Standardized judging is the most important aspect of the Obedience competition. Judges are not to inject their own views or exercises in the class. All animals in the class will be judged on the same exercises. The judge will not require any animal or Handler to do anything that is not required by these regulations as set forth by USAWA.

             Judges must have experience in the sport of obedience. They must carry a mental picture of the perfect performance and score each animal in comparison in this visualized standard. This standard shall combine the willingness and the precision on the part of the animal and the natural smoothness in handling. Lack of willingness shall be deducted, as must a lack of precision in the animal's performance, or roughness in handling.

The Judge will disqualify and remove from the ring:
1.) An animal that attempts to bite or attack any person or animal in the ring.
2.) An animal that is causing a disruption towards any animal the class and that cannot be controlled by the Handler.
3.) Bitches in season are not allowed.
4.) A Handler who physically abuses or mishandles their animal while in the ring. The Judge will report any acts of abuse or mishandling to the Board of Directors of USAWA.
5.) There should be no influence to control or manipulate an animal from outside the ring from any person or animal. The person or animal will be excused from ring side, or the animal will be disqualified and removed if a disturbance is caused in the ring.
6.) Any Handler that uses food in the ring during exercises. No food is allowed in the ring at this time.

             The starting order of the class will be announced 15 minutes prior to the start of the class. The Judge will not hold up the class waiting for late entrants. It is the responsibility of the Handlers to be at ringside when required without being called. Each person will be issued a number to be displayed on that person for the judge to see when calling the participants and their animals.

             The Judge's orders and signals will be given to a Handler in a clear and understandable manner. It is the responsibility of the Handler to know the rules and regulations of the obedience competition. The Handler does have a right to ask the Judge questions before the exercise begins, but it is best to do this before the competition. After the exercise has started, then it is the responsibility of the Handler to follow the instructions while going through the routine. The Judge will ask before each exercise, "ARE YOU READY?" and at the end of each exercise the handler will tell the Handler, "EXERCISE FINISHED". Each animal will be worked and judged separately, except for the sit and down exercises. The Judge will record all scores on the official USAWA "CD" score sheet for record keeping purposes. The Handler may ask the Judge questions and their animals scores immediately after the completion of the class.

             Re-judging an animal may take place if the Judge feels it's performance is hindered, interfered with, or disrupted by unusual circumstances. The animal will be re-judged only on the exercise in question. In the event of a tie score in the first, second, or third place position, the Judge will retest the two animals in heeling exercises, and will only determine to break the tie. This will not change the the animals' original qualifying score.

             All animals will be kept on a leash at all times. Leashes could be made of leather, cotton webbing or nylon and be 6 feet long with a swivel snap to allow for slack during heeling exercises. A 15 foot lead or a 15 foot retractable lead is needed for the recall and group exercises. No chain or partial chain leashes are allowed. No electric shock collars are permitted. All collars should be fitted comfortably and have a leash attachment ring.