General Provisions:

This test is open to dogs of all breeds and sizes. The minimum age for entry is twelve months. At the end of the test, the results are not given out as "points" but only as a "Pass" or "Fail" rating announced by the judge. The test is passed when 70% of the total points available are earned. The "title" given (WH) does not represent a substitute for a training degree in the sense of the breeding, showing, or exhibition requirements of a member-club of the AZG.

In this test, the use of a visible protection-sleeve or protection-jacket is not allowed. Conspicuous clothing is permitted. Precautions must be taken for the safety of the Helper during the portion of the test in which the dog pursues the fleeing Helper (exercise 9(b), below.)

Testing Procedure:
1. Heeling on Lead (15 pts)
2. Heeling Free (15 pts)
3. Down with Recall (10 pts)
4. Sit out of Motion (10 pts)

The procedure for the preceding exercises is the same as in the Test for TrafficSteady Companion Dogs (BH)

5. Retrieving an Article (15 pts)

The handier leaves his dog in the sit position and walks away from the dog for a distance of about 30 paces. There the handier lays down a small article, then returns to the dog. Upon a single command "Hol's" ("Fetch, Bring") the dog must retrieve the article fast and happily.

6. Down under Distraction (10 pts)

The procedure for this exercise is the same as in SchH 1. Articles up to the size of a briefcase may be left with the dog. The dog on the "Down" will be picked up by the handler after the other dog on the field has completed exercise 5. A partial score can be given only if the dog remains down from exercise I through exercise 3, enclusive.

7. Devotion to the Handler (10 pts)

The dog is put on lead and handed over to a second person. The handler then proceeds toward a group of people who are standing about 80 paces away. The dog is allowed to watch the departure of his handler until the handler has gone about 30 paces of the distance. At this point, the dog is taken behind a wall or similar structure so that his handler is no longer visible to him.

When the handler arrives at the group, he walks into the center of the group and stops. While he is in the group, the handler may not make himself noticeable to the dog across from him. The dog is released from the lead by the second person. The behavior of the dog, especially the use of the nose, is to be observed during this exercise. When the dog has found his handler, he is to be praised.

8. Guarding of Possessions (15 pts)

The handler downs his dog in an open area designated by the judge. The dog is fastened securely to a chain that will not stretch. The dog may sit, lie down, or remain standing. With the command "Pail auf" (Watch), the handler lays a larger object in front of the dog (briefcase, suitcase, jacket, etc.). Then the handler goes away about 20 paces and stands still, always remaining within the dog's sight. (Small objects which the dog could take in his mouth, and also bicycles, are not permitted.) The judge or some other person then walks past the dog at a distance of about 5 paces, and walks back again. Meanwhile, the dog must remain quietly by the object and may not show aggression. Now an attempt will be made to take the object away from the dog. If the dog shows a threatening posture/attitude, the exercise is fulfilled.

By "threatening posture or attitude" is meant growling, barking or lunging (trying to grip). There should be no agitation of the dog here; what matters is the general behavior of the dog. The person testing the dog is not allowed to circle around the dog nor to carry a stick. Once the dog has foiled the attempt to "take" his object away, the tester goes out of sight, and the dog must remain by the object in order to be able to renew his defense of it. After a pause of about half a minute, the handler picks up his dog on the judge's signal.

9. Testing the Dog for Watchfulness (100 pts)

a) The exercise takes place in a specially prepared "courtyard" (possibly
with a dog kennel). This fenced-in area must have dimensions of at least
7 x 7 meters. As an alternative, the clubhouse may also be used for the
exercise.

The dog is placed free in the "courtyard" (Clubhouse). The dog must
watch every approach (by the Helper) toward the fence (Clubhouse) with
attentiveness. The dog must emphasize his attentiveness by barking. (30
pts)

b) As soon as the dog has made himself noticeable, the Helper takes flight.
The handler then enters the fenced area (Clubhouse) and holds the dog
firmly. The Helper continues his flight and goes into hiding in a blind (or
other cover) that has been made secure for him. As soon as the Helper
has reached his "safe place", the dog is released. He must immediately
run to the hiding place and begin jumping up at it, and must bark at the
visible or not visible Helper. (40 pts)

c) Watchfulness on the running wire: (30 pts)

The dog will be fastened securely on a chain, which is located on a running wire (cable) that is about 15 meters long. The dog must show aggression, whereupon the tester goes out of sight. Now a second tester comes along at the other end of the running wire and likewise agitates the dog. Here also, the dog must behave attentively and aggressively. After the second tester has gone out of sight of the dog, the exercise is completed and the dog is picked up.

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Endurance Test (Ausauerprufung) - AD

General Information

The AD award is not a training degree but is for show and breed requirements. The endurance test (AD) provides documentation that the dog is physically able to endure a certain amount of physical stress without showing significance fatigue. Given the physical structure of the dog, this condition can best be shown through running. Running challenges the heart and lungs as well as the rest of the body. Other characteristics such as spirit and hardness must be present. Successful demonstration of the test will provide proof that the desired characteristics are present in a healthy body. Both sets of characteristics are prerequisites for a useful breeding program.

The AD test is to be hosted by a local club. The approval to host the event must be obtained by the local club at least four weeks prior to the test. The secretary of the event must be identified at that time and a judge must have been commissioned. Score sheets must be on hand. By accepting responsibility to host an AD the local club agrees, that during the warm summer months, to hold the event only during the early morning or evening hours. The outside temperature must not exceed 22 degrees Celsius (about 72 degrees Fahrenheit).

Entry into the AD test must be made at least eight days prior to the test. Entry fees are to be collected in such a manner that only the AD test expenses will be covered. The entry form must contain: the exact name of the dog, registration numbers, score book numbers, any earned training degrees, sex, date of birth and name and address of both owner and breeder.

Participation in the AD test is voluntary. If during the course of the test, the dog or handier is injured in any way, the United Schutzhund Clubs of America, the SV and the local club cannot be held responsible.

Requirements for Entry

The dog must be at least 16 months old before it is tested and the maximum permissible age is six years. A maximum of twenty dogs may be permitted to enter with one judge. Should the entry exceed twenty dogs, a second judge must be commissioned. All dogs must be registered. The dog must be healthy and in good condition. Sick dogs, weak dogs, bitches in heat, bitches in whelp and nursing bitches are not allowed to participate. At the start of the test the handler will report to the judge in a sporty manner with the dog at the heel position. The score book, pedigree and registration papers should be presented at that time. The judge and trial secretary will verify that each dog is in good condition. Dogs that present a tired or listless expression are to be disqualified. The handier will conduct him/herself in a sporty manner. Unsportsmanlike behavior can result in disqualification from the examination. All decisions made by the judge are final.

Scoring

No points or awards will be given for the examination, only the rating of "Passed" or "Not Passed". Only dogs that pass will receive the AD certification.

Terrain

The test should preferably be run on streets or roads of varied terrain such as asphalt or dirt. The handler will accompany the dog only on a bicycle.

The Test

A.) The Running Exercise - The dogs will be run a total of 20 kilometers (about 12.5 miles) at an average speed of 12 to 15 kilometers per hour (7.7 to 9.5 miles per hour).

The dog must be kept on leash on the right hand side of the handler and move in a normal trot next to the bicycle. Overly fast running is to be avoided. The leash must be sufficiently long to give the dog the ability to adjust to any changes in speed. Slight pulling or forging is not faulty but continually failing behind is faulty. There will be a 15 minute rest period after the dogs have completed 8 kilometers (5 miles). During the rest period, the judge will examine the dogs for fatigue. Tired dogs will be removed from the test. There will be a 20 minute rest period at the end of 15 kilometers (9.4 miles). The judge will again check the dogs. Dogs that are tired or dogs with sore feet will be removed from the test. Dogs will be allowed to move about freely during the rest periods but should be on leash. The last 5 kilometers will be run and then there will be a 15 minute rest period. The judge will again determine if the dog demonstrates tiredness or sore feet due to the running.

The judge and the trial secretary should accompany the dogs on a bicycle or car. The judge will make notes about the condition of the dogs and all deficiencies will be noted. It is necessary that a car follow the handlers and dogs so that tired or sore dogs can be transported. Dogs that lack the proper spirit and hardness and those that show fatigue and dogs that cannot keep up the required speed or need extra time cannot pass the examination.

B.) Obedience - After the running exercise and when requested by the judge, the handlers will assemble with their dogs in the heeling position. Under the direction of the judge, the handlers and dogs will go through the heeling exercise (on or off leash) according to the Schutzhund rules. No gun shots are to be fired. In addition, the judge must verify the psychological condition of the dogs. The method is left up to the judge.

Footnote: The meeting place for the test must be arranged so that all participants arriving by bicycle will cover about the same distance. This should guarantee that additional distances are not covered by some dogs. The handlers must arrive in time to allow the dogs opportunity to relieve themselves prior to the start of the test. It is strictly forbidden to consume alcohol during the test.

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General Rules

IPO is the apprentice test for all dogs. IPO 11 is the step towards the master level IPO Ill. Minimum age for entry in IPO I is 18 months; IPO II is 19 months; and IPO Ill is 20 months. Evidence of prior achievement of the B title must be presented before entry into IPO I is permitted.

Impartiality Test - The judge is allowed to evaluate the temperament of the dog throughout the entire test. In USA trials, the dog must pass an impartiality test before beginning an IPO evaluation.

Evaluation of Fighting Instincts - There is no evaluation of the fighting instincts, courage, and hardness of an IPO entrant during the protection phase.

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