Section 9:   Overview of Title Requirements

  • All performances will adhere to these entire Performance Guidelines and also the additional requirements specific to the class entered.

  • Entrants are allowed, but not required, to enter the Rookie class.

  • It is recommended before entering the Novice Prop class, the handler should have some freestyle experience.

  • Two (2) qualifying legs are required to earn a title.

  • Performances for each qualifying leg in Video Events must be earned with a new routine with new choreography and new music.  

  • Performances for each qualifying leg must be earned with the same handler and dog team, with the exception of the Team class.

  • Only two (2) titling class solo entries per dog (Novice, Intermediate, Standard, Premier, Veteran, Props) per event are allowed. If entering more than one video of the same class different music and different routines are required. You may additionally enter at any one event for any other class such as Team, Brace, Pair.

  • You may not complete more than one title in the same class in the same event.

  • Entrants may rework and enter the same routine or the same music to earn a qualifying leg at a later event.

  • Although teams are not required to enter the Rookie class, it is recommended for those teams that are new to the sport.

  • Music will be counted in the overall team score of all titling classes.

  • There are no placements. Entrants are in effect competing against themselves to earn titles. All entrants receive at least one evaluation with a rating from an MDSA Judge. Entrants may also receive additional evaluations from apprentice judges for training purposes; however, the ratings of the apprentice judges are not used for purposes of determining qualifying/non-qualifying legs.

  • Unless stated otherwise in individual class requirements, entrants need not be an MDSA member to earn MDSA titles or enter MDSA events.

  • Upon successful completion of requirements for each title, handler will receive an MDSA title certificate and dog is eligible for title designation after name.

  • All participants will receive either a qualifying or participation ribbon (flat ribbon). Rosettes are awarded for titles. Shipping is free for flat ribbons. Shipping is free for rosettes for the 48 contiguous US. Participants not located within the contiguous US must pay the actual cost of shipping for rosettes if they elect to receive them. Title certificates will be sent via email for printing on your choice of paper. 

  • The following will be marked as errors in a performance. Errors can be minor or major and are rated at the judge’s discretion. Minor errors are considered a warning notice. Major errors will automatically disqualify (DQ) a performance. MDSA considers the following as performance errors:

    • Luring - with the exception of Rookie

    • Dog leaving ring

    • Dog out-of-control

    • Excessive barking

    • Excessive display of stress in dog and/or handler

    • Use of food or training aid (when not permitted in the class)

    • Misuse of prop (in prop class)

    • Use of prop (when not permitted in the class)

    • Fouling the ring

    • Harsh treatment of dog by handler (either real or implied)

    • Music more than 10 seconds over/under

    • Music profane or obscene or overly suggestive

    • Other issues, at the discretion of the judge that may affect the safety and well-being of the dog and other competitors, the positive working image of the sport, or for unsportsmanlike conduct on the part of the handler. Examples include but are not limited to inappropriate attire or footwear, video submissions missing ring markers outdoors, or inappropriate equipment used on the dog.