Schutzhund-Versatility Test, Level 1

Translated by Fred Lanting SV Judge
Many thanks to Mr. Lanting for allowing me to
place this translation of SchH 1/VPG 1 rules on my website

Schutzhund-Versatility test, Level-1 ( SchH-1/VPG-1 ) for working dogs. ( IPO is identical )

Three divisions: Phase A 100 points

Phase B 100 points

Phase C 100 points

Total: 300 points

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SchH/VPG-1, Phase "A", TRACKING

Search (unguided): at least 300 steps, 3 legs, 2 corners (approx. 90°), 2 articles belonging to the dog handler, the track at least 20 minutes old, the working time 15 minutes.

Holding to the track: 80 points

Dropped articles (10 points each): 20 points

Total: 100 points

General Regulations:

The trial judge or his designee determines the course and suitability of each track at the available tracking fields.

The tracks must be designed differently. For example, it may not be that the corners and dropped articles in each track are identical. The starting point of the track must be marked well by a sign or marker stuck in the ground on the left side of the starting point.

The sequence of the participants is drawn by lots by the judge.

The handler (track layer) has to show the articles to the judge or someone answerable to him, before the start of the track.

The only scent articles allowed are weathered or worn personal items (aged at least 30 minutes). The handler (track layer) lingers briefly on the starting point and then goes with normal steps in the direction designated by the judge. The corners are also made at normal pace. The first article is dropped after at least 100 steps on the 1 st or 2 nd leg, at the judge's direction. The second object is dropped at the end of the track. The articles must be placed while moving. After the dropping of the last article, the tracklayer must continue walking some steps in the same direction. Different articles must be used, made of leather, textile, or wood [any two of these]. Article length should be approximately 10 cm (about 4 inches), with a width of 2-3 cm [a little over an inch], and a thickness of 0.5-1 cm (less than half an inch). They may not stand out in color much from the terrain on which they are dropped. During the laying of the track, the dog must be out of sight.

The judge and assistants may not interfere with the work of the dogs in the area in which the team (handler and dog) is searching.

a) Voice Command

An example of a voice command for searches: Such! (search!)

The voice command for "search" is allowed at the start of the track, and after the first article.

b) Performance of the Exercise

The handler prepares and brings his dog to the track. The dog can search freely or on a 10-meter long line. The 10-m long tracking lead can lie over the back, at the side, or between the front legs and/or hind legs. It can either be directly fastened to the “dead ring” of the collar or to a harness (allowed are a chest harness or a Böttger harness, without additional straps.

After being called for their test, the dog handler reports with his dog to the judge near or at the starting position, and tells the judge whether his dog will pick up the articles or indicate their position. Before the track, during the search, and throughout the total exercise, there must not be any psychological pressure given to the dog. On the judge's order, the handler leads the dog slowly and steadily to the starting point and tells the dog to search. The dog must right away take the scent intensely, steadily and with a deep nose. The dog must continue then with deep nose, in a constant, steady tempo, intensely following the course. The handler follows his dog at the 10-meter distance at the end of the tracking lead. If it is a free search (off-line), the distance of 10 m is likewise to be observed. The tracking lead may sag, as long as it is not dropped by the handler. The dog must work out the corners surely. After the corner, the dog must continue searching at the same speed. As soon as the dog has found an article, it must immediately pick it up or convincingly indicate its location without influence from the handler. The dog may remain standing when picking it up, sit, or come to the handler. Going on with the article, or picking it up while lying down are faulty. The indications can be accomplished by lying, sitting or standing (or any combination of these). If the dog has indicated or picked up the article, the handler drops the tracking lead and proceeds to his dog. By lifting of the articles, he shows that the dog has found them. After this, the handler picks up the tracking lead again and continues the track with his dog. After performance of the track, the found articles are to be shown to the judge.

c) Evaluation/Scoring

The speed of search is not a criterion in the performance appraisal, as long as the track work is intense, steady, and convincing, with the dog showing a positive search attitude. Exuberance (without leaving the track) is not faulty. Inattentiveness, high nose, voiding (urinating or defecating), circling at the corners, constant encouragement, using the line or verbal helps during the track or at the articles, is faulty, as are incorrect picking up or indicating of the articles, and points are deducted accordingly. If the dog leaves the track more than around the length of a tracking lead, the track is halted; the exercise is over. If the dog leaves the track and is held back from doing so by the handler, the judge will order the handler to follow the dog. If this order is not followed, the tracking is to be halted by the judge. If the end of the track is not reached within 15 minutes after arriving at the starting point, the tracking is halted by the judge. The performance up to that discontinuance is rated.

If a dog both indicates and picks up articles on the track, this is faulty. Only the scent articles that were exhibited and approved at the beginning are allowed. Indication faults are recorded in connection with the evaluation/scoring of the respective legs.

No points will be awarded if articles are neither indicated nor picked up.

The distribution or allotment of points for holding to the track on each leg will be made according to length and degree of difficulty. Evaluation of the respective legs is made by the judge after consulting his notes and adding the points. If the dog does not actively search (if it dwells in place for too long without searching for the track), the exercise can also be stopped then, even if the dog is still on the track course.

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SchH/VPG-1, Phase "B" OBEDIENCE

Exercise 1: Off-lead heeling 20 points

Exercise 2: Sit out of motion 10 points

Exercise 3: Down and recall 10 points

Exercise 4: Retrieve on flat ground 10 points

Exercise 5: Retrieve over 1-m hurdle 15 points

Exercise 6: Retrieve over the wall 15 points

Exercise 7: The go-out and down 10 points

Exercise 8: Lying still with distraction 10 points

Total: 100 points

GENERAL:

The judge gives the order for the beginning of an exercise. Everything following, such as turns, stopping, changes of pace, etc. are executed without further order.

The voice commands are established in the rules (see above). Orders to the dog are spoken in a normal voice, and are short, single-word commands. They can be given in any language, however for each activity they always must be the same. If, after the third command, a dog does not execute an exercise or a part of an exercise, the respective exercise is to be stopped without a score for that part. For the recall, the name of the dog can be used in lieu of the action command, but not both. The name of the dog together with any voice command counts as a double command.

In the starting position (“basic position”) for heeling, the dog sits close and straight at the left side of the handler so that the shoulder of the dog is close to the knee of the handler. Each exercise begins and ends with the basic position. Setting up the basic position is allowed only once at the beginning of any exercise. A short praise is allowed only after each finished exercise, and only in the basic position. After that, the handler can take a new starting place and, for the dog, a new basic position. A clear time interval (approximately 3 seconds) must be observed, in any case, between praise and a new beginning.

From the basic position, the so-called “development” is worked out. The team must take at least 10, and at most 15 steps, before a voice command is given for the Performance of an exercise. Between the parts of an exercise and at its conclusion, clear pauses (approx. 3 seconds) are to be observed before the delivery of a subsequent command. This includes the pauses before and after taking up a new basic heel position, as well as when returning to the dog that is sitting, standing, or lying at a distance. When picking up the dog, the handler can step in front of, or go around behind, his dog to the basic position.

The off-lead heeling is to be maintained while moving between parts of the exercises. The dog must also accompany the handler when getting the dumbbell for the retrieve. A loose grip or playing with the dumbbell is not allowed.

The about-face is to be executed by the handler pivoting to the left. During the about-face, the dog can either finish (go to heel) behind the handler or cross in front, the Performance of which must be the same every time.

When commanded to heel, the dog can either go around behind the handler or turn in front to get to the basic position. This “finish” must be in the same style each time.

The solid 1-meter hurdle [no soft or brush top] has a height of 100 cm and a width of 150 cm. The incline wall is composed of two climbing walls of 150 cm width and 191 cm length, joined at the top. These two walls stand on the ground with the bottoms set apart so that the vertical height of the A-frame is 180 cm. The whole surface of the incline wall must be furnished with a smooth, firm, non-slip covering. There are 3 horizontal climbing ledges on each side, approximately 24/48 mm (1X2 inches) in cross-section. All dogs in any competition must climb the same or equal obstacles.

For the retrieves over both jumps, only wooden dumbbells are allowed (weight: about 650 grams or 1.4 pounds). The dumbbells provided by the organization must be used by all participants. The dumbbell may not be given the dog before throwing it and the commands to jump and bring.

If the handler should forget an exercise, the handler receives a request by the judge to perform the missing exercise, without point deduction.

1. Off-lead heeling 20 points

a) Commands

An example of a command for heeling or going to basic position = Fuss.

This voice command is allowed only when starting the exercise and changing pace.

b) Performance

The handler proceeds to the judge with his dog heeling off-lead, and introduces himself and his dog. From the basic position and upon the handler's voice command for "Fuss!" the dog must attentively, joyfully, quickly, and closely remain at heel, with its shoulder blade always even with the handler's left knee without stopping, leaning, or crowding. Beginning the exercise, the handler and dog go 50 steps straight ahead without stopping, perform the about-face, and return 10 to 15 steps at a normal brisk pace, followed by running, and then the slow walk and again the normal speed, with each respective segment at least 10 steps and no more than 15. The transitions from the walk to the run to the slow pace and back to normal must be executed without intermediate steps. The different paces must differ clearly in the speed.

Continuing in the normal walking speed, the team executes at least one right turn, one to the left, and one about-face turn. A stop/sit is to be shown at least once in this portion, and during the normal pace. At one point in the exercise, while the handler and dog are in the normal pace, straight-ahead heeling routine, two gunshots (approx. 6 mm caliber) are delivered within 5 seconds at a distance of at least 15 paces from the team. The dog must be indifferent to the gunshots. At the end of the exercise, and as indicated by the judge, the handler goes with his dog into a moving group of at least four persons.

The handler/dog team must go around some of the people, making one circle to the right and one to the left, and include at least one stop/sit in the group. It is the judge's option to demand a repetition [for example, if the team stops too far from any person in the group]. The team then leaves the group and takes up the basic position for the start of the next exercise.

c) Evaluation/Scoring

If the dog forges or heels wide (is not in the correct relationship to the handler's left side), if it eliminates [urinates or defecates], hangs back, is slow in heeling or sitting, hesitates on the sit command, requires additional voice commands or body language help, or shows a poor attention in the heeling and/or turns, or shows lack of spirit, the dog is penalized accordingly.

2. Sit out of Motion 10 points

a) Commands

Examples of Commands for the Fuss (heel) and sit commands = Fuss and Sit/Sitz

b) Performance

Starting in the basic position, the handler proceeds straight ahead with his dog [heeling off leash, as always]. After 10-15 steps, the dog must immediately, and facing in the same direction, sit down when the voice command for the "Sit” is given, without the handler interrupting his pace, changing speed, or looking back. After another 30 steps the handler stops and immediately turns around to face his calm and steadily sitting dog. Upon order by the judge, the handler returns and stations himself at the dog's right side.

c) Evaluation/Scoring

Errors in the “development” (general working out of the heeling), slow to sit on command, and/or restless, inattentive sitting are penalized accordingly. If the dog lies down or stands instead of sitting, 5 points are deducted.

3. The Drop (Down) with Recall 10 points

a) Commands

Commands to heel, lie down, come on the recall, and finish (go to basic position) =

Fuss, Platz, Heir ( or the call name of the dog), and Fuss.

b) Performance

From the basic position the team marches straight ahead. After 10-15 steps the dog must immediately drop to a lying position, facing straight ahead, when the voice command for "lie down" is given. Without changing pace or looking back, the handler continues walking. After an additional 30 paces the handler stops and turns around immediately to face his calmly lying dog. Upon instruction by the judge, the handler calls his dog with the command to come (“Hier” or the name of the dog). The dog must approach joyfully, quickly, and directly; it must sit closely and straight facing the handler. On the command to heel to the "basic position", the dog must quickly go to the left side of its handler, and sit straight with its shoulder even with the handler's knee.

c) Evaluation/Scoring

Any errors in the development, slow to lie down, being restless during the down, slow to perform the recall (come on command), incorrect position or movement of the handler, poor sit, and/or poor finish, will result in points being deducted accordingly. If, after the command to "Platz", the dog stands or sits instead of lying down, 5 points are deducted.

4. Retrieve on the Flat 10 points

a) Commands

Commands for retrieving, releasing, and going to basic position = Bring, Aus, and Fuss

b) Performance

From the basic position the handler throws a dumbbell (weight 650 gram) about 10 paces away. The command to "Bring" may be given as soon as the dumbbell lies still. The dog, which has been steady and unrestrainedly sitting beside its handler, must run on the "Bring" command to the dumbbell, picking it up immediately and bringing it to his handler; all must be done quickly and directly. The dog must sit closely and straight in front of and facing its handler and must hold the dumbbell steadily in the mouth for a pause of approximately 3 seconds, then release it to the handler when commanded to "Aus" (let go). The handler must be able to reach the dumbbell with an outstretched arm. After the delivery, he holds it motionless at his right side. On the command to "Fuss", the dog must quickly go to the left side of its handler with its shoulder even with the handler's knee and sit and face straight ahead. The handler may not leave his position during this exercise.

c) Evaluation/Scoring

Errors while heeling, slow running out, picking up the dumbbell, slow coming back, dropping the dumbbell, playing or chewing with it, sitting crooked in front of or beside the handler, errors in the finish (Fuss), and movement by the handler are penalized accordingly. Throwing the dumbbell too short, and helps (extra commands/movements) by the handler, even if he does not change his position, are likewise reflected in point deductions. If the handler leaves his location before the conclusion has been attained, the exercise will be rated as Faulty (0 – 6.5 points). If the dog does not retrieve, the exercise is to be scored as 0 points.

5. Retrieve over the 1-meter Hurdle 15 points

a) Commands

Sample commands for jumping, retrieving, releasing, and finish = Hopp, Bring, Fuss

b) Performance

The handler stops with his dog in the basic position, at a distance of at least 5 paces before the hurdle. From this position the handler throws a dumbbell (weight 650 gram) over a 100-cm high hurdle. The command to jump may be given as soon as the dumbbell lies still. The dog that has been sitting steadily and unrestrained beside his handler must jump on command (such as Hopp), and the "Bring" command must be given while the dog is going over the hurdle. The dog must quickly and directly run to the dumbbell, take it immediately, and promptly jump back over the hurdle and bring the dumbbell to its handler — again, doing so quickly and directly. The dog has to sit close and straight in front and hold the dumbbell steadily in its mouth; after a pause of approx. 3 seconds, the handler takes the dumbbell with the release command, "Aus". The dumbbell must be grasped from within reach of the handler's out-stretched arm, and then held at his right side. On the command to heel to the basic position, the dog go quickly to the left side of its handler and sit facing straight ahead, with shoulder blade even with the handler's knee. The handler may not leave his position during this exercise.

c) Evaluation/Scoring

Errors such as in heeling or the basic position, slow jumping, slow going, when taking the dumbbell, slow returning, dropping the dumbbell, playing with or chewing the dumbbell, the handler changing position, and poor sit or heel position (finish) will result in appropriate deductions. Striking the hurdle while jumping will cost up to 1 point, and putting feet on the hurdle will have up to 2 points deducted.

Point allocation for retrieve over the hurdle:

Jump going away Retrieve Jump coming back

5 points 5 points 5 points

A partial score for the exercise is only possible if at least two of these three parts are completed.

Jumping and retrieving flawlessly = 15 points

A jump going away or one returning not executed, but

the dumbbell flawlessly brought back = 10 points

The jumps in both directions being flawless, but the
dumbbell not brought back = 10 points

If the dumbbell lands considerably to the side, or where the dog would have a bad problem seeing it, the handler (after asking or being told by the judge to try again) can throw the dumbbell again without a point deduction. The dog must remain sitting while the handler gets the dumbbell.

Handler helps, even without changing location, are given appropriate point deductions.

If the handler leaves his position before the conclusion of the exercise, it is rated as Faulty (0 - 10 points).

6. Retrieve over the 180-cm Incline Wall 15 points

a) Commands

For jumping, retrieving, releasing, and going to basic position = Hopp, Bring, Aus, Fuss

b) Performance

The handler stops with his dog in the basic position, at a distance of at least 5 paces before the hurdle (wall). From this position the handler throws a dumbbell (weight 650 gram) over the incline wall.

The dog that has been sitting steadily and unrestrained beside his handler must, on command (such as Hopp), climb over the incline wall (the "Bring" command only being given while the dog is going over the wall), quickly and directly run to the dumbbell, immediately take it, and immediately return over the incline wall and bring the dumbbell to its handler, this being done quickly and directly.

The dog has to sit close and straight in front and hold the dumbbell steadily in its mouth; after a pause of approximately 3 seconds, the handler takes the dumbbell with the release command, "Aus". The dumbbell must be within reach of the handler's out-stretched arm, and after being taken, held at his right side. On the command to heel to the basic position, the dog go quickly to the left side of its handler and sit facing straight ahead, with shoulder blade even with the handler's knee. The handler may not leave his position during this exercise.

c) Evaluation/Scoring

Errors in heeling or the basic position, slow jumping, slow going, errors when taking the dumbbell, slow returning, dropping the dumbbell, playing with or chewing the dumbbell, the handler changing position, or errors in the dog's sit or heel positions will result in appropriate deductions.

Point allocation for retrieve over the wall:

Jump going away Retrieve Jump coming back

5 points 5 points 5 points

A partial score for the exercise is only possible if at least two of these three parts are completed.

Jumping and retrieving flawlessly = 15 points

A jump going away or one returning not executed, but

the dumbbell flawlessly brought back = 10 points

The jumps in both directions being flawless, but the
dumbbell not brought back = 10 points

Handler helps, even without changing location, are given appropriate point deductions.

If the handler leaves his position before the conclusion of the exercise, it is rated as Faulty (0 - 10 points).

7. The Go-out with Lying Down on Command

a) Commands

Commands for the go-out, drop, and sit = Fuss, Voraus, Platz, Sit/Sitz

b) Performance

From the starting point and basic position the team goes straight ahead in the designated direction, the dog off-lead. After 10-15 steps the handler gives the dog the command for "the go-out" (Voraus!), simultaneously raising a single arm and standing still. At this, the dog must move purposefully, straight, and fast for a distance equivalent to at least 30 human paces, in the direction indicated. On the judge's order, the handler gives the command to "lie down" (Platz!), whereupon the dog must lie down immediately. The handler may hold his arm up as a directive, until the dog has lain down. On another order by the judge, the handler goes to his dog and steps to its right side. After approx. 3 seconds, and after the judge indicates, the handler gives the command to sit or Fuss, and the dog must sit up quickly and straight in the basic position.

c) Evaluation/Scoring

Errors in the development, continuing with the handler, too slow running the go-out, deviating too far to the side, going too short a distance, lying down with hesitation or prematurely, restless while lying, and/or prematurely getting up when the handler goes to the dog, are given appropriate point deductions.

8. Long Down under Distraction 10 points

a) Commands

Commands for the long-down exercise = Fuss, Platz, Sit/Sitz

b) Performance

At the beginning of phase "B", when another dog is to perform its routine, the handler takes his dog to a place designated by the judge, drops the dog from the basic position with the "Platz!" command, and leaves the dog without any leash or other article. The handler goes (still within the trial area) without looking back, at least 30 steps away from the dog, and stands still in view of the dog but with his back to it. The dog must lie there quietly and still without the handler's influence while the other dog performs exercises 1 through 6. Upon order of the judge, the handler returns to his dog and steps to its right side. After approx. 3 seconds, after an indication from the judge, the dog must sit up on command, quickly and straight in the basic position.

c) Evaluation/Scoring

Restless conduct by the handler as well as other hidden help (body language), the dog being restless while lying, and/or getting up too early when being picked up, are errors resulting in point deductions. If the dog stands or sits prematurely, but remains in the place where it was lying, a partial score is given.

If the dog leaves its “down” place before the other dog's performance of exercise #3, by 3 meters or more, the exercise is rated as 0. If the dog leaves the place where it was lying after conclusion of exercise #3, it receives a partial score. If the dog comes to meet the handler as he approaches to pick up the dog, a point deduction up to 3 points is made.

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SchH/VPG-1, Phase "C" PROTECTION

Exercise 1: Quarter for the Helper (Search the Blinds) 5 points

Exercise 2: Hold and Bark 10 points

Exercise 3: Prevention of Helper's Escape Attempt 20 points

Exercise 4: Defense of Attack from the Guarding Phase 35 points

Exercise 5: Attack on the Dog from a Distance 30 points

Total 100 points

General Regulations:

At suitable places are 6 blinds (blinds), 3 blinds on each side of the field, in a staggered set up. These must be easily visible for handler, judge, and helper.

The helper must be supplied with protective clothing, Schutzhund sleeve, and padded stick. The Schutzhund sleeve must be equipped with a bite bar, and the cover made from natural Jute. If it is necessary for the helper to keep the dog looking him in the eye, the helper does not need to stand absolutely quietly in the blind during this guarding phase. However, he may make no threatening or defensive maneuvers. He must protect his body [cover vulnerable parts] with the Schutzhund sleeve. The manner in which the dog handler takes the padded stick from helper
is left up to him. [He can stay with the dog and reach forward to take it, or leave the dog and take it before returning to the basic position.] (See also "helper regulations" in WUSV rule-book).

At schutzhund/VPG trials, one helper can be used for all levels, but if there are seven or more dogs in the trial, two helpers should be used. The same helper must be used for all handlers within any one trial level.

Dogs that do not stay in the control of the handler, or that will not “out” (Aus!) after the defense exercises or only through the active influence of the handler, or that bite other parts of the body than the proffered Schutzhund sleeve, must be disqualified. The result is no TSB rating being given.

If a dog refuses to engage or defend its handler in the attack/defense exercise, or leaves the area, this phase "C" is to be halted. The dog is given no appraisal. The "TSB" evaluation has to be accomplished.

The command for the release (“Aus”), if needed, is allowed one time during each defense exercise. The point deduction appraisal for the "out" is in the table below.

Hesitant “Out”	First additional (2 nd ) command with immediate “Out”	First additional (2 nd ) command with hesitant “Out”	Second additional (3 rd ) command with immediate “Out”	Second additional (3 rd ) command with hesitant “Out”	No “out” after second additional (at the 4th) command
0.5-3.0	3.0	3.5-6.0	6.0	6.5-9.0	Disqualification

1. Search the Blinds for the Helper 5 points

a) Voice commands

Commands for the blind search by tacking (sweeping the field side-to-side), calling the dog back (this can include the use of the dog's name as well as the “recall”) = Voran or Revier, Heir.

b) Performance

The helper is found hiding in the last blind, initially out of view of the dog.

The handler with his freely heeling dog starts between the 4 th and 5 th blinds, so that sweeps to the two sides are possible. Upon order of the judge, they start phase "C". With short voice commands such as "Revier!" and hand signals with the right or left arm (which may be repeated), the dog must quickly leave the handler and purposefully, closely, and attentively circle the #5 blind. If the dog has executed the sweep to the side, the handler calls the dog ("Hier!") toward himself and directs it during the movement toward the #6 blind with a renewed voice command to "Revier!" [search by tacking]. The handler proceeds in a normal walking speed along the aforementioned centerline, which he may not leave during the dog's tacking. The dog must always be in front of the handler. When the dog reaches the helper's hiding place, the handler must stop and remain standing, and no further voice commands and/or hand signals are allowed.

c) Evaluation/Scoring

Deficiencies in control of or by the dog, in regard to free and purposeful attempts to find the helper, as well as in close and attentive circling of the blinds, result in appropriate deductions.

2. Hold and Bark 10 points

a) Voice Commands

Commands for the recall, finish/heel = Hier, Fuss

b) Performance

The dog must actively and attentively “hold” (guard) the helper with persistent barking. The dog may not jump onto the helper, nor grab him. After staying there for approximately 20 seconds, and after an order from the judge, the handler directly approaches to within 5 paces of the blind. After another directive from the judge, the handler calls his dog back to the basic position. Alternatively, the dog handler is allowed to pick up his dog and free-heel it from the blind. Both variations will be evaluated equally.

c) Evaluation/Scoring

Deficiencies in guarding, such as in continuous, determined barking, and very eagerly pressing the helper, or this activity being influenced by voice commands or the presence of the judge or the approaching handler, are scored accordingly. For persistent barking, 5 points will be awarded. If the dog barks only weakly, it will get 2 points, and if it does not bark yet remains actively and attentively guarding the helper, 5 points are deducted. “Bothering” (hitting, etc.) the helper will cost them up to 2 points, and strong grips up to 9 points. If the dog leaves the helper before the judge's order is given for the handler to leave the centerline where he was to stop, the dog can be ordered once more to go to the helper (Revier). If the dog then remains at the helper and barking, Phase “C” can be continued; however, a rating of Insufficient (0 – 6.5 points) results. If the dog does not resume the bark-and-hold, or leaves the helper again, Phase “C” is halted. If the dog comes to the handler when he approaches the blind, or comes to the handler before being called off, it is given a partial score (0 – 6.5 points) and rated as Insufficient.

3. Prevention of Escape Attempts by the Helper: 20 points

a) Voice Commands

Commands for finish, down, releases = Fuss, Platz, Aus.

b) Performance

On the judge's order, the handler calls the helper to step out from the blind. The helper proceeds at a normal walk to the designated starting point for the escape attempt. Following an order by the judge, the handler proceeds with his freely heeling dog to the designated waiting place for the escape attempt. The distance between helper and dog is about 5 paces. The handler then leaves his guarding dog and hides behind the blind, but he must still be able to observe the dog, the helper and the judge.

Following an order/signal from the judge, the helper undertakes an escape attempt. The dog must frustrate this attempt without hesitation, independently, effectively, and with energetic and robust gripping. It may only attack the helper by biting him on the Schutzhund sleeve. Upon the judge's order, the helper stands still. After the helper stops the struggle, the dog must release immediately. The handler can also give a voice command for "Aus" after an appropriate time.

If the dog does not “out” after the first allowed command, the handler receives the judge's direction to give up to two further voice commands for the “out". If the dog does not “out” after the third command (one allowed without deduction and two additional), it results in a disqualification. During the command "Aus!", the handler must stand still, without otherwise influencing the dog. After the release, the dog must remain close to the helper and guard him attentively.

c) Evaluation/Scoring

Not meeting the essentials of the following important performance criteria results in appropriate deductions: fast, energetic reaction, fast pursuit with robust grip and effective prevention of the escapee's flight, full and steady grip up until the stopping of the fight and/or the “out” command, and close, attentive guarding of the helper. If the dog remains lying, or does not stop the flight through grabbing and holding on within approximately 20 steps, the exercise and the rest of "C" are ended.

If the dog in the process of guarding is slightly inattentive and/or slightly restless, about one point is deducted from the exercise. If the dog is very inattentive and/or considerably restless, around two points are deducted. If the dog does not watch the helper, yet remains close to the helper, around three points are deducted. If the dog leaves the helper, or the handler gives a voice command in order to keep the dog on the helper, the exercise and the rest of "C" are then interrupted (ended).

4. Defense of an Attack from the Guarding Phase: 35 points

a) Voice Commands

Commands for release (the “out”) and finish to heel position = Aus, Fuss

b) Performance

After about 5 seconds of the guarding phase, the helper on order of the judge undertakes an attack on the dog. Without influence by the handler, the dog must defend itself through energetic and robust gripping. It may attack the helper only on the Schutzhund sleeve. Once the dog has grabbed the helper, he gives it 2 blows. Only blows on the area around the shoulder blades and withers are permitted. The helper stands still when ordered to by the judge. After the helper stops struggling and fighting, the dog must release its grip immediately. After an appropriate time the handler can, without direction from the judge, give a voice command to "Aus!"

If the dog does not “out” after the first command, the handler receives the judge's order for up to two further commands to “out” (Aus!). If the dog does not release after these commands (one allowed and two additional) it results in a disqualification. During the command to “out” the handler must stand still, without otherwise influencing the dog. After the “out”, the dog must remain close to the helper and guard him attentively. On the judge's order, the handler goes at a normal pace and directly to his dog, and picks up his dog with the voice command to "Fuss" to the basic position. The padded stick is not taken from the helper.

c) Evaluation/Scoring

Not meeting the essentials of the following important performance criteria results in appropriate deductions: fast and robust gripping, full and steady grip up until the “out”, and after that release, close and attentive guarding of the helper.

If the dog in the process of guarding is slightly inattentive and/or slightly restless, about one point is deducted from the exercise. If the dog is very inattentive and/or considerably restless, around two points are deducted. If the dog does not guard the helper, yet remains at the helper, around three points are deducted. If the dog leaves the helper to meet the approaching handler, the exercise will be rated Insufficient. If the dog leaves the helper before the judge's order for the handler to approach the dog, or the handler gives a voice command in order to keep the dog on the helper, the exercise and the rest of "C" are then interrupted (ended).

5. Running Attack on the Dog (Long-distance Defense) 30 points

a) Commands

Commands for sitting, attack/defend, “out”, finish, heel, march (move out) = Sit, Stell or Voran (or equivalent such as Packen!), Aus, Fuss.

b) Performance

The handler proceeds with his dog to the designated place on the center of the field in line with the first blind. The dog can be held by the collar, but may not be stimulated by the handler. Upon an order from the judge the helper steps from his hiding-place at the other end of the field, furnished with a padded stick, and goes in a normal walk to the center line [then proceeds to threaten and attack the team]. In this approach toward the handler and his dog, as soon as the helper gets to within 40 to 30 steps of them, the handler on signal from the judge releases his dog with the command ("Packen! etc.") for defense. The dog must avert the attack without hesitation, through energetic and robust gripping. It may attack the helper only on the Schutzhund sleeve. The handler may not leave his position. The helper discontinues the fight upon order of the judge. When he stops struggling and fighting, the dog must release its grip immediately. After an appropriate time the handler can, without direction from the judge, give a voice command to "Aus!"

There follows a “side transport” of the helper to the judge for a distance of about 20 paces. A command to "Fuss gehen" (“walk on”, etc.) is allowed. The dog has to go to the right side of the helper, so that it is between the helper and the handler. The dog must observe the helper attentively during the transport. However, it may not press, jump onto, or grip the helper. The three of them halt before the judge, the handler turns over the padded stick to the judge, and “reports out”, saying that they have finished phase "C" of the exercise. Before beginning the public critique and on direction of the judge, the dog is heeled or brought to the place where the appraisal and score will be announced, and made to lie down.

c) Evaluation/Scoring

Any failure to meet the following important performance criteria results in appropriate deductions: fast and robust gripping, full and steady grip up until the “out”, and after that release, close and attentive guarding of the helper.

If the dog in the process of guarding is slightly inattentive and/or slightly restless, about one point is deducted from the exercise. If the dog is very inattentive and/or considerably restless, around two points are deducted. If the dog does not guard the helper, yet remains at the helper, around three points are deducted. If the dog leaves the helper to meet the approaching handler, the exercise will be rated Insufficient. If the dog leaves the helper before the judge's order for the handler to approach the dog, or the handler gives a voice command in order to keep the dog on the helper, the exercise and the rest of "C" are then interrupted (ended).

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Notes by the translator:

Fuß = Fuss. Literally, “Fuß!”. The German language is undergoing modernization, and many words with the “esset” ß (looks like the Greek “beta” or English capital B) are being changed to a double-s instead. Thus, a castle (a Schloß) may now be a Schloss (German nouns are capitalized). Proper names retain the ß.
Commands (imperative mood, whether emphasized or not) in the past always ended with exclamation marks. Now the trend is not to use them, although they really are useful in the context of dog training: Hier! Fuss! Platz! etc.
This is a copyrighted translation/paraphrase of the 2004 rules, prepared by Fred Lanting, with experience as an SV judge as well as an author and a teacher of English. Reprint rights must be obtained before reproducing these. The SV-WUSV official Breed Standard is also available in understandable English, translated by the same author. Contact: mrgsd@hiwaay.net
Other translations available to websites and magazines: Show, Kör (Breed Survey), and SchH/VPG/IPO rules.