Heel Position: This is a position of the animal close as possible to the left side of the Handler's left leg. The head and shoulders of the animal should line up with the left hip of the Handler, with both animal and Handler straight and parallel to each other. The animal should be close, but not touching the handler as to impede walking. This should be at all times except during separate distant down/sit exercises, and recall.

Figure Eight: This is an exercise that has two people as 'posts', 8 feet apart, where a Handler with the animal in heel position walk around each person twice to form a figure 8. This exercise gives the animal two human distractions and it tests it's ability to keep up with the Handler's side going around alternate half-circles.

Halt: A command given by the Judge to stop. The animal should automatically sit in heel position. The Handler is allowed to take a step or two right after this command is given to adjust to the command and as to not stop abruptly.

Right Turn, Left Turn: This is a 90 degree turn either right or left. This is not to be confused with the "About Turn" command. About Turn: This is a 180 degree turn, turning right to go in the opposite direction as the Handler came.

Recall, or Call Your Dog: This is a command given by the Judge when the animal is a distance away for the Handler to call the name of the animal and the "come" command. The animal then comes directly to the Handler. In the USAWA CD requirements, this exercise must end with an automatic sit position directly in front of the Handler without additional commands.

Finish or Finish Your Dog: This is a command given by the Judge for the Handler to command the animal sitting in front position, to move around the side of the Handler to the heel position on the left side of the Handler. This movement can be for the animal to go around the left side or right side of the Handler to get to the heel position. The "Finish" exercise ends with an automatic sit without additional commands.

Stand or Stand your Dog: This command given by the Judge, requires the Handler to stand the animal from a sit position with hand signals / vocal commands. The "Stand" position is a steady, non-moving position where a Judge may examine the animal by touching it.

Sit Stay and Down Stay: These positions tests the animal for staying in one position without moving for a longer period of time, at a 15 foot distance away from the handler.

Hand Signals and Verbal Commands: This is a form of communication used to command an animal. Both signals can be used simultaneously in ONE command during USAWA CD exercises.

Handler Error: These are errors Handlers make that includes: not understanding or following the Judges instructions on orders, using both hands for a hand signal, using one more command needed, or a Handler that interferes with the required movement of his animal.

Deduction: A small number of points taken off the score in an exercise. Penalty: A large number of points taken off the score in an exercise.

             Praise and petting will be allowed between exercises, but not during the exercise. At no time will anyone during exercises be allowed to touch or force their animal into position without deductions or penalties. If the animal does not respond to the command, it is best to skip that part of the exercise and leave it for a partial score deducted rather than having a penalty added upon the Handler with forcing the animal against it's will.