This is what is in the Futurity Judge's Agreement and it is the same I believe for National Judges. In addition to this, the judges receive a video and another copy of the written procedure prior to judging (usually in February). I know that you, Sally, judged a Futurity the first year this was implemented and did not get the video but you did receive the written procedure. Tish LOOSE LEAD EXAMINATION The required procedure is as follows: 1. The loose leash examination must be the first contact made to the dog. 2. There should be a predetermined spot in the ring where the dog is stopped by the handler. The dog should be in front of the handler and not posed or stacked. 3. NO command should be given to the dog by the handler. 4. Double handling MUST be discouraged. 5. The judge should approach the dog from 6-10 feet away. 6. The dog should not be stared at by the judge. 7. After the loose leash examination is completed, the judge MAY have the handler preset/pose dog. 8. The judge must be consistent in their evaluation, treating all dogs equally in the test. 9. Some penalty should accrue to the dog who is shy, untouchable or becomes aggressive. Awards must go only to the dog that is completely sound and exhibits no fear or apprehension. ============================================================================ POST is Copyrighted 2004. All material remains the property of the original author and of GSD Communication, Inc. NO REPRODUCTIONS or FORWARDS of any kind are permitted without prior permission of the original author AND of the Showgsd-l Management. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ALL PERSONS ARE ON NOTICE THAT THE FORWARDING, REPRODUCTION OR USE IN ANY MANNER OF ANY MATERIAL WHICH APPEARS ON SHOWGSD-L WITHOUT THE EXPRESS PERMISSION OF ALL PARTIES TO THE POST AND THE LIST MANAGEMENT IS EXPRESSLY FORBIDDEN, AND IS A VIOLATION OF LAW. VIOLATORS OF THIS PROHIBITION WILL BE PROSECUTED. For assistance, please contact the List Management at admin@xxxxxxxxxxxx VISIT OUR WEBSITE - http://www.showgsd.org ============================================================================