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Personal Protection Division

 

OBEDIENCE EXERCISE

 

 Equipment

Six foot leash, made out of any material EXCEPT chain.  Extra buckles, snaps or rings are allowed, as long as they do not interfere with the normal usage of the lead.  The collar should be of a flat construction. The flat collar should not have an extra length protruding from the buckle (as to suggest an antenna of an electric collar).  The flat collar should be free of any protrusions into the neck of the dog, so as to suggest the prong or electric studs of an electronic collar. The flat collar must buckle.  No “clip” type fasteners allowed on flat collar.   No chain, slip or choke type collars are allowed in the obedience portion of the test.  No prong collars, head halters, or similar may be used.  Judges may ask to examine the collar and/or lead of the competitor to determine it’s strength and legality. Handler may also present the dog in a full body harness.  The harness should be made in the type of “agitation” harness commonly used.  Full breast plate, preferably padded, must be present.   Harness must buckle,  No “clip” type fasteners may be used on  the harness.

Scoring for obedience

Total possible points will vary according to obedience pattern chosen, and according to level of competition ( ie: club, regional, final/championship) (see score sheets provided for details)

• Heeling exercise:

Dog is required to stay in heeling position chosen at the beginning of the exercise.  The dog must follow willingly all the changes of direction, and of speed of the handler.  A typical walking style must be encouraged.  Dogs that constantly forge, attempting to “curl” about the handler, or who seem to fixate on the face of the handler, are severely penalized.  A NATURAL pace for that handler, according to age, physical ability, is the most desirable.  Changes of pace (fast, slow) must be visible to the judges. Handler may command at the beginning of the exercise, when told to move forward, and at each change of pace.  Other commands must be penalized as extra commands.  Extra commands also include snapping of fingers, patting or touching of leg by the handler, and hand signals.  Any other command or signal by the handler must also be penalized, according to the judges preference.  Handler may not command at any turn, without being penalized.
 

• Figure eight pattern in heel:

Some of the obedience patterns require a “figure eight” to be performed by the dog/handler team.  Unlike competition obedience, the figure eight is entered from one end, rather than from a stationary position in the middle of the two “posts” or what ever designates the figure eight pattern.  The handler is required to perform the figure eight until told to move forward by the ring steward or judge. When the “forward” command is given to the dog/handler team, the handler must orientate to exit the figure eight by the opposite end that he/she entered the figure eight patten. The “post” for the figure eight may be any item that is safe, and may be found in the normal environment.  As in the distraction portion, no form of bite work equipment may be used as the posts.  Typical posts can be fashioned from traffic cones, or other type markers, but may also reflect the chosen theme of the trial.  For an example, a “Halloween” trial may have pumpkins as the figure eight posts. If the trial is held outdoors, naturally occurring items, like trees or bushes may be utilized.   
 

• Stay from motion:

While heeling, the handler will be EITHER told to leave his/her dog with the command “Leave your dog” by the judge or the ring steward at the proper place, OR will command his dog to “Stay” or similar at a pre-described location, as outlined in the obedience exercise.  The dog may either sit, stand or down when given the stay command.  The stay command may be any command that the handler wishes to give, including the position that the dog assumes.  The “STAY” portion of this exercise is the most important, so in the case of a handler that commands “DOWN”, and whose dog stops moving, but sits, should receive most of the points assigned to that exercise.  Suggested penalty for a dog who “STAYS”, but assumes a different position than is commanded, 1 to 2 points, more at a regional, and accordingly, more at the championship level.  The handler MUST continue moving in a natural fashion as the command is given.  Extra commands, such as body language cues, hand signals, should be penalized according to the severity of their use.  Slowing, or stopping to get the dog to stay should also be penalized, according to the severity of their use.
 

• Change Of Position:

Usually performed after the stay in motion.  Once the handler has told his/her dog to stay in motion, he/she will continue to the end of his/her lead, and then turn and face his/her dog.  At the signal from the ring steward or judge, the handler will command his/her dog to “Down”, “Sit” or “Stand”, depending on the position the dog was left in the stay from motion.  The handler may choose any of those commands for both the first change of position, and the second.  Each change is signaled by the ring steward or judge.
 

• Distraction:

During part of the obedience routine, a distraction will take place.  The distraction should be of a natural nature, such as a child or adult playing with a ball, a common noise, such as a chair falling, or some other type of object commonly found in a household.  A small jump, of natural material may also be used.  Distractions that are associated with protection work MAY NOT BE USED. Forbidden distractions would be any sort of bite equipment, including jute or burlap rags, tugs, sleeves, bite suits, or anyone acting in a fashion as to make the dog think that protection work is about to occur.  Gunfire is also prohibited as a distraction, since it is common for dogs to become aggressive when gunfire is heard. 
 

• Recall From Stay:

Usually performed after the walking stay, and change of positions. The handler will move out to a location predetermined by the judge. This distance must be at least 10 feet away, and may be up to 30 feet away, depending on the available room for the trial.  The handler must be in sight of the dog at all times, including the time the distraction is being utilized, if the distraction is used while the dog is in the stay.  On a signal from the judge, the handler will recall his/her dog.  The dog must come within “grasp” of the handler, meaning that the handler would not have to move in order to touch his/her dog.  The dog should assume a position of control, either sitting, laying, or standing within grasp of the handler.  Position of the dog, (in the front, by the side, or behind the handler) is not important, unless the dog does not remain in that position until the exercise is finished by a command or signal from the judge or ring steward. 

 It is encouraged that the hosting club create a fun, realistic environment for the obedience portion of this test.  A “theme” may be chosen, in which the distraction, and the environment reflect the style of the theme.  Clubs should strive for uniformity in the location, and the testing of the obedience portion of the trial.

 

Other penalties:

Dogs that urinate/defecate on the trialing field should be disqualified.  Any dog that shows unjust or unwarranted aggression during the obedience phase of the test toward the ring steward, helpers, judges, or other personnel should be disqualified.  Dogs that show aggression toward other dogs, both ringside, and in the ring, to dogs who may be waiting outside, must be disqualified.  Two dogs should not be working at the same time, but dogs that leave the care and control of their handlers to confront another dog must be disqualified.  If at any time, a certified judge feels that the dog is a threat to bystanders, or personnel, EVEN IF THE DOG HAS NOT ATTACKED, he/she may eject the dog from the trial.  This includes the dog’s behavior both in the trial ring, and on the grounds.  Dogs that are clearly not “in control” by the handler while on the trial field  must be disqualified.  This includes, but is not limited to, dogs that refuse to come when called, dogs that move from the stay to sniff, or investigate while the handler is absent, dogs that are showing “unqualified” obedience (major pulling, dragging, or refusal of commands).  Any dog that attempts to bite or bites its handler during the obedience exercise will be excused.  Handlers that are abusive toward their dogs must be disqualified.  Abusive behavior includes hitting, striking or kicking the dog, or severely correcting the dog by pulling or yanking on the lead, collar or harness of the dog. Hitting or whipping the dog with the lead, or striking at the dog with the lead is considered abusive.   Handlers are not allowed to use food, bait, or anything edible to a dog as a reward while in the ring.  Handlers are not allowed to reward their dog with a ball, tug, or other similar item while in the ring.  No such item, or food, should be visible on the handlers’ person, protruding from any pocket, or from the waistband. No handler may wear, or carry, any item that appears to be a switch, crop, stick, or electric collar remote. 

 

Protection Phase

 

During the protection phase, judges will be observing each dog/handler team for overall control, not just during the exercise, but also between exercises.  Points may be taken from the prior exercise, or the next exercise, depending on the fault, as decided by the judge, for lack of control by the handler over the dog. 

 

Civil defense of handler

At the beginning of this exercise, the handler will be shown a certain place, or mark.  The handler must NOT LEAVE or MOVE from this mark. Any handler who cannot control his/her dog, and who is moved significantly from the pre-described mark may be dismissed from the trial by any judge.  The handler must have a sturdy lead, suitable in strength to the his/her dog.  The dog must be restrained by the flat collar, or harness, as described in the obedience portion of the trial.  ONLY WHEN DOING THIS EXERCISE, the dog must be outfitted with a close fitted chain type choker.  The snap of the lead must be able to be fixed to both the flat collar AND the choke chain, or in the case of those teams using a harness, the lead must be fixed to both the choke chain, and a ring in the harness that is located at the back of the neck of the dog.  At no time should the rear ring of the agitation harness be used, unless that same ring can also be used while being attached to the choke chain.  The handler must assume a strong, legs apart stance, with the handle of the lead around one wrist, while the other hand also holds the lead at a position that is most comfortable for the handler.  It is imperative that the handler understand the importance of holding his/her dog at the same distance, so that the decoy can judge the distance between him/herself and the dog.  At the beginning of the exercise, the handler will take his/her dog to the mark, and place the dog in a position of control, near the handler.  The dog must remain in this position as the decoy approaches the handler/dog team.  When the decoy is at a distance of approximately 8 to 10 feet away from the handler/dog team, he/she will stop, and turn sideways to the handler/dog team.  At this time, the decoy may have in his/her hands a four foot dowel with a cloth covering at one end, which is dusted with construction chalk.  The decoy will make sure that the judges are ready.  Once the decoy has determined that the exercise is to start, he/she will slowly nod to the handler.  The handler must command his/her dog to “alert”.  This command is any type of signal, word etc.  Body cues, stepping forward, pointing, are not allowed, as this does not allow for good leash control by the handler.  The alert of the dog should focus entirely on the decoy standing in front of the dog/handler team.  The alert should consist of staring, barking, lunging, etc.  according to breed type.  Full points must be given for an “aggressive alert” on the passive decoy.  Aggressive in this case means moving forward toward the decoy, strong, challenging eye contact, any form of vocal aggression, or lunging strongly.  After a few seconds, the decoy will aggressively yell, or gesture at the dog/handler team.  The dog should increase his/her aggression at that time.  Dogs that react by getting stronger in their aggression should be rewarded, dogs that seem scared, or intimidated by the decoy showing this by retreating, quieting down, or other signs of insecurity, should be penalized.  After the decoy has aggressively challenged the dog, he/she may decide to become “friendly” to the dog/handler.  At this time, as during the entire test, the handler may encourage his/her dog, by commanding, or alerting the dog on the decoy. Any commands/vocal praise, encouragement is allowed, as long as it is not profane or racist.  Commands of “Kill”, or similar, are discouraged as well.  Words like “Get Him”, “Attack”, or similar are allowed.  After the decoy has attempted to be “friendly” he/she may present an item, toy, food, ball or similar to the dog.  He or she may attempt to feed the dog, or to throw the food, or similar to either distract the dog, or to move the dog away from his guard of his handler.  If at any time, the decoy moves forward and touches the handler with the chalk covered end of the dowel, the exercise is finished.  Handlers may talk, discourage, or even pull the dog away from the distraction in order to bring the dog back into a position that will allow him/her to be protected from the decoy.  However, judges must penalize dogs that are severely distracted, whether the handler gets touched by the chalk, or not.  When the decoy has performed all four phases of the civil protection, he/she will back away, and the judges will signal that the exercise is finished.  The handler and dog must exit the field immediately, taking care not to approach too close to the decoy that was agitating that phase. 

 

Defense of handler

 

This is a test of the dog’s ability to defend his/her owner against a “surprise” physical attack.  Since this is a test of the dog’s reaction to a sudden threat, the full points will be given to a dog who immediately reacts, and works to defend without a command from the handler.  Once the dog has taken hold of the decoy, the handler is allowed to encourage and praise the dog. 

The handler and dog will be shown a start point, or mark.  Upon the command or signal from the judge or the ring steward, the handler will command “heel”, or similar, and proceed forward, along a designated path.  The dog must be in good heel position, and will be judged on his/her control during this phase of the exercise.  Upon reaching a certain area, the decoy will suddenly “attack” the handler from the side, or rear.  The handler should still be moving in the direction prescribed by the trial official.  Once the dog has engaged, the handler may turn, encourage, and or praise his/her dog.  The handler should, in all cases, remain in control of his/her leash.  If the handler does drop or lose the leash in the course of the “attack”, he/she should regain control of the leash as quickly as possible.  Upon the command to “out” the dog from the judge or ring steward, the handler must quickly command his/her dog to “out”.  The decoy will, at the sound of the command OF THE OWNER, “freeze”.  The decoy will remain motionless until the judge or ring steward indicates that the exercise is finished.  When the handler commands his/her dog to “out”, the dog should immediately let go of the decoy’s suit, and return quickly to a position of control, near the handler.  IF the handler commands the dog to “out” and “guard”, the dog should remain in a customary position for the guard near the decoy.  Guarding is optional, and will not result in more points for the handler/dog team.  If the owner commands “guard” or similar, an additional signal from the judge or ring steward will be given.  At the additional signal, the handler must recall his/her dog to a position of control, near the handler.

 

Courage test

 

The courage test at the personal protection level is to determine the dog’s willingness to engage an attacker a short distance from the handler.  This may be considered useful in the case of a dog that must move a short distance to defend the handler, as in leaving a parked car to come to the aid of the handler, or to defend a member of the handler’s family. 

The handler will heel his/her dog to a predetermined line, or similar mark pointed out by the ring steward, or judge.  For full points, the handler should not leave this mark for the duration of this exercise.  The dog must be in a position of control, without pulling, or making the lead tight while the decoy moves into sight of the dog/handler team.  In a club trial, the decoy will be placed at a distance of not less than 50 feet, but not more than 75 feet away from the dog/handler team.  At a regional trial, this distance is not less than 75 feet, but not greater than 100 feet away.  At a championship trial, the distance will be at least 75 feet, but may be greater than 100 feet, determined by the size of the field, and of the judges’ layout of the trial.  The decoy may be “armed” with a  long “weapon” that may be used to threaten the dog, but may not be used to touch the dog.  This weapon may be a cardboard tube, whiffle ball bat, pool toy, or similar.  IF it is decided a weapon will be used, sufficient weapons must be provided by the trial giving club, to make up for broken, bent or otherwise unuseable weapons that may be damaged in the normal course of the trial.  In addition to the “weapon”, the hosting club, or presiding judge may also add an environmental distraction, such as a can with rocks, large water bottle, or similar plastic or other type article that is pushed, shoved or kicked by the decoy as the dog moves toward him.  This distraction item is only for use on the ground, and should not be picked up, thrown, or otherwise propelled at the dog. 

 

This concludes the exercises necessary for the personal protection division.

 

 

OPEN DIVISION (also known as Professional)

 

OBEDIENCE PHASE

 

All equipment worn by the dog must be removed before entering the field, ring, or testing area.  Handlers may not carry any item that is, or resembles, a lead, toy, whip, crop, stick, or electronic collar remote.  Any item that is carried on the person of the handler must not be visible to the casual observer. No items shall be protruding from any pocket, or waistband of the handler, nor worn around the neck, or carried by hand, or worn around the wrist. 

 

All Obedience will be performed “off leash”, with no equipment on the dog.  All information pertaining to the Personal Protection division will also be in effect in the Open division.  The obedience phase of the Open will consist of those exercises in the Personal Protection division, Heel free, Change of pace, stay in motion, with the addition of the following exercises.

 

 

pass by/pick up:  

This exercise is to test the dog’s willingness to remain in a given position while his/her owner moves in different directions nearby the dog.  The handler will be instructed to “leave your dog” either by signal of the ring steward or judge, or by a pre-described mark as laid out in the format of the trial.  After the dog is placed, the handler will move in the manner described by the format, or as directed by the judge or ring steward.  This movement may include walking near the dog on the heel side, or on the off heel side, running or jogging near or by the dog, or turning quickly near or by the dog.  At the end of the exercise, the handler will be told to “pick up your dog”, at which time he/she will call the dog to heel as they pass nearby the heel position. 

 

down on recall:

After leaving the dog for the stay in motion, the handler will be instructed to leave his/her dog and proceed to a predetermined mark by the ring steward or judge.  At that mark, the handler will turn back toward his/her dog, and remain motionless.  At the signal of the judge or ring steward, the handler will call his dog, by hand or voice command, but only one of those types, not both.  At EITHER the point pre-described by the judge or ring steward OR on the signal of the judge or ring steward, the handler will immediately command his/her dog to “Down”, using hand OR voice command.  The dog must immediately drop into a down position.  Extra commands, or using BOTH voice and hand signals will be penalized according to the normal scoring for that level of trial.  After the dog has assumed the down position, the ring steward or judge will signal the handler to again call his/her dog, at which time the dog should immediately return to the handler, and take up a position of control, within grasp of the handler.  When the dog is motionless, the judge or ring steward will indicate that the exercise is finished.

Jumps:

The hosting club, or the presiding judge, may add some natural or man-made jumps to the obedience portion of the trial.  These jumps must be adjustable to the height of the dog that is competing.  At no time will any dog have to jump more than it’s own height plus one half of it’s own height.  The jump must be placed in such a way that the dog will have ample time to approach, and to land.  The jump must be made in such a way as to not be dangerous to either handler or dog if it falls, or is knocked down.  The jump must also be placed in such a way that the handler could avoid it, with loss of points, if he/she wishes.

 

Change of position:

The change of position is performed exactly as in the Personal Protection division, with the exception that the handler is at a greater distance.  This distance shall be no less  than 10 feet, but not more than 20 feet at a club trial, no less than 15 feet but not more than 25 feet at a regional trial, and 25 feet, with no upper limit at the championship level.  Also, at the club and regional level, the handler will be in sight of his/her dog, while at the championship level, the handler may be out of sight, or in sight.

 

Distraction:

The distraction that occurs at the Open level should be considered more difficult than that at the personal protection level.  The distraction may be footing, jumps, or articles either thrown during the trial, or found on or about the trialing field. Food, toys, balls, are all allowed.  The only items not allowed are those of training for bite work, or decoys.  Care must be taken that the distraction is presented at the same time, as much as possible, for each dog.  The hosting club must take care that there is enough items present so that there will be sufficient distractions for each dog.

 

PROTECTION PHASE

 

Dual Attack:

The handler and dog will take a position pointed out by the ring steward, or judge, or a predetermined mark as laid out in the format of the trial.  The dog must remain in a position of control near the handler, and must be able to remain there until instructed to do otherwise by the handler.  After the handler takes his/her position, a decoy, dressed in full body suit, will appear either coming from a hiding place outside the ring, or from within a “blind” placed down field.  This first decoy must be at least 50 feet away from the handler and dog when he/she is first visible to the dog and handler.  Upon signal from the ring steward or judge, or other signal as pre-described by the format of the trial, the handler will send his/her dog to apprehend the aggressive decoy.  While the dog is down field, another decoy will appear, and “attack” the handler.  The dog, upon noticing the secondary attacker, or upon hearing the command of his/her owner to “out”, must, without hesitation, come back to the second decoy to defend his/her owner.  The dog will be judged upon his/her commitment to the bite on the first decoy, and his/her commitment to the bite of the second decoy.  The dog will also be judged on the quickness of his/her response to the secondary attacker, OR the command to “out”.  After the signal to out his/her dog given by the ring steward or judge, the handler must command their dog to “out”, or similar.  The dog may “out” and recall, coming immediately into a position of control near the handler, OR may be commanded to “guard” or similar.  IF the handler has commanded his/her dog to “guard”, another signal must be given by the ring steward or judge to recall the dog from the guard.  After the signal, the handler will command their dog to come to a position of control.  There are no additional points possible if the handler commands the dog to “guard”, as opposed to a recall in the dual exercise.  However, if the dog bites the decoy, during the guard phase, he/she will be penalized accordingly. 

 

CALL OFF

 The “Call Off”, or stopped attack, is the most important exercise of the Open division.  The dog must go quickly toward the decoy, with no change in attitude between the attacks. The decoy must remain in motion until the handler commands the dog to “out” or similar.  At the club level, the decoy must end in a position at least 75 feet away from the handler, but not more than 100 feet.  At the regional level, the decoy must end in a position not less than 100 feet away from the handler, but not more than 150 feet away.  At the championship level, the decoy must end at least 150 feet away, with no upper limit set at this level.  No points are given to a dog that appears to “call off” early, or who recalls to his/her handler without a command. No points are given to a dog who bites, or touches the decoy, or his/her suit with his/her teeth.   Serious faults include, a dog that moves slower toward the decoy on the call off, as compared to his/her speed on the other attacks, dogs who turn back toward the decoy to re-attack, and must be called back again, or dogs that are not in a position of control, near the handler, at the end of one minute after the handler has called off.  The attitude, and behavior of the decoy will be described and set by the trial judges, and the decoy must remain true to this behavior for each and every dog entered into the trial. 

 

OBSTACLE JUMP WITH BITE

This exercise tests the dogs willingness to take direction from the handler, as well as his/her ability to work at a distance from the handler. 

At each trial, there will be at least two jumps, made of a construction as described at the end of this rule book.  In addition, some clubs may add a third jump, of such construction as described in this rule book.  At the club level, the starting point for dog and handler must be 15 to 20 feet away from the first jump.  A greater distance may be taken by the handler as to make it easier for his/her dog to negotiate the jump, but for full points, the handler and dog must start from a position behind the first jump.  At the club level, the distance between the first and second jump must be at least 30 feet, but not more than 40 feet.  At the regional trial level, the distance between the first and second jump must be at least 50 feet, but not more than 70 feet.  At the championship level, the distance must be at least 50 feet, and no  maximum distance is set.  In the event that a club wishes to include as a distraction, a pool of water, it must be situated in such a way that the dog will encounter it as he/she jumps over a hurdle, or similar.  If a club wishes to use a natural jump, or a jump made of materials not laid out in the end of this rule book, the judge of the trial may ask that it be changed or deleted if it is not considered safe for all dogs to negotiate.  In the case of natural jumps, there must be a significant amount present so as to provide the same jump for all entrants at that level of trial. 

At the sign or signal of the judge or ring steward, the handler will take up a position as indicated, behind the first jump.  The decoy will take his/her place at the end of the obstacle course after the handler has been placed.  The decoy must remain passive until the dog has successfully negotiated all the jumps OR the handler has commanded his/her dog to attack.   In some cases, the handler may decide to miss some or all of the jumps.  It is the handlers’ job to make it clear to the decoy that the handler is sending the dog.  In the case of a dog that runs around, or fails a jump, the decoy must remain passive, unless commanded to move or work by a judge, or by the handler.  The handler has two chances to get each jump. After two attempts, the jump in question will be marked “zero”, so it is not in the best interest of the dog or handler to attempt the jump more than twice.  Full points will be given to dogs that will go willingly through or over the jumps, without extra commands, or help by the handler.  Touching of the jump is allowed, with loss of points.  Taking the dog by the collar, or touching the dog to get the jump, will result in a score of “zero” for that jump, but may be done.   The handler may travel with his/her dog down the obstacle course, but this will result in loss of some points from “handler position”.  At no time should a handler move past the last obstacle.  This exercise is to prove the dog’s willingness to work away from the handler.  At the signal from the judge or ring steward, the handler MUST command “out” and “Guard” or similar.  There will be major loss of “guard” points if the dog does not remain with the decoy on the command “guard”.  Minor points will be lost if the dog does not focus on the decoy during the guard.  It is not necessary for the dog to bark while guarding, as long as he/she stays focused on the decoy.  At the signal from the judge or ring steward, the handler will go up to the dog, and then call his/her dog to heel, and heel away from the decoy.  IF the decoy is outfitted with a “weapon”, the handler must take control of the weapon, before heeling away.

 

SURPRISE ATTACK

In regional and championship trials, the club must provide a “surprise” attack.  This attack will always be judged on the four basic points of judging.. The send, the bite, the release, and the guard.   In most cases, the handler will not have to remain in a certain place for full points.  In all cases, a guard must be performed for full points.  Surprise attacks can be created by the host club, and may contain elements of the “event” or “theme” of the trial.  Other aspects, like searching, guarding, or “real life” scenarios may also be evident in the surprise attack.  Hosting clubs are cautioned to not reveal the “surprise” to any club member, or any competitor, so as not to give unfair advantage.  In addition, it is recommended that the “surprise” attack be sequestered, so as to not give un fair advantage to any competitor. 

 

This ends the description of the exercises for the Personal protection level, and the Open level. 

 

 

DECOY REQUISITES FOR PROTECTION DOG SPORTS

 

• All Decoys must show proof of attendance of a  bite prevention clinic, a  human first aid certification, and a K-9 first aid course.
   

• Decoys must attend a certified  public awareness orientation, given in conjunction with a decoy training seminar, so the Decoys know that they are to protect all personnel on the field, as well as those in attendance.
   

• Decoy to undergo a training program for correct skills training , for PP sports. Required to attend a series of Decoy Camps , put on by a qualified instructor. Be aware of their conduct on the field , their equipment, their adherence to written and given rules, sportsmanlike conduct, fairness to dogs, and safety.
   

• Above mentioned training program will be administered only by certified instructors, who have been pre certified by K-9 Pro Sports.

DECOYS PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• To the maximum age limit of 52

• Must re-certify every 5 (five) years

• Must provide a health certificate within 10 (ten) days of certification  or recertification.

• Must work at least 3 complete  trials per year, to maintain certification.

• Decoys to provide a schedule of their availability to work trials.

• Decoys to have an up to date "Decoy Book" to be dated and signed by the trial Judge (s) as to the number of dogs worked and at what levels.

• Book to have space provided for Judges comments and rating  (1  to 5 ) .... 1  being the lowest and 5 being the highest.

LEVELS OF DECOYS

• Regional... for regional and club trials.

• National Trial Decoys ---selected from evaluations from the Decoy's book at the end of the year , by all presiding Judges.

• Three (3) trial minimum mandatory.

CONDUCT OF THE DECOYS

• The Decoy must be able to oppose the dogs humanely and faithfully and in a sportsmanlike spirit, at all levels.

• Must have knowledge and respect for the regulations.

• Possess ease and athletic ability in the suit.

• Must have dexterity in handling objects of opposition.

• Must display firmness and consistency throughout the trial, whatever the dogs attitude or behavior.

• Not to touch dog with hands.

• To show certain combativeness , but must maintain sportsmanlike and faithful to the regulations.

• Decoy must be conscious that while he/she is protected by the suit, this protection does not allow him/her to be unrestrained, uncontrolled or brutal.

• The Judges will note any and all offenses in the Decoy's book

• Beyond that the Judge would be allowed to exclude or eject from the trial a Decoy who is guilty of clumsiness or brutality and request the organizing club to replace him/her immediately

SERIOUS INFRINGEMENTS

• To force the dog to release by means of strength.

•  To push the dog off or away with opposition equipment.

• To strike the dog on the head ,neck ,croup ,tail , or underside.

•  To touch the dog with his/her hands

INSTRUCTIONS

• Frontal attack opposition, and fleeing stopped attack to be discussed with Judges.

• To avoid brutal collision

• The Decoy may menace and impress the dog through his/her stance and attitude, without charging at at him, if this will "stand the animal off " at a distance.

• In the attack on handler exercise , the aggression towards the handler must be clear and unmistakable, but never brutal or performed with excessive force.

• In any case, it is not allowed to use the handler as a shield, to block the dogs action.

THE SUIT

• Decoy to provide his/her own " TRIAL " suit  NOT A TRAINING SUIT. The suit to authorized by the trial Judge.

• The "TRIAL SUIT " to be phased in by year 2005

• Definition of  " TRIAL SUIT " - Hands to be free and visible , to provide sufficient protection to the Decoy, to provide a clean bite surface for the dog, and be supple enough, to allow Decoy freedom of movement and athletic ability.

• The suit to be in good repair, patches acceptable , but must be tight.

• Footwear... No steel cleat  soles permitted.

• The suit must permit the dog a  bite or grip of at least 3 1/2 inches  to 4 inches in depth. The thickness of the suit, folded between the dogs teeth, must be 31/2 inches to 4 inches.

• Decoys may not modify suit , to satisfy the type , breed or characteristics of the dogs in the trial.

• The Judges will ensure that the requirements of  the suits are met.

• Decoy to have up-to-date " DECOY BOOK " to be dated and signed by the trial Judge (s), as to the number of dogs worked , and the levels worked. There is to be space provided for Judges comments and ratings.

DECOY OF THE YEAR SELECTION

To be made by collective votes from the actual competitors, and participating Judges, i.e.: those Judges that actually saw the Decoy work, using the Decoy's book with Judges ratings. This would require some monitoring. NOT BY THE PUBLIC VOTE
Submitted by Paul Cipparone

 

Qualifications for K-9 Pro Sports Judges

 

• Must provide a written resume of dog training accomplishments. This written resume should contain as much detail as possible, with dates, scorebook numbers, etc. 
   

• Person must have been involved in the training, titling, or coaching of dogs in a bitework sport, Police K-9, Military K-9 or security training that also uses dogs.
   

• Person must have titled at least one dog that was not “pre trained”.  If the dog in question was purchased as an adult, or imported, Proof has to be given as to the dogs’ untrained status at the time of purchase or importation.
   

•  Person must show a clear understanding of the K-9 Pro Sports rules, by successfully completing a written test regarding the current rule book.
   

•  After being accepted as a apprentice judge, Person must attend, and apprentice judge, at least three different K-9 Pro Sports Trials, under at least 3 different certified K-9 Pro Sport judges.  The judges must be allowed to accept or deny the presence of the apprentice judge.  The apprentice is responsible for all fees, travel expenses, etc. to complete the 3 trial rule.  At these trials, the apprentice judge will judge along side one of the actual judges.  The apprentice judge should not interfere with the conduct, or orderly working of the trial, but may ask questions in appropriate times, so as to understand the workings of the trial, or of judging.  The score sheets that the apprentice judge keeps must be turned in to the Office of K-9 Pro Sports, to be kept as proof of the apprenticeship.
   

• As the apprentice gains in experience, he/she must select one certified K-9 Pro Sports judge as a mentor.  Said judge may accept or deny the mentor position for the apprentice.  If the certified judge accepts the mentoring position for the apprentice, he/she will be responsible for the actions/judgments of said apprentice for the rest of the period of time that the apprentice is in training.  At the end of the time needed for the apprentice to fulfill all requirements for full judge, the mentoring judge must make a written statement as to the fitness of the apprentice judge to become a full certified judge.
   

• The apprentice judge will then supply the Office of K-9 Pro Sports with their updated resume, showing the three trials, and the names of the judges that presided over the trials that the apprentice attended.  The apprentice will also supply the office with the written statement of his/her mentor regarding his/her fitness as a judge.  Any additional information regarding the apprentice will be also given to the office at this time.
   

• The apprentice judge will then be on probation for a period of one year.  During this time, it is advisable for the probationary judge to be paired with a fully certified judge, at all trials.  If the office of K-9 Pro Sports finds, at the end of the one year probation that the probationary judge has fulfilled all the requirements necessary, he/she will become a fully certified judge, capable of judging any and all levels of trials.

 

 

Some explanations of the score sheet follow.

 

Send

The send is judged in two parts. The first, does the dog wait until he/she is commanded. Also, does the handler follow instructions, and wait until the proper signal is given before he/she sends the dog.  The second part is the quickness, intensity, and willingness the dog displays as he/she is sent to the task.  Does he/she run as fast as possible?  Is there strong intensity in the dog?