I kind of forgot for a moment that this board has members who are not familiar with WT (Working Trials) which are pretty-much confined to the UK. Speaking with Paul C. there were attempts in readiness to bring it over to Canada but they didn't have the right backing (people who thought it might be 'nice' rather than bringing in folks like Paul who had the experience to direct people in training and trialling).

WT is a UK-based certification process controlled by the Kennel Club, but doesn't get too much attention. One reason is because not many people work their dogs ...and because frankly it is hard even with good dogs. That's not just the training aspect, so much as the effort involved in certifying in each stake. It is not a process I would even care to try an explain, as it would take me hours to right it and then how clear would it be. Essentially however, it comprises a series of certifications that start akin to the AKC's CD and UD type titles I'd imagine (given they have the same name). You can then progress to WD (Working Dog) and also TD (Tracking Dog) as well as PD (Patrol Dog), the latter of which is basically a civillian implementation of the MOD's Patrol Dog certification process.

Technically it is all more about Pass and Fail, plus identifying Excellent performances than 'points' there has also always been scope for PSA/ASR style pressure (albeit with sleeve not suit) in protection phases, although I hear it is not implemented as such these days (?). Overall, the levels are about a broad spectrum of more practical tests of similar nature to SCH. The OB is similarly demanding, but can be anywhere ...you could start off on an immaculate lawn, and be directed into a wood by the judge and you just have to keep on with good form. The Nosework incorporates scent discrimination (similar to KC OB, but can be for almost ANY item) as well as tracking. The tracking is more practical in that it is not styalised SCH tracking, though again from what I've heard SCH style is getting a foothold because the 'Border Collie set' are exerting their influence and are more concerned about showing who has the 'best' dog which they love to judge by points if you see the other events they already dominate. Agility for example is so bad now, that there are ABC - Anyhting BUT Collies classes to compete in as well as new height restrictions for 2006 to try and keep appeal to a broad range of serious and hobby competitors. In practical terms, the only competing breed to BC's are the Belgian Shepherds, specifically the Terv's and the Groendale's. Because PD is the least commonly pursued part of Working Trials, the Border Collies are starting to dominate as they do very well in OB, Agility and Nosework much of which they can cross directly over to from competitive OB.

Anyway, gone on a long digression there. My main line of questioning to John was that this format afforded (in so far as I can see) the opportunity to take advantage of this ordering of stakes to develop and showcase skills and abilities of Presa's and such breeds other than PP, thus without needing to imprint them to Sport-style protection work.

There are more realistic, harder BST's in use in Europe, the Austrian certification for Rotti's for example. However, few have protracted conflicts with helpers because so many are geared toward military and policing where close support is intended/expected to be available.

Commercially, there will be more realistic and demanding tests however, I don't expect they would reallistically be subject to open discussion on public forums.

I agree with you in most respect, but allow me to correct you on a particular aspect.With regards to scenarios involved in PD. Having run as an official decoy for numerous PD championships I can tell you with conviction that the scenarios in the protection phase in the working trials
are by far the most difficult and demanding mentally for the dog than any other European and American Sport. They are the closest you would ever find to real life situations. More advanced and the complexity is of the highest order.
The scenarios are not predetermined like in Ring Sports, SCHU,ASR etc....and the contestants do not know what they are going to come up against till the very last minute.
The number of decoys that can participate is limitless and it's down to the discretion of the judge.In some Trials we've had from 10-15 decoys for crowd control, vehicle extraction,food refusal while performing multiple attacks etc...the scenarios are infinite.The Test of courage is also the most demanding for the dog having sometimes to deliver numerous(4,5,6.......)bites to subdue improvised weapon wielding decoys while Off lead before it comes back to the handler to the Handler.

Granted the perfection is not sought after like in other Disciplines. So, somewhere you win somewhere you lose. But ASR which is a hybrid of the Ring Sports and KNPV is nowhere near in Intensity and Complexity scenarios wise to PD.I'd say that PSA is only one that approaches PD. Now, regarding bull breeds performing Search(airscenting) and Tracking excersises unfortunately they're not as good as herding breeds or Gundogs and they would struggle severely with the Working Trials in this country, with a few exceptions of course. But to progress to PD stakes you have to qualify and win Tickets in the other disciplines first and I can't see that happening cause you'll never ever get a Presa or a Bandog beating a Gundog or a Shepherd in nose work in CD,WD,UD,TD to go to PD.