Part C — PROTECTION WORK

2.) THE PHASES OF PROTECTION WORK

The protection work is divided into three phases, under which the most variable temperament and drive attributes will be discussed. The phases are divided as follows:

1. Searching and holding exercises (including guarding phases).
2. Fighting sequences.
3. Controllability of the dog (obedience; optimal handler-dog relationship).
   

Searching

In the holding exercises, self-confidence and nerve-steadiness are of the greatest significance next to a natural aggression and drive-structure

Assessment criteria for the searching:

• Intense;
• Goal oriented;
• Goes straight to the directed blind.
• Dog is readily guided and directed.
• Close and attentive running around the blind.

Barking

• Continuous;
• Energetic/enthusiastic.

The Fighting Sequences

All of the fighting sequences consist of three phases. In these phases the dog shows his determination, self-confidence, and ability to withstand pressure.

The phases of the fighting portions are:

• Fight- and defense-readiness (defense drive);
• Pressure phase (ability to take pressure, including during the stationary phase before the "out");
• Guarding phase
  

Fight and defense readiness (defense drive). (Escape, defense, re-attack (by helper), counter-attack (by dog).

Assessment criteria:

• Determination;
• Self-confidence;
• Energetic, calm and full grip.
  

Pressure phase.

The dog must work energetically and confidently in all the pressure phases. He must overcome and be uninfluenced by the effects of the helper's attack and the stick-hits.

Guarding phases.

The dog must guard (hold) the helper with intensity, self-confidence and attentiveness.

Assessment criteria:

• Close;
• Attentive.

Controllability

Under "controllability" belongs the readiness of the dog to show obedience throughout the entire protection work. Controllability is particularly evident in the exercise portions dealing with the blind-search, the transports, the downs, the "outs", and in the guarding phases.

Assessment criteria:

• Controllability during the reporting-in and during the blind search.
• Fast "outs".
• Heeling close in combination with attentive watching of the helper.
• Fast response (coming to the handler) on the call-out.
  

3.) THE GRIP

The grip has fundamental meaning in the assessment of the protection work. It is especially through evaluation of the grip that the trial judge has the opportunity to discern and emphasize the quality of the dog being judged.

In all phases the grip must basically be full, firm, energetic, calm and steady.

The evaluation of the quality of the dog on the basis of his grip-behavior must take place over the entire protection work.

In making this evaluation the helper's behavior, among other things, is to be taken into consideration.

In judging the escape, attention is to be given not only to the fullness of the grip, but priority consideration must be given to the effective hindering of the escape.

Commands: "Voran" ("Go ahead") or "Revier" ("Search") and "Hier" ("Come"). The command "Hier" or "Come" may be given in combination with the dog's name.

From the basic position, the dog will be sent by means of verbal commands and/or visible signals.

The search is to be shown forwards.

The handler must walk at a normal pace in the imaginary midline.

Upon a single "sending-in" (for each blind), the dog must go directly and attentively to the blind with intensity and single-mindedness, and must look into the blind or run around it closely. Just looking in is permitted. Omitting the search (sending directly to the helper) is not allowed.

Hold and bark

As soon as the dog reaches the helper, he must bark at him without gripping. The handler remains standing on the imaginary midline. The dog must, without handler-help, hold the helper attentively and closely, with intensity and self-confidence, barking energetically and continuously until he is called out.

There are no commands allowed in the Hold and Bark. Special merit is placed upon self-confident and intense behavior shown by the dog.

Intense, close circling of the blind is permitted on a limited basis.

Comment on the Hold and Bark:

If the dog leaves the helper before the handler leaves the midline on the judge's signal, the handler may on the judge's signal send the dog in again. If the dog then stays close to the helper, the Hold-exercise will be rated "insufficient" but the protection work is allowed to continue. If, on the second attempt, the dog fails to go in to the helper or leaves the helper again, the protection work is terminated.

In the Transports the dog must walk close at heel, watch the helper attentively, and, when the Transport stops, must sit fast in the basic position. In the Back Transport the distance from the handler to the helper is a maximum of 5 paces. The judge will determine the course of the Transport. Faulty side transport or disarming will receive point deduction from this exercise.

Approaching the dog after the "Out"

On the judge's signal, the handler makes a direct approach to his dog at a normal pace. With the command "Sitz" ("Sit") he brings his dog into the basic position. If the dog is already sitting, the position of the dog may be reconfirmed with the command "Sitz". Dogs which are in the "down position after the "out" may be left in this position. The "down" position may likewise be reconfirmed with the command "Platz" ("Down"). Before the beginning of the back transport, the dog is to be taken into the basic position with the command "Sitz".

Completion of the Exercise

See individual exercises.

The "Out"

After a fighting sequence stops, the dog has to release ("out") independently. The handler has to give the first "out" command, on his own, within a reasonable time.

If the dog does not "out" after the first permitted command, the judge signals the handler to give possibly two further "out" commands.

When giving the command "Aus" ("Out"), the handler must stand quietly, without exerting other influence on the dog.

In the evaluation of the "out", the following factors are to be considered:

• The helper must stand still on the judge's signal;
• The dog must release immediately (when commanded);
• One "out" command is allowed (without point loss);
• The dog must guard the helper.

Reporting In

The handler reports-in in the basic position with his dog on lead. Then he takes the starting position for the blind search and takes the dog off lead.

The Blind Search (5 points)

Commands: "Voran" / "Revier" and "Hier" together with dog's name.

From the basic position and on the judge's signal, the handler sends his dog to search. The dog must show two side-sweeps, one to the right and one to the left.

Omitting the search (sending directly to the helper) is not allowed.

(See additional discussion under Procedure — General — Searching for the helper.)

Hold and Bark (10 points)

As soon as the dog reaches the helper, he must bark at him without gripping. The handler remains standing on the imaginary midline. The dog must, without handler-help, hold the helper attentively and closely, with intensity and self-confidence, barking energetically and continuously until he is called out.

There are no commands allowed in the Hold and Bark.

Command: "Fuß" / "Heel"

On the judge's signal the handler leaves the blind, takes up the basic position and removes the dog's lead. He puts it in a pocket or hangs it around his shoulder. On a further judge's signal the handler goes with his free-heeling dog in the direction of the helper-blind. The dog has to heel close.

If the dog does not stay with the handler, the judge will direct the helper to make a premature attack. Five points are deducted for failing to show the "heel free". A partial score may be given if the handler and his dog have performed the free-heeling for at least half the distance toward the "attack-blind".

Attack out of the Blind (40 points)

Command: "Aus"

On the judge's signal the helper undertakes an attack on the handler and dog, without making intimidating sounds. The dog must immediately defend against the attack, surely and energetically, by gripping firm and full. Once the dog has seized the arm, the helper gives him two soft-stick hits on the thighs, side-portions or in the area of the withers. The handler is allowed to encourage the dog's defense against the attack by saying "so ist brav" ("good dog").

On the judge's signal the helper stops the attack and stands still. The dog must release the grip independently or on a one-time command "Aus", and then must guard the helper.

On the judge's command the handler goes to his dog and brings him into the basic position with the command "Sitz". (See additional discussion under Procedure — General — Approaching the dog after the "Out".)

He puts the dog on lead and is given a judge's signal to go into a blind designated by the judge.

Defense Against Attack with lying in wait and Guarding of the Helper (40 points)

Commands: "Voran", "Aus", "Fuß", "Platz", "Sitz", "Fuß"

The handler is called out of the blind by the judge and takes up the designated position.

The handler reports-in in the basic position with his dog on lead. Then he heels his dog free to the starting position where he takes the basic position.

The Blind Search (5 points)

Commands: "Voran" / "Revier" and "Hier" together with dog's name.

On the judge's signal the handler sends his dog to search. The dog must make six side-sweeps, three to the left and three to the right.

(See additional discussion under Procedure — General — Searching for the helper.)

Command: "Aus"

The handler goes into the blind. The dog must watch the helper attentively while lying quietly. On the judge's signal the helper attempts to escape. The dog must effectively hinder the escape by fast, firm and energetic gripping. On the judge's signal the helper stops and stands still.

The dog must release on his own or on a single "Aus" command, and then must guard the helper. If the dog fails to hinder the escape within 20 meters by gripping and holding firmly, the protection work is terminated.

Defense (Reattack) (20 points)

Command: "Aus"

There should be a clear distinction (judge's signal) between the escape and the defense portion. After a definite pause the helper receives a signal to attack the dog. With no influence from the handler, the dog must immediately counter the attack securely and energetically through firm and full gripping. Once the dog has gripped the arm, the helper gives him two soft-stick hits on the thighs, side-portions, or in the area of the withers.

On signal from the judge the helper stops his resistance and stands still. The dog must release on his own or on a single command, and must guard the helper.

Command: "Fuß"

The handler lets the helper walk on ahead and follows him at a maximum distance of five paces.

(For further discussion see: Procedure — General — Back- and Side- Transports.)

Defense Against Attack (20 points)

Command: "Aus"

After about a 50-paces Back Transport, the judge signals the helper to attack the handler and dog out of motion without intimidating noises. The dog must immediately counter the attack securely and energetically through firm and full gripping. On the judge's command the helper stops and stands still. The dog must immediately release on his own or on a single "Aus" command, and must guard the helper. On the judge's signal, the handler makes a direct approach to his dog at a normal pace. With the command "Sitz" ("Sit") he brings his dog into the basic position. If the dog is already sitting, the position of the dog may be reconfirmed with the command "Sitz". For dogs which are in the "down" position after the "out", the "down" position may likewise be reconfirmed with the command "Platz" ("Down").

The handler goes, on the judge's command, into the designated blind with his free-heeling dog.

Defense Against Attack with lying in wait and Guarding of the Helper (30 points)

Commands: "Voran", "Aus", "Fuß", "Platz", "Sitz", "Fuß"

The handler is called out of the blind by the judge and takes up the designated position. The dog is taken off lead and held firmly by the collar. The dog may not be stimulated (worked up) by the handler and must sit calmly next to the handler. Up to three points will be deducted for restless behavior.

The helper leaves the blind into which the judge sent him, at about 70-80 paces away from the handler, and he crosses over the field at a normal pace. The handler orders the helper to stop by calling out "Bleiben Sie Stehen" ("You there, stop!"). The helper ignores the instruction and starts a frontal attack upon handler and dog. The judge immediately gives the handler a signal to counter the attack.

The handler reports-in in the basic position with his free-heeling dog. He then goes to the starting position where he takes the basic position.

The Blind Search (5 points)

Commands: "Voran" / "Revier" and "Hier" together with dog's name.

On the judge's signal the handler sends his dog to search. The dog must make six side-sweeps, three to the left and three to the right.

(See additional discussion under Procedure — General — Searching for the helper.)

Command: "Aus"

The handler goes into the blind. The dog must watch the helper attentively while lying quietly. On the judge's signal the helper attempts to escape. The dog must effectively hinder the escape by fast, firm and energetic gripping. On the judge's signal the helper stops and stands still.

The dog must release on his own or on a single "Aus" command, and then must guard the helper. If the dog fails to hinder the escape within 20 meters by gripping and holding firmly, the protection work is terminated.

Defense (20 points)

Command: "Aus"

There should be a clear distinction (judge's signal) between the escape and the defense portion. After a definite pause the helper receives a signal to attack the dog. With no influence from the handler, the dog must immediately counter the attack securely and energetically through firm and full gripping. Once the dog has gripped the arm, the helper gives him two soft-stick hits on the thighs, side-portions, or in the area of the withers.

On signal from the judge the helper stops his resistance and stands still. The dog must release on his own or on a single command, and must guard the helper.

Command: "Fuß"

The handler lets the helper walk on ahead and follows him at a maximum distance of five paces.

(For further discussion see: Procedure — General — Back and Side Transports.)

Defense Against Attack (15 points)

Command: "Aus"

After about a 50-paces Back Transport, the judge signals the helper to attack the handler and dog out of motion without intimidating noises. The dog must immediately counter the attack securely and energetically through firm and full gripping. On the judge's command the helper stops and stands still. The dog must immediately release on his own or on a single "Aus" command, and must guard the helper. On the judge's signal, the handler makes a direct approach to his dog at a normal pace. With the command "Sitz" ("Sit") he brings his dog into the basic position. If the dog is already sitting, the position of the dog may be reconfirmed with the command "Sitz". For dogs which are in the "down" position after the "out", the "down" position may likewise be reconfirmed with the command "Platz" ("Down"). ***Side-transport to the judge.*** -->

The handler goes, on the judge's command, into the designated blind with his free-heeling dog.

Defense Against Attack with on watch position and Guarding of the Helper (20 points)

Commands: "Voran", "Aus", "Fuß", "Platz", "Sitz", "Fuß"

The handler with his free-heeling dog comes out of the blind and takes up the designated position. He lets his dog sit free at heel in the basic position or he holds him firmly by the collar. The dog may not be stimulated (worked up) by the handler and must sit calmly next to the handler. The dog must hold this position until he is released with the command "Voran" to counter the attack.

Up to three points will be deducted for restless behavior.

The helper leaves the blind into which the judge sent him, at about 70-80 paces away from the handler, and he crosses over the field at a running pace. The handler orders the helper to stop by calling out "Bleiben Sie Stehen" ("You there, stop!"). The helper ignores the instruction and starts a frontal attack upon handler and dog. The judge immediately gives the handler a signal to counter the attack.

Commands: "Aus", "Sitz", "Platz", "Fuß"

After a definite pause the helper receives a signal to attack the dog. With no influence from the handler, the dog must immediately counter the attack securely and energetically through firm and full gripping. Once the dog has gripped the arm, the helper gives him two soft-stick hits on the thighs, side-portions, or in the area of the withers.

On signal from the judge the helper stops his resistance and stands still. The dog must release on his own or on a single command, and must guard the helper.

On the judge's signal, the handler goes directly and has him sit in the basic position. If the dog is already sitting, the position of the dog may be reconfirmed with the command "Sitz". For dogs which are in the "down" position after the "out", the "down" position may likewise be reconfirmed with the command "Platz" ("Down").

The handler lets the helper step back three paces and orders him to put his arms up, in order to place the dog in a "down" position. The handler then searches and disarms the helper. After the disarming the handler returns to his dog and lets him sit. Before beginning the side transport, the handler takes the basic position next to the helper in such a way that the dog is sitting between handler and helper. There is a side-transport to the judge.

After the reporting-out the scoring is concluded. The dog is put on lead. The helper leaves the field. The judge announces the point score. The dog is allowed to lie down during the critique.