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EVOLUTION OF THE RULES

History of the Obedience Rules

compiled by Sami Jones

Following are the rules prior to the major changes published in the Sept/Oct 1994 Schutzhund USA.

Strikeouts are shown where a requirement was removed from the rules; italics indicate additions to the rules.

Phase B — Obedience

Schutzhund I

Maximum point score is 100 points.

Overall Picture

The top score requires correctness, speed and attitude (drive).⁶

The general traits needed in a dog to score high in obedience are accuracy, speed and temperament or enthusiasm for the work.⁴

"Correct heeling position is important. Every exercise starts and ends with the dog at heel in the basic position. It is judged in every obedience exercise in one form or another.

"The dog must remain in a consistent position with its shoulder beside the handler's knee, and must be attentive to the handler at all times. The team must demonstrate normal, fast and slow heeling with smooth changes between paces. The dog must match its speed to that of the handler.

"Judges evaluate, in particular, the start, turns, changes of pace and the halts. The overall attitude of the dog is critical. The picture the handler wants to present is of a happy working dog pleasing its master by staying exactly along side, regardless of what the handler does.

"The most common faults observed include inattentiveness, sullen attitudes, wide turns, lagging and forging in the changes of pace, and crooked, slow sits. Handlers can create a negative impression by failing to show the complete heeling pattern and by not taking enough steps in the fast, slow, etc. This often places the dog at a disadvantage when the handler tries to cut short the heeling between the turns and the halt."

—Excerpted from "The Heeling Exercise", by G. Shumaker, Schutzhund USA, July/August 1991.

Commands & Control

The prescribed commands are given in the trial rules. An exception is on a recall where the dog's name can be used in the place of the command "hier". The name of the dog used in conjunction with the command "hier" is a double command and points will be deducted.³

Handlers may use three commands to try to get the dog to perform. Each additional command costs 1.5 points.⁶ If after a dog receives three commands for an exercise it still refuses to perform, then the exercise is discontinued.³

If a dog should run off the show field or the dog goes out of control of the handler during the obedience, the handler should remain in place and over the next few moments, give three commands for the dog to return. If the dog does not return then the test of the dog is discontinued. In the other phases, however, the dog must remain under control.³

Instructions from Judge

The judge will give an indication to begin each exercise. All further demonstrations (halt, turns, etc.) will be completed without direction from the judge. The handler may ask the judge for clarification of directions.¹

The handler should wait for acknowledgment from the judge before beginning each exercise and before leaving the basic position at the end of an exercise. The judge is expected to promptly acknowledge the end of each exercise. Acknowledgment can be made by establishing eye contact between handler and judge to indicate the completion of an exercise.⁴

If a handler forgets an exercise, he is to be made aware of it. This will result in no point deductions. Judges should remind handlers when they forget a complete exercise in any trial⁵ , including regional and national championships.³ However, the failure to perform a portion of an exercise (such as sitting the dog in the basic position before giving the next command) is subject to a deduction.⁵

Praise

The dog can be praised after each exercise. However, between the exercises it is important that the dog remain at the heel position.³

Dogs may be praised only at the break between on-lead and off-lead at the group. Praise after the off-lead group is not allowed.⁵

Execution of Exercises

Each individual exercise begins and ends in the basic heel position.

1. Heeling On Leash and Impartiality — 15 points.
      Voice Command: Heel (Fuß)

Starting from the basic heel position, the dog on leash should willingly and outgoingly follow the handler upon the voice command to heel (fuß). At the beginning of the exercise, the handler must proceed in a straight line 40 to 50 paces without stopping. A turnabout is performed and after 10 to 15 paces a running exercise and a slow exercise, each of at least 10 paces, are to be demonstrated.

The change of pace is to be demonstrated with the slow pace immediately following the fast pace, i.e., directly from fast to slow.¹ (Formerly: 10 paces Fast - 10 paces Normal - 10 paces Slow - Normal.)

During a normal pace, at least one right, one left and one turnabout are to be performed. The turnabout has to be performed by the handler as a left turnabout.

During the demonstration of the turns, the handler must demonstrate a halt while moving in a straight line.¹

In the heeling on leash and free heeling exercises, a halt is to be demonstrated after the second about turn. The about turns are to be demonstrated as left about turns where the dog goes around the handler.³

The dog should always heel close to the left knee of the handler with the shoulder blade next to the handler's knee. The dog must not forge ahead, move to the side or lag to the rear.

The handler is only permitted to use the voice command when starting the exercise or when changing pace. When the handler comes to a stop, the dog should come to the sit position without being influenced by the handler. During the halt, the handler is not permitted to change the basic position and especially must not step sideways toward the dog. The leash must be held in the left hand and must hang loosely with a loop. The judge will direct the handler and dog to proceed through a group of at least four persons and the handler is required to stop at least once in the group. The group is expected to mingle about. A dog lagging behind, forging, moving sideways away, or hesitation by the handler in the turns is faulty.

The movement through the group in SchH I is a planned exercise to be demonstrated once. At a minimum there must be a right and left turn and one halt. The judge may request another exercise through the group.³

The new VDH rules (effective January 1, 1991) standardized the obedience heeling pattern as shown above. The basic changes in the rules are: (1) the dog will be taken off leash in the basic position upon direction from the judge, (2) there is less time between gun shots; (3) during the demonstration of the turns the handler must demonstrate a halt while moving in a straight line, (4) the slow pace immediately follows the fast pace.⁴

The preferred heeling pattern was published in Schutzhund USA May/June 1991 &&; July/August 1991. It is to be demonstrated by the handler.⁴

2. Heeling Off Leash — 20 Points.
      Voice command: Heel (Fuß)

When requested by the judge, the leash will be removed by the handler while still in motion in the basic position.¹

The handler now hangs the leash across the shoulder or places the leash in a pocket and proceeds with the freely heeling dog into the group and demonstrates at least one halt. After leaving the group the handler and dog briefly assume the basic position and then proceed into the off leash heeling pattern as performed on leash.

While the dog and handler are performing the off leash heeling exercise, at least two gun shots are to be fired (not while moving through the group) and the dog must remain indifferent to the gun noise. Should the dog demonstrate gun insecurity, the dog must be excused immediately from the trial. If the dog demonstrates a certain aggression toward the gun shot, this must be scored as conditionally faulty as long as the dog remains under the control of the handler. The full score can only be awarded to the dog who demonstrates gun indifference.

The size of the gun to be used for the gun shots at SV events will generally be 6 mm.³ (A gun with a bore of from 6mm to 9mm translates to .22 to .38 caliber.⁵)

Special emphasis must be placed upon gun indifference. The shots must be fired from a distance of fifteen paces with two shots fired with a ten five¹ second interval. Should the dog run away from the gun shot, the dog is to be excused from further participation. Should the judge detect gun insecurity in a dog it is permissible to test the dog with additional gun shots. The gun shot impartiality test can only be executed during the heeling off leash and long down under distraction exercises.

Moving Exercises:

The buildup before an exercise will be between 10 and 15 paces. Points will be taken for failure to make a proper buildup. After the commands for the "Sit", "Down", and "Stand", minimum distances for the exercise are given in the rules. The decision is left to the handler to determine whether he has gone the minimum distance away from his dog.³

3. Sit Exercise — 10 Points.
      Voice Command: Sit (Sitz)

The basic position, build up and basic position at the end of an exercise when the handler returns to the dog are worth about 20% of the value of the exercise in which they are required.⁴

From the basic heeling position the handler and free heeling dog proceed in a straight line. After at least 10 paces, upon voice command, the dog should come quickly to the sit position while the handler does not interrupt his/her pace nor turn about. After another 30 paces the handler stops and turns around to face the dog. When requested by the judge the handler will return to the dog and assume the basic heeling position on the right side of the dog. Should the dog lay down or remain standing instead of performing the sit exercise, up to five points will be deducted.

4. Down with Recall — 10 Points
      Voice Command: Down (Platz), Here (Hier), Heel (Fuß)

The basic position, the front and the finish are worth about 20% of the value of the exercise in which they are required.⁴

In the two-part exercises such as the down with recall and the stand with recall, each part of the exercise is worth 5 points. Failure to perform the down or the stand will result in a minimum deduction of 3½ points.⁴

Upon voice command from the basic position, the handler and free heeling dog proceed in a straight line. After at least 10 paces, upon voice command, the dog must lay down quickly. Without additionally influencing the dog and without turning around, the handler will proceed another 30 paces in a straight line and turn around to face the dog and remain motionless. When requested by the judge, the handler recalls the dog. The dog should come to the handler with a spirited and swift motion and sit close in front. Upon the command "heel", the dog should quickly come to the sit position next to the handler. Should a dog stand stay or sit during the exercise but returns on the recall without fault, 5 points will be deducted.

On the down with recall, a deduction of three points is to be made when the dog fails to remain in the required position.⁴

If the handler moves his/her feet as the dog comes in on the recalls or retrieves, deductions of up to 3 points will result.⁴

The handler is expected to keep the feet close together in the basic position during the recall and retrieve exercises.⁴

Retrieving

The handler should have the dog in the basic position during the pickup and return of the dumbbells to their resting place.⁴

Handlers cannot use an altered dumbbell in a trial. Only "normal type" dumbbells are allowed. No object can be used that appears to provide an added advantage to the dog over other dogs. Clubs are encouraged to provide the recommended dumbbells referred to in the rulebook for SchH I, II and III.⁵ (This rule disallows dumbbells that have tape or rope on the bar.)

The correct dumbbell must be used for each exercies: i.e., you cannot use the 2kg dumbbell over the jump or wall.⁶

A small deduction is to be made for the dog that barks during the retrieve exercises.⁶

5. Retrieving An Article Belonging to the Handler on Level Ground — 10 Points
   Voice Command: Bring (Bring), Let Go (Aus), Heel (Fuß)

The dog sitting freely next to the handler should, when given the voice command, quickly move toward the object which has been tossed approximately 8 at least 10¹ paces away. The dog must immediately and quickly pick up and retrieve the object to the handler. The dog must sit close in front of the handler and must hold the object until the handler, after a brief pause, removes the object with the command to let go. After the command to heel, the dog should quickly come to the heel position. In place of an object belonging to the handler, a dumbbell can be used; however, balls, toys, etc. are not considered personal articles. The handler must remain in the basic position until the dog has assumed the heel position.

Scoring: If a dog should drop the object, or plays with or mouths the object up to 4 points will be deducted. Should the handler change the basic position, up to 3 points will be deducted. Should the dog fail to bring the object, the exercise is to be scored with zero points.

6. Retrieving an Article Belonging to the Handler Over a 1 Meter High and 1.5 Meter Wide Brush Hurdle — 15 Points.
   Voice Commands: Hup (Hopp), Bring (Bring), Let Go (Aus), Heel (Fuß)

The brush hurdle is required for all events. When a brush hurdle is not available, the judge shall stop the event. The trial rules give the measurements to be 1.5 meters wide and 1 meter high.³

The handler assumes a position at an acceptable distance in front of the hurdle while the dog sits freely next to the handler. A dumbbell can be substituted for an article belonging to the handler. Upon voice command the dog must clear the hurdle without touching it, pick up the object and sit closely in front of the handler after the return jump has been cleared. The object must be held by the dog until the handler removes it with the command to let go. Upon command, the dog must quickly come to the heel position The command to bring must be given before the dog has reached the object.

Scoring: Up to 2 points can be deducted for slightly brushing the hurdle. Up to 3 points can be deducted for strong brushing or stepping on the hurdle. Dropping the object, playing or mouthing the object can be penalized up to 4 points.

If the dog lightly touches the hurdle, up to one point may be taken. Strong brushing will result in up to two points deducted; stepping on or placing the feet on the jump will result in up to three points deducted. These deductions are to be made for infractions in both directions.⁴

Jumps correct and retrieves without fault  = 15 points

Return jump refused, object retrieved without fault = 8 points

Seven points will be deducted for missing the hurdle or wall in one direction. Additional points may be deducted for further shortcomings.⁴

Refused jump over, return jump and object retrieved without fault = 8 points

Both jumps executed, object not retrieved = 8 points

Over and return jumps not executed, object retrieved = 0 points

Jump over executed, no return jump, object not retrieved = 0 points

Up to four points can be deducted for dropping the dumbbell.⁴

One point may be deducted for dropping out of strong drive to quickly retrieve.⁴

Two-three points for lackadaisical dropping and three to four points for dropping in front of the handler.⁴

In the case of a clumsy toss by the handler or due to strong wind conditions, the object may land far off to the side. It is up to the discretion of the handler to ask the judge to personally retrieve the object and attempt a new throw. There shall be no points deducted in this instance.

Should the dog drop the object, it should be determined whether it is due to laziness of the dog, nonchalance or whether the dog dropped the object due to strong temperamental drive. Should there be any doubts, the judge may ask for a repeat of the exercise.¹

Now only in unusual circumstances will a dog be given a second chance on a retrieve exercise.¹

Should the handler give the dog help during the jumping exercise without leaving the basic position, points shall be deducted. Should the handler leave the basic position in order to encourage and help the dog to jump, points for both jumps shall be deducted. Tapping on the jump combined with leaving the basic position must be considered such great help that both jumps will not be scored. The handler must remain in the basic position until the dog has come to the heel position. All dogs must jump over the same hurdle even though there may be other hurdles available.

7. Go Ahead and Down — 10 Points.
   Voice Commands: Go Out (Voraus), Down (Platz) and Sit (Sitz)

When requested by the judge, the handler and free heeling dog proceed in the designated direction a few paces. The command "go out" should be executed by simultaneously lifting of the arm and a stop by the handler. At the moment the handler extends his arm, he must give the dog the command to "go out" and he must come to a halt.¹ The dog must move at a fast pace in the designated direction for at least 25 paces. The dog must lay down quickly upon the command "down". The handler may hold the arm up facing the designated direction until the dog has laid down. At the request of the judge the handler proceeds to pick up the dog by moving to the right side of the dog and commanding the dog to sit. The dog will be put on leash after the pickup.¹

Send Out: the "few steps" in the buildup to the send out are considered to be between three and ten paces. The send out can be broken down into several components. The components carry the following relative weight in the scoring:

• buildup and pickup: each ½ point

• direction: 1 point

• distance, speed and down: 8 points

• Distance is to be judged on an approximately proportional basis. That is, on half the required distance would earn about 6 points, provided all else was correct.⁴

Scoring: Repeated lifting of the arm is not permitted. The dog must move in a straight line although a slight deviation is not faulty. Strong deviations to the side or too short a distance, reluctant or premature down, or getting up early during the pick up exercise will result in point deductions.

8. Long Down Under Distraction — 10 Points.
   Voice Commands: Down (Platz) and Sit (Sitz)

Prior to the start of the obedience exercises of another dog, the handler commands the dog into the down position at a spot designated by the judge. The handler moves approximately 40 paces away within sight of the dog without leaving the leash or another object with the dog. The handler remains quietly with his back to the dog. The dog must remain in the down position without additional influence from the handler until the other exhibiting dog had concluded exercises 1 through 6. After completion of exercise 6 and upon direction from the judge, the dog in the down position will be picked up. The exercise will finish like exercise number 7.

Scoring: The handler must remain motionless in the designated spot within the trial grounds with his/her back to the dog until the judge requests the handler to pick up the dog. Restless behavior by the handler as well as other hidden help or the dog getting up prematurely during the pickup are faulty.

If the dog stands or sits up, but remains on the designated spot, a partial score is in order. Should the dog move more than 3 meters prior to the conclusion of exercise three of the other dog, the exercise shall be scored as zero. Should the dog leave the designated spot after exercise three, a partial score is in order. Should the dog meet the handler during the pick up exercise, a deduction of up to 3 points is in order.

All dogs must be tested under gunfire in the long down exercise at a reasonable distance from the handler.⁵

In SchH I and SchH II (IPO I & II) the dog must be placed on leash after the long down and the send out.⁴

References

¹New Schutzhund rules, as printed in the SV Zeitung, Januar 1991, and published in the Schutzhund USA, March/April 1991.

³New Schutzhund rules, as printed in the März 1991 SV Zeitung, effective January 1, 1991, as agreed upon at a meeting of the Training Committee on February 2-3, 1991, and printed in the Schutzhund USA, May/June, 1991.

⁴"Resolutions from the Judges", by G. Shumaker, Schutzhund USA, September/October, 1991, p. 58. A summary of the resolutions made at the first Judges' Seminar held on July 12-14, 1991 in Bowling Green, KY.

⁵"Results of the 1992 Judges' Seminar", Schutzhund USA, Nov/Dec 1992, p. 48. A summary of the resolutions made at the second Judges' Seminar held on July 24-26, 1992 in Bowling Green, KY.

⁶"Notes from SV Judges' Meeging", by G. Shumaker, Schutzhund USA, May/June, 1993, p. 47. A summary of the SV judges' meeting held on January 16, 1993 in Erlensee, Germany.