Dashboard Rules Events Member Registration Dog Registration Registered Dogs Volunteer Contact

Rules & Regulations

Welcome to the Redbud Sport Dog League! This league is designed to provide a fun, low-pressure training environment for dogs and handlers to practice different sporting events. Here are the rules and guidelines that will govern the league. Please review carefully before participating.

Training Days

The Redbud Sport Dog League (RSDL) is committed to providing a fun and supportive environment for both new and experienced handlers to train their dogs in realistic working scenarios. Our monthly training days serve as opportunities to practice without the pressure of a formal trial, allowing teams to develop skills, build confidence, and fine-tune their teamwork.

Training Events Schedule

The league will hold monthly training events from March to October at Limestone Acres Dog Sports. These training days will be on the same day as the League Meeting, ensuring that handlers can discuss strategies, ask questions, and get feedback before and after training sessions.

Inclement Weather Policy

If inclement weather makes training unsafe, events may be rescheduled or canceled. Participants will be notified as soon as possible via email, social media, or other league communication channels.

Training Formats & Rules

All training exercises will follow the rules and regulations of the parent organization(s), providing dogs and handlers with an experience as close as possible to an official event. While the league is not hosting formal trials, our goal is to maintain competition-level realism to help teams prepare for actual events. The training setups will mirror the requirements and challenges dogs will encounter in official trials, ensuring that practice is both meaningful and productive.

Who Can Participate?

These training days are open to handlers of all experience levels, from beginners learning the ropes to seasoned competitors refining their techniques. Dogs of any breed or background are welcome, as long as they can be safely handled* in the training activities.

* Owners of reactive, or fearful, or anywhere in between are invited, and encouraged to join us for training days. Dogs not actively running will be crated in vehicles. We pride ourselves on being understanding, and encouraging handlers to get out and do things with their dogs.

Coaching & Feedback

While RSDL training days are not formal instruction sessions, experienced handlers and judges will be available to offer guidance, answer questions, and provide feedback. Participants are encouraged to support one another and share training tips, fostering a collaborative and encouraging atmosphere.

What to Bring

  • A well-fitted collar or harness, and leash or long line. Important: Choke chains, prong, shock, or other "corrective" collars are not allowed.
  • High-value rewards (treats or toys) for motivation.
  • Water (and snacks) for both dog and handler.
  • A positive attitude and readiness to learn.

Important Notes

  • While training days are not formal competitions, dogs can earn points toward Year-End Awards. Placements will be awarded based on performance, with points contributing to the Top Dog standings and jackpot prize at the end of the season.
  • Handlers must respect the venue rules and keep dogs under control.
  • Reactive dogs are welcome! We understand that some dogs need space, and we will do our best to accommodate them. Handlers of reactive dogs should communicate their needs to event staff and take appropriate precautions to ensure a positive experience for everyone.
  • Safety is a priority—any dog exhibiting behavior that poses a risk to others (dogs or humans) may be asked to take a break or adjust their participation as needed.

By participating in Redbud Sport Dog League training days, handlers and dogs can build their skills, gain experience, and enjoy the camaraderie of the community. Whether you're preparing for an upcoming trial or simply looking to have fun with your dog, these events are designed to be low-pressure, educational, and rewarding.

General Membership & Participation

The Redbud Sport Dog League is a fun and welcoming community where dogs of all breeds and experience levels can train, practice, and enjoy a variety of dog sports. Whether you're preparing for competition or just looking for a fun way to bond with your dog, RSDL provides a low-pressure environment to learn and grow.

Who Can Join?

RSDL is open to all dogs and handlers, regardless of skill level. We welcome:

  • All breeds and mixed breeds — any dog ready to play is welcome!
  • Handlers of any experience level, from beginners to seasoned competitiors.
  • Reactive dogs, as long as they can be managed safely. Handlers should communicate any special needs to event staff.

Handlers are responsible for their dogs at all times and should work within their dog’s comfort level to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

What We Do

RSDL training days focus on skill-building, teamwork, and fun, with events inspired by real-world dog sports.

Events follow official rules where applicable, giving teams a realistic training experience without trial pressure.

Entry Fees & Awards

There is no membership fee to join RSDL. Instead, we operate on a flat-rate per dog, per day entry fee.

Entry Fees Help Support:

  • 37.5% — Jackpot (Year-End Awards)
    For the winning team(s) to take home prize money.
  • 37.5% — League
    Compensation for the league and judge’s time. If Melanie is NOT the judge, this will be split 18.7% for the league, and 18.7% for the judge.
  • 12.5% — Venue
    Help cover the costs of using the venue at Limestone Acres Dog Sports.

Dogs earn points throughout the season for placements, with Top Dogs receiving jackpot prize money at year-end.

Scoring System

At Redbud Sport Dog League (RSDL), the scoring system is designed to track progress and recognize the effort of each team throughout the training season. Points are awarded based on placement during Training Days, with the goal of rewarding participation, skill development, and consistency across events. This system allows handlers to gauge their dog’s improvement, regardless of whether they’re aiming for a competitive title or simply enjoying the training process.

Points Breakdown

  • 5 Points for 1st Place
    The top-performing team of the class receives five (5) points, reflecting their skill and ability in the given training scenarios.
  • 3 Points for 2nd Place
    The second-place team is awarded three (3) points for their performance.
  • 1 Point for 3rd Place
    Teams that place third-place will be awarded one (1) acknowledging their success.
  • 0.5 points for any qualifiying run beyond third place
    Teams who qualify but don't place in the top three (3) will receive 0.5 points for their effort.

The scoring system is intended to track a dog’s overall development throughout the season, with points accumulating for Year-End Awards. This system gives teams the opportunity to measure progress across multiple events and encourages continued learning and improvement, with all handlers, regardless of skill level, recognized for their participation.

By offering points for a range of performances, the league celebrates both competitive success and personal progress, making it a fun, motivating experience for everyone involved.

Year End Awards

At the end of each season, Redbud Sport Dog League (RSDL) recognizes the hard work and dedication of our participants through a variety of Year End Awards. These awards are designed to celebrate achievements, perseverance, and the positive spirit that each handler and dog bring to the league. Awards are split into Statistics-Based and Member-Voted categories to ensure every team has a chance to be recognized for their contributions to the league.

Eligibility

To qualify for Year End Awards, handlers and their dogs must participate in at least 50% of the season's Training Days. This ensures that awards reflect consistent involvement and effort throughout the season.