Actually you can use some tricks in the ring. Many of us use hand touches, spins, small jumps to touch our hands etc...
The regulations say as long as your dog is under control and the praise is not excessive between exercises it is not to be faulted. I attended an AKC obedience judging seminar with Pat Krause, and she was very clear that those types of praise are exceptable as long as it's not excessive or out of control. Hand touches, spins and small jumps are ways to move your dog between exercises and to set up, they are also tricks.
I've never been faulted doing any of these things and I have done all of those tricks in the ring, every time I show. Most OTCH handlers I see showing are doing the exact same things.
AKC obedience is slowing becoming more user friendly!
Dawn
U-CD Cammcastle's Mystic Riven CDX OAC OGC NA NAJ NJC TT CGC
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