Beginner – This is an optional level for dogs under 18 months (Puppies) or over 7 years (Seniors).  Dogs over 7 may participate in higher levels if their current level of fitness is appropriate, but we recommend any Senior beginning a new fitness regime start here.  Puppies must start at this level and cannot progress to Starter until they turn 18 months of age.  This is to help ensure growth place closure to avoid injury.  Additionally, any dog can start at this level if they are just beginning a fitness regime.
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Requirements – All ten Beginner Barkour exercises.  At least three of the obstacles must be Natural or Urban.
Beginner Exercises:
  1. Four Feet On an obstacle approximately wrist height for at least 5 seconds.
  2. Two Feet On an obstacle at least one-half elbow height for at least 5 seconds.
  3. Two Feet On an obstacle at least elbow height for at least 5 seconds.
  4. Under an obstacle that is head height or lower.  Leash may be dropped or detached if in a safe area.
  5. In an obstacle where all four sides measure at least the dog’s wrist height, and the width or length measure approximately the dog’s body length for at least 5 seconds.
  6. Around – Starting near either of the handler’s sides, the dog must travel at least two body lengths away and make a 180-degree turn around an object in either direction before returning to the handler.  Leash may be detached if in a safe area.
  7. Balance – Dog walks on an obstacle at least two body lengths long, no wider than twice the dog’s width at the shoulders, at approximately wrist height.  Dog must complete the obstacle in one attempt without stepping off.
  8. Through – Dog must pass between two obstacles at least the dog’s body length long that are no wider than twice the dog’s shoulder width apart.  Dog must pass completely though without hesitating or turning around.
  9. Creativity – Perform two different Beginner behaviors on a single new obstacle.  Must be a noticeable transition between exercises, such as dismounting and reattempting the obstacle.  Exercises with a time requirement only require a noticeable pause instead of the full 5 seconds.  Must be one unedited video sequence; all spotting and assistance rules apply.
  10. Three Obstacle Sequence – Perform a minimum of two different Beginner behaviors on three new obstacles in a row; no two behaviors may be repeated back-to-back.  Exercises with a time requirement only require a noticeable pause instead of the full 5 seconds.  Must be one unedited video sequence; all spotting and assistance rules apply.