During the NPCA obedience test, when the handler gets to the drop off, is it allowed to sit and down, or just one?

• A. One or the other
• B. Both
• C. Neither
• D. Only one at a time

Answer: (A)

When you reach the drop-off, the test looks for clear, controlled signaling from the handler. You should cue a single, specific position for the dog to hold, not a combination. You’re allowed to choose either a sit or a down at that moment, but not both. This keeps the dog’s response simple and reliable, showing you can maintain control with a consistent signal under evaluative conditions. Picking one position and sticking with it also avoids confusing the dog with multiple simultaneous cues.