WESTERN REGION SCHUTZHUND VERBAND, DVG, INC .
Member LV/DVG America - DVG - DHV - VDH - FCI
TRIAL RULES FOR THE WACHHUNDE (WH)
Dogs of any size of breed are permitted
As a prerequisite to being admitted to this test , the respective dog must be at least fifteen (15) months old and participated in and passed the VDH·BHNT test .
No points are awarded at the end of the trial, but rather the judge announces a decision of either "Passed" or "Failed". A minimum of 70% of the maximum number of points must be earned In order to pass the test . The awarded title provides no substitute for a training t i tle in the sense of breed, show or conformation/performance degree of an AZG member organization. A visible protection sleeve or coat must not be used for this test. Conspicuous clothing is permitted. Precautions must be taken to ensure the helper's safety when chased by the dog.
Trial Procedure
• On lead heeling (15 Points)
• Off-Lead Heeling (15 Points)
• Sit out of Motion (10 Points)
• Down out of Motion with Recall (10 Points)
Execution of the above exercises is carried out like the BH/VT.
• Retrieval of Article (15 Points)
As in Excise #4 , the handler walks about 30 paces from the dog and lays down a small article . After returning to the dog , on a single command of " Bring , " the dog runs quickly and happily to the article and brings it back .
• Down Under Distraction (10 Points)
This exercise is executed as in VPG 1 , except that an object with the maximum size of a briefcase may be left with the dog. After Exercise 5, the dog is picked up by the handler . A partial score can only be awarded if the dog remains down during Exercises 1 through 3 .
• Loyalty (10 Points)
The lead is put on the dog and handed to another person. The handler goes to a group of people standing about 80 paces away . The dog may watch the handler ' s departure over a distance of about 30 paces . Then the dog ' s view of the handler is blocked by taking it behind a wall or something similar .
The handler walks into the group . Once in the group, the handler remains out of sight of the dog . The second person (holding the dog) releases the dog f r om the lead . The dog's behavior , particularly the use of its nose, is to be observed during this exercise . Once the dog finds the handler, the dog is praised .
• Guarding of Possession (15 Points)
At an open location designated by the judge, the dog is tied out on a tether, which must not be tight . The dog may sit, down or stand. Giving the dog the command "Watch " (Pass auf) , the handler places a good sized object by the dog (briefcase , suitcase , coat, etc.) and walks away about 20 paces and stands , remaining in sight of the dog . (Small objects that the dog can pick up with its mouth or bicycles are not permitted.) Then the judge or someone else walks by the dog by and returns , keeping a distance of about 5 meters . The dog must remain calmly by the article without displaying aggress i on .
This is followed by an attempt to take the object from the dog . The exercise has been completed successfully when the dog has taken a threatening posture, growling , barking or attacking.
The dog should not be provoked, but rather its behavior in general is what matters . For this reason , it is not allowed to circle the dog or use a stick . When the attempt to take the object from the dog has been stopped, the person making the attempt walks out of sight . The dog must remain by the article and continue to guard it . After about 30 seconds at the judge's instruction , the handler picks up the dog .
9. Testing the Dog's Watchfulness (100 Points)
a) Vigilance in a Courtyard or Clubhouse (30 Points)
This exercise takes place in a simulated " courtyard " (possibly with a dog house), which has been set up for this purpose . The fenced area must be at least 7 x 7 meters (approximately 23 x 23 feet) i n size . Alternatively , the clubhouse may be used for this exercise.
The dog is to be loose in the courtyard or clubhouse . The dog should attentively watch any kind of approach to the fenced area or clubhouse. The dog must express its watchfulness by barking. (30 points)
b ) Locating , Confronting and Barking at a Helper (40 Points)
As soon as the dog alerts to the helper's presence , the helper escapes . Now the handler enters the fenced area or clubhouse and holds on to the dog. The helper continues escaping and goes into a safe hiding place. As soon as the helper has gone into the hiding place, the dog is released . It must immediately run to the hiding place and bark at the suspect, whether or not the suspect is visible . (40 points)
c) Watchfulness on the Running Line (30 Points)
The dog is tethered to a running line about 15 meters (50 feet) long . A helper agitates the dog at one end of the running line . The dog must show aggression. At that point, the helper goes out of sight . Now another helper appears at the other end of the running line and agitates the dog. Again, the dog must behave attentively and aggressively. After the second helper has gone out of sight of the dog , the exercise is concluded and the dog is picked up .