18/09/2026
DIRECTIONAL CONTROL / SEND AWAY: PRECISION FROM A DISTANCE
How well can your dog follow instructions when you're 40 metres away?
Directional Control, also known as Send Away, is a test of a dog's ability to work independently while remaining completely connected to its handler.
The dog must run in a straight line, stop accurately, change direction on command and return to the handler — all while the handler remains at the starting point.
THE LAYOUT
Four points are positioned in a T-shape:
1. Start Point
Where the handler and dog begin.
2. Send-Away Point
40 metres directly ahead of the handler.
3. Left Direction Point
20 metres to the left of the send-away point.
4. Right Direction Point
20 metres to the right of the send-away point.
Each point is marked with a yellow flag positioned in the centre of a 1-metre circle.
The dog must travel in a controlled, straight line to each point. Straying from the required line can result in penalties.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
The dog begins in heel position beside the handler.
STEP 1 — SEND AWAY
The handler sends the dog straight ahead to the send-away point, approximately 40 metres away.
Once the dog reaches the designated area, it must stop and remain in position.
STEP 2 — CHANGE DIRECTION
The direction is determined by a random draw.
The handler sends the dog either left or right to the designated directional point.
Once there, the dog must stop and wait for the next command.
STEP 3 — RETURN TO CENTRE
The dog is then directed back to the original send-away point and must once again stop and remain in position.
STEP 4 — RECALL
Finally, the handler recalls the dog.
The dog must return directly to the handler and finish with a correct sit in front.
The handler may only move or praise the dog once the judge declares the exercise finished.
ONE COMMAND. ONE RESPONSE.
The challenge is precision.
The handler is allowed one command for each movement, meaning additional commands or unnecessary signals can result in penalties.
The dog must understand exactly what is being asked and carry out the instruction confidently from a significant distance.
AGAINST THE CLOCK
The exercise has a maximum time of 1 minute.
If the exercise runs over the one-minute limit, marks are deducted at ¼ mark for every additional 10 seconds.
Taking more than 2 minutes results in disqualification.
WHAT DOES DIRECTIONAL CONTROL TEST?
This exercise demonstrates a dog's ability to work at a distance while maintaining a strong connection with its handler.
It tests:
• Distance control
• Accuracy and straight-line movement
• Direction changes
• Reliable stays
• Response to single commands
• Focus and independence
• Recall
• Handler communication
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
In real working situations, a handler cannot always physically follow their dog.
A dog may need to move through an area ahead of the handler, search a location, approach a specific point or remain safely positioned while the handler stays behind.
Directional Control teaches the dog to listen, think and respond from a distance.
It is a powerful demonstration of the trust between dog and handler — the handler gives the instruction, and the dog confidently carries it out.
40 metres away. One command. One target. Total control.
That is Directional Control.
