Every Dog-Games Certificate requires a tester or witness to verify that the dog has successfully achieved the criteria. A summary of each of the Games and tests can be printed off by clicking here - PRINT SUMMARIES OF GAMES - and can be used as a point of reference when helping to train the dog.

The tester/witness can be a trainer, a friend, helper, family member - in fact anyone who has helped you train your dog and has seen you and your dog fulfill the requirements of the Game (see Helpers Advice).

A DOG'S FIRST SUCCESSFUL SESSION OF DOG-GAMES
The very first time a dog successfully does a Dog-Game (usually Recall Starters) the handler must fill in the first half of the First Entry Form, making sure that they fill in -

1. Their name, address, post code - which identifies the dog on the Dog-Games database Roll of Honour
   
   
2. The dog's name and description - Please don't just put "X Breed", give us a description so that we can all try to visualize what it looks like (eg. Dalmatian/Spaniel X)
   
   
3. Sign next to "handler's signature"
   
   
4. They should also make a circle round the -
   GAME they are attempting (eg. Recall, Bounce, Hand, etc)
   STAGE (Starters, Bronze, Silver, Gold (there is no Gold in the games of Recall or Bounce), or Platinum)
   And which CERTIFICATE they are attempting of that Game and Stage.
   
   
5. The tester/witness will then sign the form, date it and write where the test was taken. They should also write their name, address, and telephone number on the back of the Entry Form in case Dog-Games needs to contact them about the test. The completed form should then be sent to us with the correct fee.
   
   
6. If you are doing these Games overseas the above information can be sent to us by e-mail, as long as you include in the e-mail the information detailed in 1, 2, 4, and 5 (without the signature). Payment of the fees can be made via our web shop (which gives discounts for buying Games credits in bulk).

ALL SUBSEQUENT ENTRIES
There is no need to fill in a First Entry Form after the very first session - the simpler Main Entry Form can be used for all the dog's entries in the subsequent weeks and months it does any further Dog-Games. All you have to do is fill in the top of the form and list each successful entry underneath, then send in the completed form with £2 for each entry/line.

Alternatively, you can buy Game credits from our web shop and send in the following details by e-mail, as and when the dog(s) achieve a level in the Games -

• Venue (eg, "At home", "....... Dog Training Club", or the name of the town where you live)
• Date when the level was achieved
• Tester's name
• Dog's name and post code
• Game (eg "Recall")
• Level (eg "Bronze 1")

ONE CREDIT PER LINE/LEVEL OF ACHIEVEMENT

We will then post either to you the Tester or the handler the certificates and rosettes. Please state where you wish them to be sent on your e-mail

IMPORTANT
Make sure that the dog has plenty of time to relax and explore its environment (see Where and When) before you and the handler begin to train the dog. Most dogs get tired and confused after more than FIVE ATTEMPTS IN A SESSION so be careful how much it does.

After the short training session is finished persuade the handler to take the dog to a quiet spot - such as it's well-ventilated car away from any visual stimulation - so that it can absorb what it has just learnt without becoming stressed or over stimulated.

Dogs need time to rest and recover and should have at least an hour's rest before being asked to do another test. Handlers should be strongly discouraged from trying to do another attempt if it is obvious that the dog needs more training and is very unlikely to pass the test that day.

The Material contained herein may not be reproduced without the prior written approval of Dog Games Ltd. © 2000-2005 All Rights Reserved.