Eligibility
Can I do this with my puppy?
All puppies can attempt this from 4 months of age, however, all breeds develop at different rates so take account of your individual dog. They may not develop the coordination required for all the squares until nearer a year of age.
Is there an upper age limit for dogs?
There isn’t an upper age limit, however, all dogs will still need the coordination required to attempt these challenges. For the Rainbow award only Veteran dogs over the age of 10 may submit a “best efforts” attempt for Squares 6, 13, 23, 30 and 35.
I have more than one dog, can I do these awards with all my dogs?
Of course you can, however, the same handler needs to film all the squares with each dog.
We have one dog, can we both do these awards with our dog?
Yes, however you both need to work through from Purple to Rainbow individually.
I don’t live in the UK, can I have a go with my dog?
Of course you can, however, your dog must be eligible to compete in the UK so cannot be from one of the five UK Banned Breeds/Types and also cannot have cropped ears or docked tails (working gundogs exempted but we reserve the right to ask for proof).
There is a slightly higher rate for overseas entries to cover the additional postage costs, however, if you would prefer to just receive a digital certificate without a ribbon then please choose the UK option when submitting. Overseas submissions will attract an extra £2.50 per submission.
Performance
Can I use food or toys?
You may have these on your person but cannot use them to lure your dog to do the exercise.
Can I touch my dog to cue them?
No, if your dog does not understand the behaviour on a command or cue then further training is required to achieve a pass.
Do I need to be competing in Rally to take part?
No, anyone can have a go. These challenges aim to help develop the bond between dog and handler while building skills which are useful across a range of activities, as well as KC Rally.
What collar should my dog wear?
If you film inside, or in your own garden, they don’t need to wear a collar (unless the activity square requires it). Collars should not be punitive in nature and should be adjusted correctly. If your dog wears a GPS collar, we suggest that you remove this so we don’t mistake it for a punitive device.
Should my dog be on or off lead?
Your dog should be working off lead apart from the activities which require you to attach or remove a lead as part of the description. The only exception to this is if you are working in a public or unenclosed space.
How many commands can I give?
More than one repetition would indicate that more training is required before re-filming this square.
However, you may use both verbal commands, signals or a combination of the two.
Assessment
What is the pass rate for each award?
For all the awards you need to pass all the squares entered. There is a possibility to resubmit one square free of charge at each level. After this a resubmission fee will be required.
Who will be assessing these Challenge Awards?
Our team of assessors are all experienced trainers and competitors and will be assessing your video submissions to the guidelines.
Why might I need to resubmit?
There are a number of reasons why you may not pass on one or more of your submitted squares. The camera angle may not show the exercise clearly, the video quality may not be good enough, you may have not performed the indicated square or you may need to do some more training before resubmitting.
Activity squares will be assessed individually so you don’t have to resubmit any that have already passed. The exception to this is where the assessor highlights an instance of harsh handling, this will then be committee assessed and, if upheld, the handler forfeits that submission and will have to resubmit in full with a new payment.
General
Do I have to complete each set of Challenge Awards in order?
You have to complete each Challenge Board in order, so Purple, then Green and finally Rainbow. However you can choose to complete one Board before moving onto another board, or you can complete all your Purple Awards before moving onto complete all your Green Awards as you wish.
Filming
How should I film my submission?
We need to be able to see all of your dog at all times. Please set your camera angle to clearly show the behaviour – i.e. DOWN to SIT is best filmed from the side, whereas From STAND Sidestep Right STAND is best filmed with you facing away from the camera.
What do I need to show in each clip?
The video must show all of the exercise stated in the activity square. For square 6 – SIT to STAND at heel from ‘Train at Home” we need to see your dog sit at heel and then the video needs to run for long enough for us to see the stand established, however, for square 30 from “Train at Home”, SIT to STAND (kickback) you may start the video with the dog already in the sit.
You may edit your videos to remove any additional footage i.e. walking to and from your camera, however, you may not edit the actual footage to be assessed and your clips must maintain their original sound.
Do I need to edit my clips into a single video?
This would be ideal but is not essential. Clearly label the clip so we know which square you are submitting. If you are submitting multiple individual clips then please import them into a single playlist using Youtube or a similar service. It is possible to be assessed via Zoom for an additional fee – if you are interested in this service please email us.
Assessment
Where do I send my submissions?
Please submit via our website which contains links to the submission and payment forms.
Is there a set submission date.
No, you can submit whenever you are ready.
How long will the assessment period be?
We aim to do the initial assessment of Purple and Green Challenge Awards within a week and Rainbow Challenge Awards within a fortnight.
If I am successful when will I receive my certificate and ribbon.
We will be doing a weekly certificate run each Thursday to meet the Friday post. Your certificate will be produced the Thursday after you are notified of your successful submission.
How do I pay?
We will be doing a weekly certificate run each Thursday to meet the Friday post. Your certificate will be produced the Thursday after you are notified of your successful submission.
There is a PayPal link on the online form, if you do not have PayPal please contact us for an alternative payment method.