What handlers and exhibitors are and are not allowed to do

WHAT HANDLERS / EXHIBITORS ARE ALLOWED TO DO (Permitted)

1. To present the dog correctly in the ring

• in a static position
• in motion (triangle, circle, straight line)
• with an appropriate lead
• with calm and controlled conduct

2. To change the handler, with the judge’s consent

The regulations permit changing the handler only if the judge gives consent.

3. To request a microchip check, if there is a discrepancy

Verifying identity is a right of the exhibitors, not an intervention in the judging.

4. To submit a procedural objection, in writing, to the secretariat

But only for:

• administrative errors
• procedural problems in the ring
• irregularities in the proceedings
• wrong class entry
• double presentation
• unsportsmanlike conduct by another competitor

(They cannot contest the judge’s technical decision.)

5. To present dogs in different classes

If they meet the conditions of age / titles / documents.

6. To take part in comparative confrontations (play-off)

E.g.: CAJC, CAC, CACIB, JBOB, BOB.

7. To take part in pairs and breeders’ groups

If all the dogs are correctly entered and have been presented in the base classes.

8. To leave the show earlier, with the committee’s consent

But only after:

• receiving the booklet with the awards
• completing all rounds in which the dog must participate

WHAT HANDLERS / EXHIBITORS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO DO (Prohibited)

These prohibitions are extremely important in WDF, and judges must enforce them strictly.

1. They CANNOT contest the judge’s decision regarding the evaluation of the dog

It is absolutely forbidden to contest:

• the grade (EXC, VG, G, DSQ, NJ)
• the placement order
• the awarding or refusal of CAJC, CAC, CACIB, BOB, etc.
• the judge’s commentary
• the assessment of structure and movement

The judge’s decision is final and sovereign.

2. They are not allowed to speak to, comment to, or influence the judge

Prohibited:

• comments
• discussions from the ring
• “advice” to the judge
• subtle attempts to alter the decision
• an aggressive, raised, or insulting tone

Such an attitude leads to:
➡️ immediate exclusion from the event
➡️ a WDF disciplinary report

3. They are not allowed to disrupt the conduct of the judging

Prohibited:

• shouting
• applause directed at influencing the dog
• double presentation (another handler assists from outside)
• artificial noises

The rule: “dual signals” = judging suspended and intervention delegated to WDF.

4. They are not allowed to present an aggressive or sick dog

The evaluation may lead to:

• DSQ in the case of aggressiveness
• exclusion in the case of visible illness

5. They are not allowed to use prohibited substances or techniques

Example:

• colouring the coat
• artificially producing volume
• substances for texture
• glue, powders, fixatives
• cutting the hair where the standard does not permit it

The regulations permit only:
✔ brush
✔ comb
✔ scissors
❌ nothing that changes the natural colour or structure.

6. They cannot present the organisers’ dogs

The organisers are not allowed to present their own animals at the shows they organise.

7. They are not allowed to leave the show without the organiser’s consent

The dog must remain at the show:

• until the classes are completed
• until the play-off
• until BOB / BIS (if eligible)
• until the validation of the awards booklet

Leaving without approval = they may lose the titles won.

8. They cannot bring into the ring dogs without complete documents

E.g.: dogs without:

• a grades booklet
• a valid microchip
• a certificate of typicity (if provisionally registered)

These cannot receive titles.

9. They cannot use illegal manipulation practices

Prohibited:

• excessive pulling of the lead
• lifting the dog into forced positions
• applying pressure to lock the tail
• aggressive manipulation of the muzzle

These may lead to:
➡️ NJ
➡️ DSQ
➡️ exclusion of the handler

10. They are not allowed to be impolite or aggressive

The regulations provide for:

• immediate exclusion
• a disciplinary report
• possible WDF suspension

SUPREME SYNTHESIS – FOR THE MANUAL

✔ Handlers may present the dogs correctly, may request procedural checks, may contest only procedures, and may change the handler with the judge’s consent.

❌ Handlers may NOT discuss the technical decision with the judge, may NOT influence the judging, may NOT disrupt the ring, may NOT use illegal substances, and may NOT leave the show without approval.