Preface

This document is a translation of various rules for the conduct of working dog examinations as used in Germany. These rules have been adopted for use by the United Schutzhund Clubs of America with certain amendments and variances. This document and any approved amendments and shall be the official rule book for the conduct of all working dog evaluation events sanctioned by the United Schutzhund Clubs of America. Unauthorized duplication is strictly forbidden. Copies of this publication can be obtained by contacting the USA business office at United Schutzhund Clubs of America, 3810 Paule Ave, St. Louis, Mo 63125-1718, (314)638-9686.

USA Variances from the Following Rules:

The United Schutzhund Clubs of America has requested and received variances form the following rules in some instances. The Board of Directors of USA has also adopted variances of its own accord. The following variances to the preceding rules in effect for all USA trials

1. The waiting period between trials has been reduced from four to two weeks.

2. The limit on the number of dogs to be judged by one judge in one day
   in a Schutzhund trial has been increased from 10 to 12 dogs.

3. All dogs entered in a USA sanctioned trial must pass a test of impartiality.

4. Restrictions limiting participation by physically impaired handlers do
   not apply to USA trials and shows.

General Rules and Regulations

Part A. DEGREE LEVELS

Schutzhund Examination A       SchH A
Begleithunde Examination       B
Schutzhund Examination I       Schl-l I
Schutzhund Examination Il      SchH II
Schutzhund Examination III     SchH III

Part B. REQUIREMENTS

The minimum age requirements for entry into the various degree levels are:

SchH A         18 months
SchH 1           18 months
Schl-l 11        19 months
Schl-l 111       20 months
FH                 16 months
B                    12 months

Evidence of prior achievement of the B title must be presented before entry into SchHI is permitted.

On any given day when one judge is officiating, a maximum of 10 (12 In USA) dogs may be entered in a trial. If the entries exceed this figure, the trial must be extended to another day or other judges must be secured to officiate.

Dogs are only allowed to be exhibited in one Schutzhund degree per scheduled trial. If a dog has been awarded a degree, a four week (two weeks in USA) waiting period must elapse before the dog can be exhibited for the next higher degree. Once a dog has earned a SchH III degree, it is up to the discretion of the handier when he/she wishes to exhibit the dog again. Dogs exhibited in a lower degree examination than actually earned by the dog shall be awarded rankings behind those who earned their degree at the scheduled trial. (This is for awards, trophies, placings, etc.) It is up to the discretion of the handier to repeat a Schutzhund degree without being bound by the waiting period, but not at the same scheduled trial date. It is also not permissible for a handier to participate in two trials on the same day.

Only dogs that appear healthy can be exhibited in a trial. Before being permitted to participate in a trial, each dog must pass a test of impartiality and sureness. The testing of the self confidence will take place during the entire trial. Dogs who fail the test of self confidence or impartiality are to be excused from the trial proceedings. A dog is to be dismissed from the trial, if it demonstrates faulty temperament during the trial even though the initial test for impartiality was positive.

PART C. POINT SCORE AND RATINGS

The highest maximum score in each phase shall be 100 points and therefore the highest point score in all three phases shall be 300 points. A degree can only be awarded if a dog achieves at least 70 points in phases A (tracking) and B (obedience) and at least 80 points in phase C (protection). The following ratings shall be awarded with the corresponding point totals:

Unsatisfactory   0 - 109 points
Insufficient       110 - 219 points
Satisfactory       220 - 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 should receive the award. Should there still be a tie, the point score in phase B shall prevail.

For a SchH A, the highest possible point score is 200 points. The pass-score in this degree is a minimum of 70 points in phase B and a mini- of 80 points in phase C. The following ratings shall be awarded with the corresponding point totals:

Unsatisfactory   0 - 72 points
Insufficient       73 - 149 points
Satisfactory       150 - 159 points
Good                 160 - 179 points
Very Good        180 - 190 points
Excellent            191 - 200 points

Awards for combativeness including courage and hardness are:

P -- Pronounced (Ausgepraegt)
S -- Satisfactory (Vorhanden)
I -- Insufficient (Nicht Genugend)

PART D. THE CONDUCT OF THE PARTICIPANTS

At the beginning of each trial after being summoned by name, each handler and dog shall report to the judge repeating the handlers as well as the dog's name. The dog must be leashed (unleashed in SchH 111) and is to sit in the basic heel position. The pedigree and registration certificate as well as the scorebook is to be presented to the trial secretary prior to the trial (scorebook only in USA). Should the hosting organization demand a membership or affiliation requirement, then a valid member-ship card must be presented.

Evidence of the prior achievement of a SchH I must be presented before entry into the FH is permitted. Dogs who do not possess the SchH before entry into the FH is permitted to enter for the FH provided they have attained the degree B (Companion Dog). In this case, the awarded title shall have no bearing in regards to breed show or breed survey rules and regulations.

Each participant must follow the instructions of the judge as well as those of the trial committee without any disagreement. The handler must exhibit the dog in a sporty and faultless manner. Ill-natured actions or Poor sportsmanship will lead to expulsion from the trial. The final decision in all cases rests with the presiding judge and the decision of the judge is unchallengeable. A protest is not permitted. In the event anyone is expelled from a trial by the judge or trial secretary, the USA Board of Inquiry will review the situation for further possible disciplinary action.

During the trial, the dog must be exhibited with a choke collar in the neutral position (dead ring). Leather and spike collars are not permitted. The handler may praise the dog only once after each exercise. Body help from the handler is not permitted and if used will be penalized by point deductions.

Handlers that possess physical handicaps that hinder movement of the dog on the left side of the handler can show dogs on the handler's right side. In such cases, the dog and handler will be judged without pre- as long as the performance is analogous to a left heeling dog.

PART E. DUTIES OF THE TRIAL SECRETARY

Before the start of the trial, the trial secretary must inform and show proof to the judge that the necessary permission was attained by the club for the examination The judge will be presented with properly filled out judge's books.

The trial secretary is responsible for securing suitable tracking flelds and that sufficient experienced track layers are available. A sport field sufficiently large for both obedience and protection phases must be available. The secretary is also responsible for providing the necessary one or two experienced helpers with proper protective equipment. 'Me secretary will also assure that all needed equipment is provided and that a group of at least four people is available when needed.

The trial secretary must assure that a proper, orderly completion of the trial is attained. The trial secretary must be at the disposal of the judge at all times. The trial secretary must provide a sufficient number of score sheets and judge's books and make certain they are all properly prepared and completed.

Schutzhund I Tracking

30 minutes after the laying of the FH 1 track, and 30 minutes before starting the dog on the FH 2 track, a second person (who is also a stranger to the dog) will receive a signal from the judge to lay the cross-track, which shall cross the track three times.

Point Allocation in the Tracking Work:

Meadow grass, plowed fields and forest soil: All natural terrains. 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).

Materials: Leather, vinyl, fabric, wood.

In SchH 2, 3 and FH the articles are to be given to the track layer(s) far enough in advance so that the track layer(s) can carry the articles on their bodies for at least 30 minutes before laying the tracks.

In SchH 1, the handler uses his/her own articles. Attention should be paid to see that these articles are likewise well-scented.

B: THE LAYING OF THE TRACK:

Before laying the SchH 1 track, the handler 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).

The handlers may not be present during the laying of the tracks for SchH 2, 3 and FH. During the laying of the SchH 1 track the dog must remain out of sight.

1. The Starting-Place:

The starting-place is to be marked with a signpost (tracking stake with number mark). It is to be placed in the ground directly to the left of the starting-point, and must remain there throughout the tracking work.

The track layer remains for awhile on the starting-place, and light stepping about on it is permitted.

The track layer then proceeds at a normal pace in the direction prescribed by the judge. Scraping of feet or interruption in pace is not permitted.

After laying the last article, the track layer must proceed a few paces further straight ahead.

2. The Legs of the Track:

The number of track-legs is prescribed in the relevant Trial Level section of the Trial Rules.

3. The Corners:

The corners (about 90) are likewise 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.

4. The Placing of the Articles:

The articles are to be laid on the track, while the track layer is in motion. After laying the last article at the end of the track, the track layer must proceed straight ahead a few paces further.

SchH 1: Article #1 is laid in the middle of either the first or the second leg (handler's choice as to which leg); article #2 at the end of the track.

SchH 2: Article #1 is laid in the middle of the second leg; article #2 at the end of the track.

SchH 3: Article #1 is laid at least 100 paces out (and possibly on the second leg); article #2 at approximately middle of second or third leg of track; article #3 at end of track.

FH 1: Article #1 is laid at least 250 paces out (on 1 st or 2nd leg); articles #2 and #3 are laid on the judge's signal; article #4 at end of the track.

FH 2: The placement of article is determined by the judge.

C: VARIOUS OPTIONS IN THE TRACKING WORK:

The following handling options are permitted in the working out of the track: a) Collar b) Tracking harness c) Free tracking

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 hindlegs.

b) The tracking harness

The following types of tracking harness are permitted: The breastharness, and the Bottger-tracking harness.

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 136ttger-harness).

If a Bottger harness is used, the judge must ensure that the bodystrap 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 ten meters 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 permiffed.

c) Free tracking

The distance of at least 10 meters between handler and dog must be maintained.

D: WORKING OUT OF THE TRACK/EVALUATION OF THE TRACKING WORK:

After the tracks are laid for SchH 2, 3 and FH, the judge or the trial chairperson will have the handlers draw for their starting positions.

Each handler will report in, 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.

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 dog is to take the scent at the start calmly and intensively. The taking of the scent must occur without help from the handler (except for the voice command "Such"/"Seek"). The start is not time-dependent.

After successfully taking up the scent, the dog must proceed with tracking behavior appropriate to the working out of the track.

After the 4th unsuccessful start at the beginning, the tracking work is to be terminated.

Exception: The FH rules state that within the first 15 paces after the start, the dog may be restarted only once (subject to deduction of up to 4 points).

Once the dog has taken up the scent and is following it, the handler must remain at the starting point until the dog has reached the end of the tracking line, or until the required distance of 10 meters is reached. Earlier following of the dog is faulty.

Re-starting of the dog further on in the course of the track is not permitted in any trial level.

A restart consists of the handler taking the dog at heel, by the collar or on a shortened line, and again setting the dog onto the track. Tracking Performance:

The dog is to follow the course of the track evenly and intensively with a deep nose. 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.

Corners:

The corners are to be worked out closely and confidently. A dog's checking at the corner, to convince himself of the lay of the track, is not faulty so long as he does not leave the track. Close circling at the corner is definitely faulty. After working out the corner, the dog must continue tracking at his regular pace.

Indicating and Picking Up of Articles:

Indicating of articles must be done convincingly, in the direction of the track, and right before the article. Minor crookedness of position is not faulty, but sideways indicating of the article or strong turning around toward the handler is faulty. Articles which are indicated or picked up with strong handler-help are counted as not found.

The indicating of articles may be done standing, sifting, lying down, or by alternating these positions.

Indicating and picking up is faulty.

If the dog picks up articles, he may then stand still, sit, or come to the handler. Moving forward with the picked-up article or picking it up while lying down is faulty. If the dog brings the article to the handler, the handler may not move toward the dog.

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.

The dog must remain calmly in the indicating or picking-up position until his handler, standing beside him, restarts him with a short line.

If the dog indicates a false object or interrupts his tracking-work (i.e. by lying down, sitting or standing still), this is faulty and will cause point-deduction.

If, on command from the handler, the dog continues to work at the 10-meter distance, only 2 points will be deducted, and it will not be counted as a false indication. If the handler goes to the dog, it will be counted as a false indication and penalized by a 4-point deduction.

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 by more than 10 meters if the dog is free-tracking), or if the handler fails to obey the judge's instruction to follow the dog.

FH cross-track:

The dog may follow the cross-track for up to one line-length (with point loss). The tracking will be terminated if the dog leaves the track by more than one line-length (10 meters if free-tracking).

Wild Game:

If wild game appears during the tracking-work and the dog goes into hunting drive, the handler may give the "Platz" ("Down") command in an effort to bring the dog into obedience. On the judge's signal, the tracking-work will then continue. If this is unsuccessful, the tracking-work is to be terminated.

Praise:

Occasional praise and giving of the command "Such" ("Seek") is permitted in all trial levels.

Reporting-Out:

After completion of the tracking-work, the found articles are to be shown to the judge. It is not permitted to play with or feed the dog between the finding of the last article and the reporting-out procedure.

Reporting-out must be done with the dog in the basic position. Scoring of Tracking Work:

Faulty starting, aimless wandering, frequent circling on the corners, continuous encouragement, incorrect picking up or indicating, and dropping of articles will be penalized up to 4 points.

Repeated starting, strong wandering, tracking with a predominantly high nose, hectic tracking, urinating/ defecating, mouse-catching etc. are penalized up to 8 points.

For articles not found, the prescribed article-points will not be given.

E: TRACKING DOG - LEVEL 2 (FH 2):

1. General:

It is pointed out that Tracking Dog Level 2 (FH 2) represents a type of test which is essentially to be undertaken by sport (civilian) dogs. Special claims (pretenses) which might arise out of the realm of service dog achievements are not to be made.

It is mandatory that the track laying for this test be performed by responsible persons who have undergone a special training (schooling) in the field.

As a rule, the trial judge for this type of test may not accompany the track layer, tracking-diagrams must be drawn by the track layer. The judge must also make sure that the cross-tracks are laid according to the rules Y2 hour before the starttime.

2. Entry Requirements:

It is prerequisite to the taking of this test, that the dog be at least 20 months old and have earned an FH 1 title. Also eligible to enter the FH 2 test are dogs which, prior to their earning the FH 1 title, did not have a SchH 1 title but instead had passed a BH test. In this case, an FH 2 title earned will not constitute a "training title" that meets the requirements of any breeding, showing or K6rung (breed-survey) regulations of a breed-club.

3. Performance in the Tracking Work

Maximum score: 100 points (Voice command: "Such"/"Seek")
-Working of the track = 80 pts -7 articles (6x3,1x2) = 20 pts

The dog must demonstrate his track-sureness on a stranger's track that is at least three hours old and at least 2000 paces long, with seven angles ("corners") that conform to the terrain. At least two of the angles must be acute and one must be an arc (segment of a circle). The track will be crossed at least twice by a fresher stranger-track, at varying points separate from each other.

Along the track, at irregular distances, will be placed seven articles that have been well-scented by the track- layer. The article measurements (maximum) will be: length 10 cm (4"), width 3 cm (1.2"), thickness 1 cm (0.4"). So-called "searchpackets" are not permitted. The articles are to be found by the dog and either indicated or picked up.

Before the start of the track, the handler must report to the judge whether the dog picks up or indicates articles. Doing both together (picking up and indicating), or doing both on the same track, is faulty.

The handler may, at his/her option, track the dog free or on a tracking line. The tracking line may hang loose, so long as the handler does not let it out of his/her hand.

4. Laying of the Track:

The track layer, who is a stranger to the dog, must prepare a terrain-sketch for the judge. The course of the track is to be planned in advance with the judge or with the appointed tracking chairperson, utilizing natural landmarks such as lonestanding trees, power poles, shed s/cottages/outbuildings etc.

Before laying the track, the track layer will show the required tracking articles to the judge/tracking chairperson. The track layer must have carried the articles on his person for at least 30 minutes, in order to scent them well. The articles may not exceed the above-stated dimensions, and they must not differ markedly in their color from the surrounding terrain.

The start of the track is located within a surface area of 20 x 20 meters, in which only the track layer has entered. Entry into this area by any third party is to be prevented. The track layer will place in the ground, 20 paces apart, two markingstakes, between which is the "starting-line". From either the starting-line or from one of the two stakes, the track layer goes out and lays down an "identification article". This article marks the true start of the track. The "identification article" is of a similar size and composition as the other articles on the track, but it is not counted in the scoring.

Once the track layer has laid down the "identification article", he must remain standing on that spot for a brief period of time. The track will then be laid at a normal pace.

The articles are to be laid on the track at irregular distances. The first article must be placed at least 250 paces from the starting-point. The seventh (last) article is laid at the end of the track. Articles must not be laid at corners (angles) or in the immediate vicinity thereof. They must not be laid next to the track, but actually an the track. The track layer will indicate on his track-diagram, by placing "X" marks, all of the places where he has laid the articles. Careful attention is to be given to ensure that the track is laid over changing terrain. It must be laid so as to simulate a real situation, therefore any "pre-drawn map or pattern" is to be avoided.

Thirty minutes before the start-time, a second track layer (also a stranger to the dog), by arrangement with and under direction from the primary track layer, will receive the instruction to lay a cross-track that will intersect the primary track at least twice.

5. Working of the Track:

The "start-line" marked by the track layer will be made known to the handler by the judge. But the "start-line" itself does not necessarily establish the direction of the first leg of the track. From the location of the "identification article", the track may proceed straight ahead, right, left or even at an angle. Notice should be taken of the fact that the first leg of the track may not cross the "start-line."

For the searching-out of the "identification article", the handler is free to handle the dog either off-lead or on the tracking line. The time allotted for the dog to locate the "identification article" (= the start-point), determine the direction of the track, and begin working out the track is limited to three minutes. The handler is free to choose the point on the "start-line" at which he will start the dog searching for the "identification article."

The handler may not cross over the "starting-line" until the 10-meter tracking line has run out (or the free-working dog has reached a distance of 10 meters away from the handler). The handler may encourage the dog, during the search for the "identification article", by means of voice and/or hand signals.

If the dog comes onto the track beyond the "identification article" and takes up the tracking-work confidently, the handler must follow the dog. In this case, the tracking work must continue on in the same way the dog began (free or on the tracking line). If the dog finds the "identification article", the handler goes immediately to him and starts him on the working-out of the track. He may first, if necessary, attach a tracking line to the collar or harness.

The dog should be allowed to take up the scent thoroughly at the starting-point. He should be so trained that with no influence from the handler he will calmly and extensively take the scent at the starting-point. Under no circumstances may the handler, with his hand, arouse in the dog the urge to charge ahead forwards. No restarting is permitted.

As soon as the dog begins to track, the handier must stand still and let the 10-meter tracking line glide through his hands. The tracking line, attached either to the collar or to a harness, may be placed over the dog's back, along the dog's side, or between the dog's front and/or hind legs.

The track should be worked out calmly, so that the handler can follow at a normal pace. The handler follows at about a 10-meter distance, which must also be maintained if the dog is tracking free. When the dog comes upon an article, he must immediately pick it up or indicate it convincingly. When picking it up the dog may stand still, sit or come to the handier. If he comes to the handier, the handler may not advance toward him. Proceeding forward with the picked-up article is faulty. Indicating may be done sifting, lying down, standing, or alternating among those positions.

The handler must go to the dog immediately and take the article after raising it in the air to show the judge. The handler praises the dog and immediately lets himcontinue tracking. If the dog, while on the track, comes upon an article that was not placed by the track layer, he may neither pick it up or indicate it. If the dog changes over from the primary track onto the cross-track and follows it for more than one line-length, the tracking-work must be terminated. The judge is permitted to give the handier some positional help whenever the terrain imposes extreme difficulties which the dog cannot overcome (for example large water holes or deep gulleys/trenches, etc.). No points are deducted for this.

The handler is allowed, after consultation with the judge, to interrupt the trackingwork briefly if he believes that he or his dog needs a short pause, on grounds of physical (health) status or weather conditions (i.e. extreme heat). Here also there is no point deduction. The restarting of the dog on the track will not be scored as a "restart" under the meaning prescribed as faulty in the Trial Rulebook. The time taken for such permitted pauses, how-ever, is counted in the total time available to the handler and dog for working out the track.

The handler is allowed, during -a "pause" or at an article, to clean up the dog's head, eyes and nose. For this purpose, he may carry with him during the tracking work a wet cloth or sponge. These items are to be shown to the judge before the start of the tracking-work. Further aids are not permitted.

Any physical help (i.e. jerking on the line) or meaningful verbal help (additional commands to track) are to be refrained from by the handier. If any such help is given, it could lead to termination of the tracking-work.

Scoring:

The maximum 100 points can only be given when a dog works out his track from beginning to end, at a walking pace throughout, and picks up or indicates all seven articles.

All the angles ("corners") must be worked out confidently. The dog may not let himself be influenced by the cross-tracks. Among the first six articles, every one not found will cost 3 points, and the last article if not found will cost 2 points. Picking up in combination or alternation with indicating is faulty. For a falsely picked up or indicated article, 1.5 points will be deducted. For picking up or indicating any objects not placed there by the track layer, 1.5 points will be deducted.

If the handler prevents the dog from leaving the track, the judge will instruct the handler to follow the dog. The tracking-work is terminated if the dog leaves the track by more than one line-length (or by more than 10 meters if free-tracking), or if the handler ignores the judge's instruction to follow the dog.

6. Awarding of the Title "Tracking Dog Level 2" (FH 21):

The training title (degree) FH 2 may only be awarded if the dog attains at least 70 points.

Ratings are as follows:

       0      -      35 points      =      Insufficient   ("U")
       36     -      69 points      =      Faulty ("M")
       70     -      79 points      =      Satisfactory   ("B")
       80     -      89 points      =      Good   ("G")
       90     -      95 points      =      Very Good      ("SG")
       96     -      100 points     =      Excellent      ("V")

Schutzhund I Tracking

Schutzhund I

Phase C - Protection

Scoring: Maximum Score is 100 points.

Search for the Helper            = 5 points
Hold and Bark  (5 + 5)        = 10 points
Attack                                   = 35 points
Pursuit and Hold                   = 50 points

1. Search for the Helper - 5 Points

The helper is to be hidden in a position 40 paces away so that the dog can make searching passes to the right and left or vice versa. The handier and dog must be out of sight while the helper moves into the hiding place. At the request of the judge, the handier releases the dog with the command to "search" (revier or voran) towards the empty hiding place and then towards the helper. The command "here" (hier) can be used along with the dog's name.

2. Hold and Bark - 10 Points (5 + 5)

When the dog reaches the helper the dog should immediately and continuously bark. The dog should not bother the helper by gripping or bumping. The handier is to remain at a distance of approximately 25 paces. After the dog has barked continuously or even if it has not barked during the allotted time, the judge will signal the handier to pick up the dog. The dog must be held securely so that the helper can leave the hiding place.

3. Attack - 35 Points

A helper is directed to proceed to another hiding place at least 50 paces away. Upon direction from the judge, the handler will proceed with the free heeling dog towards the hiding place. The handler is now attacked from the front by the helper who suddenly comes from the hiding place. Contact between the handler and helper is not permitted. The dog must immediately attack and demonstrate a firm grip. The dog will now receive two hits with a flexible padded stick from the helper. It is permissible to place the hits on the dog's thighs, flanks or withers. Encouragement via the voice command 'Mat's a good dog" (so ist brav) is permissible. When requested by the judge, the helper stops the aggression. The dog must independently release the grip upon receiving the command to let go (Aus or Out). The handier, after receiving direction from the judge, will hold the dog by the collar.

4. Pursuit and Hold - 50 Points

The helper makes threatening gestures and runs away in a straight line. After the helper has run approximately 60 paces, the handier sends the dog toward the helper and remains standing still. The judge will request the helper to turn around when the dog is about 30 paces away. Using aggressive and threatening motions, the helper will run toward the dog. When the dog has taken a firm grip, the helper will press the dog briefly without applying stick hits and will then cease the resistance. The dog must independently release the grip upon receiving the command to let go (Aus or Out). After the dog has let go, the handler will remain standing without influencing the dog. Upon signal from the judge, the handier will approach the dog and helper in a normal pace. The handler will order the helper to step back from the dog and order the dog to lay down. The helper will be searched and disarmed before a side transport to the Judge is demonstrated. The dog will be on leash during the transport If the dog has taken a firm grip but does not let go after repeated voice commands to let go, the judge will request the handler to proceed quickly to the dog and pick up the dog. The handler will leave the area with the dog on leash.

The fighting drive including courage and hardness is to be evaluated, as follows:

P - Pronounced (Ausgepraegt -a-)
S - Satisfactory (Vorhanden -vh-)
I - Insufficient (Nicht Genugend -ng-)

The fighting instinct must be analyzed during the entire protection phase to determine the proper evaluation. The pressing of the dog toward the helper and a firm grip are convincing signs of pronounced fighting instinct. Should a dog avoid the stick hits, the dog must immediately become the aggressor again and must independently engage the fight. After the courage test, if the dog returns to the handler or remains in the vicinity of the helper without being intent toward the helper, then in the final analysis, the dog cannot receive the evaluation of pronounced. The pronounced evaluation can only be awarded to dogs with an especially developed, joyful fighting instinct.

Scoring: The helper must wear protective clothing such as a jacket or sleeve for safety. On the heeling toward the hiding place, the dog must remain on the left side of the handler. Forging, moving ahead or the influencing of the dog by the handler are faulty and up to three points can be deducted. After the attack, it is not necessary for the helper to remain motionless. The helper should watch the dog without assuming a threatening posture or making defensive movements. He must cover the body with the protective sleeve and remain quiet whenever the dog is intently guarding.

Only the energetic fighting and firm gripping dog that releases independently after one command to let go can receive a full score. The voice command to let go is permitted only once in each fighting exercise. Dogs who are not under the control of the handler during the righting phase or who let go only via bodily contact by the handler and dogs who fall one fighting exercise cannot pass the test. After the dog has failed in one righting exercise, the protection phase must be discontinued. No point deduction will be made for the dog that alertly circles the helper.

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