This was written up by USCA judge Frank Phillips. Very good explanation of the rule changes and where points will be taken.

IPO Rules explaned

I just printed off the rules from the DVG site a few days ago. This explanation will really help, thanks!

Kathy, how many pages did you print? I'm tempted to as well. I agree, this explanation is much easier to get thru.

Actually I saved it to my desk top for later printng and I can still print off what I want.

I am having trouble understanding all the titles adn the variety of things for each title. The old ScHH titles are easy to understand but the other stuff is not.

I do find it interesting that a dog moving to a basic position after the article indication on the track is failed. And you cannot give any quiet praise at the articles in 1 but you can in 2 and 3. I do not understand that, it makes no sense to me and I would think you can in 1 but not in 2 and 3.

You are permitted to give praise at the articles in all three levels. Only ipo1 you can give some quiet praise during the track.

Ah I misunderstood. Okay so I can't read.......

Really? You have to throw the DB without moving your feet?

Yup, though supposedly it will only be a "very minor deduction" at the club level if someone has to move a foot to keep balance, so long as it doesn't influence the dog. Or so I've been told by a couple judges.

Guess we're going to have to put in a horseshoe pit and practice pitching at club.

You should hold a seminar, I'd come! I spent all my "practice time" the day of Nikon's trial just throwing dumbbells.

I am doomed. I am so uncoordinated and I can't throw. This seems more a test of the handler skill than a prevention of handler helps.

and if you missthrow you must leave your dog in a sit while you go get it. previously you could leave the dg in a down, stand or however you want. now it is only sit.

Practice without your dog until you can throw the heavy DB the distance and to the location needed. Then, if you are having to use a lot of upper body movement, practice with your dog.

there are alot of interesting changes. i did think that it would be easier. in some ways it is... however, there are somethings that are really going to hinder people. the fact that you are being judged the moment you come to the trial. the fact that the judge can touch your dog anytime (whether you are on the field or not), if your dog is barking his head off in his crate in the car...that can get you dismissed.

Were these changes really needed or do they change things like this just too throw in new twists and turns too keep people and the dogs on there tows?

the changes are to comply with ipo rules. apparently, though, ipo rules change every 5 years. every 5 years all the members of the federation get together and discuss changes they woudl like to see. hopefully, the delagets from the usa will actually submit thier changes or comments, unlike this year where they submitted thier suggestions LATE and the usa didnt get any say in the rules....

The DB thing stinks. I"m a horrible thrower. Miserable.

My TD is super pissed about that one. She's a teeny lady with RA and relied on a step back and wind up to be able to throw that. She made what I think is a good point--it takes more "skill" to have your dog remain in a sit, step back to wind up and throw than it does to stand completely still!

I agree! I haven't trailed yet, but that was the hardest part of reaching Bison the retreive

I hate that too. I'm sure I can practice the throw how they want it now, but all along I'd been taking a step with Nikon. Pan just learned his retrieve this week and already I'm having to catch myself when I throw.

If throwing was the hardest part of teaching the retrieve, I'd be counting my blessings!
I haven't yet had too much problem throwing, but haven't had an A-frame to practice with.

Well how far do they expected you too toss the dumbbell without taking a step?