Changes to Kennel Club Heelwork to Music Regulations

The Kennel Club has recently approved a number of changes to the regulations for heelwork to music, effective from 1st January 2018.

The following regulation changes have been made to offer starters an option as to whether to progress on the basis of a combination of wins and points or on points only, and to prevent inexperienced handlers in other classes from progressing too quickly.

Regulation L(A)2. Official Categories

TO:

2. In the following definitions of classes all points must be gained in official classes only. To count towards class progression or an excellent qualification, a first place in starters or novice, or two first places in intermediate must have been won with an overall score of at least 60% (18 marks)55% (16.5 marks).

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Regulation L(A)4. Official Classes

TO:

a.         Starters. Neither the dog nor the handler must have gained 14 points or more including a win, nor have elected to progress on points (20 points or more) in official starters classes at Kennel Club licensed Heelwork to Music competitions. Dogs or handlers must progress to novice once 14 points or more including a win have been gained in starters classes but may, at the handler’s discretion, elect to progress on 20 points without a win.  NB Handlers and dogs previously qualified out of starters are not eligible for this classare not eligible for this class if they have previously gained 14 or more points in official starters classes with any dog.

b.         Novice. The dog or the handler must have gained 14 points or more including a win, or have elected to progress on 20 points or more in official starters classes at Kennel Club licensed Heelwork to Music competitions. The dog must progress to intermediate once 16 points or more including a win, or a total of 28 points or more have been gained in novice classes.

c.         Intermediate. The dog must have gained 16 points or more including a win, or a total of 28 points or more in official novice classes at Kennel Club licensed Heelwork to Music competitions. The dog must progress to advanced once 20 points or more including at least one two first places have been gained in intermediate classes.

d.         Advanced. The dog must have gained 20 points or more including at least one two first places in official intermediate classes at Kennel Club licensed Heelwork to Music competitions.

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Regulation L(A)8. Excellent Qualifications

TO:

If a first place has been won at a particular level in starters or novice, or two first places at intermediate or advanced, when the required level of points have been gainedthe dog will also be awarded an excellent qualification and can use the title "Ex" after its class title, such as: HTM St Ex.

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