PHASE B – OBEDIENCE:

 A – REQUIREMENTS:

EQUIPMENT:

ONE-METRE HURDLE CONSTRUCTION:

Height: 1 metre

Width: 1.5 metres

Non-flexible (rigid) top.

1.8-METRE SCALING WALL:

1.3-metre base

The dimensions of the two sides of the scaling wall are 1.91 metres long by 1.5 metres wide. The wall shall be constructed of sturdy materials and reinforced to make it rigid. The scaling wall must be covered with nonskid material that extends from the lowest cleat on onside of the scaling wall over the top to the lowest cleat on the other side. Three cleats 24 mm x 48 mm on each side that extend the width of the wall, shall be located approximately 25, 55, and 85 centimetres from the top edge. The scaling wall is the same for all degrees. At the beginning of obedience, the equipment, as specified by the trial rules, is to be checked

 

DUMBBELLS:

SchH / OB 1 SchH / OB 2 SchH / OB 3flat retrieve 650 grams 1,000 grams 2,000 grams for one-metre 650 grams 650 grams 650 grams for scaling wall 650 grams 650 grams 650 grams. All participants are required to use the specified dumbbells, which the hosting club will make available at the trial.

 

HANDLER’S BLIND:

One blind must be provided for use by SchH 3 / IPO 3 and OB 3 handlers while their dogs are on the long down. As a courtesy, the host club may provide a chair. The handler blind must be placed within the trial field.

 

PISTOL AND AMMUNITION:

Gunfire will be from a 6-mm pistol with a closed barrel that does not release a projectile.

 

B - TRIAL PROCEDURE:

 

BEGINNING OF EXERCISES:

The judge gives the order to begin every exercise. If a handler mixes up the order of individual obedience exercises (performs one out of order), the judge is obligated to interrupt the "false exercise" with an instruction to the handler to show the correct exercise next. No point deduction will be made for this error.

 

REPORTING IN:

At the beginning of each trial section, handlers must report in to the trial judge in a sportsmanlike manner. The carrying of play articles, toys, or food is not permitted.

 

BH - The handler enters the field with his dog on lead and reports in the basic position.

 

SchH A, WD 1, 2, 3, SchH 1, 2, 3 and OB 1, 2, 3 - The handler enters the field with his dog heeling free and reports in at the basic position. Throughout the obedience section, the dog wears a collar and the handler carries the lead with him at all times. The lead may be fastened around the handler's body with the clasp to the opposite side of the dog, or may be placed in the handler’s pocket.

 

BASIC POSITION AND START OF EXERCISES:

Every exercise begins and ends with the basic position. In the basic position, the handler stands with a sporty posture (straight posture, feet squarely under the hips and hands at sides, straight down). A splay-legged stance is not permitted in any exercise. The dog sits straight, on the left side and next to his handler, with his right shoulder blade at the handler's knee. Assuming the basic position is allowed only once.

 

The basic position at the end of the previous exercise can be used as the starting position for the following exercise. It is also permissible for the handler to assume a new basic position. On small trial fields, the judge may require the handler to start all exercises from the same starting point.

 

The handler should look to the judge before beginning the new exercise.

 

DEVELOPMENT OF THE EXERCISES:

 

The build up or development of all obedience exercises occurs forward out of the basic position.

 

On the judge's signal, the handler must show a minimum of 10 paces to a maximum 15 paces as the development for the following exercises before the command may be given:

_ Sit out of Motion

_ Down out of Motion (SchH 3, in each gait)

_ Walking Stand

_ Running Stand

_ Send-away

Errors in the basic position and development of the exercise must be considered in judging the individual exercises.

 

THREE-SECOND PAUSE:

Before every finish after a front sit (as in a recall or retrieve), as well as after returning to the dog (as in the moving sit or walking stand), a distinct pause of about three (3) seconds is to be observed (or upon the judge's signal). A similar three-second pause is to be made during the long down exercise, prior to downing the dog from the basic position and also when returning to the dog and giving the "sit" command on the pickup.

 

HANDLER'S DISTANCE FROM THE DOG:

The Trial Rulebook prescribes 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/she wants to go further than the prescribed minimum number of paces. The judge may stop a handler from distancing himself/herself too far from the dog.

 

PRAISE:

Praising the dog is allowed after every completed exercise, but only in the basic position. After that, the handler may take a new basic position, or, between praising and starting a new exercise, a distinct pause of three (3) seconds is to be observed (or upon the judge's signal).

 

Between exercises, value is to be placed on the dog remaining constantly at heel. Releasing the dog and playing is not permitted, although light praise is permitted without breaking heeling.

 

BODY HELP:

Body help from the handler is not permitted and, if used, will result in a point deduction.

 

VOICE COMMANDS:

The prescribed commands are established in the Trial Rules. When recalling the dog, the dog's name may be used instead of the command “Hier” / "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, except in the case of the blind search in the protection phase of the trial. Otherwise, all commands should be one word. Once a particular command is given, that command must remain the same throughout the trial for that exercise or action. If a dog fails to perform an exercise after three commands are given, the exercise is terminated and no points are given for it.

 

Penalties for additional commands:

• 1st extra command: that part of the exercise rated "satisfactory."

• 2nd extra command: that part of the exercise rated "insufficient."

 

ABOUT TURNS:

About turns are to be performed as left about turns, however, the dog may either circle around the handler, or back up in place and stay in heel position as the handler makes the turn. In any instance, the handler and dog must execute the same about turn throughout the obedience phase.

 

FRONTS AND FINISHES

The dog must sit in front fast, close and straight. Upon command, after the required three-second pause or on the judge's signal, the dog must take up the ending basic position (go from "front" to “finish") fast and close. 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.

 

RETURNING TO THE DOG:

The handler may return from the front or by going around (behind) the dog.

 

 

C -DESCRIPTION OF EXERCISES:

 

HEEL ON LEAD: Commands: "Fuss" / "Heel"

The BH is the only class that has the on-lead heeling exercise. This exercise is worth 15 points.

At the command “fuss" / "heel," the dog must always go with the handler willingly, attentively and close, with his shoulder blade even with the handler’s knee through all changes of pace, turns and in the group. While healing on lead, the lead is held in the left hand and must have slack during the exercise. The dog must travel straight next to the handler and, whenever the handler stops, he must automatically sit fast and straight beside the handler and must remain calm and attentive.

 

BEHAVIOUR DURING CHANGE OF PACE: The change of pace from fast to slow must take place without any "normal" transition steps in between. The handler must show distinct differences in speed:

• Normal walking should be shown at a natural stride;

• The fast should be natural, not over-hurried running or sprinting; and

• The slow should likewise be a natural pace.

The command “fuss” / "heel" is permitted only at each start from the basic position and at the changes of pace.

 

GROUP: Heeling through the group of moving people is to be shown on lead and off lead in trial level BH and off lead only in trial levels SchH A, 1, 2, 3 and OB 1, 2, 3. The handler and the dog walkthrough a moving group, consisting of at least four people. In the group, the handler must heel the dog around two people, once to the left and once to the right. The handler must come to a halt at least once near a person in the group to complete the exercise. The judge is entitled to ask the handler to repeat the exercise. The handler and the dog leave the group and assume the basic position. In the BH, the lead is removed outside the group in the basic position after the on-lead portion. The dog may be praised in the basic position before the lead is removed and starting the off-lead heeling. The handler and dog should be facing the group during this procedure.

 

HEEL OFF LEAD: Commands: "Fuss" / "Heel"

Trial Level BH, SchH A, 1, 2, 3 and OB 1, 2, 3

The off-lead heeling begins in the BH with the group work and after leaving the group, a new basic position must be established for the rest of the off-lead heeling. In SchH A, 1, 2, 3 and OB 1, 2, 3, off-lead heeling is the start of obedience. In SchH A, 1, 2, 3 and OB 1, 2, 3, the group heeling concludes the heeling exercise and light praise is permitted, but only after attaining the final basic position.

 

THE GUNSHOTS: The firing of the gunshots is done during the free 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 after the handler has walked a distance of about 15 paces. In SchH 3 / OB 3, care must be taken to ensure that the handler of the dog on the "down" is out of the dog's sight. In evaluating the gunshots, the judge must consider if the reaction is a training error. For example, if a dog gets up on the long down, the judge must determine if it was connected with the gunshots or a training problem. In doubtful cases, the judge is obligated to assess the dog's gunshot 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 lead. If a dog proves to be gun shy, it will immediately be eliminated from the trial. No points will be awarded.

 

MOVING EXERCISES: The dog is to perform the sit, down and stand exercises after a single command. The handler may give an additional command immediately after the first command, although this will be penalized and considered faulty. If, at the command, the dog performs a different exercise (for example, the dog lies down on the moving sit exercise), a partial score will be given and the exercise will berated insufficient (see the individual exercises). If the dog does not respond to the command, but continues following the handler, one additional command (for a total of three) may be given before the exercise is terminated. Rating: see "Voice Commands."

 

DIVISION OF THE EXERCISES: Two-part exercises such as the "down with recall" and “running stand" should be divided in order to obtain a differential judgment. The division occurs in:

 

• Implementation: Basic Position - Development (Build-Up) - Exercise Execution

 

• Recall: Recall - Sit in Front - Finish - Basic Position

 

In judging each exercise, the behaviour of the dog is to be attentively observed beginning with the basic position up to the end of the exercise. Partial points can only be given if an exercise is shown completely.

 

SCORING CRITERIA FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION:

 

• Behaviour in the Basic Position: Sits straight / crooked at heel - Sits calmly / restlessly -Crowds at sit.

 

• Behaviour in the Development: Forges - Lags - Heels attentively - Crowds the handler at heel - Receives handler help - Development is too short.

 

• Behaviour in the Exercise Execution: Reacts promptly to command - Executes command quickly - Sits / lies / stands calmly / restlessly - Receives handler help - Performs command incorrectly.

 

SCORING CRITERIA FOR THE RECALL:

 

• Behaviour in the Recall - Reacts quickly / hesitantly to command - Does not remain lying /standing - On command, comes quickly / slowly / hesitantly to the handler - Alters speed of gait in the recall - Comes directly or in a curve to the handler - Receives handler help or additional commands.

 

• Behaviour in the Front Sit - Doesn't sit in front and goes immediately to the heel position or remains standing - Sits hesitantly in front and presses against the handler - Sits in front closely / far away / crooked or to the side - Runs past the handler - Receives handler help to sit in front.

 

• Behaviour in the Finish Exercise (coming to heel) - Comes to heel tightly, quickly, in a wide arc or hesitantly - Does not perform the finish - Receives handler help or additional commands.

• Behaviour in the Basic Position - Sits straight / crooked at heel - Sits calmly / restlessly -Crowds at sit.

 

From the basic position, the handler goes out straight ahead at a normal pace with his free-heeling dog. At a minimum of 10 paces and not to exceed 15 paces, the "sitz" / "sit" command is given and the dog must sit fast and straight without the handler interrupting his pace or looking sideways or backwards at the dog. The dog must sit quietly. After walking at least 30 paces further, the handler stops and immediately turns around towards the dog. On the judge's signal, the handler returns to the dog and takes up the basic position on the dog's right side.

Basic position, 10-15 normal paces, “sit” command, minimum of 30 normal paces, basic position.

DOWN OUT OF MOTION WITH RECALL: Commands: "Fuss" / "Heel", "Platz" / "Down" and "Hier" / "Come" OR dog's name, "Fuss"/”Heel”

 

DIVISION OF THE EXERCISES:

The down with recall is divided into two parts: implementation and recall, each worth five (5) points.

 

BH, SchH A, WD 1, SchH 1, 2 / WD 2 / OB 1, 2:

 

The handler goes straight out at a normal pace from the basic position with his dog heeling free.

 

Within a minimum of 10 paces and not to exceed 15 paces, the dog, on the command “platz” / “down," must lie down fast and straight without the handler interrupting his pace or looking around backwards. After at least 30 further paces, the handler stops and immediately turns around to face the dog. On the judge's signal, he recalls the dog, either with the command “hier” / "come” OR the dog's name. The dog must come to the handler willingly, rapidly and directly and must sit close and straight in front of the handler. On the command “fuss” / “heel,” the dog must rapidly go to the basic position. The handler is not permitted to change his position during this exercise.

 

If the dog remains standing or sits at the “platz" command, five (5) points will be deducted.

 

Basic position, 10-15 normal paces, “down” command, minimum of 30 normal paces, “come” command, basic position.

 

SchH 3 / WD 3 / OB 3:

 

From the basic position, the handler goes straight ahead a minimum of 10 and no more than 15normal paces, then gives the command “fuss" / "heel" and goes into the running pace. After a further minimum of 10 and no more than 15 running paces, the dog, on the command “platz" / "down," must lie down fast and straight without the handler interrupting his pace or looking around backwards. After at least 30 paces, the handler stops and immediately turns around to face the dog. On the judge's signal, he recalls the dog, either with the command “hier” / "come" OR with the dog's name. The dog must come to the handler happily, rapidly and directly and must sit close and straight in front of the handler. On the command “fuss" / "heel," the dog must rapidly go to the basic position. The handler is not permitted to change his position during this exercise.

 

If the dog remains standing or sits at the “platz” / “down" command, five (5) points will be deducted. Basic position, 10-15 normal paces, 10-15 fast paces, “down” command, minimum of30 running paces, “come” command, basic position.

 

STAND WHILE WALKING: Commands: "Fuss" / "Heel", "Steh" / "Stand", "Sitz" / "Sit"

 

From the basic position, the handler goes straight out with his dog heeling free. Within a minimum of 10 paces and not to exceed 15 paces, on the command "steh" / "stand," the dog must immediately stop and stand still without the handler breaking stride or looking sideways or backwards at the dog. After at least 30 further paces, the handler stops and immediately turns around toward the dog. On the judge's signal, the handler returns to the dog, positions himself on the dog's right side and, after a three-second pause or at the judge's signal, commands the dog to sit. If the dog sits or lies down on the “steh” / “stand” command, five (5) points will be deducted.

Basic position, 10-15 normal paces, “stand” command, minimum of 30 normal paces, basic position.

STAND WHILE RUNNING WITH RECALL: Commands: "Fuss" / "Heel", "Steh" / "Stand", "Hier" / "Come" or dog’s name, "Fuss” / "Heel"

DIVISION OF THE EXERCISES: The running stand is divided into two parts: implementation and recall, each worth five (5) points.

SchH 3 - From the basic position, the handler runs straight out with his dog heeling free. Within a minimum of 10 paces and not to exceed 15 paces, on the command "steh" / "stand" the dog must immediately stop and stand still without the handler breaking stride or looking sideways or backwards at the dog. After at least 30 further paces, the handler stops and immediately turns around toward the dog. On the judge's signal, the handler recalls the dog with the command "hier” / “come” or the dog's name. The dog must come in willingly, fast and straight, and must sit close in front of the handler. The handler is not permitted to change his position during this exercise. On the command “fuss"/ “heel," the dog must rapidly take the basic position.

If the dog sits or lies down on the "steh" / "stand" command, five (5) points will be deducted.

Basic position, 10-15 running paces, “stand” command, minimum of 30 running paces, “come” command, basic position

RETRIEVING EXERCISES: While the handler is picking up the dumbbell from the dumbbell stand, the dog must remain under control. The dog must accompany the handler during the dumbbell pick up to within a minimum of one metre. Practice jumps during the trial are prohibited. The handler may not place the dumbbell in the dog's mouth prior to the retrieving exercises. If the dumbbell, as a result of an awkward throw, falls wide to the side, the handler is free to ask the judge for permission to re-throw.

The dog must remain in the basic position or be left in a down while the handler retrieves the poorly thrown dumbbell. If the dog is left in the basic position, the handler must return to the original basic position. If the dog is left in a down, a new basic position is assumed.

SCORING: Dropping the dumbbell, hesitantly picking it up, restless behaviour, sluggish retrieving and playing with or mouthing the dumbbell will be penalized by a maximum of four (4) points.

In the overall scoring of the exercise, special value is to be placed upon calm and firm holding of the dumbbell. If the dog does not release the dumbbell after three (3) commands, the exercise is terminated and the judge will award zero (0) points and an “insufficient” rating.

RETRIEVE ON THE FLAT: Commands: "Bring" / "Fetch", “Aus" / "Out", "Fuss" / "Heel" 

Until the dog receives the command to “bring" / "fetch," it must remain quietly sitting free in the basic position. The dumbbell must be thrown approximately 10 metres away. The command “bring" / "fetch" will be given when the dumbbell is lying still. The dog must run briskly to the dumbbell, immediately pick it up and bring it rapidly and directly back to the handler. The dog must sit close and straight in front of the handler, holding the dumbbell firmly and calmly in his mouth until the handler takes it from him after a three-second pause, or at the judge's signal, with the command "aus" / "out.” The handler must hold the dumbbell on the right side of his/her body (not tucked high under the arm). After a three-second pause, or at the judge's signal, the handler commands the dog with the command “fuss" / "heel" into the ending basic position. The handler is not permitted to change his position during the entire exercise. If the handler leaves his position before the exercise is completed, the exercise will be rated "insufficient."

RETRIEVE OVER THE ONE-METRE JUMP: Commands: "Hopp" / “Jump", "Bring" / "Fetch", “Aus" / "Out", "Fuss" l "Heel" 

The handler must take the basic position in front of the hurdle in such a way that it is possible for the dog to make a clean jump. The dog must remain sitting quietly in the basic position until he is given the command "hopp" / “ jump." The dumbbell is to be thrown far enough so that the dog is able to show a clean return jump. The command "hopp" / “ jump" must be given when the dumbbell is lying still. The command "bring" / “fetch" is given during the outward jump while the dog is in the air and before the dog touches the ground on the opposite side of the hurdle.

The dog must jump cleanly and run briskly to the dumbbell, immediately pick it up, and return rapidly and directly back to the handler. The dog must sit close and straight in front of the handler, holding the dumbbell firmly and calmly in his mouth until the handler takes it from him after a three-second pause, or at the judge's signal, with the command “aus” / "out.” The handler must hold the dumbbell on the right side of his/her body (not tucked high under the arm). After a three-second pause, or at the judge's signal, the handler commands the dog with the command “fuss" / "heel" into the ending basic position. The handler is not permitted to change his position during the entire exercise. If the handler leaves his position before the exercise is completed, the exercise will be rated "insufficient."

SCORING: The dog is scored on the following points:

• Basic position;

• Dog's attitude before the command: restless behaviour = up to four (4) points deducted;

• Reaction to the command and outward jump: touching = jump rated "good" / pushing off = "satisfactory" / pushing very hard = “insufficient” (Note: the degree of pushing off is also considered in this scoring);

• Pickup: slow pickup, dropping or playing with the dumbbell = up to four (4) points deducted;

• Return jump: touching = jump rated "good" / pushing off = “satisfactory" / pushing very hard = “insufficient;”

• Sit in front: mouthing, chewing = up to four (4) points deducted;

• Three-second pause;

• Release of dumbbell;

• Failure to release after three (3) commands: exercise is terminated;

• Three-second pause;

• Finish.

A partial score is possible when two out of the three necessary criteria (outward jump, retrieve, return jump) are fulfilled.

Example:

Clean jumps (both) and faultless retrieve = 0 points deducted.

Outward and return jump performed without retrieve = 5 points deducted.

Outward or return jump done with retrieve = 5 points deducted.

SCALING WALL: Commands: "Hopp" / "Jump", "Bring"/ "Fetch", "Aus" / "Out", "Fuss" / "Heel" 

The handler must take the basic position in front of the scaling wall in such a manner as to allow the dog to scale the wall correctly. The dog must sit quietly in the basic position until he is given the command “hopp” / “jump." The dumbbell must be thrown far enough that the return jump can also be shown in correct scaling form. The command "bring" / "fetch" is given as the dog goes over the scaling wall and before the dog touches the ground on the other side on his way to pickup the dumbbell. The dog must scale the wall quickly and run briskly to the dumbbell, immediately pick it up, and return rapidly and directly over the wall back to the handler. The dog must sit close and straight in front of the handler, holding the dumbbell firmly and calmly in his mouth until the handler takes it from him after a three-second pause, or at the judge's signal, with the “aus" / "out" command. The handler must hold the dumbbell on the right side of his/her body(not tucked high under the arm). After a three-second pause, or at the judge's signal, the handler commands the dog into the ending basic position. The handler is not permitted to change his position during the entire exercise. If the handler leaves his position before the exercise is completed, the exercise will be rated "insufficient."

SCORING: A partial score is possible when two out of the three criteria (outward jump, retrieve, return jump) are performed.

Example:

Clean jumps (both) and faultless retrieve = 0 points deducted.

Outward and return jump performed without retrieve = 5 points deducted.

Outward or return jump done, retrieve done = 5 points deducted.

The above is assuming all else is done correctly. Other faulty behaviours must be penalized appropriately.

SEND AWAY: Commands: "Fuss" / "Heel", "Voraus" l "Go Out", "Platz" / "Down", "Sitz"/ "Sit" 

The judge designates the start position. On a further signal from the judge, the handler, with his free-heeling dog, proceeds forward a minimum of 10 paces and not to exceed 15 paces straight ahead in the designated direction. At the command "voraus" / "go out,” the dog must run rapidly in a straight line away from the handler for a distance of at least 30 paces while the handler stands still. While giving the command “voraus" / "go out,” the handler may raise the arm smoothly and without undue influence upon the dog. On the judge's signal, the handler gives the verbal command “platz” / "down." The dog must lie down immediately. The handler may keep his arm raised until the dog assumes the down position. On the judge's signal, the handler goes to the dog’s right side and, after a three-second pause, or at the judge's signal, commands the dog "sitz" /"sit" into the basic position. Basic position, 10-15 normal paces, "go out” command, minimum of 30 normal paces, "down” command, basic position

SCORING: Repeated raising of the arm is not permitted. Sideways deviation, hesitant or premature lying down and premature standing up of the dog while being picked up will result in a partial score.

DOWN UNDER DISTRACTION: Commands: "Platz" / "Down", "Sitz" / "Sit”

 

BH: The handler will heel with his dog on lead to the location designated by the judge. At the beginning of the obedience routine of another dog, and on the judge's signal, the handler gives the “platz" l "down" command from the basic position. The handler should unleash the dog and put the leash away before giving the “platz" l "down" command. No leash or other article is to be left with the dog. The handler moves away to a distance of 30 paces and stands with his back to the dog. In doing this, the handler may not leave the field. During the down, the dog must remain lying quietly. On the judge’s signal, the handler goes to the dog's right side and, after a three second pause, or at the judge's signal, commands the dog "sitz” / “sit” into the basic position. The handler should put the leash back on the dog while in the basic position and before heeling to the location designated by the judge.

 

SchH A, SchH1, 2, 3 / OB 1, 2, 3:The handler will heel with his dog off lead to the location designated by the judge. At the beginning of the obedience routine of another dog, and on the judge's signal, the handler gives the “platz" l "down" command from the basic position. No leash or other article is to be left with the dog. The handler moves away to a distance of 30 paces. In the SchH 3, the handler is out of sight of the dog (usually in a blind provided for the purpose). For all other levels, the handler shall stand with his back to the dog. Handlers may not leave the field. During the down, the dog must lie quietly. On the judge's signal, the handler goes to the dog's right side and, after a three-second pause, or at the judge's signal, commands the dog "sitz” / "sit" into the basic position.

 

SCORING: If the dog sits or stands up, lies restlessly or moves up to three metres from his "down" spot, a partial score will result. If the dog leaves the "down" spot by more than three metres before the completion of the other dog's “flat retrieve,” no partial score will be given. If the dog approaches the handler as he comes to pick the dog up, the exercise will be rated "satisfactory.” Whenever possible, bitches are to be placed on the "down" at a spot separate from where the males are placed.

 

SPECIAL NOTES FOR THE BH DEGREE: In the BH test, if the dog leaves the down position by more than three metres, no partial score is possible. If the dog comes toward the handler on the pickup, the exercise will be scored with a rating of "satisfactory" and be subject to further deductions for other faults.

 

 *Document taken from the Schutzhund Australia website.