Rosewood Rottweilers: Carting Rules

PURPOSE
The American Rottweiler Club (ARC) has created this carting competition to showcase the natural abilities of the purebred Rottweiler when working in a cart-pulling environment with his/her handler. The Rottweiler was valued historically for its cart-pulling abilities.These carting exercises are designed to demonstrate the dog's inherent ability aided by trained skills that exhibit a team effort by both dog and handler.

GUIDELINES
Although carting is not an American Kennel Club (AKC) activity, The American Rottweiler Club requires that you be familiar with the AKC's rules and regulations. All American Kennel Club Dog Show Rules and Regulations, the ARC Carting Test Regulations, and the Constitution and By-laws of the American Rottweiler Club shall apply to all persons and dogs except as these Carting Committee Regulations direct otherwise. A copy of each of these shall be at the site of the Carting Test and available to the judges, handlers, and Carting Test personnel. It is the responsibility of each handler to be familiar with these materials prior to the Carting Test. Be aware that any dog that attacks or attempts to attack any person during a carting test must be excused and a notation will be made to that effect. Particular attention must also be paid to the following AKC rule adopted in October, 2004.
"Any dog, that in the opinion of the Event Committee, attacks a person or a dog at an AKC event, resulting in an injury, and is believed by that Event Committee to present a hazard to persons or other dogs, shall be disqualified. When the dog is disqualified by the Event Committee pursuant to this section, a report shall be filed with the Executive Secretary of The American Kennel Club. The disqualified dog may not again compete at any AKC event nor be on the grounds of an AKC event unless and until, following application for reinstatement by the owner to the American Kennel Club, the owner receives official notification in writing from the AKC that the dog's eligibility has been reinstated."

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Age: The Carting Test may be entered by dogs one year of age or older on the day of the Carting Test.
Bitches in Season: Bitches in season will be allowed to compete after all other dogs have finished being evaluated.
Dogs That May Not Compete: No dog owned or co-owned by the appointed Carting Test Judge or any of his/her immediate family members can compete in that specific Carting Test at which such person officiates.

CLASS DIVISIONS AND TITLES
A dog receiving a qualifying score at any level shall be deemed to have earned the title for that level. You can enter at any level. A CS dog must go to CI or CX after obtaining a CS title. A CI dog can stay competing at the CI level or go to the CX level. The CX dog can continue to compete at the CX level after obtaining a CX title.

Titles are as follows:
CS - Carting Started (on lead)
CI - Carting Intermediate (off lead)
CX - Carting Excellent (driving)

REASONS FOR FAILURE OR REMOVAL/EXCUSAL
1.Dog behaves in an aggressive manner toward people or other dogs - EXCUSAL
2.Dog is out of control and a danger to itself and others - EXCUSAL
3.Dog panics at any time - EXCUSAL
4.Dog is clearly uncomfortable with or fearful of the cart - EXCUSAL
5.Dog struggles to pull the cart - EXCUSAL
6.Any handler discipline, or harshness of a physical or verbal nature towards the dog at any time - EXCUSAL
7.Dog defecates or urinates on the course - EXCUSAL

8.Dog does not complete any exercise - FAILURE
9.Dog breaks stay command during long down stay - FAILURE
10.Dog leaves the course - FAILURE

Judge's Right of Decision During Carting Test:
The judge has the right to remove or retire any competitor during any part of the test. The Judge also has the right to deny participation in a Carting Test due to ill fitting equipment, physical unsoundness, or unruliness of dog or handler.

HANDLER RESPONSIBILITIES
The handler/competitor is responsible for providing certain types of equipment. The handler will make sure the harness and cart fits the dog properly. The hook-up should not allow the cart to run up and bump the dog during the course exercises. The weight should be placed, balanced, and tied in place by the handler. Assistance may be given to those handlers who cannot load or unload the 40 pound weight. The handler accepts full responsibility of ensuring any load placed on the cart can be easily managed by the dog(s) and that the dog does not appear to be under duress attempting to move the cart. The handler will make sure the weight is properly balanced. Any dog that appears to be negatively impacted with the cart weight can be excused by the judge at any point in the course. Equipment provided by handlers is as follows:

1.Two wheel (preferred) or four wheel cart
2.Shafts must be a part of the cart apparatus
3.Harness (usually siwash or breast plate style)
4.Choke chain or buckle collar (no pinch or prong or electric collars will be allowed on the grounds)
5.Head halter use restricted to driving and then only if fitted with reins
6.Minimum of four foot lead if at CS level
7.Reins if at CX level
8.Ties to secure 40 pound weight at CS or CI level
Note: No crops or whips shall be allowed at any time.

DESCRIPTION OF A CARTING TEST
The competition will be open to on-lead, off-lead, and driving (handler seated) carting dogs. The entry can be a single dog or team (two dogs).   The courses will be the same, but the entries will compete within their own division (single on-lead, team on-lead, single off-lead, team off-lead, etc.) Any type of wagon or cart is acceptable, as long as the dog(s) can handle the size and weight of the cart comfortably and easily over the course and negotiate all elements. The handler assumes all responsibility to ensure that his/her individual cart can negotiate the course. The course will not be modified to accommodate larger carts. A two wheel vehicle is preferred due to its maneuverability. Talking to the dog and verbal praise are allowed during the exercises. Physical praise such as petting or pats may be given between exercises and are limited to touching with the hands only. No other part of the handler’s body should touch the dog. All entries except driving will have their carts weighted with an additional 40 pounds. The 40 pound weight will be provided by the Course Director. Emphasis is on precision, not speed. Failure to negotiate any one element on the course will result in a non-qualifying score despite an over-all score of 170 or above.

A carting dog should move the cart and its weight with pride and eagerness yet listen to direction from the handler. This is the purpose of this competition, to give handlers and their carting dogs a chance to exhibit these wonderful skills and abilities.

Definitions
Dog: applies to dogs of both sexes.
Team: two dogs hitched to one cart. Two dogs competing as a team need not be owned by the same person or by the handler. A separate entry form must be completed for each dog on a team entry and then stapled together.

COURSE DESIGN
Course Size: The size of the course will be a minimum of 375 feet from start to finish (this is the actual distance dog and handler must cover to complete the course.) The course must be large enough to incorporate all required elements and exercises. The only specific measurements are the 9 feet between pylons of the serpentine exercise, and the 3 foot backing exercise. Reasonable distances between course exercises will be determined on an individual basis to allow the judge to see and evaluate the handler and dog(s) without excessive walking. There should be enough distance between course exercises to allow a dog(s) and handler to move easily at a trot.

Course Terrain: Course terrain will be dependent on what is available. Level terrain is preferred with some very moderate sloping allowed if the area is restricted. Hard surface is preferred, grass is acceptable. Weather is to be considered as hot pavement, and wet soggy grass are both unsuitable for this competition. Heavy, soft footing and inclines are to be avoided. The course will not be in a roped-off ring environment.

Course Elements: (required)
1. Harnessing, first exercise (hooking to cart only)
2. Load 40 pound weight after harnessing; unload prior to last exercise (down/stay)
3. Left turn (90 degrees)
4. Right turn (90 degrees)
5. Stops
6. Fast
7. Slow
8. Back (3 feet)
9. Circle left (360 degrees)
10. Circle right (360 degrees)
11. Serpentine, minimum of five pylons, nine feet apart
12. One distraction (i.e., pedestrian walking a dog, bicyclist passing, ball thrown near dog)
13. Gate (four foot wide opening)
14. Down/stay, last exercise (three minutes) Handler to position and leave the dog and go to a designated place approximately 25 feet from where the dog is left. Once the handler has left the dog, the handler may no longer talk to or give signals to the dog.

Optional Course Exercises (choose any two)
1. Bridge
2. Figure eight
3. Additional distractions

POINT SYSTEM: Maximum points: 200
To receive a qualifying score you must:
1. Have received a score of 170 or better
2. Not fail any given exercise (judge's decision)
3. Not have been removed from any exercise by the judge
4. Negotiate all course elements
Each entrant will be timed but this is not a condition to qualify. The time will be used in the event of a tie score to determine placement.

Scoring
Point Deductions: Areas of, but not limited to, point deductions are:
1. Breaks stay commands during harnessing or at gate
2. Dog is uncomfortable or resists hitching to cart
3. Dog initially looks back at cart in a worried or fearful manner
4. Doesn’t pull or move forward readily
5. Dog resists handler’s commands or responds slowly, causing handler to repeat commands
6. Dog lacks smoothness during turns or stops (stops poorly)
7. Tight lead or hard rein pulls
8. Dog goes off course
9. Dog shies from a course element
10. Handler physically manipulates dog using his/her body or hands

Failure to negotiate any one element or to receive at least half of the points allotted for any given exercise will result in an NQ despite an overall score of 170 or higher.

For all levels, the course remains the same with the exception that CS and CI competitors will load the 40 pound weight after harnessing and unload same prior to the down/stay. The CX dog will have handler sit and ride in the cart after harnessing and will exit the cart prior to the down/stay

The three levels will be divided into divisions as follows:

     CS (level one) on-lead
     Division 1 CS single
     Division 2 CS team

     CI (level two) off-lead
     Division 3 CI single
     Division 4 CI team

     CX (level three) driving
     Division 5 CX single
     Division 6 CX team

Ribbons will be awarded for first through fourth place in all six divisions. A "High In Test" ribbon will be awarded to the highest score obtained for the day (considering all qualifying scores from the six divisions.) Single dogs will not compete for placements against team entries with the exception of the "High In Test" award.

ADMINISTRATION
Creation of the ARC Carting Committee: The ARC shall create a Carting Committee that will encourage and support Carting Tests approved by the ARC. The Committee will review and update guidelines and make them available to others wishing to hold a Carting Test. The Carting Coordinator, who shall be appointed by the ARC Board of Directors, will maintain records and issue ARC carting titles. The Board of Directors will establish fees, if any, to record and issue certificates. The Carting Coordinator will establish a procedure for processing requests for ARC approved Carting Tests. Tests that have not been approved in advance by the ARC Board of Directors will not be recognized and titles will not be issued.

Permission to Sponsor a Carting Test: Permission may be granted by the American Rottweiler Club Board of Directors to any ARC approved club or ARC approved individual(s) to hold a Carting Test and such approval must be in writing. Carting Tests may be opened to any breed capable of performing to the test rules or may be restricted to Rottweilers only. If open to other breeds, preference must be given to registered purebred Rottweilers.

Application
A letter of application to hold a carting test should be sent to the ARC Carting Chairman and should include:

     1. Name of the Carting Test sponsoring club or names of sponsoring individuals.
     2. The date of the proposed Carting Test
     3. The name and address of the selected site.
     4. A sketch of the course layout (including identification of required elements and where they will be incorporated in the exercises.)
     5. Entry limits for each class.
     6. Name and address of the judge(s) and his/her qualifications for judging an ARC Carting Test.
     7. Name, address, and phone number of the Carting Test Chairman, Secretary, and Course Director.
     8. Names of additional personnel involved in the sponsor request.
     9. Certification that all ARC Carting Test Regulations will be followed.
   10. The guarantee that all equipment, personnel, and other required provisions will be available at the Carting Test.
   11. Certification that liability insurance will be in effect for the event
   12. The signatures of the sponsoring Chairman and Secretary.

Course Director: The Course Director will be chosen by the sponsor. The Course Director shall have the responsibility of creating the course to fit the area chosen for the Carting Test. He/she will also prepare a sketch of the proposed course and relative terrain to be submitted to the ARC Carting Committee along with the request for permission to sponsor an ARC approved Carting Test. The sketch will show:

     1. The sequence of the course exercises
     2. A description of exercise
     3. The path the course will follow
     4. Where course elements will be incorporated
     5. Terrain and slopes
     5. Length of course from start to finish

The Course Director will ensure that the required elements of the competition will be incorporated into the exercises. The Course Director will also make sure the course is presented in a sequence that is logical and easy to follow and that all required equipment is available.

Course Equipment: The required equipment is sufficient cones or course markers to designate the direction of the course and to number the exercises. The Course Director must also have a 40 pound weight item that can be lifted and affixed to the carts of on-lead and off-lead entrants. Optional course exercises are not structured to size, only that reasonable judgment be given to accommodate a team of dogs, cart, and handler. The gate can be made of any material, as long as it can be opened and closed and have a four foot opening for dog and cart to pass through.

JUDGING REQUIREMENTS:
Judges must be approved prior to the test by the ARC board of directors. All judges must be thoroughly familiar with the current AKC Regulations and the ARC Carting Test Regulations. A list of all ARC Carting Judges will be maintained by the ARC Carting Coordinator and will be available to any club or member upon request.

Applying to Judge: Interested individuals should send a resume to the ARC Carting Coordinator. The resume should include the applicant's experience with canine draft work/driving if any, with AKC Regulations and ARC Carting Test Regulations as well as history of evaluating/scoring dogs in a competitive activity. Upon positive review of the application, the applicant will be approved to judge and will receive notification from the ARC Carting Coordinator.

Stewards: Two additional personnel will be chosen by the sponsor to assist the judge and will be noted on the application for approval to hold an ARC approved Carting Test. One of these stewards will perform the duties of scribe to assist the judge with the marking of score sheets and the timing of each entrant. The second steward will be utilized according to the judge's discretion.

Revised March 2005