I've been working on an official update of the USA Rulebook... unfortunately it's been stuck in the bureaucratic void for some time. In the meanwhile, these rules are offered temporarily in the spirit of sharing information on the web while I work on "The Annotated Updated Ammended Appended Unofficial Rulebook for All Working Dog Evaluations". The BH is completed; for the Annotated Rules, see: The Annotated BH. For an overview of what to expect and do on Trial Day, see: Trial Day: The BH


 
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Requirements Equipment Procedure
Description of Exercises Heeling Pattern Obedience Diagram
SchH A & SchH 1 SchH 2 SchH 3




Part B — OBEDIENCE

A: REQUIREMENTS

Trial Level BH (part 1) SchH A SchH 1 SchH 2 SchH 3
Heel on Lead "Heel"
15		 "Heel"
15		 "Heel"
15		 "Heel"
10		 —
Heel off Lead "Heel"
15		 "Heel"
20		 "Heel"
20		 "Heel"
15		 "Heel"
10
Sit in Motion "Heel", "Sit"
10		 "Heel", "Sit"
10		 "Heel", "Sit"
10		 "Heel", "Sit"
5		 "Heel", "Sit"
5
Down in Motion "Heel", "Down", "Come"/name, "Heel"
10		 "Heel", "Down", "Come"/name, "Heel"
10		 "Heel", "Down", "Come"/name, "Heel"
10		 "Heel", "Down", "Come"/name, "Heel"
10		 "Heel", "Down", "Come"/name, "Heel"
10
Walking Stand — — — — "Heel", "Stand", "Sit"
5
Running Stand — — — — "Heel", "Stand", "Come"/name, "Heel"
10
Retrieve on Flat — "Fetch", "Out", "Heel"
10		 "Fetch", "Out", "Heel"
10		 "Fetch", "Out", "Heel"
10		 "Fetch", "Out", "Heel"
10
Retrieve Jump — "Jump", "Fetch", "Out", "Heel"
15		 "Jump", "Fetch", "Out", "Heel"
15		 "Jump", "Fetch", "Out", "Heel"
15		 "Jump", "Fetch", "Out", "Heel"
15
Retrieve Wall — — — "Jump", "Fetch", "Out", "Heel"
15		 "Jump", "Fetch", "Out", "Heel"
15
Send Away — "Heel", "Go", "Down", "Sit"
10		 "Heel", "Go", "Down", "Sit"
10		 "Heel", "Go", "Down", "Sit"
10		 "Heel", "Go", "Down", "Sit"
10
Long Down "Down", "Sit"
10		 "Down", "Sit"
10		 "Down", "Sit"
10		 "Down", "Sit"
10		 "Down", "Sit"
10

EQUIPMENT

1-meter Hurdle
  • Height: 1 meter
  • Width: 1.5 meter

Construction: The brush hurdle shall be constructed with a frame to support brush, branches or other plant material. The top 4 to 6 inches of the hurdle shall be only plant materials without cross bars in that area. The hurdle must have no crossbeams in its uppermost 20 cm (8"), or the crossbeams must be made so they will "give" (flex) under load.

1.8-meter Scaling Wall:

The Scaling Wall
For SchH 2 and IPO 2: 1.6 meters high and 1.5 meters wide.
For SchH 3 and IPO 3:1.8 Meters High and 1.5 Meters Wide

The dimensions of the two sides of the scaling wall are 1.9 meters long by 1.5 meters wide. Three cleats that extend the width of the side jump shall be located approximately 25, 55 and 85 centimeters from the top The cleats shall not be larger than 5 x 5 cm. The wall shall be constructed of sturdy materials and reinforced to make it rigid.



The same wall may be used for both SchH 2 and SchH 3 classes if constructed such that the base width of the two side pieces can be adjusted. The base width shall be 1.3 meters for SchH 3 and widened to 2.0 meters for SchH 2.

Dumbbells:

  • SchH 1
    • for flat retrieve = up to 650 grams
  • SchH 2
    • for flat retrieve = 1 Kg
    • for 1-meter jump = 650 grams
    • for scaling wall = 650 grams
  • SchH 3
    • for flat retrieve = 2 Kg
    • for 1 -meter jump = 650 grams
    • for scaling wall = 650 grams

The above-described dumbbells, available on the trial grounds, are to be used by all the trial participants. It is not allowed for a handler to spit on the dumbbells.

In all the retrieving exercises, the dumbbell may not be placed in the dog's mouth in advance.

One Blind: Must be provided for use by SchH 3 handlers while their dogs are on the long down.

Pistol and ammunition: Calibre — 6 mm

B: PROCEDURE:

Reporting In

At the beginning of each trial section, the handlers must report in to the trial judge in a sportsman-like manner.

BH and SchH A, 1 and 2

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

SchH 3

The handler enters field with his dog heeling free and reports in in the basic position. Throughout the obedience section, the dog wears a collar and the handler carries the lead with him.

Basic Position and Start of Exercises

Every exercise begins and ends in the basic position. The dog sits straight, on the left side and next to his handler, with his right shoulder blade at knee-height.

Taking of the basic position is allowed only once per exercise.

In the basic position, the handler stands with a sporting posture (straight stance, feet together, at attention). A splay-legged stance is not permitted in any exercise.

The ending basic position for one exercise may be used as the beginning basic position for the following exercise.

"Development" of the Exercise

From out of the basic position, on the judge's signal, comes the building up of all the obedience exercises, the so-called "development" or build-up.

The handler must show a minimum of 10 paces (maximum 15) as the development for the following exercises, before the command for the performance of the exercise may be given:

  • Sit out of Motion
  • Down out of Motion (SchH 3 in each gait)
  • Walking Stand
  • Running Stand
  • Send-away

Basic-position and exercise-development errors must influence the scoring of the individual exercise. Between all the "fronts" and "finishes", as well as between approaching the dog and "picking him up" in the Sit exercise and the Walking Stand, a distinct pause of about 3 seconds is to be observed. A similar pause is to be made during the Long Down exercise, in between returning to the dog and giving the "Sit" command.

Between the exercises the dog is to remain free at heel. Breaking formation or playing is not permitted.

Handler's Distance from the Dog

The Trial Rulebook prescribes a minimum of 30 paces in those portions where the handler must proceed away from the dog. It is up to the handler to decide if he wants to go further than the prescribed minimum of paces. The judge may stop a handler from distancing himself too far from the dog.

Praising

Praising of the dog is allowed after every completed exercise, but only in the basic position. After that, the handler may take a new basic position. Between praising and starting a new exercise (if handler does not take a new basic position), a distinct pause of 3 seconds is to be observed.

Voice Commands

The previously described commands are fixed in the Trial Rules. If a dog fails to perform an exercise after three commands are given, the exercise is terminated and no points are given for it.

When recalling the dog, the dog's name may be used instead of the command "Hier" / "Come". However, use of the dog's name in combination with the command will be counted as a double-command and penalized by a point loss.

Penalties for additional commands:

  • 1st extra command: part exercise rated "satisfactory"
  • 2nd extra command: part exercise rated "faulty"

Fronts and Finishes

The dog must sit in front fast, close and straight. Upon command, after the required 3-second pause, the dog must take up the ending basic position (go from "front" to "finish") fast and close. The dog may perform the "finish" by going around behind the handler or by executing a military (flip) "finish" from in front of the handler.

Returning to the dog: The handler may return from the front or by going around behind the dog.

OBEDIENCE HEELING PATTERN

C: DESCRIPTION OF EXERCISES

Behavior During Change of Pace: Heeling Exercise "Development"

At the command "Fuß" / "Heel" the dog must always go with the handler happily, attentively and close, with his shoulder blade at knee-height, through all changes of pace, turns, and in the group.

During the Heeling on Lead, the lead is held in the left hand and must hang loose.

The dog must travel straight next to the handler and, whenever the handler stops, he must automatically sit fast and straight beside the handler. In doing this the dog must remain calm and attentive. At the various changes of pace, the handler must be careful to make distinct changes of speed: Normal walking, fast running (not a sprint), and slow walking.

The change of pace from fast into slow must take place without any "normal" transition steps in between.

The command "Fuß" / "Heel" is permitted only at the start and when changing pace.

The pace-counts shown in the above diagram represent minimum requirements.

Group

Heeling through the Group of moving people is to be shown both on-lead and off-lead in Trial Levels BH and SchH A, 1 and 2. It is shown off-lead in SchH 3

In the Group, the handler must heel the dog around at least 2 persons, one to the left and one to the right (i.e. in a figure-eight), and must halt at least once near a person. The judge may request the handler to repeat the procedure.

In BH and SchH A, 1 and 2, the unleashing of the dog after the heeling on-lead takes place outside the Group in the basic position.

The free-heeling exercise in BH and SchH A, 1 and 2 begins with the Group heeling. After leaving the Group in the free-heeling exercise, a new basic position is to be taken.

Praising of the dog after leaving the Group is permitted only in the ending basic position.

The Gunshots

The firing of the gunshots is done during the free-heeling, on the first straight leg of the pattern, and during the "Down under Distraction". Two shots will be fired (calibre 6 mm) five seconds apart. The first shot is fired at a distance of about 15 paces. In SchH 3, care must be taken to ensure that the handler of the dog on the "Down" is out of the dog's sight.

Comment: In doubtful cases, the judge is obligated to assess the dog's gunshot-indifference by first instructing the handler to put the dog on lead. Shots will then be fired by the judge at a distance of about 15 paces, during which the dog must remain on a loose-hanging lead. If a dog proves to be gunshy, it will immediately be eliminated from the trial. No points will be awarded.

Acceptance of Commands in the Development of an Exercise

The Sit, Down and Stand exercises are to be performed on single commands. An additional command is permitted immediately after the first command, and will be penalized the same as a faulty performance.

If, at the command, the dog performs a different exercise (not the one commanded), a partial score will be given (see the individual exercises).

If the dog does not take the command, two additional commands may be given. Rating: see "additional commands".

Retrieving

If the dog does not release the dumbbell after three commands, Part B is to be terminated.

Sit out of Motion

Commands: "Fuß" / "Heel" and "Sitz" / "Sit"

Trial Level BH SchH A SchH 1 SchH 2 SchH 3
Points 10 10 10 5 5

From the basic position, the handler goes out straight ahead at a normal pace with his free-heeling dog. After 10-15 paces, the "Sitz" / "Sit" command is given and the dog must sit fast and straight without the handler interrupting his pace or looking backwards. The dog must sit quietly. After at least 30 paces further the handler stops and immediately turns around towards the dog. On the judge's signal the handler returns to the dog and takes up the basic position at the dog's right side.

If the dog lies down or remains standing instead of sitting, the point deduction is 5 points in BH and SchH A and 1, and 3 points in SchH 2 and 3.
10-15 paces
(normal)		 "Sit" Minimum of 30 normal paces
Basic Position >------------------------------ x ------------------------------------------------------------ Stop

Down with Recall


Trial Level BH SchH A SchH 1 SchH 2 SchH 3
Points 10 10 10 10 10

BH, SchH A, 1 and 2

The handler goes straight out, at a normal pace, from the basic position with his dog heeling free. After 10-15 paces the dog, on the command "Platz" / "Down", must lie down fast and straight without the handler interrupting his pace or looking around backwards. After at least 30 further paces, the handler stops and immediately turns around to face the dog. On the judge's signal he recalls the dog, either with the command "Hier" / "Come" or with the dog's name.

The dog must come to the handler happily, rapidly and directly and must sit close and straight in front of him. On the command "Fuß" / "Heel" the dog must rapidly go to the basic position.

If the dog remains standing, or sits, at the "Platz" command, 5 points will be deducted.

10-15 paces (normal) "Down" Minimum of 30 normal paces
Basic Position >------------------------------ x ------------------------------------------------------------ Stop


SchH 3

The handler goes straight ahead 10-15 normal paces, from the basic position, then gives the command "Fuß" / "Heel" and goes into the running pace. After a further 10-15 paces, handler and dog perform the rest of the exercise as described above under "BH, SchH A, 1 and 2".

10-15 paces (normal) 10-15 paces (fast) "Down" Minimum of 30 normal paces
Basic Position >------------------------ >------------------------ x ----------------------------------------------------- Stop

Stand out of Motion (walking)

Commands: "Fuß" / "Heel", "Steh" / "Stand", "Sitz" / "Sit"

SchH 3: 5 points

From the basic position, the handler goes straight out with his dog heeling free. After 10-15 paces, on the command "Steh" / "Stand" the dog must immediately stop and stand still, without the handler breaking stride or looking back. After at least 30 further paces, the handler stops and immediately turns around toward the dog. On the judge's signal the handler returns to the dog, positions himself on the dog's right side, and after a 3-second pause commands the dog to sit.

If the dog sits or lies down on the command "Steh", 3 points will be deducted.

10-15 paces (normal) "Stand" Minimum of 30 normal paces
Basic Position >------------------------------ x ------------------------------------------------------------ Stop


Stand out of Motion (running)

Commands: "Fuß" / "Heel", "Steh" / "Stand", "Hier" / "Come" or name of dog, "Fuß" / "Heel"

SchH 3: 10 points

From the basic position, the handler runs straight out with his dog heeling free. After 10-15 paces, on the command "Steh" / "Stand" the dog must immediately stop and stand still, without the handler breaking stride or looking back. After at least 30 further paces, the handler stops and immediately turns around toward the dog. On the judge's signal the handler recalls the dog with the command "Hier" or with the dog's name. The dog must come in happily, fast and straight, and must sit close in front of the handler.

On the command "Fuß" the dog must rapidly take the basic position.

If the dog sits or lies down on the command "Steh", 5 points will be deducted.

10-15 paces (running) "Stand" Minimum of 30 running paces
Basic Position >------------------------------ x ------------------------------------------------------------ Stop

Retrieve on Flat Ground

Commands: "Bring" / "Fetch", "Aus" / "Out", "Fuß" / "Heel"

Trial Level SchH A SchH 1 SchH 2 SchH 3
Points 10 10 10 10
Weight up to 650 grams up to 650 grams 1 kilogram 2 kilograms
Type of Article Dumbbell Dumbbell Dumbbell Dumbbell

When picking up the dumbbell, the dog must remain with the handler.

Until the dog receives the command to "Bring" / "Fetch", he must remain quietly sitting free in the basic position. The dumbbell must be thrown at least 10 paces away. The command "Bring" may first be given when the dumbbell is lying still. The dog must run briskly to the dumbbell, immediately pick it up, and bring it rapidly and directly back to the handler. The dog must sit close and straight in front of the handler, holding the dumbbell in his mouth until the handler takes it from him (after a 3-second pause) with the command "Aus" / "Out".

The handler holds the dumbbell on the right or left side of his body. After a 3-second pause, the handler commands the dog into the ending basic position.

Retrieve over the 1-meter Hurdle

Commands: "Hopp" / "Jump", "Bring" / "Fetch", "Aus" / "Out", "Fuß" / "Heel"

Trial Level SchH A SchH 1 SchH 2 SchH 3
Points 15 15 15 15
Weight 650 grams 650 grams 650 grams 650 grams

The handler must take the basic position in front of the hurdle in such a way that it is possible for the dog to make a clean jump. The dog must remain sitting quietly in the basic position until he is given the command "Hopp". The dumbbell is to be thrown far enough so that the dog is able to show a clean return-jump.

The command "Hopp" may first be given when the dumbbell is lying still; the command "Bring" is given before the dog picks up the dumbbell.

Alternative: The "Bring" command is given during the outward jump.

Practice jumps before the exercise are not allowed.

Retrieve over the Scaling Wall

Commands: "Hopp" / "Jump", "Bring" / "Fetch", "Aus" / "Out", "Fuß" / "Heel"

Trial Level SchH A SchH 1 SchH 2 SchH 3
Points — — 15 15
Weight — — 650 grams 650 grams

The handler must take the basic position in front of the scaling wall in such a manner as to allow the dog to scale the wall correctly. The dog must sit quietly in the basic position until he is given the command "Hopp". The dumbbell must be thrown far enough that the return jump can also be shown in correct scaling-form. The command "Bring" may be given after the dog has gone over the scaling wall on his way to pick up the dumbbell.

Alternative: The "Bring" command is to be given during the scaling of the wall.

The remainder of the exercise procedure is analogous to that described in the exercise "Retrieve on Flat Ground". Practice jumps before the exercise are not allowed.

Scoring

Dropping of the dumbbell, hesitant picking up, restless behavior, sluggish retrieving, and playing with or mouthing the dumbbell = deduction up to 4 points.

In the overall scoring of the exercise, special value is to be placed upon calm and firm holding of the dumbbell.

Jumping exercises (hurdle and wall):

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

  • Clean jumps (both) and faultless retrieve = 15 points
  • Outward and return jump done, no retrieve = 5 points
  • Outward or return jump done, retrieve done = 5 points
Hurdle Scoring
touching each jump rated "good"
standing-on each jump rated "satisfactory"

Other faulty behaviors must be penalized appropriately.

If the dumbbell falls strongly to one side, the judge may grant the handler a second throw, during which the dog must remain in the basic position.

If the dog fails to release the dumbbell after 3 commands, Part B is terminated.

Send-Away

Commands: "Fuß" / "Heel", ""Voraus" / "Go Out", "Platz" / "Down", "Sitz" / "Sit"

Trial Level SchH A SchH 1 SchH 2 SchH 3
Points 10 10 10 10


The judge designates the start position. On a further signal from the judge the handler, with his free-heeling dog, proceeds 10 to 15 paces straight ahead in the designated direction. At the command "Voraus" the dog must run outward rapidly in a straight line for a distance of at least 30 paces while the handler stands still. While giving the command "Voraus" the handler may raise up one arm. When the dog has reached the required distance, and at least 8 paces before the end of the field, the handler (on his own or on a signal from the judge) will give the command "Platz". If the judge does signal the handler to "down" the dog, the handler must immediately give the "Platz" command. At the command, the dog must lie down immediately.

On the judge's signal the handler goes to the dog's right side and, after a 3-second pause, takes the dog into the basic position with the command "Sitz".
10-15 paces (normal) "Go Out" Minimum of 30 normal paces
Basic Position >------------------------------ x ------------------------------------------------------------ "Platz"

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

Down Under Distraction

Commands: "Platz" / "Down", "Sitz" / "Sit"

Trial Level BH SchH A SchH 1 SchH 2 SchH 3
Points 10 10 10 10 10


At the beginning of the obedience routine of another dog, and on the judge's signal, the handler "downs" his dog from the basic position at a spot designated by the judge. No leash or other article is to be left with the dog. The handler moves away to a distance of 30 paces. In BH and SchH A, 1 and 2 the handler then stands with his back to the dog; in SchH 3 he goes out of sight. In doing this, the handler may not leave the field. During the Down, the dog must remain lying quietly. On the judge's signal, the handler goes to the dog's right side and, after a 3-second pause, takes the dog into the basic position with the command "Sitz".

If the dog sits or stands up, or lies restlessly, or moves up to 3 meters from his "Down" spot, a partial score will result.

If the dog leaves the "Down" spot by more than 3 meters before the completion of the Flat Retrieve, no partial score will be given.

If the dog approaches the handler as he comes to pick the dog up, the exercise will be rated "satisfactory".

In the BH test, a partial score cannot be given if the dog leaves the "Down" position prematurely.

Whenever possible, bitches are to be placed on the "Down" at a spot separate from where the males are placed.

OBEDIENCE DIAGRAM

SchH A and SchH 1

1. Heeling on Lead (15 pts) — Commands: "Heel"

2. Free-Heeling (20 pts) — Commands: "Heel"

Note: See "Heeling Pattern.

3. Sit out of Motion (10 pts) — Commands: "Heel", "Sit"

10-15 paces
(normal)		 "Sit" Minimum of 30 normal paces
Basic Position >------------------------------ x ------------------------------------------------------------ Stop

4. Down with Recall (10 pts) — Commands: "Heel", "Down", "Come" / dog's name, "Heel"

10-15 paces (normal) "Down" Minimum of 30 normal paces
Basic Position >------------------------------ x ------------------------------------------------------------ Stop


5. Retrieve on Flat (10 pts) — Commands: "Fetch", "Out", "Heel"

6. Retrieve over 1 meter Hurdle (15 pts) — Commands: "Jump", "Fetch", "Out", "Heel"

7. Send-Away (10 pts) — Commands: "Heel", "Go Out", "Down", "Sit"

10-15 paces (normal) "Go Out" Minimum of 30 normal paces
Basic Position >------------------------------ x ------------------------------------------------------------ "Platz"

8. Down Under Distraction (10 pts) — Commands: "Down", "Sit"

SchH 2

1. Heeling on Lead (10 pts) — Commands: "Heel"

2. Free-Heeling (15 pts) — Commands: "Heel"

Note: See "Heeling Pattern.

3. Sit out of Motion (5 pts) — Commands: "Heel", "Sit"

10-15 paces
(normal)		 "Sit" Minimum of 30 normal paces
Basic Position >------------------------------ x ------------------------------------------------------------ Stop

4. Down with Recall (10 pts) — Commands: "Heel", "Down", "Come" / dog's name, "Heel"

10-15 paces (normal) "Down" Minimum of 30 normal paces
Basic Position >------------------------------ x ------------------------------------------------------------ Stop

5. Retrieve on Flat (10 pts) — Commands: "Fetch", "Out", "Heel"

6. Retrieve over 1 meter Hurdle (15 pts) — Commands: "Jump", "Fetch", "Out", "Heel"

7. Scaling Wall (15 pts) — Commands: "Jump", "Fetch", "Out", "Heel"

8. Send-Away (10 pts) — Commands: "Heel", "Go Out", "Down", "Sit"

10-15 paces (normal) "Go Out" Minimum of 30 normal paces
Basic Position >------------------------------ x ------------------------------------------------------------ "Platz"

9. Down Under Distraction (10 pts) — Commands: "Down", "Sit"

SchH 3

1. Free-Heeling (10 pts) — Commands: "Heel"

Note: See "Heeling Pattern.

2. Sit out of Motion (5 pts) — Commands: "Heel", "Sit"

10-15 paces
(normal)		 "Sit" Minimum of 30 normal paces
Basic Position >------------------------------ x ------------------------------------------------------------ Stop

3. Down with Recall (10 pts) — Commands: "Heel", "Down", "Come" / dog's name, "Heel"

10-15 paces (normal) 10-15 paces (fast) "Down" Minimum of 30 normal paces
Basic Position >------------------------ >------------------------ x ----------------------------------------------------- Stop

4. Stand out of Walking (5 pts) — Commands: "Heel", "Stand", "Sit"

10-15 paces (normal) "Stand" Minimum of 30 normal paces
Basic Position >------------------------------ x ------------------------------------------------------------ Stop

5. Stand out of Running (10 pts) — Commands: "Heel", "Stand", "Come"/name, "Heel"

10-15 paces (running) "Stand" Minimum of 30 running paces
Basic Position >------------------------------ x ------------------------------------------------------------ Stop

6. Retrieve on Flat (10 pts) — Commands: "Fetch", "Out", "Heel"

7. Retrieve over 1 meter Hurdle (15 pts) — Commands: "Jump", "Fetch", "Out", "Heel"

8. Scaling Wall (15 pts) — Commands: "Jump", "Fetch", "Out", "Heel"

9. Send-Away (10 pts) — Commands: "Heel", "Go Out", "Down", "Sit"

10-15 paces (normal) "Go Out" Minimum of 30 normal paces
Basic Position >------------------------------ x ------------------------------------------------------------ "Platz"

10. Down Under Distraction (10 pts) — Commands: "Down", "Sit"






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