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pronounced = a |
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present = vh |
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insufficient = ng |
Machtzucht Kennels
Schutzhund / Dogsport
A: JUDGING CRITERIA FOR THE CHARACTER ASSESSMENT:
The assessment for correct character is of the utmost importance for the breeding selection of working dogs. For this reason, the assessment of the character has the highest priority. The Character Assessment is especially effective in differentiating natural and useful performance attributes from learned ones.
The most important criteria for the assessment of the character are:
-Ability to withstand pressure.
-Self-sureness.
-Nerve steadiness.
-Balanced drives.
-Natural aggressive behaviour.
-Willingness to take direction (commands).
2. The Phases of the Character Assessment:
The Character Assessment is divided into three phases, under which the most variable temperament and drive attributes will be discussed. The phases are divided as follows:
Ia) Searching:
In the holding exercises, self-confidence and nerve-steadiness are of the greatest significance next to a natural aggression and drive-structure.
Assessment criteria for the searching:
Ib) Hold and Bark (also the guarding phases after the fights):
By means of self-sure, attentive, and above all persistent holding as well as continuous and energetic barking, the dog shows a nerve-steadiness next to his natural and good drive behaviours.
Assessment criteria for the holding phases:
Holding
a) Attentive
b) Close
c) Intense
d) Persistent right up to the call-out
e) Self-sure
Barking
a) Continuous.
b) Energetic/enthusiastic.
II. The Fighting Sequences:
All of the fighting sequences consist of three phases. In these phases the dog shows his determination, self-confidence, and ability to withstand pressure. The phases of the fighting portions are:
a) Fight- and defense-readiness (defense drive)
(Escape, defense, re-attack (by Helper), counter-attack (by dog)
Assessment criteria:
b) Pressure Phase:
The dog must work energetically and confidently in all the pressure phases. He must overcome and be uninfluenced by the effects of the Helper's attack and the stick-hits.
Assessment criteria:
c) Guarding phases:
The dog must guard (hold) the Helper with intensity, self-confidence and attentiveness.
III. Controllability:
Under "controllability belongs the readiness of the dog to show obedience throughout the entire Character Assessment. Controllability is particularly evident in the exercise portions dealing with the blind-search, the transports, the downs, the "outs", and in the guarding phases.
Assessment criteria:
The grip has fundamental meaning in the Character Assessment. It is especially through evaluation of the grip that the trial judge has the opportunity to discern and emphasise the quality of the dog being judged.
In all phases the grip must basically be full, firm, energetic, calm and steady.
The evaluation of the quality of the dog on the basis of his grip-behaviour must take place over the entire Character Assessment.
In making this evaluation the Helper's behaviour, among other things, is to be taken into consideration.
In judging the escape, attention is to be given not only to the fullness of the grip, but priority consideration must be given to the effective hindering of the escape.
A. Reporting-in:
The dog-handler must in every instance report in to the trial judge at the beginning of Part "C".
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, Part "C" is to be terminated.
B. Searching for the Helper:
Commands: (Voran" ("Go ahead") or "Revier" ("Search")
and "Hier" ("Come"); the command "Hier" or "Come"
may be given in combination with dog's name.
From the basic position, the dog will be sent by means of verbal commands and/or visible signals. The search is to be shown forwards.
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.
C. Hold and Bark:
As soon as the dog reaches the Helper, he must bark at him without gripping. The handler remains standing on the imaginary midline. The dog must, without handler-help, hold the Helper attentively and closely, with intensity and self-confidence, barking energetically and continuously until he is called out.
There are no commands allowed in the Hold and Bark.
Special merit is placed upon self-confident and intense behaviour shown by the dog. Intense, close circling of the blind is definitely permitted.
Comment on the Hold and Bark:
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 Character Assessment is allowed to continue. If, on the second attempt, the dog fails to go in to the Helper or leaves the Helper again, the Character Assessment 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.
D. Back- and Side-Transports:
In the Transports the dog must walk close at heel, watch the Helper attentively, and, when the Transport stops, must sit fast in the basic position. In the Back-Transport the distance from the handler to the Helper is a maximum of 5 paces. The judge will determine the course of the Transport.
E. Approaching the dog after the "Out":
On the judge's signal, the handler makes a direct approach to his dog at a normal pace. With the command "Sitz"("Sit") he brings his dog into the basic position. If the dog is already sitting, the position of the dog may be reconfirmed with the command "Sitz". Dogs which are in the "down" position after the "out" may be left in this position. The "down" position may likewise be reconfirmed with the command "Platz" ("Down"). Before the beginning of the back transport, the dog is to be taken into the basic position with the command "Sitz"
F. Completion of Exercise:
See individual exercises.
G. The "Out":
After a fighting sequence stops, the dog has to release ("out") independently. The handler has to give the first "out" command, on his own, within a reasonable time.
If the dog does not "out" after the first permitted command, the judge signals the handler to give possibly 2 further "out" commands.
When giving the command ("Aus"/"Out"), the handler must stand quietly, without exerting other influence on the dog.
In the evaluation of the "out", the following factors are to be considered:
-The Helper must stand still on the judge's signal;
-The dog must release immediately (when commanded);
-One "out" command is allowed (without point loss);
-The dog must guard the Helper.
Criteria for scoring the "out" in the Character Assessment:
|
Maximum point deductions |
0 |
0.5-3.0 |
3.0 |
3.5-6.0 |
6.0 |
6.5-9.0 |
|
1.Command (permitted) - immediate "out" |
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
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1.Command (permitted) - slow/very slow out |
|
0.5-3.0 |
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|
|
|
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2.1st extra command - immediate "out" |
|
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3.0 |
|
|
|
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2.1st extra command slow/very slow out |
|
|
|
3.5- 6.0 |
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|
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3.2nd extra command - immediate "out" |
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|
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6.0 |
|
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3.2nd extra command slow/very slow out |
|
|
|
|
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6.5-9.0 |
Additional comment:
a) SchH 2/IPO 2 "Escape" exercise
b) SchH 3/IPO 3 "Escape" and exercise 5b (courage test/attack out of motion).
In all other exercises the Character Assessment may continue if the dog releases when the handler comes to pick him up. The handler must however be at a reasonable distance from the dog.
Assessment criteria:
a) Drive structure
b) Self-sureness
c) Ability to take stress
"Controllability" is especially evaluated with an influence on the total rating, however no written entry about that is made in the performance book.
Assessments for this are:
|
pronounced = a |
|
present = vh |
|
insufficient = ng |
1.) Pronounced
Self-confident, intense, single-minded and secure gripping and holding, no negative reactions at the stick-hits, close and attentive watching in the holding and guarding phases.
Small deviations from the above statements/opinions will still allow an "a" rating under certain circumstances!
2.) Present
Deficiencies for example in the self-confidence, single-mindedness, in grip and stick behaviour, as well as in the guarding phases.
3.) Insufficient
Lacking self-sureness, strong deficiencies with respect to hardness, and disinterest in the Helper.
Leaving the Helper before the judge's signal to the handler to approach the dog will terminate the Character Assessment.
If a dog is removed from the trial because of disobedience it will receive no entry of points and no assessment.
Dogs which are removed from the trial because of faulty drive structure, self-confidence and/or ability to take stress will receive the rating "ng"
SchH A and SchH 1 - Character Assessment:
Maximum points: 100
|
|
Blind Search |
Hold and Bark |
Free-heeling to surprise attack |
Surprise Attack with guarding |
Attack, fight & guarding of Helper |
|
Points
|
5 |
10 |
5 |
40 |
40 |
|
Commands |
Voran/Revier, Hier (may combine with dog’s name) |
- |
1 x Fuss (Heel) |
So ist brave (Good dog) Aus (Out) |
Voran (Go Ahead) Aus (Out) |
Prerequisites:
 |
At least 1 Helper |
|
2 blinds (About 40 paces' distance from the imaginary midline and set slightly staggered) |
|
1 blind for the surprise attack |
A Helper who lives in the same household as one of the handlers may not be used in a trial or competition.
In local club-trials, the SchH 3 entries may also be worked using only one Helper. In competitions, eliminations and championship trials, 2 Helpers must be used.
Helper-instruction:
The Helper works upon the judge's signals.
The handler reports-in to the trial judge with his dog on lead. He is directed by the judge to the starting position (midline). There he unleashes his dog in the basic position. He puts the lead in his pocket or hangs it around his shoulder.
The Helper is sent into a blind by the judge before the start. He is not visible to the dog. On the judge's signal, the handler begins the search. From the basic position, with the command "Voran" or "Revier", he sends his dog to the right or left and then to the opposite-lying blind with the Helper in it. The dog must go directly to the blinds on one command, and must run around them.
Besides the permitted verbal commands, the handler is also allowed to give hand/arm signals to send the dog to the left or right.
Sending the dog directly to the bark-blind is not allowed.
The call-name of the dog may be combined with the command "Hier "
The search for the Helper is to be shown in a forward direction.
As soon as the dog finds the Helper, he must bark without gripping. At the judge's signal, the handler remains standing at the imaginary midline.
Intense, close circling of the blind is definitely permitted.
On the judge's signal the handler goes to his dog, puts him on lead and goes into hiding. The Helper is now sent into a different blind that stands about 70-80 paces from the exit-point of the handler.
Free-Heeling to the Surprise Attack:
On the judge’s signal the handler leaves the blind, takes up the basic position and removes the dog's lead. He puts it in a pocket or hangs it around his shoulder. On a further judge's signal the handler goes with his free-heeling dog in the direction of the Helper-blind. The dog has to heel close.
If the dog does not stay with the handler, the judge will direct the Helper to make a premature attack. Five points are deducted for failing to show the "heel free" A partial
score may be given if the handler and his dog have performed the free-heeling for at least half the distance toward the "attack-blind"
On the judge's signal the Helper undertakes an attack on the handler and dog, without making intimidating sounds. The dog must immediately defend against the attack, surely and energetically, by gripping firm and full. Once the dog has seized the arm, the Helper gives him two soft-stick hits on the thighs, side-portions or in the area of the withers.
The handler is allowed to encourage the dog's defense against the attack by saying "So ist brav" ("good dog").
On the judge's signal the Helper stops the attack and stands still. The dog must release the grip independently or on a one-time command "Aus", and then must guard the Helper.
On the judge's command the handler goes to his dog and brings him into the basic position with the command "Sitz". He puts the dog on lead and is given a judge's signal to go into a blind designated by the judge.
The handler is called out of the blind by the judge and takes up the designated position. The dog is taken off lead and held firmly by the collar. The dog may not be stimulated (worked up) by the handler. Up to 3 points will be deducted for restraint by the handler or restless sitting.
The Helper leaves the blind into which the judge sent him, at about 70-80 paces away from the handler, and he crosses over the field at a normal pace. The handler orders the Helper to stop by calling out "Bleiben Sie stehen" ("You there, stop!"). The Helper ignores the instruction and starts a frontal attack upon handler and dog. The judge immediately gives the handler a signal to counter the attack.
Upon the judge's signal the handler immediately sends his dog with the command "Voran".
The dog must counter the attack with intensity and must grip energetically with a firm, full, secure and calm grip. Once the dog has his grip, the Helper pressures the dog briefly (without any stick-hits) and on the judge's signal stops resisting. The dog must release by himself or upon a single command "Aus" and must guard the Helper.
On the judge's signal the handler approaches his dog at a normal pace.
The handler lets the Helper step back 3 paces and orders him to put his arms up, in order to place the dog in a "down" position. The handler then searches and disarms the Helper. After the search the handler returns to his dog, lets him sit, and puts him on lead. Before beginning the side-transport, the handler takes the basic position next to the Helper in such a way that the dog is sitting between handler and Helper. There is a side-transport to the judge.
The Helper leaves the field. The judge announces the point-score. The dog is permitted to lie down during the critique.
Points for faulty transport or disarming of the Helper will be deducted from the previous exercise.
SchH 2 and SchH 3 - Character Assessment:
SCH H 2 SCH H 3
|
Exercise portion |
Commands |
Points |
|
Exercise portion |
Commands |
Points |
|
Blind search |
Voran/Revier Hier +name |
5 |
|
Blind search |
Voran/Revier Hier +name |
5 |
|
Hold & Bark |
----------------- |
10 |
|
Hold & Bark |
----------------- |
10 |
|
Escape |
Aus |
10 |
|
Escape |
Aus |
10 |
|
Defense |
Aus |
20 |
|
Defense |
Aus |
20 |
|
Back Transport |
Fuss |
5 |
|
Back Transport |
Fuss |
5 |
|
Attack |
Aus |
20 |
|
Attack |
Aus |
15 |
|
Attack on HF lying in wait |
Bleiben Sie stehen Voran |
30 |
|
Attack on HF lying in wait |
Bleiben Sie stehen Voran |
20 |
|
Defense |
--------------- |
---------- |
|
Defense |
Aus |
15 |
|
Side Transport |
Fuss |
---------- |
|
Side Transport |
Fuss |
|
SchH 2
100 points
Search 5 pts
Hold & Bark 10 pts
Escape 20 pts
Defense 20 pts
Back-transport 5 pts
Attack 20 pts
Defense 30 pts
Prerequisites:
Number of Helpers: SchH 2 = 1; SchH 3 = 2 Helpers
Escape and Defense in Levels 2 & 3:
Commands : "Aus" ("Out") and "Fuss" ("Heel")
The handler stands in the blind. The dog must watch the Helper attentively while lying calmly. On the judge's signal, the Helper tries to escape. The dog must effectively hinder the escape by gripping fast, firmly and energetically. On the judge's signal the Helper stops and stands quietly.
If the dog has not hindered the escape within 20 meters by gripping and holding firmly, the Character Assessment is terminated.
Once the dog has released, the judge signals the Helper to attack. There should be a clear distinction (judge's signal) between the escape and the defense portion.
On the judge's signal the Helper commences an attack upon the handler. The dog must immediately counter this attack energetically, with a firm and calm grip.
Back-transport and Attack in SchH 2 & 3:
Description as before, however distance up to 5 paces.
Going away from the Helper after the Attack:
SchH 2 & 3:
The handler goes with his free-heeling dog into the blind indicated by the judge.
Coming out of the blind for the attack from waiting position:
SchH 2:
The handler comes out of the blind with his free-heeling dog and goes to the start-position designated by the judge (midline). He lets his dog sit free at heel in the basic position, or holds him firmly by the collar. The dog may not be stimulated (worked up) by the handler. Up to 3 points will be deducted for restraint by the handler or restless sitting. The dog must hold this position until he is sent with the command "Voran" to counter the attack.
SchH 3:
The handler comes out of the blind with his free-heeling dog and goes to the start-position designated by the judge (midline). He lets his dog sit free at heel in the basic position, or lie down, or holds him firmly by the collar. The dog may not be stimulated (worked up) by the handler. Up to 3 points will be deducted for restraint by the handler or restless sitting. The dog must hold this position until he is sent with the command "Voran" to counter the attack.
On the judge's signal the Helper crosses over the field and the exercise is carried out as described under SchH 2 with the difference that the Helper runs as he crosses over the field.
As before.
SchH 3:
100 points
Search 5 pts
Hold & Bark 10 pts
Escape 10 pts
Defense 20 pts
Back-transport 5 pts
Attack 15 pts
Attack on HF 20 pts
Defense 15 pts
"Outing" in the Fighting Sequences:
Further factors to be taken into account:
If the dog "outs" immediately without or with one command "Aus", he will receive full points.
If the dog "outs" slowly to very slowly, or shows after-grips or bumping (without extra command), he will lose up to 3 points.
If the dog "outs" immediately after a second command "Aus", he will lose a total of 3 points.
If he "outs" after a second command slowly or very slowly, or shows after-grips or bumps, he will lose 4 - 6 points (total).
If he "outs" immediately after 3 commands, he will lose 6 points (total).
If the dog fails to "out" on the 3rd command (2nd extra command), in these exercises:
|
Level 1: attack/courage test |
|
Level 2: after defense/attack back-transport, courage test |
|
Level 3: after defense/attack back-transport, courage test |
the judge will give the handler a signal to approach the dog. If the dog "outs" at the approach, the Character Assessment can continue. The point loss is 7 -9 points.
Further verbal or visible commands, or other influencing of the dog, will result in termination of the Character Assessment.
If the dog fails to "out" after 3 commands between the escape and the defense in Level 2 and 3, and additionally between the attack and courage-test in Level 3, the Character Assessment is terminated.
The handler must give the first "Aus" command on his own, after a reasonable time. The second command will be given on the judge's signal.
When giving the "Aus" command the handler must stand quietly; he may not approach the dog. If the dog receives a "Platz" command in order to make him "out",
the exercise will be rated as "faulty"
If, after the "out", the dog receives an additional command "Platz" in order to keep the dog with the Helper, the Character Assessment will terminate.
If the name of the dog is used, it will be scored as an additional command.
"Outing" the dog by means of physical influence will terminate the Character Assessment.
SchH A/1 Character Assessment:
The handler reports-in in the basic position with his dog on lead. Then he takes the starting position for the blind search and takes the dog off lead.
(Commands: "Voran"/"Revier" and "Hier" together with dog's name)
On the judge's signal the handler sends his dog to search.
The dog must show 2 side-sweeps, one to the right and one to the left. Procedure: See B: The Blind-Search.
(Commands: None) Procedure: See C: Hold and Bark.
The dog is picked up on the judge's command. The handler leashes the dog and goes into hiding. The Helper goes into a different blind about 70-80 paces from the exit-point of the handler.
Free-heeling to the Surprise Attack: (5 pts)
(Command "Fuss")
On the judge's signal the handler leaves the blind, takes up the basic position and removes the dog's lead. He puts it in a pocket or hangs it around his shoulder. On a further judge's signal the handler goes with his free-heeling dog in the direction of the Helper-blind. The dog has to heel close.
If the dog does not stay with the handler, the judge will direct the Helper to make a premature attack. Five points are deducted for failing to show the "heel free". A partial score may be given if the handler and his dog have performed the free-heeling for at least half the distance toward the "attack-blind"
On the judge's signal the Helper undertakes an attack on the handler and dog, without making intimidating sounds. The dog must immediately defend against the attack, surely and energetically, by gripping firm and full. Once the dog has seized the arm, the Helper gives him two soft-stick hits on the thighs, side-portions or in the area of the withers.
The handler is allowed to encourage the dog's defense against the attack by saying "So ist brav" ("good dog").
On the judge's signal the Helper stops the attack and stands still. The dog must release the grip independently or on a one-time command "Aus", and then must guard the Helper.
On the judge's command the handler goes to his dog and brings him into the basic position with the command "Sitz". He puts the dog on lead and is given a judge's signal to go into a blind designated by the judge.
Defense Against Attack with lying in wait and guarding of Helper:(40 pts)
(Commands "Voran", "Aus","Fuss", "Platz", "Sitz", "Fuss")
The handler is called out of the blind by the judge and takes up the designated position. The dog is taken off lead and held firmly by the collar. The dog may not be
stimulated (worked up) by the handler and must sit calmly next to the handler. Up to 3 points will be deducted for restless behaviour.
The Helper leaves the blind into which the judge sent him, at about 70-80 paces away from the handler, and he crosses over the field at a normal pace. The handler orders the Helper to stop by calling out "Bleiben Sie stehen" ("You there, stop!"). The Helper ignores the instruction and starts a frontal attack upon handler and dog. The judge immediately gives the handler a signal to counter the attack.
Upon the judge's signal the handler immediately sends his dog with the command "Voran".
The handler may follow his dog at a normal pace until the dog has reached the Helper. The dog must counter the attack with intensity and must grip energetically with a firm, full, secure and calm grip. Once the dog has his grip, the Helper pressures the dog briefly (without any stick-hits) and on the judge's signal stops resisting. The dog must release by himself or upon a single command "Aus" and must guard the Helper.
On the judge's signal, the handler makes a direct approach to his dog at a normal pace. With the command "Sitz"("Sit") he brings his dog into the basic position. If the dog is already sitting, the position of the dog may be reconfirmed with the command "Sitz". For dogs which are in the "down" position after the "out", the "down" position may likewise be reconfirmed with the command "Platz" ("Down").
The handler lets the Helper step back 3 paces and orders him to put his arms up, in order to place the dog in a "down" position. The handler then searches and disarms the Helper.
After the search the handler returns to his dog, lets him sit, and puts him on lead. Before beginning the side-transport, the handler takes the basic position next to the Helper in such a way that the dog is sitting between handler and Helper. The handler reports-out to the judge.
The Helper leaves the field. The judge announces the point-score. The dog is permitted to lie down during the critique.
The handler reports-in to the judge with his dog on lead in the basic position. Then he heels his dog free to the starting position where he takes the basic position.
(Commands "Voran/Revier", "Hier" with name)
On the judge's signal the handler sends his dog to search. The dog must make six side-sweeps, three to the left and three to the right. Procedure: see B: Blind search.
(Commands "Fuss", "Platz")
Procedure: see C: Hold and Bark
On the judge's signal the handler leaves the midline and goes to a point 3-4 paces from his dog. The judge determines the actual position for the call-out. On another signal the handler calls his dog out with the command "Fuss". The dog must quickly come to the handler and sit in the basic position. The handler calls the Helper out, "downs" his dog after ordering the Helper to put up his hands in place (the call-out position of the dog can also act as the "down position" place for the escape).
The judge determines the places where Helper and handler will position themselves for the "escape" After the handler's search of the Helper and the blind, the exercise "hold and bark" is completed.
If the dog does not come to the handler after the third command, the dog is picked up by free-heeling and the exercise is rated as faulty.
(Command "Aus")
The handler goes into the blind. The dog must watch the Helper attentively while lying quietly. On the judge's signal the Helper attempts to escape. The dog must effectively hinder the escape by fast, firm and energetic gripping. On the judge's command the Helper stops and stands still. The dog must release on his own or on a single "Aus" command, and then must guard the Helper.
If the dog fails to hinder the escape within 20 meters by gripping and holding firmly, the Character Assessment is terminated.
(Commands "Aus")
After a definite pause the Helper receives a signal to attack the dog. With no influence from the handler, the dog must immediately counter the attack securely and energetically through firm and full gripping. Once the dog has gripped the arm, the Helper gives him two soft-stick hits on the thighs, side-portions, or in the area of the withers.
On signal from the judge the Helper stops his resistance and stands still. The dog must release on his own or on a single command, and must guard the Helper. On the judge's signal the handler goes directly to his dog and has him sit in the basic position.
Command "Fuss"
Procedure: See D: Back- and Side-Transports
The handler lets the Helper walk on ahead and follows him at a maximum distance of 5 paces.
Defense against attack (20 pts):
(Commands "Aus")
After about a 50-paces Back-transport, the judge signals the Helper to attack the handler and dog out of motion without intimidating noises. The dog must immediately counter the attack securely and energetically through firm and full gripping. On the judge's command the Helper stops and stands still. The dog must immediately release on his own or on a single "Aus" command, and must guard the Helper. On the judge's signal, the handler makes a direct approach to his dog at a normal pace. With the command "Sitz" ("Sit") he brings his dog into the basic position. If the dog is already sitting, the position of the dog may be reconfirmed with the command "Sitz". For dogs which are in the "down" position after the "out", the "down" position may likewise be reconfirmed with the command "Platz" ("Down").
The handler goes, on the judge's command, into the designated blind with his free-heeling dog.
Defense Against Attack with lying in wait and guarding of Helper:(30 pts)
(Commands "Voran", "Aus","Fuss")
The handler is called out of the blind by the judge and takes up the designated position. The dog is taken off lead and held firmly by the collar. The dog may not be stimulated (worked up) by the handler and must sit calmly next to the handler. Up to 3 points will be deducted for restless behaviour.
The Helper leaves the blind into which the judge sent him, at about 70-80 paces away from the handler, and he crosses over the field at a normal pace. The handler orders the Helper to stop by calling out "Bleiben Sie stehen" ("You there, stop!"). The Helper ignores the instruction and starts a frontal attack upon handler and dog. The judge immediately gives the handler a signal to counter the attack.
Upon the judge's signal the handler immediately sends his dog with the command "Voran".
AUS Board Comment:
The handler may follow his dog at a normal pace until the dog has reached the Helper.
The dog must counter the attack with intensity and must grip energetically with a firm, full, secure and calm grip. Once the dog has his grip, the Helper pressures the dog briefly (without any stick-hits) and on the judge's signal stops resisting. The dog must release by himself or upon a single command "Aus" and must guard the Helper.
On the judge's signal, the handler makes a direct approach to his dog at a normal pace. With the command "Sitz"("Sit") he brings his dog into the basic position. If the dog is already sitting, the position of the dog may be reconfirmed with the command "Sitz". For dogs which are in the "down" position after the "out", the "down" position may likewise be reconfirmed with the command "Platz" ("Down").
The handler lets the Helper step back 3 paces and orders him to put his arms up, in order to place the dog in a "down" position. The handler then searches and disarms the Helper.
After the search the handler returns to his dog and lets him sit. Before beginning the side-transport, the handler takes the basic position next to the Helper in such a way that the dog is sitting between handler and Helper. There is a side-transport to the judge. After the reporting-out the dog is put on lead. The Helper leaves the field. The judge announces the point-score. The dog may lie down during the critique.
The handler reports-in to the judge with his free-heeling dog. Then he goes to the starting position and takes up the basic position.
(Commands "Voran/Revier", "Hier" with dog's name)
On the judge's signal the handler sends his dog to search. The dog must make six side-sweeps, three to the left and three to the right. Procedure: See B: Blind search.
(Commands "Fuss", "Platz")
Procedure: See C: Hold and Bark
On the judge's signal the handler leaves the midline and goes to a point 3-4 paces from his dog. The judge determines the actual position for the call-out. On another signal the handler calls his dog out with the command "Fuss" The dog must quickly come to the handler and sit in the basic position. The handler calls the Helper out, "downs" his dog after ordering the Helper to put up his hands in place (the call-out position of the dog can also act as the "down position" place for the escape). The judge determines the places where Helper and handler will position themselves for the "escape". After the handler's search of the Helper and the blind, the exercise "hold and bark" is completed.
If the dog does not come to the handler after the third command, the dog is picked up by free-heeling and the exercise is rated as faulty.
(Command "Aus")
The handler goes into the blind. The dog must watch the Helper attentively while lying quietly. On the judge's signal the Helper attempts to escape. The dog must effectively hinder the escape by fast, firm and energetic gripping. On the judge's command the Helper stops and stands still. The dog must release on his own or on a single "Aus" command, and then must guard the Helper. If the dog fails to hinder the escape within 20 meters by gripping and holding firmly, the Character Assessment is terminated.
(Commands "Aus")
After a definite pause the Helper receives a signal to attack the dog. With no influence from the handler, the dog must immediately counter the attack securely and energetically through firm and full gripping. Once the dog has gripped the arm, the Helper gives him two soft-stick hits on the thighs, side-portions, or in the area of the withers. On signal from the judge the Helper stops his resistance and stands still. The dog must release on his own or on a single command, and must guard the Helper.
On the judge's signal the handler goes directly to his dog and has him sit in the basic position.
Command "Fuss"
Procedure: See D: Back- and Side-Transports
The handler lets the Helper walk on ahead and follows him at a maximum distance of 5 paces.
Defense against attack (15 pts):
(Commands "Aus")
After about a 50-paces Back-transport, the judge signals the Helper to attack the handler and dog out of motion without intimidating noises. The dog must immediately counter the attack securely and energetically through firm and full gripping. On the judge's command the Helper stops and stands still. The dog must immediately release on his own or on a single "Aus" command, and must guard the Helper. On the judge's signal, the handler makes a direct approach to his dog at a normal pace. With the command "Sitz" ("Sit") he brings his dog into the basic position. If the dog is already sitting, the position of the dog may be reconfirmed with the command "Sitz". For dogs which are in the "down" position after the "out", the "down" position may likewise be reconfirmed with the command "Platz" ("Down").
The handler goes, on the judge's command, into the designated blind with his free-heeling dog.
Defense Against Attack with lying in wait and guarding of Helper: (20 points)
(Commands "Voran", "AUS","Fuss")
The handler with his free-heeling dog comes out of the blind and takes up the designated position. He lets his dog sit free at heel in the basic position or he holds him firmly by the collar. The dog may not be stimulated (worked up) by the handler and must sit calmly next to the handler. The dog must hold this position until he is released with the command "Voran" to counter the attack.
Up to 3 points will be deducted for restless behaviour.
The Helper leaves the blind into which the judge sent him, at about 70-80 paces away from the handler, and he crosses over the field at a running pace. The handler orders the Helper to stop by calling out "Bleiben Sie stehen" ("You there, stop!"). The Helper ignores the instruction and starts a frontal attack upon handler and dog. The judge immediately gives the handler a signal to counter the attack.
Upon the judge's signal the handler immediately sends his dog with the command "Voran".
AUS Board Comment:
The handler may follow his dog at a normal pace until the dog has reached the Helper.
The dog must counter the attack with intensity and must grip energetically with a firm, full, secure and calm grip. Once the dog has his grip, the Helper pressures the dog briefly (without any stick-hits) and on the judge's signal stops resisting. The dog must release by himself or upon a single command "Aus" and must guard the Helper.
Defense against attack (20 pts):
(Commands "Aus", "Sitz", "Platz", "Fuss")
After a definite pause the Helper receives a signal to attack the dog. With no influence from the handler, the dog must immediately counter the attack securely and energetically through firm and full gripping. Once the dog has gripped the arm, the Helper gives him two soft-stick hits on the thighs, side-portions, or in the area of the withers.
On signal from the judge the Helper stops his resistance and stands still. The dog must release on his own or on a single command, and must guard the Helper.
On the judge's signal the handler goes directly to his dog and has him sit in the basic position. If the dog is already sitting, the position of the dog may be reconfirmed with the command "Sitz" For dogs which are in the "down" position after the "out", the "down"-position may likewise be reconfirmed with the command "Platz" ("Down"). The handler lets the Helper step back 3 paces and orders him to put his arms up, in order to place the dog in a "down" position. The handler then searches and disarms the Helper. After the disarming the handler returns to his dog and lets him sit. Before beginning the side-transport, the handler takes the basic position next to the Helper in such a way that the dog is sitting between handler and Helper. There is a side-transport to the judge.
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.