Rules for Games and Titles

Service Dog Games is intended to be an accessible sport to both dogs and humans. Dogs of all ages and breeds (or mixes!) are welcome. Dogs with disabilities of any kind are able to participate as long as they can do so safely and have no trouble working as a service dog to a disabled human. In order to demonstrate the spirit of what service dogs do for us and promote the ideals of exploration, handlers may no longer repeat the same behavior with the same environment in submissions with the service dog. Each time a specific or similar behavior is performed, it MUST be with a different environment (e.g. first time in the kitchen, second time in the bedroom). This applies to ALL titles.

Emotional Support Dogs (dogs, cats, parrots) are welcome to try their hand at these games as well. We understand that by legal definition in the USA, Emotional Support Animals don’t need training. But as trainers and service dog handlers and owners, we feel that ALL dogs should be trained for more than just sit, go potty outside, don’t jump on guests and don’t eat the cat. It is inherent by law that emotional support animals only work in the home.

We will also welcome, on a case-by-case basis, other species as in home service animals. One of our trainers has personally trained several cats and a couple of parrots as service animals. All the cats were for seizure alert. One of the parrots was for general assistance and the other was for hearing.

Remember that this is a sport. It is not a way to get a certification for your Service Dog or Emotional Support Animal. You and your dog will receive a “title” for games played, NOT a certification.

If you have any questions, please send an e-mail to info@sdgamesintl.org prior to videoing your run as some other comfort equipment or exemptions may be permitted.

Click here for a printer ready copy of the Rules

SAFETY

Not following any of these rules will automatically result in a non-passing score. We reserve the right to give a dog a non-passing score if a dog seems overly fearful or stressed, or if we feel that there is a safety risk at any time. All dogs should find joy in the work they do for us. This must be apparent in the videos you submit. Any indication of corrections, punishment, fear or stress will be an automatic non-passing score.
Must be wearing a collar or a harness with leash. Harness width straps must be appropriate for the size of dog (minimum 1-inch straps for all but the smallest dogs). If there is a leash, it has to be on the back of a harness and handled in a safe manner at all times. If the dog is off leash, it has to be in a safe area. A leash with a collar must be fitted correctly and used only for safety (staying out of traffic or away from dangerous substances).
Demonstrate proper technique for handling scent, desensitization of sound, socialization rules and an understanding that a dog is a dog, not a substitute human.
If off leash, must be in a safe area. All Foundation tasks and games must be done without a leash, including those games that are the foundations for loose leash walking.
If on leash, the leash should be 4-6 ft (1-2 meters) in length, no flexi leashes. Long lines are highly discouraged except where required as they easily get caught and harshly stop a dog in the midst of a movement. This has the potential to be quite dangerous both physically and mentally for dogs. Long lines may be used for sends and retrieves occurring in busy areas but must be appropriately and carefully managed to avoid dangers to people and dogs.
The shoulder height rule is ALWAYS in effect. No dog should jump down to hard surfaces (concrete, rock, asphalt, etc.) from anything higher than their shoulder height for any reason. If jumping down to soft surfaces (dirt, rubber, etc.) this may be increased to twice shoulder height or no more than 42” (1.1 meters). When in doubt, opt for safety! Dogs may be carried or lowered down if this can be done so safely and comfortably. If they can’t be carried, an alternate route down must be found. Dogs under the age of 18 months (Foundation Level only) should not jump down from anything higher than their stopper pad. Dogs must be shown getting on and off obstacles when performing tasks that require the dog to get on things such as beds, couches, chairs or benches.
Dogs must perform all tasks independently and with confidence and joy. All tasks must be intentionally cued either by voice or body movement (hand signals, foot placement, body orientation or arm movement) or with environmental cues that have been trained. Handlers may touch their dog at any time in order to ensure safety, but they may not lift or pick up a dog and put them on an obstacle, in a vehicle or cart. The only time picking up a dog is allowed is to safely remove a dog from an obstacle. If task is cued, there must be only one cue. This also means only one type of cue (hand signals, foot placement, body orientation or arm movement).
No prong collars, choke/slip collars, shock collars, slip leads or head halters. Properly fit limited slip and martingale style collars are acceptable. As part of qualifying videos, the collar must be shown first, then put on the dog, then the task/game performed with no lag or stops in the video. Service dogs should be trained, not constantly in training with devices that correct improper behavior or tasks.
Demonstrate appropriate inspection of obstacles for safety and only ask dogs to interact with safe obstacles. Watch out for slippery obstacles or unsafe surfaces. This includes scent articles and articles for retrieval that are safe for dogs.
Dogs must be seen getting safely and confidently onto and off of obstacles (this is from ground level to ground level) and safely interacting with obstacles and objects in the environment when necessary.
Disposal of scent articles must be shown at the end of each video. Disposal containers must be airtight and dog proof.
Leashes are optional at all levels. Please consider this option if working in unfenced areas with reactive dogs. Leashes may be any length and may be dropped, shortened, exchanged, or removed for distance stations, jumps, weaves, etc.
The dog may wear a flat buckle collar, snap collar, properly fitted martingale collar, no collar, body harness (front or rear clip is fine), and/or a service vest. Tags on collars/harnesses are permitted.

Obstacles

Playgrounds may be used if playground rules permit, but remember they are the kids’ playgrounds first. If a kid approaches, move your training elsewhere. If a kid is already on the playground, move your training elsewhere. At no time should a dog be doing parkour on a playground with kids present. This is for the safety of both the kids and the dogs and to show respect for the environments that give us the ability to train this sport. Respect for the environment must be demonstrated at all times.
Agility equipment may be used sparingly, but we highly encourage you to use and find other obstacles. If agility equipment is used the use must be minimal and it must be used in a novel or non-traditional manner.

Titles

Titles are earned with three qualifying sets of videos at each level.
Treats and/or toys may be used at any level but cannot be used as a lure. Corrections may not be used at any time. Multiple cues may be given, but if a handler has to give more than 2 cues, more training is needed, and a non-passing score will be given.
Videos should only include one unedited repetition of the behavior and should be 2 minutes or less in length unless otherwise noted. It is IMPERATIVE that we see how a dog gets onto and off of an obstacle necessary for the task, the collar off the dog, being put on and then the game played.
Videotaping may occur on separate days at separate locations.
All dogs must be 18 months of age or older unless participating in Foundation or Novice Levels. The Foundation Level is an optional level designed for dogs new to the sport, young dogs, old dogs, and dogs with physical limitations. All dogs must complete their Novice title before moving on to Intermediate, Champion or Specialist levels.
Champion level is attainable after passing in Novice without having to do Intermediate or Expert. However, if the first attempt at Champion level gets a non-passing score, Intermediate level must be passed before Champion level is attempted again.
The same video may not be used twice for a submission, and the same obstacle may not be used twice for the same behavior (for example: couch for DPT or bed for DPT).
Videos must have their original audio, no editing of the video or the audio.
Each time a specific behavior is performed with the same handler, it MUST be with a different obstacle or location. This applies to ALL titles.

Appearance

Human - You don't have to dress professionally, but should be in clean street clothing. No PJs or sloppy sweats. Hair should be clean and combed, same with beard if you have one.
Dog - Like the human, the dog should be clean and brushed with no tangles or bits of brush or dirt. Nails should be trimmed neatly.
Gear - If the game requires gear because it's either part of the game or because you and your dog are out in public, gear should not be frayed or visibly chewed on.
Environment - The environment should be uncluttered and if indoors, picked up and clean. No distracting objects or colors. At night lighting should be good enough to see your eyes and your dogs eyes clearly.

Videos

The video clip must follow the team so the dog is visible at all times. For distance work, keep the camera on the dog.
Ideally, the handler is visible throughout the run. However, if part of the handler is not in view, it is sufficient that the handler's hands are visible throughout the run.
The video of the team negotiating the game may not be edited in any way other than to adjust lighting and to cut the excess footage prior to the start and after the end of the run.
Do not add music to the video. The judge needs to hear the handler cueing the dog throughout the run.
The videographer may zoom and/or pan, but the dog and handler must be visible throughout the clip.
The video must be viewable. Video in high definition and upload in high definition.

Video Tips

Place the camera on a tripod or other stationary object for a good, viewable result. This is the case whether or not there is a videographer.
If you are attempting to self-record, make sure all areas where the game is being performed are visible and are not too small on the screen to be viewed easily by the judge.
Outdoors in the sun, it’s best to have the sun at the camera’s back. Alternatively, shade the camera with an umbrella.
Please review your clips before entering them. If the images are not large enough or are not clear, they can not be viewed for judging.
Set up the game before you start filming. Make sure you have the collar, any scent needed, any other props needed, objects or furniture set up to facilitate performing the game.

Obstacle and Public Access Modification and Exceptions:

Senior dogs (defined as dogs in the last 1/3 of expected lifespan for breed or size of dog), dogs with medical disability (veterinary note may be required) may request exemption from one any task requiring an obstacle. Service Dog Games International must approve all accommodations before titles are submitted.
Dogs not needing to be outside the home may request additional home-based tasks when a level calls for outside the home performance. Service Dog Games International must approve all accommodations before titles are submitted.

Qualifying and Scoring

The team begins each game with a score of 100 points. A Final Score of 70 points or more is required for a qualifying game.
Scoring is based on :
A. Relationship between dog and handler (10 pts)
B. Completion of the game (30 pts)
C. All parts of the games are portrayed (30 pts)
D. Only one cue per game part (i.e. on a scent game there would be a cue to sniff the scent and another to do the alert and a third for ending the alert). (30pts)
Points will be taken away for:
A. 10 points for improper equipment
B. 5 points for improperly fitting equipment
C. 5 points for each patch on the equipment that is deemed distracting or unnecessary
D. One point for each instance of a tight leash.
An instant Non-Qual will be determined in the case of:
A. Shock, choke, prong collars or head halters
B. Punishment or corrections of the dog
C. Not following any of the rules in the Rules for the Service Dog Games
D. Any harsh treatment of the dog (including any deliberate pull on the leash)
E. Dog biting handler or handler’s clothes
F. Dog stops working for 20 seconds or more
G. Peeing or pooping in the ring
H. Dog appears to be in pain or too stressed to work comfortably
I. Luring the dog (with treats, toys, air cookies, or the appearance of holding a lure) at any time
J. Continually begging the dog to perform
If the entry is an NQ, the team will have 30 days from the date of the e-mailed result to submit another video of the same or a different course.
The cost of the re-submission is $10.00.

Rules for Service Dog Games and Titles