New AKC Proposed Working Dog Sport
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FOREWORD For thousands of years a unique and amazing bond and the ability to
work together as a team have developed and been fostered between man and the
dog Dogs have worked with us to hunt our food herd our livestock eliminate
vermin protect our property and person and serve important roles in the military
and law enforcement
For over a century AKC has sponsored competitive
events that enable breeders and owners to demonstrate the maintenance
and development of the characteristics for which the dogs have been
bred as well as the ability of a human and canine to perform together
as a finely honed team Over the years these events have come to include
hunting herding coursing going to ground Obedience Tracking and Agility
While human canine teams have long served a role in the military in
law enforcement and in search and rescue or recovery efforts following
natural or man made disasters how crucial these roles really were became
poignantly clear in the days following September 11 2001 Whether it
be protecting vital facilities detecting dangerous substances or finding
and rescuing survivors and recovering the victims of terrorist attacks
the role of the intensely trained human canine team has never been
more important
In keeping with its long standing tradition
and history AKC is now proposing the establishment of a Working Dog
Sport designed to demonstrate the development and advancement of the
skills instincts and teamwork so necessary for use in defending the
country and in reacting to threats and attacks against it The exercises
in this event would enable these participants to show the versatility
and competency in demonstrating a variety of skills simultaneously
In developing these exercises facets of other AKC events including
Obedience Agility and Tracking have been incorporated
The ultimate goal of the Working Dog Sport is
to provide a sport that is challenging and of interest to a large audience
of breeders and participants It is also to increase awareness and to
identify and expand the pool of dogs that with further training could
possibly be of use in the various tasks necessary for security
CHAPTER 1 General Regulations The word
dog wherever used in these Regulations includes both sexes Section
1 Eligibility of Clubs to Hold Working Dog Sport Events The Board
of Directors of the American Kennel Club may in its discretion grant
permission to AKC clubs to hold Working Dog events which shall be governed
by such Regulations as from time to time shall be determined by the
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Board of Directors All AKC clubs may apply to hold Junior Senior and Open level
tests Only AKC Parent Clubs are eligible to host Master level tests Initially
only the German Shepherd Dog Club of America and the Doberman Pincher Club
of America will be eligible to host a Masters Test The time frame designated
for Masters Test shall be known as the Pilot Program which shall commence on
the date the AKC Board approves the first AKC approved Working Dog Sport After
a one year anniversary date other Parent Clubs may make application to the
AKC to hold a Working Dog Sport Event provided said club has successfully completed
a Sanctioned Event in the following levels Junior Level I Senior Level I Open
Level II and Masters Level III The Parent Club holding the Sanctioned Event
must gain the approval of the AKC
Section 2 Rules Applying to Registration
and Discipline All of AKC's Rules Applying to Registration and
Discipline shall apply to all AKC sanctioned licensed and member
club Working Dog Events Section 3 Making Application An AKC
club that meets all the requirements of the American Kennel Club
and wishes to hold a Working Dog Event at which qualifying scores
toward titles may be awarded must make application to The American
Kennel Club on the form provided for permission to hold a Working
Dog Event If the club is not a member of The American Kennel Club
it shall pay a license fee for the privilege of holding such event
the amount of which shall be determined by the Board of Directors
of The American Kennel Club If the club fails to hold its event at
the time and place which have been approved the amount of the license
fee paid will be returned Applications for AKC licensed and member
club Working Dog Events must be received at least twenty four weeks
prior to the closing date At present the license fee for a Working
Dog Event is 50.00 No fee is required of an AKC member club for the
first Working Dog Event held within a calendar year but an application
for a second Working Dog Event within that calendar year must be
accompanied by a fee of 35.00 Each club making application to the
American Kennel Club to hold either a member or licensed Working
Dog Event must submit as part of the application a Disaster and Emergency
Plan The Disaster and Emergency Plan must be printed in the event
catalog of the event giving club Approval for licensed or member
club Working Dog Events may be issued to clubs formed for the improvement
of AKC recognized breeds A non member specialty club may be licensed
to hold a WDS event if the consent in writing that it may be given
first shall be obtained from the member specialty club formed for
the improvement of the breed sought to be run which first was admitted
to be a member of The American Kennel Club which member club is commonly
known as the Parent Club If a Parent Club unreasonably withholds
its consent in writing to the holding of such event the non member
specialty club may appeal to the Board of Directors of The American
Kennel Club at any time after one month from the time when said consent
was requested and a committee of said Board appointed by said Board
or President of The American Kennel Club or in his absence by the
Executive Vice President of The American Kennel Club shall hear the
parties who may present their respective contentions either orally
or in writing and in its discretion may issue a license to the non
member specialty club to hold such event Any AKC club may offer Junior
Senior and Open Working Dog events for all AKC registerable breeds
and those dogs that have been granted Indefinite Listing Privileges
ILP's as well as those dogs enrolled in the FSS Foundation Stock
Service but may not offer more than one of the same category at any
event at which qualifying scores toward titles might be earned
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At least two test levels must be offered at all licensed and member clubs except
that a club holding its first licensed or member club event may offer one test
level The Master test may be offered by approved Parent clubs without any other
test level being offered Only approved Parent clubs may offer the Master level
Due to the requirements and complexity of working
dog situations at the different testing levels running priority should
be given to the highest level Master working downward to the lowest
Senior and Junior being offered by the event giving club The Board
of Directors will not approve applications for Working Dog Events where
qualifying scores can be awarded when dates conflict with one or more
Working Dog events unless it can be shown that the granting of such
permission will not work to the detriment of the clubs applying to
hold the Working Dog Events
A club will not be approved for a licensed or
member event if the proposed date s coincides with an approved licensed
or member event s and the distance between Working Dog events is 100
miles or less An exception may be made if a club receives written clearance
from the club s holding the established licensed or member s event
A club that meets all of the requirements of
the American Kennel Club may be approved to hold a sanctioned Working
Dog Event by applying to hold a sanctioned Working Dog Event on a form
provided by the American Kennel Club Sanctioned Working Dog Events
shall be governed by such simple Regulations as from time to time shall
be determined by the Board of Directors
All of these Regulations shall govern AKC sanctioned
Working Dog Events except those which state specifically that they
apply to licensed and member Working Dog Events Section 4 Approved
Working Dog Sport Personnel Approval for the Working Dog Sport
Personnel shall as a minimum require attendance at an AKC approved
WDS Institute Seminar and the successful completion of a written and
or oral exam in addition to regulations requirements that may be in
force at the time
Section 5 Entry Requirements Working
Dog Events shall be open to dogs twelve months of age or over to all
AKC recognized breeds except for those dogs entering the Master level
whereas such dogs must be at least 18 months for Master Level I 19
months for Master Level II and 20 months for Master Level III A specialty
club formed for any one of the eligible breeds may be approved to hold
a Working Dog Event in which only that breed may participate When a
specialty club elects to restrict entry to its own breed the premium
list must specify that the event is open only to that breed
Dogs of an AKC registrable breed that have been
granted Indefinite Listing Privileges ILP's and those breeds listed
in the Foundation Stock Service FSS are eligible to participate in
Working Dog Events A dog is not eligible to be entered or run in any
licensed or member club Working Dog Event in any category if the dog
has on two 2 occasions been made the subject of the following report
If a dog while under judgment at an AKC licensed or member club Working
Dog Event attacks another dog or a
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person while under judgment at an AKC licensed or member club event and if
the Judges are unanimously of the opinion that such attack was without reasonable
cause the Judges shall identify the offending dog on the judging sheet or in
the Official Catalog and the name of the offending dog shall be listed in the
report of the event secretary sent to The American Kennel Club
Section 6 Bitches in Season Bitches that
are in season or which in the opinion of the Event Committee appear
to be in season are eligible to compete They shall run immediately
after all other entries in the test have run Entry fees paid for a
bitch withdrawn because of coming in season or for a dog that dies
shall be refunded in full by the event giving club Prior to paying
such refund the club may require an appropriate veterinary certificate
In the event a dog is withdrawn for other reasons the event giving club
is free to formulate its own policy with reference to refunds provided
that said policy shall be fixed in advance of the mailing of the premium
list for any particular event Section 7 Judges Eligibility Anyone
at least 21 years of age and in good standing with the American Kennel
Club may apply to become an apprentice judge to judge a Working Dog
Event subject to the qualifications in force at the time The applicant
must submit a thorough and detailed resume of his her dog experience
with particular emphasis on his her Master Level experience The applicant
must have trained handled and titled at least one dog to the title
of Master Level III The applicant must be recommended by at least two
of the following Parent Club President Training Director parent club
or Director of Judges of Parent Club The applicant must attend the
AKC approved WDS seminar Neither the Working Dog Event Secretary nor
any member of the Working Dog Event Committee will be approved to be
published in the premium list as a Judge of any event where they serve
in that capacity A dog is not eligible to be entered in any Working
Dog test Junior Senior Open or Master at a licensed or member event
if a judge of that test or any member of his her family or household
has owned sold held under lease boarded trained or handled the dog
within one year of the starting date of the test For purposes of this
Section the words any member of his her family shall include a spouse
a sibling a parent or a child whether natural or adopted or a partner
of the Judge in question but shall not extend to other blood or legal
relationships Each test level of Working Dog Events shall be judged
by a qualified judge If a club must substitute or use additional judges
for any reason the substitute or additional judges shall fulfill the
requirements to judge as previously stated Prompt notification with
the reasons for any changes shall be sent to The American Kennel Club
in advance of the event Prior to commencement of his her assignment
each judge of an event must sign and return to the Event Secretary
the Judge's Affirmation form
Section 8 Judges Responsibility Judges
must officiate over all series in their respective assignments A judge
shall not handle a dog in another test until the test which he she
is judging is fully completed A judge of a Working Dog test shall be
familiar with all Rules Regulations and Procedures pertaining to the
type of test being conducted Judges shall be thoroughly familiar with
the applicable Standards and shall be responsible for judging in the
compliance with the Rules Regulations and Standards
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Judges have complete authority to require a person to be removed from any area
of an event or to eject from the event grounds entirely any dog that presents
an unprovoked and obvious threat or clearly endangers another dog or person
or that causes such disorder that it makes it impossible to continue or conduct
the testing
The judges have the authority to disqualify
a dog that is not present within 5 minutes after it is called to run
If a dog is absent after the five 5 minute period it cannot be allowed
to run in the event if it shows up later unless some previous arrangement
has been made through the marshal or the chairperson
A Judge shall not handle a dog in another test
level until the test level that he or she is judging is fully completed
Judges decisions in all matters relating to the test they are judging
are final Section 9 Apprentice Judges Apprentice Judges will
perform six successful apprenticeships at AKC approved WDS events After
each apprenticeship the Apprentice Judge will submit a written report
and full critique to the Trial Judge within 30 days of completion of
the event The event judge will forward that report with comments and
assessment to the AKC Performance Events Department The AKC will notify
the Apprentice Judge of successful or unsuccessful completion of that
apprenticeship trial The apprentice Judge will be required to judge
a minimum of 40 dogs The apprentice will take a final written and or
oral exam consisting of questions based on Rules and Regulations as
well as General knowledge of the Working Dog Sport Upon successful
completion of the apprentice judges program the apprentice will be
awarded a provisional license for a period of two years After two years
as a provisional judge a review will be conducted by the Parent Club
WDS Event Committee and a report will be forwarded to the AKC When
a club invites persons to judge the club shall at that time advise
the perspective judges of the club's intent to have a person apprenticing
at the test that they are being requested to judge Clubs shall obtain
the consent of the judges accepting the assignment at that test before
authorizing an Apprentice Judge
Section 10 Ribbons and Rosettes A club
holding a licensed or member Working Dog Event shall offer prize ribbons
or rosettes Each ribbon or rosette shall be at least two inches wide
and eight inches long and orange in color and shall bear on its face
a facsimile of the seal of The American Kennel Club the words Qualifying
Score Level Working Dog Test the name of the event giving club and
the name of the test Junior Senior Open or Master The Qualification
ribbon rosette will be awarded to each participant whose dog on a single
day successfully completes level I or II
All ribbons or rosettes shall be offered for
outright award Section 11 AKC Publications All clubs holding
Working Dog Events are required to have available copies of the latest
Working Dog Event regulations the Rules Applying to Registration and
Discipline and AKC publications regarding misconduct at events held
under AKC Rules and Regulations Section 12 Advertising No club
shall advertise the dates of a Working Dog Event as being AKC approved
until after the club has received notification from The American Kennel
Club that the Working Dog Event has been approved
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Section 13 Training There shall be no training of dogs on the grounds
of a Working Dog Event at any time during the event except when designated
training areas are identified as such dogs will be permitted to practice in
that area This area should not be in close proximity to the testing area unless
approved by the judge Training for the purpose of this section shall be defined
as any activity intended to strengthen or improve a dog's abilities skills
or knowledge Special Training devices that are used to control and train dogs
including but not limited to collars with prongs electronic collars used with
transmitters muzzles and head collars may not be used on dogs at any AKC event Section
14 Working Dog Event Secretary Any club holding a Working Dog Event shall
name a Working Dog Event Secretary who shall be a member of the club The premium
list for licensed or member club Working Dog Events shall designate the Working
Dog Event Secretary as receiving entries
Section 15 Working Dog Event Committee A
club that has been granted permission by The American Kennel Club to
hold a licensed or member Working Dog Event shall appoint a Working
Dog Event Committee which will have complete responsibility for the
planning and conducting of the event The Committee shall be comprised
of at least five 5 members of the club and may include the Working
Dog Event Secretary but the Working Dog Event Secretary shall not be
designated as the Working Dog Committee Chairperson When the Master
Level is offered at least three of the members of the committee must
be AKC Approved Working Dog personnel A majority of the Working Dog
Event Committee must be present during an AKC licensed or member Working
Dog Event In the event of absence of Working Dog Committee Members
the Chairman or an officiating officer shall appoint sufficient Committee
Members in order to insure compliance with this section The host club
through its Working Dog Committee and Working Dog Event Secretary shall
be held responsible for compliance with all of the applicable Rules
and Regulations for Working Dog Events except those coming under the
sole jurisdiction of the judges and must provide themselves with copies
of the latest editions of these books
The Working Dog Committee of a club holding
a licensed or member club Working Dog Event shall have the authority
to decide upon any matter arising during the running of the event except
a matter coming within the jurisdiction of the Judges Section 16
Premium Lists A premium list shall be provided for licensed or
member club Working Dog Events The premium list for a licensed or member
club shall be printed any printing or copying process is acceptable
and shall state whether the event is Licensed by The American Kennel
Club or held by an AKC Member Club
The following information shall be included
in the premium list for a licensed or member club Working Dog Event
name of club location and date names and addresses of officers time
judging will commence entry fees test s offered names and addresses
of Judges together with their specific assignments name address and
telephone number of the Working Dog Event Secretary date and time of
closing and drawing of entries and the official AKC entry form Premium
lists shall conform to the official size of from 5 inches x 8 inches
to 6 inches x 9 inches
Premium lists shall also contain the name and
address of the Working Dog Event Chairperson and the names of the Working
Dog Event Committee members
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Before the Premium list is printed a Judges Panel Questionnaire Form containing
the names and addresses of the Judges and their assignments must be submitted
to AKC at least three 3 months prior to the closing date of the event Fines
will be imposed for late submission of the Judges Panel At least one copy of
the Premium list along with any directional maps if provided must be sent to
AKC at the time they are mailed to prospective entrants Failure to submit the
required premium lists will result in a fine in the amount of 50.00 being assessed
the event giving club Section 17 Closing and Drawing of Entries Entries
for an AKC licensed or member Working Dog Event may close at any time prior
to the event but shall not close later than the third day preceding the start
of the event Each entry form must be completed in full and the information
given on the entry form must be that which applies to the entered dog
A club holding an AKC licensed or member club
event shall not accept any entries received after the closing time
and date specified in the premium list Event giving clubs may limit
entries in any or all tests however when entries are limited the limitations
must be printed on the premium list The order of running shall be decided
by lot at the draw dogs worked by the same person or belonging to the
same owner being separated when possible The draw for running order
is open to the public Dogs may be run in an order different from the
order in which they are drawn a When in the opinion of the Judges or
the Working Dog Committee such will result in a reasonable and desirable
saving of time in the conduct of the event
b When in the opinion of the Judges such will
avoid unfairness or prejudice to any dog resulting from an event which
has occurred in the particular test c Any bitch that comes in season
after the drawing shall be moved down to run at the end of the day
or at the end of the test to run last After entries have closed a dog
may be moved up to the next level in a test in which it is entered
when according to the owner's records the dog has met the title requirements
for the test for which it was entered Notification must be made to
the Event Secretary at least one half hour before the start of the
event The owner handler of the dog will be required to pay any additional
entry fee s necessary to participate in the higher test level Section
18 The Working Dog Event Committee may decline any entries or may
remove any dog from its event for cause but in each instance shall
file good and sufficient reason for doing so with The American Kennel
Club Section 19 Catalogs An Official Catalog shall be provided
for a licensed or member club Working Dog Event The Official Catalog
shall conform to the official size of not less than 5 inches x 8 inches
but shall not exceed 8 inches x 11 inches
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The Official Catalog shall list all dogs entered in each test Junior Senior
Open or Master in the order in which the dogs were drawn with all identifying
information called for on the entry form at least but not limited to full name
of dog registration number breed date of birth and name of owner and handler
if different from owner Only AKC titles may be published in the Official Catalog
The Official Catalog shall state the name of
the event giving club the date and location of the event and shall
state whether the Working Dog Event is Licensed by The American Kennel
Club or held by an AKC Member Club The following certification must
appear in the Official Catalog following the last dog listed in each
test Junior Senior Open or Master
Judge's Certification I certify that
dogs received Qualifying scores in this Working Dog Test and that the
above information identifying these dogs was entered prior to my signing
this page
Judge's Signature Judge's Signature Working
Dog Secretary's Certification I certify that the Judges have
verified the above information and signed this page Number of dogs
entered Total Starters Total number of Qualifying scores
Date Signature of Working Dog Secretary Following
completion of judging in each test the Working Dog Secretary shall
make the Official Catalog with the word Qualifying next to the names
of all dogs that received Qualifying scores The Judges shall then certify
the accuracy of the marked awards and both the Working Dog Event Secretary
and the Judges shall complete their appropriate certifications
Section 20 Submission of Records The
Working Dog Event Secretary shall within seven 7 days of the completion
of a licensed or member club event forward to The American Kennel Club
the Official Catalog marked to indicate dogs that received Qualifying
scores and signed and certified by the Judges and the Working Dog Event
Secretary along with all entry forms evaluation forms need not be submitted
to AKC the complete Working Dog Secretary's Report of the Working Dog
Event and a signed Judge's Affirmation form for each judge
A club holding a licensed or member club Working
Dog Event shall retain a copy of the Official Catalog At every licensed
or member club event held under these regulations a recording fee of
5.00 shall be required for every dog entered The recording fee is to
help defray expenses involved in
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maintaining the records and applies to all entries regardless of whether they
participate The recording fee may be changed from time to time at the discretion
of the AKC Board of Directors Penalty for noncompliance is twenty five dollars
25.00 and five dollars 5.00 for each day's delay beyond the deadline and other
penalties as may be imposed by the Board of Directors of the American Kennel
Club Section 21 Unsportsmanlike Conduct A It shall be deemed unsportsmanlike
conduct if a person during the running of or in connection with an event abuses
or harasses a Judge or official or any other person present in any capacity
at the event The working Dog Event Committee shall act in accord with paragraph
D of this section B Any person who displays unsportsmanlike conduct or who
is seen to kick strike or otherwise manhandle a dog while on the grounds of
a Working Dog event at any time during the holding of the event shall be expelled
from the event by the Working Dog Event Committee which shall also act in accord
with paragraph D of this Section
C The Judges shall also have the authority to
expel a handler if they observe unsportsmanlike conduct on the part
of the handler or see the handler kicking striking or otherwise roughly
manhandling a dog while the event is in progress It will be the duty
of the Judges to promptly report to the Working Dog Event Committee
the expulsion of a handler and the Working Dog Event Committee shall
then proceed in accord with paragraph D of this Section D The Working
Dog Event Committee shall investigate at once any instance of alleged
unsportsmanlike conduct or any report that a person has been observed
kicking striking or otherwise roughly manhandling a dog If a Working
Dog Event Committee after investigation determines that a person is
in violation of this Section and that the incident if proven would
constitute conduct prejudicial to the sport or The American Kennel
Club it shall exercise its authority in accord with the Guide for Dealing
with Misconduct
Note The power conferred to suspend a
person from all privileges of The American Kennel Club applies only
to Committees at licensed or member events At a sanctioned event the
Committee collects evidence holds a hearing and reports its findings
and conclusions to The American Kennel Club E The Working Dog Event
Secretary shall submit within seven 7 days to the American Kennel Club
a complete report of any action taken under this Section
Section 22 Evaluation and Scoring of a Dog's
Abilities The evaluation of a dog's abilities can never be precise
it is not an exact science However the primary purpose is determined
by a dog's possession of a unique set of both natural abilities and
abilities acquired through training A Judge must keep in mind the
fact that he is evaluating numerically a defined set of abilities
and not judging a dog in relation to the performances or merits of
the other dogs entered A dog's abilities are scored against an established
standard
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The judge observes and records in what respects and to what degrees the abilities
have either exceeded or fallen short of that established standard In scoring
a dog's abilities the Judges must assign a numerical score from 0 to 100 that
reflects their estimation of each ability that they have seen demonstrated
To qualify a dog must receive an overall average of seventy 70 for the entire
test A zero score means that the dog did not perform minimally For example
it would be difficult to assign a score other than a zero in an ability when
the dog failed to perform that ability after having been ordered to do so several
times A dog can not qualify if a score of zero is awarded in any category and
will be excused from the event
Remember that Judges need not fear rating a
dog's abilities very high in early series if they have exhibited excellent
abilities They do not have to leave room to score another dog relatively
higher in a later series The only thing they are scoring is a dog's
abilities against the standard There will always be occasions when
some aspect of an ability is viewed differently and Judges might not
agree on a specific numerical value A Judge's responsibility is to
determine through the evaluation of abilities whether or not a dog
possesses sufficient abilities to be entitled to official AKC recognition
of those abilities in the form of Junior Senior Open or Master titles
Much can be achieved in attaining greater uniformity in evaluating
the abilities through uniformity in defining and cataloging those abilities
both natural and acquired
Section 23 Scorebooks Master level only The
applicant who wishes to enter a WDS event must possess an AKC certified
scorebook The applicant must complete a request form and submit same
with payment in the amount of 10.00 to the AKC The AKC will process
and return to the person a certified scorebook The scorebook shall
be valid for entry into all levels of the WDS program A foreign or
imported dog may enter directly in the Master Levels of the WDS program
provided the entrant possesses proof of a previously awarded degree
of SchH I II or III The entrant must enclose the original foreign scorebook
with the application and fee when requesting an AKC scorebook The original
foreign scorebook will be returned to the applicant with the certified
AKC scorebook The applicant may not enter into a level higher than
the dog has previously achieved All foreign dogs must successfully
complete one of the Master levels for the degree to be recognized by
the AKC
Section 24 Role of Parent Clubs Master level
only A Parent Club that is participating in the WDS shall be
responsible for the oversight of the sport and for hosting Masters
events Each eligible club must designate a WDS Event committee that
shall be responsible for training oversight and supervision of the
Masters test events The Committee shall be responsible for establishing
a program of seminars to help trainers learn to use methods that
develop natural instincts so that the dogs are prepared to pass the
multifaceted Masters level exams with a combination of sprit and
control All such seminars must be approved by the AKC The Committee
will issue quarterly reports evaluating the progress of the sport
including all training seminars to the Board of the Parent club that
will in turn report to the AKC All United States residents that participant
in a Master level tests must
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be parent club members who have demonstrated knowledge of the sport The Parent
Clubs will certify members to conduct and oversee training and determine suitability
of dogs and handlers for participation in the sport The Parent clubs will establish
an approval process that will provide the opportunity for testing in different
parts of the country Dogs that have been awarded the following AKC titles FC
Field champion AFC Amateur Field Champion OTCH Obedience Trial Champion UDX
Utility Dog Excellent Herding Champion Master Agility Champion Master Hunter
or BH International Companion Dog degree may enter the Master Level Program
A prerequisite for entering a Masters level test is the successful completion
of the BH International Companion Dog degree See Regulations for Working Dog
Sport Master Levels that includes both formal and real life situation testing
or holding one of the above referenced AKC titles Dogs that do not possess
any one of the above listed titles must proceed through and successfully complete
the Junior Senior and Open levels of the Working Dog Sport Each Parent Club
will maintain an active roster of not less than three AKC approved WDS Personnel
who will serve as committee members helpers trainers and mentors for prospective
Master level judges Initial judges will be those recommended by the AKC recognized
Parent Clubs and must be approved by the AKC The Parent Clubs affiliated working
dog sport judges will also be eligible to officiate as Masters level judges
SV and SV Foreign Judges or other international judges from registries organizations
recognized by the AKC will be eligible to officiate Each Parent Club will develop
a program for the training of apprentices including specific guidelines and
procedures This training program must be approved by The American Kennel Club
All apprentices shall be members of the Parent Club for a minimum of five years
with a minimum of ten years in the sport and a record of successful participation
at the Masters level III trials They must be approved by the WDS Event Committee
of the Parent Club before beginning their apprenticeship Those currently recognized
by the Parent Club s for domestic judging duties will not have to qualify though
the apprentice program for submission to the AKC to become AKC Master level
approved judges New apprentices will have to go through a series of apprentice
trials at which time they will be required to respond to the officiating judge's
questions Following the trial apprentices must provide written evaluations
and scores to be graded by the officiating judge An apprentice must successfully
pass each apprenticeship before he she is allowed to judge the parent club
will submit the name s of the apprentice judge s and documentation of their
qualifications to The American Kennel Club Performance Events Department for
consideration to become an approved WDS judge as well as those judges recognized
by the Parent Club s for domestic judging at the inception of this program
All apprentice judges are required to attend one AKC approved WDS Institute
Seminar Any approved Obedience and or Agility judge will be qualified to judge
the Junior Senior and Open levels Effective Jan 1 2009 all judges must have
titled a dog at the level to be judged or higher in order to be eligible to
judge the Junior Senior or Open levels Section 25 Master Level Helper Program The
Master Levels of the Working Dog Sport require two trained persons at National
Level events who possess the skill and knowledge to support the protection
phase of the Master levels
Qualifications for WDS Helpers The applicant
must be a minimum of 18 years of age and a member of the parent club
The applicant must have a through understanding of the protection phases
of the Master Levels The applicant should also have a general knowledge
of dog behavior and training principles The person should show good
physical conditioning and coordination sufficient to carry out a helper's
task in an assertive fair equitable consistent and safe fashion for
all dogs in the event Teaching helpers shall be appointed by the Parent
clubs based upon the qualifications of the applicants Foreign Teaching
Helpers from clubs
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recognized by the AKC may also perform these duties All working dog sport helpers
are required to attend an AKC approved WDS Institute Seminar AKC Approval
Process The training to become eligible for approval as a helper requires
that the applicant attend a two day training program that is comprised of the
following
1 A discussion of the rules regulations and
any updates by the Teaching Helper 2 Event procedure critiques on the
field 3 Working at least three different dogs showing skills and a
correct understanding of the rules in Master Levels I II and III 4
Pass a written oral and practical exam with a minimum of 70 points
from a possible 100 points 5 Upon successful completion of the certification
process the helper will be deemed able to work dogs in Master level
events Sanctions Any certified helper who performs at any trial in
an unfair unsafe or unsportsmanlike manner may be excused from the
event and or their certification may be downgraded or revoked
Section 26 Public Relations Each Parent
club participating in the WDS will construct a Public Relations strategic
plan and will appoint a committee of no less than three people who
will be responsible for implementing this plan The plan should include
at minimum 1 A clear description of the purpose and expectations for
the sport 2 Explanations of the rationale for the choice of the exercises
3 Explanations of the expected benefits to the participants the dogs
and the general public resulting from the WDS 4 Written and
visual material including videotapes are to be used for describing
the actual nature of the sport and its goals
CHAPTER 2 PROTESTS AGAINST DOGS Section 1 Any
person who is a member of a member club of The American Kennel Club
or who owns a dog entered in the event or who handles a dog competing
in the event may make a protest to the Event Committee against any
dog competing in the event either before or after the dog has been
judged alleging that it is ineligible to compete in the event or in
the level in which it is entered Such a protest shall be in writing
shall identify the dog protested and specify the basis for the protest
shall bear the signature and address of the person who makes it and
shall describe his her qualifications for making the protest It shall
be filed with the Event Secretary or with the Chairperson of the Working
Dog Event Committee before the closing of the event and shall be accompanied
by a deposit of 25.00 which shall be returned if the protest is sustained
or which will be retained by the club if the protest is not sustained Section
2 If such a protest is received the Event Committee shall hold
a meeting as soon as possible The person who has made the protest must
be present and the Committee shall give all parties
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concerned an opportunity to be heard and to present witnesses and evidence
The Committee may call for additional evidence from other qualified persons
present at the trial After hearing all of the evidence the Event Committee
shall consider the matter and shall if possible reach an immediate decision
and inform the persons involved
A report of the meeting giving all of the essential
evidence and the Committee's decision together with the original written
protest must be mailed to The American Kennel Club within 7 days of
the event Section 3 An appeal to The American Kennel Club from
a decision of a Event Committee on any such protest may be made by
either the owner of the dog protested or the person who made the protest
The appeal must be received by The American Kennel Club within 30 days
after the date of the Event Committee's decision and must be accompanied
by a deposit of 50.00 which shall be forfeited if the decision is sustained
Chapter Three TESTS There are four levels of
competition called tests They are called Junior Senior Open and Masters
Entry into the sport begins at the Junior level followed by the Senior
Open and Master test There are two levels of difficulty within each
test level which are designated as I and II Dogs must successfully
earn one passing score at different events at each level in
order to advance to the next level
EXCEPTION The Master Level shall require
a passing score of 210 points from a possible 300 point test 70 points
tracking 70 points obedience 70 points protection The entrant shall
be required to obtain passing scores only once in order to advance
to the next level The entrant will be awarded a title of WDM with
scores of 70 70 70 but cannot proceed to the next level until they
have achieved the scores of 70 70 80 Upon completion of these
requirements an AKC certificate WDJ WDS WDO or WDM will be issued
to the owner and the dog shall be identified as a WDJ WDS WDOS or
WDM in all official AKC records by the appropriate suffix title
13 Masters level Open level Senior level
Junior level 13
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Each test level is designed to provide a greater challenge and a higher level
of difficulty Exhibitors who wish to begin competition at the Master's level
must first pass a qualifying temperament and performance test and comply
with Chapter 1 Section 23 A dog that competes at any level of the Masters
Test may also continue to earn titles in another level No dog will be allowed
to compete in two tests or levels on the same day A dog that is not able to
continue at the Master's level may continue in the sport but must begin at
the Junior level and advance accordingly Credit is not transferable from one
test to another The requirements of each test must be met in order to advance
to the next level Judges will assign individual scores for each exercise within
each level OBSTACLE SPECIFICATIONS AND PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS RINGS The
WDS will use the agility ring size requirements to test dogs for each test
Masters level competitions may use a larger space in order to accommodate their
special needs EQUIPMENT Low and high jumps walk table tire jump tunnel
seven boxes bicycle folding chairs garbage can waste basket ladders 6ft chain
link fence 2 radios 2 blankets 1 umbrella book TITLES 1 Working Dog Junior
Test WDJ 2 Working Dog Senior Test WDS 3 Working Dog Open Test WDO The above
titles will be awarded to dogs that have one successful score at a level I
and II for the Junior Senior and Open test 4 5 Working Dog Master WDM Eligibility
for entry into this level require the following a Certified hips and elbows
b AKC DNA certification c Microchip and enrolled in AKC CAR d Successful completion
of junior senior and open Test or exempt by previous earned titles Chapter
1 Sec 24 e Successful completion of Masters Test I II III
Junior Levels Passing scores The Junior
Level I scoring shall be based on a 100 point system The team must
obtain a minimum score of 70 points at two different events to advance
to Level II Junior Level II scoring shall be based on a 200 point system
The obedience portion of Level II shall be scored on a 100 point system
which requires a minimum score of 70 points to pass The tracking portion
of Level II shall be scored on a 100 point system which requires 70
points to pass A team will not be awarded a WDJ title unless the team
has completed a minimum score of 140 points 70 obedience 70 tracking
on the
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same day The handler may encourage the dog which must show interest and acceptance
of the commands and a willingness to carry out such commands When tracking
the dog must find the object s and when responding to a find must respond with
a passive sit or down Verbal commands and encouragement is allowed throughout
Dogs are expected to focus on each task regardless of the surface or conditions
Dogs that show a lack of drive or stamina will be penalized Junior Level
I
Formal Obedience on leash off leash 100 points 1
On leash heeling around three unfamiliar objects such as a chair table
jump etc and four helpers 15 points 2 On leash heeling with two left
turns and two right turns with a sensitivity test to noise drop can
with coins 10 points 3 Steadiness test Dog is held by a helper and
given a sit or down command Handler walks out to a distance of 30 paces
and remains in sight Pedestrians and other dogs pass by at a distance
of five feet 2 minutes The dog is to maintain composure without becoming
frightened or aggressive 15 points 4 Individual down with beginning
distractions 1 minute Handler stands 20 paces away 10 points 5 Table
jump with a sit 20 seconds Handler walks around the table during 20
second sit 10 points 6 Dog Walk Handler directs dog up and over the
walk On the level surface dog must step over two unfamiliar objects
such as a can towel bowl etc Object must be small as not to impede
the dogs ability to step over them safely 10 points 7 Jumps over two
low hurdles placed 10 paces apart that are in a straight line First
hurdle is a single bar the second is panel 15 points 8 Tunnel and tire
jump 15 points
Junior Level II A Practical portion 100
points 1 Heeling through a crowd of pedestrians with 2 other dogs in
crowd 4 or more helpers On leash 10 points 2 Heeling through a dense
crowd 8 12 helpers with towel being carried or dragged parked bicycle
chair table a person on crutches and another with one open umbrella
carried over head 15 points 3 Walking sit Handler proceeds 10 paces
and while walking commands dog to sit Then continues for 20 paces turns
and returns to the dog off leash 10 points 4 Retrieve the dog's ball
placed by handler among several unfamiliar objects off leash Handler
sits dog and walks toward a grouping of unfamiliar objects placing
ball among the objects Dog is allowed to see ball placed Handler returns
to dog and sends dog to retrieve object with return to front position
15 points 5 Retrieve dumbbell tossed on the flat off leash Handler
tosses dumbbell sends dog to retrieve recalls dog to front position
15 points 6 Group down under distractions 2 minutes handlers return
to dogs No more than 5 dogs in the group and one time Dogs shall be
separated by a distance of approximately 7 six feet 10 points 8 Reaction
to distractions on lead 10 points a Heeling past three persons one
on each crutches wheelchair walker b Heeling continues and judges introduces
a sudden noise dropping large book or folded chair spoon strikes a
metal pan etc no closer than five feet behind dog c Heeling continues
as judge introduces a person pushing shopping cart pulling a dolly
or riding a bicycle that passes within five feet of dog
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9 Tunnel followed by jump on table with sit stay for 30 seconds Handler walks
around table during the 30 seconds off leash 15 points The tunnel must not
be closer than 15 feet from the table B Tracking scent discrimination 100
points Track 100 paces long for scent discrimination Seven boxes with a
large round hole in the top equally spaced in a row An odor of anise oil is
placed in one of the boxes boxes 3 to 7 but not 1 and 2 NOTE The same
box used for the scent should be used each time in order that the other six
boxes remain odor free Unfamiliar objects are also placed in two of the other
boxes The dog is to follow the track and search each box The dog is on a 10
foot leash Any help from the handler other than verbal commands will deem the
exercise faulty and no points will be awarded When the anise box is detected
the dog must respond with a passive sit or down The tracklayer will not be
the handler or trainer of such dog performing the test and the handler shall
not know the location of the anise scent and unfamiliar objects The pure anise
oil should be diluted to a ratio of one drop of pure anise to one ounce of
distilled water
Senior Levels Passing score The Senior
Level I scoring shall be based on a 100 point system The team must
obtain a minimum score of 70 points at two different events to advance
to Level II Senior Level II scoring shall be based on a 200 point system
The obedience portion of Level II shall be scored on a 100 point system
which requires a minimum score of 70 points to pass The tracking portion
of Level II shall be scored on a 100 point system which requires 70
points to pass A team will not be awarded a WDS title unless the team
has completed a minimum score of 140 points 70 obedience 70 tracking
on the same day Senior level performances are all off leash At the
senior level dogs are expected to maintain strong drive and stamina
throughout the test In obedience the dog must be energetic and willing
to work In tracking dog must work independently sniffing and actively
searching In detection work dog must respond with a passive sits Dogs
that fail to remain focused on the task regardless of the surface conditions
and distractions or meet timed requirements will be penalized A lack
of energy interest or drive will be penalized Dumbbells used in all
exercises will be made of one or more solid pieces of wood or of a
rigid or semi rigid firm nontoxic non wooden material similar in size
shape and weight to a wooden dumbbell Metal dumbbells are not permitted
Dumbbells will not be hollowed our and the size of the dumbbell must
be proportionate to the size of the dog Senior Level I Obedience
Off leash 100 points
1 Heeling with distractions The handler heels
his dog 30 paces in a straight line during which time a loud and sudden
noise occurs twice during the exercise The handler makes an about turn
and after one right and one left turn the handler walks toward table
and commands dog to jump on table for a down 15 seconds Handler walks
around table then walks 10 paces away from table turns and recalls
dog to front position 15 points 2 Walking sit Handler moves 30 paces
away from dog turns and returns to dog 10 points 3 Dog walk handler
directs dog over dog walk crossing over three unfamiliar objects can
towel and dog brush At the bottom of walk are seven boxes with a large
round hole in the top equally spaced in a row An odor X oz of anise
is placed in one of the boxes boxes 3 to 7 but not 1 and 2 Unfamiliar
objects are also placed in two of the other boxes The dog is asked
to search each box When the anise box is detected the dog should respond
with a passive sit 15 points 4 Dog Walk Handler guides dog to middle
of walk turns dog around at a slow speed and returns to ground and
the starting point 10 points
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5 Retrieve a ball or dumbbell with return to front position followed by a command
to the heel position From a sit position the dog watches handler walk 15 20
paces away and places the ball or dumbbell amongst several other objects Dog
is allowed to see the placement Handler returns to dog and commands dog to
find retrieve the ball or dumbbell and return to front and then to the heel
position 15 points 6 Retrieve a ball or other object Handler sits dog and proceeds
20 paces with a ball or Kong which is placed under a towel box or dish Handler
returns to dog Handler and dog make a 360 degree turn before dog is sent to
retrieve object Dog is to return to a front position 15 points 7 Retrieve on
the flat requires dog to navigate around between and over objects as part of
the search and retrieve Handler will toss dumbbell over low broad jump into
a pile of objects With or without the object dog must return to front position
25 seconds allowed 10 points 8 Tunnel followed by jump on table with sit stay
for 20 seconds Handler walks around table during the 20 seconds 10 points The
tunnel must not be closer than 15 feet from the table Senior Level II A
Obedience off lead 100 points 1 Heeling with distractions The handler heels
his dog 30 paces in a straight line during which time a loud and sudden noise
occurs twice during the exercise The handler makes an about turn and after
one right and one left turn the handler walks toward table and commands dog
to jump on table for a down 15 seconds Handler walks around table then walks
10 paces away from table turns and recalls dog to front position 10 points
2 Retrieve a ball or dumbbell with return to front position followed by a command
to the heel position From a sit position the dog watches handler walk 15 20
paces away Object is placed out of sight under or between objects Dog is allowed
to see the placement Handler returns to dog and commands dog to find retrieve
the ball or dumbbell and return to the front position followed by a command
to the heel position 15 points 3 Retrieve over a jump to recall position From
sit position dog observes handler hide object under a can or box which is among
several boxes and or cans Handler returns to dog and sends dog to retrieve
object 15 points 4 Send away to a distance of 30 paces Handler commands dog
to down then return to dog 15 points 5 Table jump sit 10 seconds followed by
dog walk The table jump must not be closer than 15 feet from the dog walk Dog
walk Handler directs dog over dog walk crossing over three unfamiliar objects
can towel and dog brush etc and continues to tunnel and continues to tire and
continues to bar jump 15 points 6 Sit down and recall under distraction From
sit position handler walks 20 paces turns and commands dog to down then recalls
dog 15 points 7 Group down with distractions 3 minutes Handlers downs dogs
in an unused area inside the ring leaves area and is not in view No more than
5 dogs in the group and any one time Returns to dog when time elapses 15 points B
Tracking and scent discrimination 100 points Track 100 paces long are laid
with two 90 degree turns for scent discrimination Seven boxes with a large
round hole in the top are paced in a row An odor of X oz of anise is placed
in two of the boxes boxes 3 to 7 are used for the anise odor but not 1 and
2 Unfamiliar objects are also placed in three of the other boxes two boxes
are left empty The dog is asked to search each box The dog is on a 10 foot
leash Any help from the handler other than verbal commands will deem the exercise
faulty and no points will be awarded When the anise is detected the dog must
respond with a passive sit or down The tracklayer
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will not be the handler or trainer of such dog performing the test and the
handler shall not know the location of the anise or the unfamiliar objects
The pure anise oil should be diluted to a ration of one drop of pure anise to
one ounce of distilled water
Open Test Passing score Open Level I
scoring shall be based on a 200 point system The obedience portion
of Level I shall be scored on a 100 point system which requires a minimum
score of 70 points to pass The tracking portion of Level I shall be
scored on a 100 point system which requires 70 points to pass A team
will not be awarded a WDOT title unless the team has completed a minimum
score of 140 70 obedience 70 tracking on the same day at two different
events Open Level II scoring shall be based on a 200 point system The
obedience portion of Level II shall be scored on a 200 point system
which requires a minimum score of 140 points to pass The tracking portion
of Level II shall be scored on a 100 point system which requires 70
points to pass A team will not be awarded a WDO title unless the team
has completed a minimum score of 140 points 70 obedience 70 tracking
on the same day All exercises are off leash At the open level dogs
are expected to maintain strong drive and stamina throughout each exercise
In obedience the dog must be energetic and willing to work In tracking
the dog must continue to work regardless of distractions or surface
In tracking the dog must continue to work independently sniffing and
actively searching regardless of distractions or surface Finding objects
require passive sits Dogs that do not meet timed requirements or who
lose concentration will be penalized Open Level I Off leash
Obedience and Tracking Combinations 100 points 1
Heeling over a course that has physical and human distractions moving
objects that must be negotiated Reaction to distractions 15 points
a Heeling past three persons one on each crutches wheelchair walker
b Heeling continues and judges introduces a sudden noise dropping large
book or folded chair spoon strikes a metal pan etc no closer than five
feet behind dog c Heeling continues as judge introduces person pushing
shopping cart pulling a dolly or riding a bicycle whom passes within
five feet of dog 2 Two dogs will do this exercise at the same time
Handlers and dogs heel 30 paces apart followed by walking sit Handlers
proceeds 20 paces turns and recalls dogs to the front position and
then commands dog to heel position The handler 1 proceeds at a trot
and directs dog over panel jump then through tunnel and tire Handler
2 begins same routine as Handler 1 approaches tire 15 points 3 Two
dogs will do this exercise at the same time Handlers and dogs are 30
paces apart Walking down Handler proceeds 20 paces turns and recalls
dogs to front position and then commands dog to heel position The handler
1 proceeds to trot dog over panel jump tunnel and tire All obstacles
must not be closer than 15 feet apart Handler 2 begins same routine
as Handler 1 approaches tire 10 points 4 Retrieve on flat with return
to front position release dumbbell and command to heel position From
basic position dog is sent on the flat to retrieve dumbbell that is
placed among several objects 15 points 5 Retrieve over a bar jump a
ball or dumbbell followed by a sit with handler return to dog 6 Retrieve
a dumbbell over a high jump with a return to front position
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7 Track 100 paces long with two 90 degree turns for sent discrimination Seven
boxes with a large round hole in the top equally spaced in a row Track 100
paces long are laid with two 90 degree turns for sent discrimination Seven
boxes with a large round hole in the top are paced in a row An odor of X oz
of anise is placed in two of the boxes boxes 3 to 7 are used of the anise odor
but not 1 and 2 Unfamiliar objects are also placed in three of the other boxes
The dog is asked to search each box When the anise is detected the dog should
respond with a passive sit or down 60 seconds 8 Send away to a distance
of at least 30 paces and on judges signal commands the dog to down Handler
returns to dog 10 points 9 Down under advanced distraction 4 minutes Handler
downs dog and leaves area and is not in view Returns to dog when time elapses
10 points Open Level II Obedience scent discrimination off leash 1 Heeling
through a dense crowd 8 12 helpers one helper will drag a hanging towel another
will walk a bicycle and a third will walk on crutches A fourth will hold an
open umbrella carried over head 10 points 2 Retrieve on flat with return to
front position release dumbbell and command to heel position From basic position
dog is sent on the flat to retrieve dumbbell that is placed among several objects
15 points 3 Walking down with recall to front and heel position Handler will
proceed forward in a normal pace and after 10 paces will command the dog to
down Handler without breaking stride will continue for 20 paces and will stop
and turn facing dog At the judges signal will recall the dog to front and then
command to heel position 10 points 4 Retrieve over a jump a dumbbell followed
by a sit with handler return to dog 15 points 5 Retrieve a dumbbell over a
5'11 scaling wall 15 points 6 Retrieve of a ball on the flat after a 20 second
delay A ball is placed amongst several other objects at a distance of 20 paces
After a 20 second delay the dog is sent to retrieve the ball and return to
a front position 15 points 7 Send away 30 paces Dog is to down on command 10
points 8 Down under distraction 5 minutes Handler downs dog in an unused area
inside the ring leaves area and is not in view Returns to dog when time elapses
10 points B Tracking 100 points Track 200 paces long is laid with two
90 degree turns and two articles on the track are hidden from sight The track
is not aged and the tracklayer will not be the handler owner or trainer The
dog is on a ten foot leash The dog is evaluated on intensity and ability to
follow the track precisely The dog responds with a passive sit or down at each
article No shoes that have spikes or cleats such as golf football soccer or
baseball etc shoes shall be worn during any of the tracking events
DEFINITIONS If not specified in these regulations
the definitions are listed below On leash means a leather or cloth
lead or harness if not specified Off leash means without leash or harness
19 Page 20 21
Corrections means verbal non verbal and other types of encouragement One pace
means the normal length of a stride taken by the handler Drift away means dogs
that lag more than 3 feet over a distance of six feet Lag behind means dogs
that do not maintain a position close to the handler's leg Table jump means
a grooming table approximately three feet high for large dogs Smaller heights
may be used for smaller dogs
Closed Tunnel The Closed Tunnel consists of
a rigid entrance section to which a chute is attached The entrance
section is 24 to 36 inches long with the opening either 24 inches in
diameter or 24 inches in width and height with a 2 inch tolerance The
top edge of the opening shall be cushioned to prevent dogs from scraping
their back when entering The bottom inside surface of this section
must have a non slip surface which may be provided by attaching a non
slip surface which may be provided by attaching a non slip material
If the entrance section is cylindrical the non slip surface must extend
to a height of at least 6 inches The entrance section is either so
heavy that dogs cannot move it when passing through the chute or else
it shall be secured in place The major portion of the tunnel is formed
by a chute which is constructed from an opaque lightweight rugged cloth
like water resistant material such as rip stop nylon or pack cloth
It has only two openings one of which is attached to the end of the
entrance section and one through which dogs exit the tunnel The circumference
of the opening section to 96 inches at the exit The length of the chute
is such that the over all length of the Closed Tunnel is 12 to 15 feet
At the judge's discretion the length of the fabric chute may be reduced
to six feet in length in severe weather conditions Severe weather includes
rain sleet and snow but does not include dew or windy conditions Walkover
means the standard dog walk used in Agility 12 inch minimum in width
Tire means the raised tire as used in Agility for dogs of different
sizes Hurdle means a jump that is described in the exercise Encouragement
means that the handler is allowed to verbally instruct the dog to carry
out the command Touching and physically handling the dog is not allowed
Group down with beginning distractions means
that two helpers will walk a middle line between the dogs and handlers
One or both may drag a rope or may wheel a barrel cart or walk with
a bicycle Group down with advanced distractions means that two helpers
will walk a middle line The first will ride a bike followed by a second
that will walk slowly and at various speeds Two other helpers will
follow The first will drag a ten foot piece of rope followed by a helper
with a dog at the heel position
HEIGHTS OF JUMPS TABLE SCALING WALL Jumps Broad
Jump The Broad Jump is composed of either four 8 inch sections or five
6 inch sections and four corner markers The actual width of the 8 inch
sections is 7 to 8 inches and the width of the 6 inch sections is 5
to 7 inches The sections are constructed from a top piece and two sidepieces
The length of the sections are between 4 and 5 feet long and they may
be of different lengths To improve
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visibility either the center of the sections or both ends must be marked with
a color contrasting band that is at least 3 inches wide The sections are of
varying height and they shall be arranged in ascending order Each section of
a Broad Jump is at least inch higher than the previous one and the height of
the front edge of a section is at least lower than the back edge No portion
of any section may be lower than 3 1 2 inches or higher than 8 1 2 inches The
length of the jump is twice the jump height of the division Consequently not
all the sections are used in the lower height divisions In those cases the
jump must be assembled with the lowest sections The length of the jump within
1 inch and the number of sections to be used for the different divisions are
as follows
Division Length No Of 6 No Of 8 inches Sections
Sections 8 Inch 16 2 2 12 Inch 24 3 3 16 Inch 32 4 3 20 Inch 40 5 4
24 Inch 48 5 4 The corner markers are at least 1 inch wide and 36 inches
high and they may be decorated to improve visibility They are either
attached to the sides of the first and last sections or they are freestanding
and placed as close as possible to those positions Freestanding is
recommended Panel Jump The Panel Jump uses up to six cross boards to
give the illusion of a solid wall from the jump height to the ground
Specifications for the board supports and uprights are the same as
for the Bar Jump The cross boards are 4 to 5 feet long 3 to 4 inches
wide and no thicker than 1 inch The top board for all jump height classes
shall be a maximum of 4 high Panels are to be supported 1 1 4 to 1
3 4 inches below the top of the board so as to be easily displaceable
The support ends for the panels are recommended to be rounded like
a jump bar fitting into a jump cup This will help keep the panels on
the uprights in windy conditions Flat plank ends on flat supports are
discouraged Bar Jump Bar Jumps consist of bars that are supported by
bar supports that are mounted to uprights The supports must be positioned
so that the tops of the bars can be set within inch of the five different
jump heights 8,12,16,20 and 24 inches An additional position for a
bar placed 2 to 6 inches above the ground is also required Unless a
jump is specified as a One Bar Jump by the judge all jumps shall have
at least two bars In the Novice classes the lower bar shall be placed
at about the height of the top bar In all other classes lower bar placement
shall be determined by the judge The bars must be either cylindrical
with 1 1 4 to 1 3 4 inch diameters or square with 1 1 4 to 1 3 4 inch
sides Constructed from wood or plastic they must be 4 to 5 feet long
and striped for visibility Bars cut from PVC shall be Schedule 40 The
bottom of the bar sits on top of the bar supports such that the bar
is easily displaced If rectangular bars are used the top of the support
must be flat and no wider than the bar it is supporting If cylindrical
bars are used the supports may be no wider than the bar and they should
have a lip that is no more than 1 8 inch higher than the support although
lips up to are allowed Bolts used as bar supports are allowed if the
comply with all other provisions of this section and if bars can be
made displaceable form both directions Bars held in place by Velcro
magnets etc are not allowed The inside of the uprights must be at least
32 inches tall and the upright must be 1 to 48 inches wide An inside
height of 42 inches and a minimum width of 3 1 2 inches are recommended
for visibility Widths less than 30 inches are recommended to facilitate
handler movement on the course Table The top of the Pause Table is
a 36 inch square plus or minus 2 inches with a non slip surface carpeting
may be used The vertical edge of the top of the table top must be 3
or greater in
21 Page 22 23
height and it is recommended that the table edge be of a color in contrast
to the running surface and ring gating He height of the table within 1 inch
is 8 inches for dogs in the 8 inch and 12inch divisions 16 inches for dogs
in the 16 inch and 20 inch divisions and 24 inches for dogs in the 24 inch
division
Scaling wall The A Frame is constructed from
two panels the top surface of which is constructed from wood or wood
like substance The panels are 35 to 49 inches wide and their length
is within 2 inches of 9 feet Panels shall be of a consistent width
flat and straight and connected so as to eliminate gaps large enough
to fit a dog's foot or toe The height of the A Frame is to be set within
1 inch of 5 foot 6 inches The top surface is painted and has a rough
non slip surface alternating layers of sand and flat latex paint are
recommended Slats are placed across the width of the panels to provide
footing They are 3 8 to thick and to 1 1 2 wide and they extend to
within of the panel sides Slat edges shall be rounded or beveled so
as not to be sharp and radius is recommended The centers of the slats
are placed at 12 inch intervals with a 2 inch tolerance and no slat
is within 4 inches of the top of a contact zone Contact zones are painted
on the lower 42 inches of both panels with a tolerance The color of
the zones must contrast with the rest of the panel but may not be white
black or brown Bright yellow contact zones are recommended
22 Page 23 24
Master Test The three Masters Level tests provide a well formulated
evaluation of a dog's character intelligence and desire to work As such it
not only provides a test of a dog's suitability for serving mankind police
work narcotics detection homeland defense etc but also offers an extremely
valuable tool for the breeder who wishes to maintain these characteristics
in all working breeds
Dogs at this level are expected to be mentally
and physically sound before being allowed to participate Before any
portion of this stake begins one judge must give each dog a simple
temperament test If the dog shows any temperament problem at any time
during the test it will be excused In order to obtain a Master Working
Dog title a dog must pass all three levels tracking obedience protection
in a single day
PERFORMANCE REGULATIONS Table of Contents
Trial Regulations Preface General Regulations BH International
Companion Dog Degree WDM I Tracking Obedience Protection WDM II Tracking
Obedience Protection WDM III Tracking Obedience Protection
23 Page 24 25
Regulations for Working Dog Sport Master Levels General Rules Regulations
Part A Title levels International Companion Dog Examination BH Working
Dog Sport Master I WDM I Working Dog Sport Master II WDM II Working Dog Sport
Master III WDM III
Part B Requirements The minimum age requirements
for entry into the various levels are BH 15 months WDM I 18 months
WDM II 19 months WDM III 20 months
Evidence of prior attainment of the BH title
must be verified before entry into any WDM level is allowed A judge
is able to judge a maximum of 30 segments per day where BH International
Companion Dog counts as 2 segments and all Master levels count as 3
segments If the entries exceed these limits the trial must be extended
to an additional day or another judge must be secured to officiate
Dogs may only be exhibited in one Master Level per trial If a dog has
been awarded a Master Level a 4 week waiting period must elapse before
the dog can be exhibited for the next higher level Once a dog has earned
a Master Level III title it will be up to the discretion of the handler
when to trial the dog again as long as it is not repeated on the same
trial day A handler may not participate in 2 trials on the same day
If an event lasts two or more days a dog may be awarded a BH on one
day and compete for the Master level I title on one of the succeeding
days of the trial
Only dogs that appear healthy can be exhibited
in a trial Dogs must pass a test of impartiality and sureness before
being permitted to participate in a trial A dog demonstrating faulty
temperament during the trial will be dismissed even if the initial
impartiality test was positive Part C Point Score Rating The
highest maximum score in each phase shall be 100 points with the highest
point total in all 3 phases is 300 points A degree will be awarded
if a dog achieves at least 70 points in all 3 of the following phases
Phase A Tracking Phase B Obedience Phase C Protection Note A minimum
of 80 points in phase C is also needed in order to enter for the next
highest Master level The following ratings will be awarded with the
corresponding point totals Unsatisfactory 0 109 points
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Faulty 110 209 points Satisfactory 210 239 points Good 240 269 points Very
Good 270 285 points Excellent 286 300 points
Should there be awards presented and in the
case of a tie the dog with the highest point score in phase C of the
trial should receive the award Should there still be a tie the point
total in phase B shall prevail Awards for working character in phase
C including drives self confidence and resilience are P Pronounced
S Satisfactory I Insufficient
Part D Conduct of the Participants At
the beginning of each trial after being summoned by name each handler
and dog will report to the judge stating the handler's full name as
well as the dog's full registered name The dog must be
leashed no leash required in Master Level III
and is to sit in the basic position The score book is to be presented
to the trial secretary prior to the beginning of the trial
All trial participants must follow the instructions
of the judge trial secretary trial committee without any disagreement
The handler must exhibit the dog in a sportsman like manner at all
times Poor sportsmanship actions may lead to misconduct proceedings
The final decision rests with the judge and trial secretary and cannot
be challenged Protest is not permitted
The dog must be exhibited with a metal choke
collar in the neutral position dead ring at all times during the trial
Flat buckle collars are also permitted in the Junior Senior and Open
levels The handler may praise the dog only once after each exercise
Body help from the handler is not permitted and will be penalized by
point deduction if used In the event the handler possesses a handicap
that hinders movement of the dog on the left side the handler may exhibit
the dog on the right side with no point deductions Part E Duties
of the Trial Secretary Prior to the start of the trial the Trial
Secretary will provide the judge with properly filled out judge's books
score sheets The Trial Secretary will be responsible for obtaining acceptable
tracking fields and ensure that experienced track layers are available
A field that is large enough for both obedience and protection phases
must be obtained well in advance of the trial date A group of 4 people
must be available during the obedience portion of the trial Either
1 or 2 experienced helpers must be secured for the protection phase
The Trial Secretary must be available to the judge at all times and
must make sure the trial runs as smoothly as possible
Part F Entry requirements
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In the United States of America under AKC regulations all dogs competing in
the Master Levels must show proof of having obtained a BH International Companion
Dog degree All dogs must be identified by a tattoo or Micro Chipped American
Kennel Club Field Champion Amateur Field Champion Master Agility Champion Master
Hunter National Field and or National Amateur Field Champion Obedience Trial
Champion or Herding Champion titled dogs do not have to show proof of previously
obtaining a BH International Companion Dog degree and are eligible to enter
Master events
Part G Trial Participants A handler must
be prepared to show his dog in all 3 phases of the trial If the dog
fails 1 or more portions of the trial he must continue on to finish
the entire trial UNLESS the dog is dismissed for faulty temperament
the judge dismisses the dog handler for unsportsmanlike conduct or
the dog is injured If the dog becomes injured or his performance is
substantially diminished during the trial the judge has the right to
terminate the dog's trial performance even if the handler wishes to
continue The participating dog will be dismissed if he or she attacks
any person other than the helpers or another dog during the performance
of its exercises
If the dog is withdrawn from the trial due to
illness after having completed at least one phase of the trial the
handler must obtain a verification of the dog's illness from a licensed
veterinarian The trial paperwork will be marked dog withdrawn due to
illness Part H Temperament Test Before starting the trial for
BH International Companion Dog or the Master Levels each dog must pass
a temperament test One of the most important portions of the temperament
test is the examination and inspection of the tattoo number or microchip
verification
The temperament evaluation will continue throughout
the entire trial Dogs that have passed the temperament test prior to
the start of the trial may still be dismissed during the trial by the
judge if the dog shows faulty temperament at any time throughout the
trial If a dog is dismissed from the trial for faulty temperament the
entry in the score book will read Failed Temperament Test
Part I Further Procedural Regulations Tracking
The dog must complete the Master Level track within a maximum of 20
minutes from the start time A tracking harness or bellyband may be
used Obedience Voice commands must be given clearly and audibly The
handler may choose which language to use No practice jumps are allowed
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No food reward is allowed No placing the dumbbell in the dog's mouth is allowed
No toys or playthings are allowed The basic position may be taken once at the
start of the exercise The handler may praise his dog after the completion of
each exercise once the dog is in the basic position A noticeable interval about
3 sec must elapse before the start of the next exercise
Handler help or body language will not be permitted
and will result in a point deduction if used If a handler performs
an obedience exercise out of order the judge is required to interrupt
the incorrect exercise and instruct the handler to proceed to the correct
exercise
Protection phase Only a leather covered padded
soft stick is to be used
The officiating judge must ensure that a sufficient
number of blinds are available on the trial grounds These blinds may
be either natural or man made The blinds will be placed at least 2
meters away from natural or man made boundaries BH International
Companion Dog General provisions All breeds and sizes of dogs are
eligible to enter the BH International Companion Dog test The minimum
age requirement is 15 months No point total is given but the judge
will announce either Pass or Fail The test is passed when 70 of the
total points available 60 points in Part A are earned and the trial
judge considers the exercises in Part B to be sufficient
There is no waiting period requirement for the
test to be repeated The title BH is not a training title but is a requirement
to proceed to a more advanced level of the Master Level Work
Part I Formal obedience Total points 60 Each
individual exercise starts and finishes in the basic position handler
standing still and the dogs sitting to the left of the handler The
dog is to sit straight in the basic position with its right shoulder
blade even with the handler's knee The handler is not to stand at ease
The ending basic position for one exercise may serve as the initial
basic position for the next exercise Point deductions will be made
for handler help No toys or training aids may be used If the handler
has a handicap that prevents the proper execution of an exercise this
must be made known to the judge prior to the start of the trial If
a handler handicap prevents the dog from heeling on the left side of
the handler the dog will be permitted to heel to the right side of
the handler
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The judge indicates when to begin an exercise Everything else e g turns stops
change of pace etc is to be carried out without any indication from the judge
Nonetheless the handler may ask the judge to give these indications The dog
may be praised after the completion of each exercise The handler may then take
a new basic position A clear interval about 3 seconds should elapse between
the praise and the start of a new exercise Between exercises the dog must stay
at heel Collar and leash For reasons of safety the handler must carry
a leash at all times The dog must also always wear a choke chain on dead ring
setting 1 On lead heeling 15 point's command heel The exercise
begins with the dog in the basic position The dog is to be on leash and wearing
either a smooth collar or a harness The dog is to heel happily when the heel
command is given and the collar is to be on the dead ring The handler and dog
go 40 50 paces in one direction and then return without stopping The dog should
heel with its shoulder blade close to the handler's knee and should stay to
the left of the handler without forging lagging or moving too far sideways
from the handler The straight line portion of the exercise is to be carried
out in normal slow and fast pace In a normal pace at least one right turn one
left turn and one left about turn are to be carried out The command heel may
be used only when beginning or when changing speed When the handler stops the
dog is to sit quickly without further handler help The handler is not allowed
to change position e g move closer to the dog if it sits too far to the side
The lead should be held in the left hand of the handler and should not be taut
At the judge's indication the handler should heel his dog through a group of
at least four people who are slowly mingling The handler is to stop at least
once in the group Lagging forging heeling too far away from the handler as
well as following too sloppily on the turns are all faulty
2 Off lead heeling 15 points command
heel At the judge's indication the dog is taken off lead The
lead may be hung over the shoulder or put into a pocket and the handler
then heels his dog back into the group where he should stop at least
once After leaving the group the handler first assumes the basic
position and then begins the off lead heeling using the same pattern
that was followed in the on lead heeling except for entering the
group again During the off lead heeling but not while the handler
is in the group two gunshots are to be fired from a distance of about
15 paces A blank .22 or .32 caliber starter type pistol that is incapable
of firing live rounds shall be used The dog should show no reaction
to the gunfire If the dog is gun shy it fails the BH and is to be
excluded from the remainder of the test If the dog becomes aggressive
as a result of the gunfire the reaction is to be faulted but the
dog may continue if it remains under control
3 Walking sit 10 points From the
basic position the handler begins heeling his dog off leash using the
command heel After a minimum of 10 steps the handler without breaking
stride gives the command sit whereupon the dog is to immediately sit
The handler continues walking straight ahead for 30 paces and then
turns to face the dog At the judge's indication the handler returns
to the dog and assumes the basic position to the right of the dog The
dog is to sit quietly until the handler returns If the dogs downs or
stands 5 points are to be deducted 4 Walking down with recall
10 points From the basic position the handler begins heeling
his dog off leash using the command heel After at least 10 paces the
handler without breaking stride gives the command down whereupon the
dog is to immediately down The handler is to continue ahead 30 steps
without further handler help or
28 Page 29 30
looking back at the dog and then turn and face the dog At the judge's signal
the handler is to recall the dog The dog is to come rapidly and happily and
to sit in front of the handler The handler then gives the command heel and
the dog is to come to heel in the basic position If the dog sits or stands
but comes properly when recalled 5 points are to be deducted
5 Down under distraction 10 points Before
a second dog begins the on field obedience the handler heels his dog
to the side of the field and from the basic position gives the command
down The dog is to down immediately and the handler walks about 30
paces away without leaving the lead or any other article near the dog
The handler stands in full view of the dog with his back turned The
dog is to lie quietly without any further handler help until the other
dog has completed exercises 1 4 The handler then returns to the right
side of the dog and gives a sit command whereupon the dog is to sit
in the basic position Part II Practical exercises The second
part of the BH International Companion Dog degree serves to test the
dog's social behavior as well as the dog's self confidence in its environment
The evaluation is to proceed with everyday situations For this reason
the testing is not to be on or adjacent to the formal obedience field
These should generally be in a populated area during a time when there
is substantial activity The judge together with the Trial Secretary
shall determine where and how the exercises are to be carried out on
streets paths or open areas The rules of the municipality or other
laws are not to be interfered with The evaluation of the dog in Part
B is not to proceed with undue haste The exercises should not be too
superficial The dogs should proceed through the exercises individually
and should be evaluated individually There is no score but the judge
is to decide if the dog's behavior is acceptable The dogs must pass
both parts of the BH in a single trial in order to receive a BH International
Companion Dog title 1 Encounter with a group of people At
the judge's indication the handler walks with his dog on lead down
a sidewalk or path At the judge's indication the street may be crossed
The judge follows at an appropriate distance The dog should be to the
left of the handler on a loose lead with its shoulder near to the handler's
knee and should willingly follow The dog should pay no attention to
the pedestrian or automobile traffic While walking a pedestrian associated
with the trial shall cut across their path The dog should remain neutral
i e its behavior should be unaffected The dog and handler should pass
through a group of at least 6 people in which one person speaks with
the handler and greets him with a handshake At the handler's command
the dog should sit or down and remain quiet during the conversation 2
Encounter with a bicycle rider A short time later a bicycle
rider associated with the trial shall pass close to them coming from
behind This should happen in such a way that the dog is between the
handler and the bicycle rider As the bicycle passes the bicycle bell
should be rung The bicycle rider turns around and passes the dog from
the opposite direction The dog's behavior should remain unaffected 3
Encounter with automobiles The handler with his dog on lead
passes several automobiles During this one car is started and the door
of a second car is slammed A car then stops and the driver lowers the
window and asks for directions At the handler's indication the dog
is to sit or down The dog is to remain calm and neutral towards the
noises
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4 Encounter with joggers or in line skaters The handler with
his dog on lead walks his dog down a quiet path and at least two joggers pass
him from behind without changing their speed Then the joggers pass the dog
and handler from the front The dog needn't heel exactly and the handler may
sit or down the dog during the encounter Instead of joggers in line skaters
may be used 5 Encounter with other dogs When passing another
dog both from behind as well as from the front the dog must remain neutral
The handler may give multiple heel commands or sit or down the dog during the
encounter 6 Behavior of a dog when tied up and left alone behavior towards
other animals At the judge's indication the handler walks with his
dog on lead down a path with slight traffic After a short distance the handler
stops and ties the end of the lead to a fence post etc The handler then departs
staying out of sight of the dog while he enters a shop or entrance to a house
The dog may stand sit or lie down During the absence of the handler a passer
by associated with the trial with a dog walks by at a distance of about five
paces from the dog being tested During the absence of the handler the dog is
to remain calm and should allow the second dog to pass by an aggressive passer
by dog should not be used without showing signs of aggression straining against
the lead continuous barking etc At the judge's indication the handler returns
to the dog and puts it on lead General remarks At the judge's discretion each
dog may in turn complete all exercises or all dogs may complete one exercise
before proceeding to the next one
Obedience Heeling Pattern for B The pace
count indicates the minimum required paces in the pattern The heeling
pattern must be done both on leash and off leash
T Normal pace Slow pace 10 paces oooooo
Fast pace o B Basic position o L Left turn 10 paces o R Right turn
o T About turn T 10 paces H Halt or stop
H R R L B
Group 30
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The 1 m Jump The top 8in must be of flexible material
The Scaling Wall
31 Page 32 33
32 Master Level I Part A Tracking Maximum point total 100 Command Find
it Performance on the track 80 points 2 articles 10 10 20 points
The handler is to lay a track of 350 400 paces
with two articles on it After the track has aged for 20 minutes the
dog is to track at the end of a 33 ft long lead The track is to have
two 90 turns The judge will determine the shape of the track in accord
with the nature of the tracking field The start of the track is to
be marked with a flag or stake that is to be to the left of the start
After stamping out a scent pad the handler is to walk in the direction
indicated by the judge and to place the first article approximately
in the middle of the first or second leg without breaking stride The
handler will decide on which leg the article is to be placed The second
article will be placed at the end of the track Following completion
of the track the handler will continue for several paces and will then
leave the track to the side The handler may track with his dog at the
end of a 33 ft lead or33 ft behind the dog off lead Scoring shall not
depend on which way the handler works the dog
Sample Masters Level 1 Tracks
Procedures Before beginning to
lay the track the handler must show the judge the articles to be used
Articles may be made of leather synthetic cloth or wood and may not
exceed the size of a wallet Toys may not be used and the articles should
not differ substantially in color from the field The dog is not
to see the track being laid The track is not to be altered when the
article is laid and the handler is not to stop The article is to be
placed on the track not next to it The handler prepares his dog for
tracking and when called he reports to the judge The dog is to sit
in the basic position and the handler is to tell the judge if the dog
will indicate or retrieve the articles Doing both is faulty At the
indication from the judge the handler takes the dog slowly and quietly
to the start pad Before the track and during the entire track there
is to be
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33 no force used At the start pad the dog is to take a sufficient amount
of time to pick up scent Everything must be avoided that might cause the dog
to start tracking in an unruly manner The dog should quietly pick up scent
with a deep nose After the dog begins tracking the handler is to remain still
until the prescribed 33 ft lead runs through his hands The handler should follow
the dog at a distance of 33ft even if the dog is off lead As soon as the dog
has found the article it should indicate or pick it up convincingly without
any help from the handler If the dog picks up the article it may sit stand
or bring it to the handler Continuing forward or picking up the article and
downing are faulty Indicating may be done while downing sitting or standing
The handler is to drop the lead and go immediately to the dog The article is
to be held high to show that the dog has found it Then the handler and the
dog are to resume tracking Following completion of the track the handler is
to show the judge all of the articles The tracking lead is allowed to hang
loose as long as the handler keeps a hold of it
Evaluation For faulty starts quartering
circling at the corners continuous handler praise faulty picking up
or indicating or dropping the article up to 4 points will be deducted
For restarts pronounced quartering tracking primarily with a high nose
rambunctious tracking urinating hunting and similar behavior up to
8 points will be deducted For each article that is picked up or indicated
falsely up to 4 points will be deducted For each article that is not
found 10 points will be deducted For indicating or picking up an article
that was not deposited by the tracklayer 4 points will be deducted
The start and 1 st leg together are worth 27 points the 1 st turn and
2 nd leg together are worth 27 points and the 2 nd turn together with
the 3 rd leg are together are worth 26 points
Part B Obedience Maximum point total 100
points Each exercise will begin and end with the dog in the basic
position The judge will indicate when each exercise is to begin
All further actions e g turns stops change of pace etc will be done
without any indication from the judge The handler may nonetheless
ask the judge questions about procedure
1 On lead heeling 15 points command
heel The exercise begins with the dog in the basic position The
dog is to be on leash and wearing either a smooth collar or a harness
The dog is to heel happily when the heel command is given The handler
and dog go 40 50 paces in one direction and then return without stopping
The dog should heel with its shoulder blade close to the handler's
knee and should stay to the left of the handler without forging lagging
or moving too far to the side of the handler The straight line portion
of the exercise is to be carried out in normal slow and fast pace
In a normal pace at least one right turn one left turn and one left
about turn are to be carried out The command heel may be used only
when beginning or when changing speed When the handler stops the
dog is to sit quickly without further handler help The handler is
not allowed to change position e g move closer to the dog if it sits
too far to the side The lead should be held in the left hand of the
handler and should not be taut At the judge's indication the handler
should heel his dog through a group of at least four people who are
slowly mingling The handler is to stop at least once in the group
The handler is to then heel his dog out of the group and stop with
the dog in the basic position
Evaluation 33
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34 Lagging forging heeling too far away from the handler as well as following
too sloppily on the turns are considered to be faults 2 Off lead heeling
20 points command heel At the judge's indication the dog is taken off
lead The lead may be hung over the shoulder or put into a pocket and the handler
then heels his dog back into the group where he should stop at least once After
leaving the group the handler first assumes the basic position and then begins
the off lead heeling using the same pattern that was followed in the on lead
heeling except for entering the group again During the off lead heeling but
not while the handler is in the group two gunshots are to be fired from a starter
type pistol of .22 or .32 caliber using blank ammunition from a distance of
about 15 paces Pistols must be of type that will not fire live rounds The dog
should show no reaction to the gunfire Evaluation Lagging forging heeling
too far away from the handler as well as following too sloppily on the turns
are all faulty If the dog is gun shy it fails the obedience and is to be excluded
from the remainder of the test If the dog becomes aggressive as a result of
the gunfire the reaction is to be faulted but the dog may continue if it remains
under control 3 Walking sit 10 points commands heel sit From
the basic position the handler begins heeling his dog off leash using the command
heel After a minimum of 10 15 steps the handler without breaking stride gives
the command sit whereupon the dog is to immediately sit The handler continues
walking straight ahead for 30 paces and then turns to face the dog At the judge's
indication the handler returns to the dog and assumes the basic position to
the right of the dog The dog is to sit quietly until the handler returns Evaluation If
the dog downs or stands after the sit command is given 5 points are to be deducted
4 Walking down with recall 10 points commands
heel down come heel From the basic position the handler begins
heeling his dog off leash using the command heel After 10 15 paces
the handler without breaking stride gives the command down whereupon
the dog is to immediately down The handler is to continue ahead 30
steps without further handler help or looking back at the dog and
then turn and face the dog At the judge's signal the handler is to
recall the dog The dog is to come rapidly and happily and to sit
in front of the handler The handler then gives the command heel and
the dog is to come to heel in the basic position
Evaluation If the dog sits or stands
after the command down is given but comes properly when recalled 5
points are to be deducted 5 Retrieve on the flat 10 points commands
bring out heel From the basic position following a single command
bring the dog is to quickly go to a dumbbell 1.43 lbs that has been
thrown at least 10 paces in front of the handler immediately pick it
up and quickly return to the handler sitting in front The dog shall
firmly hold the dumbbell until the handler gives an out command Following
the command Heel the dog shall immediately go to the basic position
The handler is not to change his position until the dog has come to
the basic position
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35 Evaluation If the dog drops the dumbbell plays with it or chews up
to 4 points will be deducted 2 Retrieve over 39 inch hurdle 15 points commands
over bring out heel The handler stands at an appropriate distance from
the jump so that the dog can jump over the jump freely The handler is to throw
a dumbbell 1.43 lbs far enough over the jump that the dog can freely jump over
the jump when returning From the basic position following a single command
over the dog is to quickly go over the jump without touching it A bring command
is to be given while the dog is in the air and the dog is to immediately pick
it up and quickly return to the handler sitting in front The dog shall firmly
hold the dumbbell until the handler gives an out command Following the command
heel the dog shall immediately go to the basic position The handler is not
to change his position until the dog has come to the basic position
Procedure If the dumbbell comes to
rest far to one side of the jump the handler may request or the judge
may suggest that the dumbbell be re thrown While the handler picks
up the judge and rethrows the dog is to remain in the sit position
Evaluation If the dog drops the dumbbell
plays with it or chews up to 4 points will be deducted If the dog completes
only two of the three basic elements jump retrieve and return a maximum
score of 10 points is possible If the dogs touches the jump slightly
while going over and maximum of good may be given for each jump If
the dog hits the jumps strongly a maximum rating of satisfactory is
given for the jump
7 Send away 10 points commands heel
go sit The judge indicates where the exercise is to begin At
the judge's indication the Handler heels his dog off leash 10 15
paces in the indicated direction and gives the command Go The dog
is to run quickly at least 30 paces in the same direction After giving
the command the handler is to stop When giving the command the handler
may raise an arm After the dog has gone the required distance but
is still at least 8 paces from the end of the field the handler is
to give a down command If the judges so indicates the handler must
immediately give a down command The dog must immediate go down The
handler then goes to his dog and stands to the right of the dog After
a short pause the handler is to give a sit command and the dog is
to come into the basic position
Evaluation Raising an arm repeatedly
is faulty as is deviating from a straight line going down slowly after
the down command is given or anticipating the down command or anticipating
the sit command when the handler returns to the dog
8 Down under distraction 10 points commands
down sit Before a second dog begins the on field obedience the
handler heels his dog to the side of the field and from the basic
position gives the command down The dog is to down immediately and
the handler walks about 30 paces away without leaving the lead or
any other article near the dog The handler stands in full view of
the dog with his back turned The dog is to lie quietly without any
further handler help until the other dog has completed exercises
1 7 The handler then returns to the right side of the dog and gives
a sit command whereupon the dog is to sit in the basic position
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36 Procedure Males and bitches are to be put into the down positions
in different spots Evaluation If the dog moves more than 10 ft before
the other dog has completed the retrieve on the flat exercise no points will
be given for this exercise Otherwise a partial score may be given If the dog
comes to the handler while the handler returns to the dog the exercise is to
e rated satisfactory
Part C Protection work Maximum point total
100 points 1 Blind search 5 points command search The
dog is to begin in the basic position At the judge's indication the
handler sends his dog to search two blinds on opposite sides of the
field The handler is to stay in the middle of the field until told
by the judge to approach the blind
Procedure The dog's name may be used in combination
with the command Search2 Hold and bark 10 points As soon
as it reaches the blind the dog should begin to bark without gripping
the sleeve The dog should guard close and attentively and bark convincingly
and self confidently until the end of the exercise At the judge's
indication the handler goes to the blind puts the dog on lead and
goes into the blind after the helper leaves it The helper is then
to hide behind another blind that is about 70 80 paces away
Evaluation If the dog comes back to the
handler as he approaches the blind a partial score is to be given If
the dog leaves the helper before the judge tells the handler to pick
up the dog a partial score is to be given
3 Heeling to the blind for the attack
on handler 5 points command heel At the judge's indication
the handler leaves the blind stops with his dog in the basic position
and takes the leash off The leash is to be hung around the handler's
torso or put into a pocket At the judge's indication the handler
is to heel his dog towards the blind behind which the helper is
hiding The dog is to heel properly If the dog does not heel correctly
and goes to the blind prematurely the handler may call him back
with a command In this case the handler is to stop If the dog returns
a second try at the off leash heeling may follow If the dog is
again uncontrollable the protection work is to be ended due to
lack of control A partial score for this exercise can be given
only if the dog heels at least halfway to the blind
4 Attack on handler 40 points commands
out sit At the judge's indication the helper comes out of the
blind and attacks the dog and handler without shouting The dog must
immediately energetically and self confidently defend against the
attack by gripping the sleeve The grip is to be full and firm After
the dog has gripped the sleeve the helper is to correctly utilize
the padded stick The handler is allowed to encourage the dog verbally
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37 At the judge's indication the helper stops the attack and becomes passive
The dog is to release the sleeve after a single out command and to guard the
helper attentively When the judge indicates the handler approaches the dog
and gives a sit command to put the dog into the basic position He puts the
dog on leash and goes into a blind as indicated by the judge 5 Courage
test 40 points commands go out sit heel The judge tells the to leave
the blind and heel his dog to a point at the middle of that end of the field
as indicated by the judge The handler is to take the dog off leash and hold
the dog on the collar The handler may not stimulate the dog who must sit quietly
next to the judge The dog is to remain in this position until he is given a
Go command to defend against an attack by the helper At the judge's indication
the helper leaves the blind at the far end of the field 70 80 paces from the
handler in which he is hiding and walks across the field The handler is to
tell him to stand still The helper refuses and turns towards the handler to
attack him The judge then immediately gives the handler the indication to send
his dog to defend against the attack As soon as the judge indicates the handler
is to send his dog with the command Search and stand still The dog is to quickly
and energetically go to the helper and defend against the attack with a firm
full self confident and quiet grip on the sleeve After the dog has gripped
the sleeve the helper is to attempt to intimidate the dog and stand still at
the judge's signal When this happens the dogs is to release the grip after
a single out command is given by the handler and guard the helper intensely
If the dog grips but cannot hold the grip but without pause re grips the exercise
is to be rated satisfactory At the judge's indication the handler approaches
the dog at a normal pace and with a sit command brings his dog into the basic
position Even if the dog is already sitting the sit command may be given to
re enforce the sit Similarly if the dog downs after outing the handler may
give a down command to re enforce the down The handler tells the helper to
take 3 paces backwards and lift his arms and then puts his dog into a down
position The handler then disarms the helper After searching the helper the
handler returns to his dog puts him into a sit position and puts him on lead
The helper then heels his dog to the right of the helper and puts him into
the basic position between the helper and handler After a side transport to
the judge the handler reports completion of the exercise The helper leaves
the field and the judge gives a critique and score during which time the dog
may down
Evaluation If the dog is unruly in the
basic position prior to the courage test up to 3 points will be deducted Evaluation
of the out If the dog fails to release at any time during the protection
phase the exercise is terminated and no points will be awarded for
the exercise
Evaluation of character in phase C If
the dog leaves the helper before the judge signals the handler to approach
the dog phase C is to be ended If dog is out of control and thus excluded
from the remainder of the trial it will receive no score Dogs that
are not allowed to continue in the trial because of insufficient drives
self confidence or tolerance of stress refusal to grip the sleeve during
appropriate exercises receive no score in phase C
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38 Master Level II Part A Tracking Maximum point total 100 Command Find
it Performance on the track 80 points 2 articles 10 10 20 points
A tracklayer is to lay a track of 600 paces
with two articles on it After the track has aged for 30 minutes the
dog is to track at the end of a 33 ft long lead The track is to have
two 90 turns The judge will determine the shape of the track in accord
with the nature of the tracking field The start of the track is to
be marked with a flag or stake that is to be to the left of the start
After stamping out a scent pad the tracklayer is to walk in the direction
indicated by the judge and to place the first article approximately
in the middle of the second leg without breaking stride The second
article will be placed at the end of the track Following completion
of the track the tracklayer will continue for several paces and will
then leave the track to the side The handler may track with his dog
at the end of a 33 ft lead or 33 ft behind the dog off lead Scoring
shall not depend on which way the handler works the dog
Sample Masters Level 2 Tracks
Procedures Before beginning to
lay the track the tracklayer must show the judge the articles to be
used Articles may be made of leather synthetic cloth or wood and may
not exceed the size of a wallet Toys may not be used and the articles
should not differ substantially in color from the field The dog
and handler are not to see the track being laid The track is not to
be altered when the article is laid and the tracklayer is not to stop
The article is to be placed on the track not next to it
38 Page 39 40
39 The handler prepares his dog for tracking and when called he reports
to the judge The dog is to sit in the basic position and the handler is to
tell the judge if the dog will indicate or retrieve the articles Doing both
is faulty At the indication from the judge the handler takes the dog slowly
and quietly to the start pad Before the track and during the entire track there
is to be no force used At the start pad the dog is to take a sufficient amount
of time to pick up scent Everything must be avoided that might cause the dog
to start tracking in an unruly manner The dog should quietly pick up scent
with a deep nose After the dog begins tracking the handler is to remain still
until the prescribed 33 ft lead runs through his hands The handler should follow
the dog at a distance of 33 ft even if the dog is off lead As soon as the dog
has found the article it should indicate or pick it up convincingly without
any help from the handler If the dog picks up the article it may sit stand
or bring it to the handler Continuing forward or picking up the article and
downing are faulty Indicating may be done while downing sitting or standing
The handler is to drop the lead and go immediately to the dog The article is
to be held high to show that the dog has found it Then the handler and the
dog are to resume tracking Following completion of the track the handler is
to show the judge all of the articles The tracking lead is allowed to hang
loose as long as the handler keeps a hold of it
Evaluation For faulty starts quartering
circling at the corners continuous handler praise faulty picking up
or indicating or dropping the article up to 4 points will be deducted
For restarts pronounced quartering tracking primarily with a high nose
rambunctious tracking urinating hunting and similar behavior up to
8 points will be deducted For each article that is picked up or indicated
falsely up to 4 points will be deducted For each article that is not
found 10 points will be deducted For indicating or picking up an article
that was not deposited by the tracklayer 4 points will be deducted
The start and 1 st leg together are worth 27 points the 1 st turn and
2 nd leg together are worth 27 points and the 2 nd turn together with
the 3 rd leg are together are worth 26 points
Part B Obedience Maximum point total 100
points Each exercise will begin and end with the dog in the basic
position The judge will indicate when each exercise is to begin
All further actions e g turns stops change of pace etc will be done
without any indication from the judge The handler may nonetheless
ask the judge questions about procedure
1 On lead heeling 10 points command
heel The exercise begins with the dog in the basic position The
dog is to be on leash and wearing either a smooth collar or a harness
The dog is to heel happily when the heel command is given and the
collar is to be on the dead ring The handler and dog go 40 50 paces
in one direction and then return without stopping The dog should
heel with its shoulder blade close to the handler's knee and should
stay to the left of the handler without forging lagging or moving
too far to the side of the handler The straight line portion of the
exercise is to be carried out in normal slow and fast pace In a normal
pace at least one right turn one left turn and one left about turn
are to be carried out The command heel may be used only when beginning
or when changing speed When the handler stops the dog is to sit quickly
without further handler help The handler is not allowed to change
position e g move closer to the dog if it sits too far to the side
The lead should be held in the left hand of the handler and should
not be taut At the judge's indication the handler should heel his
dog through a group of at least four people who are slowly mingling
The handler is to stop at least
39 Page 40 41
40 once in the group The handler is to then heel his dog out of the group and
stop with the dog in the basic position Evaluation Lagging forging heeling
too far away from the handler as well as following too sloppily on the turns
are all faulty 2 Off lead heeling 15 points command heel At the
judge's indication the dog is taken off lead The lead may be hung over the
shoulder or put into a pocket and the handler then heels his dog back into
the group where he should stop at least once After leaving the group the handler
first assumes the basic position and then begins the off lead heeling using
the same pattern that was followed in the on lead heeling except for entering
the group again During the off lead heeling but not while the handler is in
the group two gunshots are to be fired from a starter type pistol of .22 or
.32 caliber using blank ammunition from a distance of about 15 paces Pistols
must be of type that will not fire live rounds The dog should show no reaction
to the gunfire Evaluation Lagging forging heeling too far away from
the handler as well as following too sloppily on the turns are all faulty If
the dog is gun shy it fails the obedience and is to be excluded from the remainder
of the test If the dog becomes aggressive as a result of the gunfire the reaction
is to be faulted but the dog may continue if it remains under control 3
Walking sit 5 points commands heel sit From the basic position the
handler begins heeling his dog off leash using the command heel After a minimum
of 10 15 paces the handler without breaking stride gives the command sit whereupon
the dog is to immediately sit The handler continues walking straight ahead
for 30 paces and then turns to face the dog At the judge's indication the handler
returns to the dog and assumes the basic position to the right of the dog The
dog is to sit quietly until the handler returns Evaluation If the dog
downs or stands after the sit command is given 5 points are to be deducted
4 Walking down with recall 10 points commands
heel down come heel From the basic position the handler begins
heeling his dog off leash using the command heel After 10 15 paces
the handler without breaking stride gives the command down whereupon
the dog is to immediately down The handler is to continue ahead 30
paces without further handler help or looking back at the dog and
then turn and face the dog At the judge's signal the handler is to
recall the dog The dog is to come rapidly and happily and to sit
in front of the handler The handler then gives the command heel and
the dog is to come to heel in the basic position
Evaluation If the dog sits or stands
after the command down is given but comes properly when recalled 5
points are to be deducted 5 Retrieve on the flat 10 points commands
bring out heel From the basic position following a single command
bring the dog is to quickly go to a dumbbell 2.2 lbs that has been
thrown at least 10 paces in front of the handler immediately pick it
up and quickly return to the handler sitting in front The dog shall
firmly hold the
40 Page 41 42
41 dumbbell until the handler gives an out command Following the command heel
the dog shall immediately go to the basic position The handler is not to change
his position until the dog has come to the basic position Evaluation If
the dog drops the dumbbell plays with it or chews up to 4 points will be deducted 6
Retrieve over the 39 inch hurdle 15 points commands over bring out
heel The handler stands at an appropriate distance from the jump so that the
dog can jump over the jump freely The handler is to throw a dumbbell 1.43 lbs
far enough over the jump that the dog can freely go over the jump when returning
From the basic position following a single command over the dog is to quickly
go over the jump without touching it A bring command is to be given while the
dog is in the air and the dog is to immediately pick up the dumbbell and quickly
return to the handler sitting in front The dog shall firmly hold the dumbbell
until the handler gives an out command Following the command heel the dog shall
immediately go to the basic position The handler is not to change his position
until the dog has come to the basic position Procedure If the dumbbell
comes to rest far to one side of the jump the handler may request or the judge
may suggest that the dumbbell be re thrown While the handler picks up the dumbbell
and re throws the dog is to remain in the sit position
Evaluation If the dog drops the dumbbell
plays with it or chews up to 4 points will be deducted If the dog completes
only two of the three basic elements jump retrieve return jump a maximum
score of 10 points is possible If the dogs touches the jump slightly
while going over and maximum of good may be given for each jump If
the dog hits the jumps strongly a maximum rating of satisfactory is
given for the jump
7 Retrieve over a 6 ft scaling wall 15
points commands over bring out heel The handler stands
at an appropriate distance from the scaling wall so that the dog
can climb over the scaling wall freely The handler is to throw
a dumbbell 1.43 lb far enough over the scaling wall that the dog
can freely return over the scaling wall From the basic position
following a single command hop the dog is to quickly go over the
scaling wall A bring command is to be given while the dog is going
over the scaling wall and the dog is to immediately pick up the
dumbbell and quickly return to the handler sitting in front The
dog shall firmly hold the dumbbell until the handler gives an out
command Following the command heel the dog shall immediately go
to the basic position The handler is not to change his position
until the dog has come to the basic position
Procedure If the dumbbell comes to
rest far to one side of the jump the handler may request or the judge
may suggest that the dumbbell be re thrown While the handler picks
up the dumbbell and re throws the dog is to remain in the sit position
Evaluation If the dog drops the dumbbell
plays with it or chews up to 4 points will be deducted If the dog completes
only two of the three basic elements going over the scaling wall retrieve
returning over the scaling wall a maximum score of 10 points is possible
41 Page 42 43
42 8 Send away 10 points commands heel go sit The judge indicates
where the exercise is to begin At the judge's indication the Handler heels
his dog off leash 10 15 paces in the indicated direction and give the command
Go The dog is to run quickly at least 30 paces in the same direction After
giving the command the handler is to stop When giving the command the handler
may raise an arm After the dog has gone the required distance but is still
at least 8 paces from the end of the field the handler is to give a down command
If the judges so indicates the handler must immediately give a down command
The dog must immediate go down The handler then goes to his dog and stands
to the right of the dog After a short pause the handler is to give a sit command
and the dog is to come into the basic position
Evaluation Raising an arm repeatedly
is faulty as is deviating from a straight line going down slowly after
the down command is given or anticipating the down command or anticipating
the sit command when the handler returns to the dog
9 Down under distraction 10 points commands
down sit Before a second dog begins the on field obedience the
handler heels his dog to the side of the field and from the basic
position gives the command down The dog is to down immediately and
the handler walks about 30 paces away without leaving the lead or
any other article near the dog The handler stands in full view of
the dog with his back turned The dog is to lie quietly without any
further handler help until the other dog has completed exercises
1 7 The handler then returns to the right side of the dog and gives
a sit command where upon the dog is to sit in the basic position
Procedure Males and bitches are to
be put into the down position in different spots Evaluation If
the dog moves more than 10 ft before the other dog has completed
the retrieve on the flat exercise no points will be given for this
exercise Otherwise a partial score may be given If the dog comes
to the handler while the handler returns to the dog the exercise
is to be rated satisfactory
Part C Protection work Maximum point total
100 points 1 Blind search 5 points command search The
dog is to begin in the basic position At the judge's indication the
handler sends his dog to search six blinds on opposite sides of the
field The handler is to stay in the middle of the field until told
by the judge to approach the blind
Procedure The dog's name may be used in combination
with the command Search2 Hold and bark 10 points command heel
down As soon as it reaches the blind the dog should begin to
bark without gripping the sleeve The dog should guard close and attentively
and bark convincingly and self confidently until the end of the exercise
At the judge's indication the handler goes to the blind and calls
the dog to heel The handler tells the helper to come out of the blind
and stand about 10 paces from the blind with his hands raised The
dog is placed in a down position about 7 paces from the helper
42 Page 43 44
43 the handler goes to the helper to search him for a weapon and then goes
into the blind At this point the exercise is finished Evaluation If
the dog does not come to heel after three commands the handler is to go to
the blind and heel the dog out This portion of the exercise is then to be rated
faulty 3 Escape 10 points command heel The handler is to be in
the blind and the dog is to watch the helper attentively while downing quietly
At the judge's indication the helper attempts to escape The dog is to quickly
go to the helper and take a firm and energetic grip on the sleeve to hinder
the escape At the judge's indication the helper is to stop The dog must then
release the grip either independently or after a single command from the handler
The dog is then to guard the helper
Evaluation If the dog does not grip the
sleeve before the helper has run 60 ft the protection phase is to be
ended 4 Defense 20 points command out At the judge's
indication the helper re attacks the dog The dog is to immediately
and energetically take a full grip on the sleeve to hinder the attack
After the dog has gripped the sleeve the helper is to correctly utilize
the padded stick The handler is allowed to encourage the dog verbally
At the judge's indication the helper stops the attack and becomes passive
The dog is to release the sleeve after a single out command and to
guard the helper attentively When the judge indicates the handler approaches
the dog and gives a sit command to put the dog into the basic position 5
Front transport 5 points command heel The handler tells the
helper to step back turn around and start walking The handler is then
to heel his dog walking no more than five paces behind the helper At
the judge's indication the helper is to make a 90 degree turn The dog
is to watch the helper attentively without forging
6 Defense against aggression on handler
20 points commands out sit After about 50 paces of heeling
and at the judge's indication the helper is to turn around and
attack the dog and handler without shouting The dog must immediately
energetically and selfconfidently defend against the attack by
gripping the sleeve The grip is to be full and hard At the judge's
indication the helper stops the attack and becomes passive The
dog is to release the sleeve after a single out command and to
guard the helper attentively When the judge indicates the handler
approaches the dog and gives a sit command to put the dog into
the basic position He puts the dog on leash and goes into a blind
as indicated by the judge 7 Courage test and side transport
30 points commands heel go out sit heel The judge tells
the to leave the blind and heel his dog to a point at the middle
of that end of the field as indicated by the judge The handler
is to take the dog off leash and hold the dog on the collar The
handler may not stimulate the dog which must sit quietly next to
the judge The dog is to remain in this position until he is given
a Go command to defend against an attack by the helper At the judge's
indication the helper leaves the blind at the far end of the field
70 80 paces from the handler in which he is hiding and walks across
the field The handler is to tell him to
43 Page 44 45
44 stand still The helper refuses and turns towards the handler to attack him
The judge then immediately gives the handler the indication to send his dog
to defend against the attack As soon as the judge indicates the handler is
to send his dog with the command Go and stand still The dog is to quickly and
energetically go to the helper and defend against the attack with a firm full
self confident and quiet grip on the sleeve After the dog has gripped the sleeve
the helper is to attempt to intimidate the dog but without stick hits and stand
still at the judge's signal When this happens the dogs is to release the grip
after a single out command is given by the handler and guard the helper intensely
If the dog grips but cannot hold the grip but without pause re grips the exercise
is to be rated satisfactory At the judge's indication the handler approaches
the dog at a normal pace and with a sit command brings his dog into the basic
position Even if the dog is already sitting the sit command may be given to
re enforce the sit Similarly if the dog downs after outing the handler may
give a down command to re enforce the down The handler tells the helper to
take 3 paces backwards and lift his arms and then puts his dog into a down
position The handler then disarms the helper After searching the helper the
handler returns to his dog puts him into a sit position and puts him on lead
The helper then heels his dog to the right of the helper and puts him into
the basic position between the helper and handler After a side transport to
the judge the handler reports completion of the exercise The helper leaves
the field and the judge gives a critique and score during which time the dog
may down
Evaluation If the dog is unruly in the
basic position prior to the courage test up to 3 points will be deducted Evaluation
of the out If the dog fails to release at any time during the protection
phase the exercise is terminated and no points will be awarded for
the exercise
Evaluation of character in phase C If
the dogs leaves the helper before the judge signals the handler to
approach the dog phase C is to be ended If dogs are out of control
and thus excluded from the remainder of the trial they will receive
no score Dogs that are not allowed to continue in the trial because
of insufficient drives self confidence or resilience refusal to grip
the sleeve during appropriate exercises receive no score in phase C
MASTER LEVEL III Part A Tracking Maximum
point total 100 Command Find it
Performance on the track 80 points 3 articles
7 7 6 20 points
A tracklayer is to lay a track of 800 paces
with three articles on it After the track has aged for 60 minutes the
dog is to track at the end of a 33 ft long lead The track is to have
four 90 turns Either left right or a combination of both turns may
be used in the laying of the tracks The judge will determine the shape
of the track in accord with the nature of the tracking field The start
of the track is to be marked with a flag or stake that is to
44 Page 45 46
45 be to the left of the start After stamping out a scent pad the tracklayer
is to walk in the direction indicated by the judge and to place the first article
after at least 100 paces on the 2 nd leg if necessary and the second article
approximately in the middle of the second or third leg without breaking stride
The third article will be placed at the end of the track Following completion
of the track the tracklayer will continue for several paces and will then leave
the track to the side The handler may track with his dog at the end of a 33
ft lead or 33 ft behind the dog off lead Scoring shall not depend on which
way the handler works the dog
Sample Masters level 3 Tracks
Procedures Before beginning to
lay the track the tracklayer must show the judge the articles to be
used Articles may be made of leather synthetic cloth or wood and may
not exceed the size of a wallet Toys may not be used and the articles
should not differ substantially in color from the field The dog
and handler are not to see the track being laid The track is not to
be altered when the article is laid and the tracklayer is not to stop
The article is to be placed on the track not next to it The handler
prepares his dog for tracking and when called he reports to the judge
The dog is to sit in the basic position and the handler is to tell
the judge if the dog will indicate or retrieve the articles Doing both
is faulty At the indication from the judge the handler takes the dog
slowly and quietly to the start pad Before the track and during the
entire track there is to be no force used At the start pad the dog
is to take a sufficient amount of time to pick up scent Everything
must be avoided that might cause the dog to start tracking in an unruly
manner The dog should quietly pick up scent with a deep nose After
the dog begins tracking the handler is to remain still until the prescribed
33 ft lead runs through his hands The handler should follow the dog
at a distance of 33 ft even if the dog is off lead As soon as the dog
has found the article it should indicate or pick it up convincingly
without any help from the handler If the dog picks up the article it
may sit stand or bring it to the handler Continuing forward or picking
up the article and downing are faulty Indicating may be done while
downing sitting or standing The handler is to drop the lead and go
immediately to the dog The article is to be held
45 Page 46 47
46 high to show that the dog has found it Then the handler and the dog are
to resume tracking Following completion of the track the handler is to show
the judge all of the articles The tracking lead is allowed to hang loose as
long as the handler keeps a hold of it Evaluation For faulty starts
quartering circling at the corners continuous handler praise faulty picking
up or indicating or dropping the article up to 4 points will be deducted For
restarts pronounced quartering tracking primarily with a high nose rambunctious
tracking urinating hunting and similar behavior up to 8 points will be deducted
For each article that is picked up or indicated falsely up to 4 points will
be deducted For each of the first two articles that is not found 7 points will
be deducted If the last article is not found 6 points will be deducted For
indicating or picking up an article that was not deposited by the tracklayer
4 points will be deducted The start and 1 st leg together are worth 16 points
the 1 st turn and 2 nd leg together are worth 16 points and the 2 nd turn together
with the 3 rd leg are together are worth 16 points the 3rd turn and 4th leg
together are worth 16 points and the 4th turn together with the 5th leg are
together are worth 16 points
Part B Obedience Maximum point total 100
points Each exercise will begin and end with the dog in the basic
position The dog shall be off lead during the entire obedience
The judge will indicate when each exercise is to begin All further
actions e g turns stops change of pace etc will be done without any
indication from the judge The handler may nonetheless ask the judge
questions about procedure
1 Off lead heeling 10 points command
heel The exercise begins with the dog in the basic position The
dog is to be off leash and wearing either a smooth collar or a harness
The dog is to heel happily when the heel command is given The handler
and dog go 40 50 paces in one direction and then return without stopping
The dog should heel with its shoulder blade close to the handler's
knee and should stay to the left of the handler without forging lagging
or moving too far to the side of the handler The straight line portion
of the exercise is to be carried out in normal slow and fast pace
In a normal pace at least one right turn one left turn and one left
about turn are to be carried out The command heel may be used only
when beginning or when changing speed When the handler stops the
dog is to sit quickly without further handler help The handler is
not allowed to change position e g move closer to the dog if it sits
too far to the side At the judge's indication the handler should
heel his dog through a group of at least four people who are slowly
mingling The handler is to stop at least once in the group The handler
is to then heel his dog out of the group and stop with the dog in
the basic position During the off lead heeling but not while the
handler is in the group two gunshots 6mm caliber are to be fired
from a distance of about 15 paces The dog should show no reaction
to the gunfire Evaluation Lagging forging heeling too far
away from the handler as well as following too sloppily on the turns
are all faulty If the dog is gun shy it fails the obedience and is
to be excluded from the remainder of the test If the dog becomes
aggressive as a result of the gunfire the reaction is to be faulted
but the dog may continue if it remains under control
46 Page 47 48
47 2 Walking sit 5 points commands heel sit From the basic position
the handler begins heeling his dog off leash using the command heel After a
minimum of 10 15 paces the handler without breaking stride gives the command
sit where upon the dog is to immediately sit The handler continues walking
straight ahead for 30 paces and then turns to face the dog At the judge's indication
the handler returns to the dog and assumes the basic position to the right
of the dog The dog is to sit quietly until the handler returns Evaluation If
the dogs downs or stands after the sit command is given 3 points are to be
deducted
3 Running down with recall 10 points commands
heel down come heel From the basic position the handler begins
heeling his dog off leash using the command heel After 10 15 paces
the handler gives the command heel and begins to run After another
10 15 paces the handler without breaking stride gives the command
down whereupon the dog is to immediately down The handler is to continue
ahead 30 steps without further handler help or looking back at the
dog and then turn and face the dog At the judge's signal the handler
is to recall the dog The dog is to come rapidly and happily and to
sit in front of the handler The handler then gives the command heel
and the dog is to come to heel in the basic position
Evaluation If the dog sits or stands
after the command down is given but comes properly when recalled 5
points are to be deducted 4 Walking stand 5 points commands
heel stand From the basic position the handler begins heeling his
dog off leash using the command heel After a minimum of 10 15 paces
the handler without breaking stride gives the command stand whereupon
the dog is to immediately stand The handler continues walking straight
ahead for 30 paces and then turns to face the dog At the judge's indication
the handler returns to the dog and assumes the basic position to the
right of the dog The dog is to sit quietly until the handler returns Evaluation If
the dogs downs or sits after the stand command is given 3 points are
to be deducted
5 Running down with recall 10 points commands
heel down come heel From the basic position the handler begins
to run heeling his dog off leash using the command heel After 10
15 paces the handler without breaking stride gives the command stand
whereupon the dog is to immediately stand The handler is to continue
ahead 30 steps without further handler help or looking back at the
dog and then turn and face the dog At the judge's signal the handler
is to recall the dog The dog is to come rapidly and happily and to
sit in front of the handler The handler then gives the command heel
and the dog is to come to heel in the basic position
Evaluation If the dog sits or stands
after the command stand is given but comes properly when recalled 5
points are to be deducted 6 Retrieve on the flat 10 points commands
bring out heel From the basic position following a single command
bring the dog is to quickly go to a dumbbell 4.4 lbs that has been
thrown at least 10 paces in front of the handler immediately
47 Page 48 49
48 pick it up and quickly return to the handler sitting in front The dog shall
firmly hold the dumbbell until the handler gives an out command Following the
command heel the dog shall immediately go to the basic position The handler
is not to change his position until the dog has come to the basic position
Evaluation If the dog drops the dumbbell
plays with it or chews up to 4 points will be deducted 7 Retrieve
over a 39 inch hurdle 15 points commands over bring out heel
The handler stands at an appropriate distance from the jump so that
the dog can jump over the jump freely The handler is to throw a dumbbell
1.43 lbs far enough over the jump that the dog can freely jump over
the jump when returning From the basic position following a single
command over the dog is to quickly go over the jump without touching
it A bring command is to be given while the dog is in the air and the
dog is to immediately pick it up and quickly return to the handler
sitting in front The dog shall firmly hold the dumbbell until the handler
gives an out command Following the command Heel the dog shall immediately
go to the basic position The handler is not to change his position
until the dog has come to the basic position
Procedure If the dumbbell comes to
rest far to one side of the jump The handler may request or the judge
may suggest that the dumbbell be re thrown While the handler picks
up the dumbbell and re throws the dog is to remain in the sit position
Evaluation If the dog drops the dumbbell
plays with it or chews up to 4 points will be deducted If the dog completes
only two of the three basic elements jump retrieve return jump a maximum
score of 10 points is possible If the dogs touches the jump slightly
while going over and maximum of good may be given for each jump If
the dog hits the jumps strongly a maximum rating of satisfactory is
given for the jump
8 Retrieve over a 6 ft scaling wall 15
points commands over bring out heel The handler stands
at an appropriate distance from the scaling wall so that the dog
can climb over the scaling wall freely The handler is to throw
a dumbbell 1.43 lbs far enough over the scaling wall that the dog
can freely return over the scaling wall From the basic position
following a single command over the dog is to quickly go over the
scaling wall A bring command is to be given while the dog is going
over the scaling wall and the dog is to immediately pick it up
and quickly return to the handler sitting in front The dog shall
firmly hold the dumbbell until the handler gives an out command
Following the command Heel the dog shall immediately go to the
basic position The handler is not to change his position until
the dog has come to the basic position
Procedure If the dumbbell comes to
rest far to one side of the jump The handler may request or the judge
may suggest that the dumbbell be re thrown While the handler picks
up the dumbbell and re throws the dog is to remain in the sit position
Evaluation If the dog drops the dumbbell
plays with it or chews up to 4 points will be deducted If the dog completes
only two of the three basic elements going over the scaling wall retrieve
48 Page 49 50
49 returning over the wall a maximum score of 10 points is possible 9
Send away 10 points commands heel go sit The judge indicates where
the exercise is to begin At the judge's indication the Handler heels his dog
off leash 10 15 paces in the indicated direction and gives the command Go The
dog is to run quickly at least 30 paces in the same direction After giving
the command the handler is to stop When giving the command the handler may
raise an arm After the dog has gone the required distance but is still at least
8 paces from the end of the field the handler is to give a down command If
the judge so indicates the handler must immediately give a Down command The
dog must immediate go down The handler then goes to his dog and stands to the
right of the dog After a short pause the handler is to give a sit command and
the dog is to come into the basic position
Evaluation Raising an arm repeatedly
is faulty as is deviating from a straight line going down slowly after
the down command is given or anticipating the down command or anticipating
the sit command when the handler returns to the dog
10 Down under distraction 10 points commands
down sit Before a second dog begins the on field obedience the
handler heels his dog to the side of the field and from the basic
position gives the command down The dog is to down immediately and
the handler walks about 30 paces away without leaving the lead or
any other article near the dog The handler stands in full view of
the dog with his back turned The dog is to lie quietly without any
further handler help until the other dog has completed exercises
1 7 The handler then returns to the right side of the dog and gives
a sit command where upon the dog is to sit in the basic position
Procedure Males and bitches are to
be put into the down positions in different spots Evaluation If
the dog moves more than 10 ft before the other dog has completed
the retrieve on the flat exercise no points will be given for this
exercise Otherwise a partial score may be given If the dog comes
to the handler while the handler returns to the dog the exercise
is to be rated satisfactory
Part C Protection work Maximum point total
100 points 1 Blind search 5 points command search The
dog is to begin in the basic position At the judge's indication the
handler sends his dog to search six blinds on opposite sides of the
field The handler is to stay in the middle of the field until told
by the judge to approach the blind
Procedure The dog's name may be used in combination
with the command Search2 Hold and bark 10 points command heel
down As soon as it reaches the blind the dog should begin to
bark without gripping the sleeve The dog should guard close and attentively
and bark convincingly and self confidently until the end of the exercise
At the judge's indication the handler goes to the blind and calls
the dog to
49 Page 50 51
50 heel The handler tells the helper to come out of the blind and stand about
10 paces from the blind with his hands raised The dog is placed in a down position
about 7 paces from the helper the handler goes to the helper to search him
for a weapon and then goes into the blind At this point the exercise is finished
Evaluation If the dog does not come to
heel after three commands the handler is to go to the blind and heel
the dog out This portion of the exercise is then to be rated faulty 3
Escape 10 points command heel The handler is to be in the blind
and the dog is to watch the helper attentively while downing quietly
At the judge's indication the helper attempts to escape The dog is
to quickly go to the helper and take a firm and energetic grip on the
sleeve to hinder the escape At the judge's indication the helper is
to stop The dog must then release the grip either independently or
after a single command from the handler The dog is then to guard the
helper
Evaluation If the dog does not grip the
sleeve before the helper has run 60 ft the protection phase is to be
ended 4 Defense 20 points command out At the judge's
indication the helper re attacks the dog The dog is to immediately
and energetically take a full grip on the sleeve to hinder the attack
After the dog has gripped the sleeve the helper is to correctly utilize
the padded stick The handler is allowed to encourage the dog verbally
At the judge's indication the helper stops the attack and becomes passive
The dog is to release the sleeve after a single out command and to
guard the helper attentively When the judge indicates the handler approaches
the dog and gives a sit command to put the dog into the basic position 5
Front transport 5 points command heel The handler tells the
helper to step back turn around and start walking The handler is then
to heel his dog walking no more than five paces behind the helper At
the judge's indication the helper is to make a 90 degree turn The dog
is to watch the helper attentively without forging
6 Defense against aggression on handler
15 points commands out sit After about 50 paces of heeling
and at the judge's indication the helper is to turn around and
attack the dog and handler without shouting The dog must immediately
energetically and selfconfidently defend against the attack by
gripping the sleeve The grip is to be full and hard At the judge's
indication the helper stops the attack and becomes passive The
dog is to release the sleeve after a single out command and to
guard the helper attentively At the judge's indication the handler
approaches the dog at a normal pace and with a sit command brings
his dog into the basic position Even if the dog is already sitting
the sit command may be given to re enforce the sit Similarly if
the dog downs after outing the handler may give a down command
to re enforce the down The handler tells the helper to take 3 paces
backwards and lift his arms and then puts his dog into a down position
The handler then disarms the helper After searching the helper
the handler returns to his dog puts him into a sit position and
puts him on lead The handler then heels his dog to the right of
the helper to the judge He then heels his dog and goes into a blind
as indicated by the judge
50 Page 51 52
51 7 Courage test and guarding 20 points commands heel go out The
judge tells the to leave the blind and heel his dog to a point at the middle
of that end of the field as indicated by the judge The handler is to take the
dog off leash and hold the dog on the collar The handler may not stimulate
the dog who must sit quietly next to the judge The dog is to remain in this
position until he is given a Search command to defend against an attack by
the helper At the judge's indication the helper leaves the blind at the far
end of the field 70 80 paces from the handler in which he is hiding and walks
across the field The handler is to tell him to stand still The helper refuses
and turns towards the handler to attack him The judge then immediately gives
the handler the indication to send his dog to defend against the attack As
soon as the judge indicates the handler is to send his dog with the command
Search and stand still The dog is to quickly and energetically go to the helper
and defend against the attack with a firm full self confident and quiet grip
on the sleeve After the dog has gripped the sleeve the helper is to attempt
to intimidate the dog and stand still at the judge's signal When this happens
the dog is to release the grip after a single out command is given by the handler
and guard the helper intensely If the dog grips but cannot hold the grip but
without pause re grips the exercise is to be rated satisfactory 8 Defense
against aggression 15 points command out sit heel At the judge's indication
the helper re attacks the dog The dog is to immediately and energetically take
a full grip on the sleeve to hinder the attack After the dog has gripped the
sleeve the helper is to correctly utilize the padded stick The handler is allowed
to encourage the dog verbally At the judge's indication the helper stops the
attack and becomes passive The dog is to release the sleeve after a single
out command and to guard the helper attentively When the judge indicates the
handler approaches the dog and gives a sit command to put the dog into the
basic position Even if the dog is already sitting the sit command may be given
to re enforce the sit Similarly if the dog downs after outing the handler may
give a down command to re enforce the down The handler tells the helper to
take 3 paces backwards and lift his arms and then puts his dog into a down
position The handler then disarms the helper After searching the helper the
handler returns to his dog puts him into a sit position The helper then heels
his dog to the right of the helper and puts him into the basic position between
the helper and handler After a side transport to the judge the handler reports
completion of the exercise The helper leaves the field and the judge gives
a critique and score during which time the dog may down Evaluation If
the dog is unruly in the basic position prior to the courage test up to 3 points
will be deducted Evaluation of the out If the dog fails to release at
any time during the protection phase the exercise is terminated and no points
will be awarded for the exercise
Evaluation of character in the Protection
Phase If the dogs leaves the helper before the judge signals
the handler to approach the dog phase C is to be ended If dogs are
out of control and thus excluded from the remainder of the trial
they will receive no score
51 Page 52 53
52 Dogs that are not allowed to continue in the trial because of insufficient
drives self confidence or resilience refusal to grip the sleeve during appropriate
exercises receive no score in phase C FURTHER MASTER LEVELS I II III RULES
AND TERMINOLOGY TRACKING 1 Suitable Terrain for Tracking Meadow grass
plowed fields and forest soil All natural terrain Sight tracking is to be avoided
as much as possible 2 Tracking Articles Within any one track articles
different from each other must be used Their color may not stand out considerably
from that of the terrain and their size may not exceed that of a wallet billfold
The articles are to be carried on the track layers bodies for at least 30 minutes
before laying the tracks 3 Laying of the track Before laying the tracklayer
must show the articles to the judge Only the previously described common use
household articles are to be used The trial judge is responsible for determining
the layout of the tracks and for the instruction of the track layer s 4 The
Scent Pad The start or scent pad is to be marked with a signpost tracking
stake with a number mark It is to be placed in the ground directly to the left
of the scent pad and must remain there throughout the tracking work The tracklayer
remains for awhile on the scent pad and light stepping about on is permitted
5 Legs of the Track A leg of a track is the distance from the starting
place to the first turn and is also defined as the distance between turns 6 Corners The
corners about 90 degrees are to be made at a normal pace during which attention
must be paid to make sure that it is possible for the dog to continue tracking
directly into the next leg of the track The continuity of the track is not
to be destroyed disrupted by the making of the corners Heavy stomping of the
corners is not allowed 7 Placing of the Articles The articles are to
be laid on the track while the tracklayer is in motion After laying the last
article at the end of the track the tracklayer must proceed straight ahead
a few paces further 8 Various Options in the Tracking Work Use of a
collar tracking harness or free tracking is permitted a The collar The
collar may not be used on the choke ring The lead attached to the collar may
be placed over the dog's back along the side of the dog or between the fore
legs and or the hind legs b The Tracking Harness The breast harness
and the belly band harness are permitted The tracking line is to be attached
to the tracking harness by means of the device ring etc on the harness that
is provided for that purpose without attaching the line to the collar except
in the case of a belly harness If a belly harness is used the judge must ensure
that the body strap is not fastened in the area of the dog's sensitive private
parts The use of additional straps is not permitted The tracking line must
be at least 33 feet long Examination of the line length the collar and the
harness by the judge may take place before the beginning of the trial Retractable
lines are not permitted c Free Tracking The distance of at least 33
feet between handler and dog must be maintained 9 Tracking Evaluation Start
to Finish After the tracks are laid for Master Levels II and III the judge
or the trial chairperson will have the handlers draw for their starting positions
Each handler will report in to the judge in the basic position with his her
dog ready for tracking on the laid out tracking line The handler will inform
the judge whether the dog will indicate or pick up the articles a The Start The
dog is to be brought calmly to the starting point any forceful influence is
to be avoided here The setting of the dog onto the track at the start and after
finding the articles must be done at the dog's location not from a distance
A certain amount of play in the line must be available to the handler The start
is not time dependent
52 Page 53 54
53 After successfully taking up the scent the dog must proceed with tracking
behavior appropriate to the working out of the track After the 4 th unsuccessful
start at the beginning the tracking work is to be terminated A start consists
of the handler taking the dog at b Tracking Performance Whether the
dog tracks fast or slowly is not a factor in the scoring so long as the track
is worked out intensively evenly and convincingly The tracking line may sag
but this may not result in a substantial shortening of the distance between
handler and dog The line touching the ground is not faulty c Indicating
and Picking Up of Articles Indicating of articles must be done convincingly
in the direction of the track and right before the article As soon as the dog
has found an article he must immediately pick it up or indicate it convincingly
without influence from the handler The handler must drop the line and immediately
go to the dog Found articles are to be shown to the judge by holding them in
the hand and raising the arm up high The handler must position himself next
to the dog while taking delivery of or lifting up of the article d Leaving
the Track If the dog goes to leave the track and the handler restrains
him from doing so the judge will instruct the handler to follow the dog The
handler must obey this instruction The tracking work is to be terminated if
the dog leaves the track by more than one line length or if the handler fails
to obey the judge's instruction to follow the dog e Wild Game If wild
game appears during the tracking work and the dog goes into hunting drive the
handler may give the Down command in an effort to bring the dog under control
On the judge's signal the tracking work will then continue If this is unsuccessful
the tracking work is to be terminated f Praise Occasional praise and
giving of the start command is permitted in all levels g Reporting Out After
completion of the tracking work the found articles are to be shown to the judge
Playing or feeding the dog between the finding of the last article and the
reporting out procedure is not allowed Reporting out must be done with the
dog in the basic position 10 Carrying a leash The handler must carry
with him her a dog lead throughout the entire course of the trial This includes
a requirement that the dog must wear a collar at all times
OBEDIENCE 1 Hurdle The height
of the hurdle shall be 39.5 inches and the width shall be 59 inches
wide The uppermost 8 inches must be made so it will give flex under
load 2 Scaling Wall or A Frame The dimensions of the two sides
of the scaling wall are 75 inches long by 59 inches wide Three cleats
shall be located approximately 10 22 and 34 inches from the top that
extend the width of the side The cleats shall not be larger than 2x2
inches Dumbbells dumbbells are to be made of wood and have the
weights prescribed in the regulations The dumbbells available on the
trial grounds are to be used by all the trial participants The handler
is not allowed to spit on the dumbbells In all the retrieving exercises
the dumbbell may not be placed in the dog's mouth in advance 3 Blind One
blind must be provided for the use by Master Level III handlers while
their dogs are on the long down 4 Pistol and ammunition Caliber
.22 or .32 blank ammunition only Starter pistol incapable of firing
live shells 5 Procedure a Reporting In At the beginning of each
trial section the handlers must report in to the trial judge in a sportsmanlike
manner b BH Master Level I and II The handler enters the field
with his dog on lead and reports in in the basic position c Master
Level III Handler enters field with his dog heeling free and reports
in in the basic position 6 Basic Position and Start of Exercises Every
exercise begins and ends in the basic position The dog sits straight
on the left side and next to his handler with his right shoulder blade
at knee height Taking of the basic position is allowed only once per
exercise In the basic position the handler stands with a sporting posture
straight stance feet together at
53 Page 54 55
54 attention The ending basic position for one exercise may be used as the
beginning basic position for the following exercise 7 Development of the
Exercise From out of the basic position on the judge's signal comes the
building up of all the obedience exercises the so called development The handler
must show a minimum of 10 paces max 15 as the development for the following
exercises before the command for the performance of the exercise may be given
Sit out of Motion Down out of Motion Master Level III in each gait Walking
Stand Running Stand Send Away Handler's Distance from the Dog The handler
must exhibit a minimum of 30 paces in those portions where the handler must
proceed away from the dog It is up to the handler to decide if he wants to
go further than the prescribed minimum of paces The judge may stop a handler
from distancing himself to far from the dog 8 Praising Praising of the
dog is allowed after every completed exercise but only in the basic position
After that the handler may take a new basic position Between praising and starting
a new exercise if the handler does not take a new basic position a distinct
pause of 3 seconds is to be observed 9 Voice Commands If a dog fails
to perform an exercise after three commands are given the exercise is terminated
and no points are given for it When recalling the dog the dog's name may be
used instead of the command Come However use of the dog's name in combination
with the command will be counted as a double command and penalized by a point
loss a Penalties for additional commands 1 st extra command part exercise
rated satisfactory 2 nd extra command part exercise rated faulty 10 Fronts
and Finishes The dog may perform the finish by going around behind the
handler or by executing a Military flip finish from in front of the handler
The handler may return from the front or by going around behind the dog 11 Behavior
During Change of Pace Heeling and Exercise Development The command heel
is permitted only at the start and when changing pace The about turn must be
a left about turn and the dog may either go around the handler or turn in place
12 Group The group is to consist of four people who are slowly moving
Praising of the dog after leaving the Group is permitted only in the ending
basic position 13 Gunshots The firing of the gunshots is done during
the off leash heeling on the first straight leg of the pattern and during the
Down under Distraction Two shots will be fired five seconds apart The first
shot is fired at a distance of about 15 paces In Master Level III care must
be taken to ensure that the handler of the dog on the Down is out of the dog's
sight COMMENT In doubtful cases the judge should assess the dog's gunfire
indifference by first instructing the handler to put the dog on lead Shots
will then be fired by the judge at a distance of about 15 paces during which
the dog must remain on a loose hanging lead If a dog proves to be gun shy it
will immediately be eliminated from the trial and the scorebook will be marked
failed gun shy Under no circumstances are pistols capable of firing live ammunition
to be used 14 Retrieve on Flat Ground The dumbbell must be thrown
at least 10 paces away The command Bring may first be given when the dumbbell
is lying still 15 39 Inch Hurdle The command Hop may first be given
when the dumbbell is lying still the command Bring is given while the dog is
still in the process of going over the jump Practice jumps before the exercise
are not allowed 16 Scaling Wall or A Frame Master Level II and III only The
command Bring must be given while the dog is still in the process of going
over the scaling wall on his way to pick up the dumbbell Practice jumps before
the exercise are not allowed 17 Send Away The judge designates the start
position While giving the command Go the handler may raise up one arm Repeated
raising of the arm is not permitted and the arm may not be lowed at the same
time that the down command is given
54 Page 55
55 18 Down Under Distraction No leash or other article is to be left
with the dog Whenever possible bitches are to be placed on the Down at a spot
separate from where the males are placed
PROTECTION PHASE 19 General The
assessment of the protection work is of the utmost importance for the
breeding selection of working dogs For this reason the assessment of
the protection work has the highest priority The protection work is
especially effective in differentiating natural and useful performance
attributes from learned ones Reporting In The dog handler must
in every instance report in to the trial judge at the beginning of
the Protection Work If a handler cannot report in with his dog in an
orderly fashion for example the dog breaks and runs into the bark blind
the handler is allowed three commands to call his dog back If the dog
does not come after the third command The Protection Phase is terminated
20 Searching for the Helper The handler must walk at a normal
pace in the imaginary midline Upon a single sending in for each blind
the dog must go directly and attentively to the blind with intensity
and single mindedness and must look into the blind or run around it
closely Just looking in is permitted Omitting the search sending directly
to the Helper is not allowed 21 Hold and Bark There are no commands
allowed on the Hold and Bark Intense close circling of the blind is
permitted on a limited basis COMMENTS If the dog leaves the Helper
before the handler leaves the midline on the judge's signal the handler
may on the judge's signal send the dog in again If the dog then stays
close to the helper the Hold exercise will be rated insufficient but
the protection work is allowed to continue If on the second attempt
the dog fails to go in to the Helper or leaves the Helper again the
protection work is terminated If the dog comes to meet the handler
as the handler approaches the blind a partial score will result If
the dog leaves the Helper before the judge's signal to pick up the
dog a partial score is likewise given
Critique After the reporting out the
scoring is concluded The dog is put on lead The Helper leaves the field
The judge announces the point score The dog is allowed to lie down
during the critique 55.
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