TEAM2, TEAM1+.”

Yes, if the dog’s guardian has opted to include his or her name in the open search function.

Register your dog, study the requirements for the first level title (TEAM 1 or the optional Pre-level 1), and start training!  When you feel that your dog is fluent on all of the exercises required for a level, set up the videocamera so that a judge can clearly judge your performance, and take your video!

The Fenzi TEAM program was designed to provide goals for handlers to achieve excellence in training.   We believe that once skills have been developed (original levels) that it is important to generalize those skills by training in other locations (plus levels) as well as work towards reducing reinforcement (honors levels).  

Here are the details for earning titles.

Pre-Level 1 (optional)

This is an optional title for those who want to get their feet wet before they have all of the behaviors to qualify at Level 1.  To qualify for a Pre-level 1 title, the team must pass at least five of the ten exercises for Level 1.

Levels 1–3: (TEAM1, 2, and 3)

The first three levels were designed to test important foundation skills for teams who wish to pursue many types of dog sports including obedience, rally obedience, tricks, freestyle and more. Dogs that can demonstrate these core skills will be in an excellent position to learn advanced exercises and prepare for competition. Details for Levels 1, 2 and 3 may be found on the individual level pages.  All levels may be completed in the same, familiar location.  

Levels 4–6: (TEAM4, 5, and 6)

These advanced levels apply the basic skills from Levels 1, 2 and 3 and create challenging, unique behavior chains that emphasize reduction of reinforcement, use of novel locations, cue discrimination, and greater formality.  Each of these levels must be tested in a new location that has not been used before.  

Levels 1–6 Plus:  

The Plus title series requires the original levels skills to be completed in a novel location not used in a prior passing video submission and must be different for each of the Plus levels.  Details for Levels 1-6 are located on the individual level pages.

Levels 1-6 Honors:

The Honors title series requires the skills of the original Levels 1-6 to be completed in a novel location not used in a prior passing video submission and must be different for each of the honors levels.  The exception is that teams that have a Plus title for that level may reuse that location. The Honors track also requires the team to reduce food/toy reinforcement. The only rewards allowed for Honors levels are those that are specified within the individual exercises as reset rewards or distraction rewards.  Details for the original Levels 1-6 are located on the individual level pages.

Upload your video to YouTube, then include a link to your video with your submission. If you’re unsure of how to upload a video to YouTube, please search Google for assistance or visit the YouTube website. We cannot provide technical assistance on how to use YouTube.

An average video should be about 5–7 minutes, depending on how you choose to set up your testing area and how quickly your dog works through the tests.  Maximum length of video is stated for each level.

Yes, but the less reading you do, the more connection you will maintain with your dog! We would suggest familiarizing yourself with the exercises and their order in advance so that a quick glance is enough to move you to the next exercise.

Special video rules apply for levels 1 & 2 and 1+ & 2+. Please review these rules under the level overview information.

All other levels require the video to be one continuous process from the start of the first exercise until the end of the last one. Your dog should be sufficiently well-trained through that level that he/she is capable of doing all of the exercises correctly, meeting specified criteria, continuously and in order. If you find that you need to attempt the test several times, then your dog may not be ready! Go back to training, and fill in any gaps that you find!

Yes, although some of the higher levels might specify that your dog hold a stay while the handler arranges equipment, in which case you would be required to move equipment yourself.  If a physical disability prevents you from moving equipment, please contact us to discuss an alternative arrangement.

It’s the handler’s choice what to do between exercises. You may place your dog on a mat, on a stay near you, or simply allow your dog to hang out. The dog should remain in camera view for the entire test.

Each level offers a sample passing video.  Take note of where the equipment, camera, dog and handler are located throughout the test. If you set up a similar plan, you will find that the exercises flow efficiently.  You are not required to set up according to the sample, unless the level specifies a specific pattern.

Yes, that’s generally fine. Our sample video is just that — a sample. As long as you go in order and maintain reasonable speed and flow, alternatives are fine.  At the higher levels, you will be told if equipment must remain down during the entire test.

Acceptable hand position for heeling includes the traditional AKC/CKC positions (left arm may be centered over your waist or held down at your side, moving naturally in motion), or the FCI/ IPO position (hand down or held somewhat over the outside of your dog’s head).  Please note that a target hand position is allowed in some early levels — please read the heeling description for each level with care.

With the exception of heeling,  your hands should be down naturally at your sides. Your hands should not move during an exercise except as necessary to offer hand signals. You may not hold your hand as a target together in front of your thighs to aid the dog in front position.

Yes.  We have provided video examples of each exercise, including variations where appropriate. You can find those by selecting the level that you are interested in, and then scrolling down to the specific exercise.  From there you will find a sample video.

No. You can train and videotape your tests alone. At some point, you will be testing in public, and you may find it easier to have an assistant.

Please take the time to read all of these FAQs and the criteria for each level with care. Your questions are extremely likely to be covered in one of those places. If you cannot find the answers, then the next best option is to join the Fenzi Team Titles Facebook group, where other experienced participants can guide you.

1. Register your dog here. 
2. Train your dog to criteria!
3. After you receive registration confirmation and a registration number, you’re ready to go! Submit your trial application using the link provided in your dog’s profile.
4. Your video will be assigned to one of our judges for review. You should be notified by email within one to two weeks about whether you have passed or if you need more training.

$20 per dog. Once your dog is registered, you will receive an email with the registration number. Please take the time to spell your dog’s name and your personal information with care!

$29 per video submission.