YOUR DOG CAN

BECOME A CHAMPION IN THE

DRA Companion Excellence Program

The DRA Companion Excellence Program is an awards program for dogs who have achieved a standard of behavior that exemplify good manners and training. This program and award does not require your dog to compete against other dogs to earn its title. Your dog is judged soley on it's performance of a series of behaviors that it preforms in your home or yard, an area that both of you are comfortable in. There is no traveling, paying handlers or stress on you or your dog. Your dog can now earn a champion title by video.

TITLE YOUR DOG BY VIDEO

Dog Registry of America, Inc™. (DRA) will give each dog that successfully passes the 6 step program, as outlined below, a "Champion" Designation in the Companion Excellence Program. This means the title, "Ch" will become part of his official name and will remain so as long as he is duly registered with this club. When he has successfully passed all parts of the program a certificate with the Official Gold Seal, will be issued showing the new title.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO MAKE YOUR DOG A CHAMPION HERE'S HOW:

Here's What You Have To Do:

Using a camcorder and blank VCR tape (VHS format) record as your dog does all steps of the Program. Fill out application in this brochure & submit tape, application and special introductory fee of $55.00 until 8/1/00 (regular price $125.00).

It is best to have one person recording while a second works with the dog. When you begin recording, and before introducing the dog, state your name, address, name of dog, breed & age of dog; i.e.: my name is John Smith. I live at 111 Main St, Onen, KS. My dog is Brandy, a 4 year old boxer.

Announce each step you go through before the demonstration. i.e.; Brandy doing Step 1. The running time of the video should not be more than 20 minutes. Each step should be performed only one time on the tape and each step cannot take longer than 3 minutes.

After mailing the tape, application and fee it will take about 3-4 weeks until you receive notification. For each tape submitted you will receive an evaluation showing the points earned. If your dog only passes part of the program he does not become a champion at this time and no certificate is issued. You can however, repeat those steps not successfully passed. There is no credit for steps partially completed or passed. However, point credit will be received for that part passed. A new application, tape and fee can be submitted as many times as you like until you attain the results wanted. Points can be accumulated over a one year period.

If, in the viewpoint of our judges your dog has successfully completed the program you will receive a certificate with his/her new title. This title will remain with the dog as long as he/she is registered with DRA and will become an official part of its record.

For resubmissions: only that part not successfully passed needs to be performed. Resubmissions are based on the prevailing cost at the time of resubmission.

All tapes, application and fees become the property of Dog Registry of America, Inc. None will be returned. Judging is done by our judges and their decision is final. There is no guarantee that your dog will become a champion or even that he/she will be successful in completing any part of the program.

Your Dog Can Earn The Title of "Champion" By Video Taping the Successful Completion of this 6 Step Program. Submission of the video does not necessarily mean the dog will be "Champion." The dog will be designated "Champion" only if, in the eyes of the judges, the dog has successfully completed all 6 steps.

6 Step Program for The Title of "Champion" in the Companion Excellence Program

• Step 1: Walking on a leash

Dog must be on a leash and can be walked on either the right or left side. The dog need not walk directly alongside the handler and need not stop when the handler stops. The dog cannot run in front of the handler or pull the handler.

This action is a "NO-NO"

If the dog gets in front of the handler it looses all points in this step (15 points)

• Step 2: Sitting Command

The handler will give the dog a command or signal to sit, and may place his hand on the back part of the dog to get him to sit. The dog must stay in a sitting position, for at least 15 seconds, until the handler gives a command to leave that position. The command can be either a word or a slight pull of the leash. (15 points)

• Step 3: Down

The handler will give the dog a command or signal to lay down. The dog must stay in a down position, for at least 15 seconds, until the handler gives a command to leave that position. The command can be a word or a slight pull of the leash. (15 points)

• Step 4: Stay

From either a sit or down position (which-ever the Handler prefers) the handler will give the dog a command or signal to stay. Once the dog is in a stay position the handler, with one end of the leash in hand, walks forward about 10 feet. He can repeat the stay command. The dog must stay, for at least 15 seconds, until the handler gives a command to leave that position. The command can be either a word or a slight pull of the leash. (20 points)

• Step 5: Come

The handler will give the dog a command or signal to come. The dog must respond to that command by going to the handler, no matter what the dog was involved in when that command was given. (15 points)

• Step 6: Specialty

To show the spirit and personality have the dog do something special., perform a stunt or do a special trick. (20 points)

Print an Application

Download Video Champ Application here

Decision of Judge's is Final.

All material submitted becomes the property of DRA Kennel Club™ Dog Registry of America, Inc.©January 1999