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

WATCHDOG TEST (WH)

General Provisions

This test is open to dogs of all breeds and sizes. The minimum age for entry is twelve months. At the end of the test, the results are not given out as "points" but only as a "Pass" or "Fail" rating announced by the judge. The test is passes when 70% of the total points available are earned. The "title" given (WH) does not represent a substitute for a training degree in the sense of the breeding, showing or exhibition requirements of a member-club of the AZG.

In this test, the use of a visible protection-sleeve or protection-jacket is not allowed. Conspicuous clothing is permitted. Precautions must be taken for the safety of the Helper during the portion of the test in which the dog pursues the fleeing Helper (exercise ((b), below).

Testing Procedure

1. Heeling on Lead (15 points)

2. Heeling Free (15 points)

3. Down with Recall (10 points)

4. Sit out of Motion (10 points)

The procedure for the preceding exercises is the same as in the Test for Traffic Steady Companion Dogs (BH).

5. Retrieving an Article (15 points)

The handler leaves his dog in the sit position and walks away from the dog for a distance of about 30 paces. There the handler lays down a small article, then returns to the dog. Upon a single command "Hol's" ("Bring", Fetch) the dog must retrieve the article fast and happily.

6. Down under Distraction (10 points)

The procedure for this exercise is the same as in SchH 1. Articles up to the size of a briefcase may be left with the dog. The dog on the "Down" will be picked up by the handler after the other dog on the field has completed exercise 5. A partial score can be given only if the dog remains down from Exercise 1 through Exercise 3, inclusive.

7. Devotion to the Handler (10 points)

The dog is put on lead and handed over to a second person. The handler then

proceeds toward a group of people who are standing about 80 paces away. The dog is allowed to watch the departure of his handler until the handler has gone about 30 paces of the distance. At this point, the dog is taken behind a wall or similar structure so that his handler is no longer visible to him.

When the handler arrives at the group, he walks into the center of the group and stops. While he is in the group, the handler may not make himself noticeable to the dog across from him. The dog is released from the lead by the second person. The behavior of the dog, especially the use of the nose, is to be observed during this exercise. When the dog has found his handler, he is to be praised.

8. Guarding of Possessions (15 points)

The handler downs his dog in an open area designated by the judge. The dog is fastened securely to a chain that will not stretch. The dog may sit, lie down, or remain standing. With the command "Paß auf" ("Watch"), the handler lays a larger object in front of the dog (briefcase, suitcase, jacket, etc.). Then the handler goes away about 20 paces and stands still, always remaining within the dog's sight. (Small objects which the dog could take in his mouth, and also bicycles, are not permitted.) The judge or some other person then walks past the dog at a distance of about 5 paces, and walks back again. Meanwhile, the dog must remain quietly by the object and may not show aggression. Now an attempt will be made to take the object away from the dog. If the dog shows a threatening posture/attitude, the exercise is fulfilled.

By "threatening posture or attitude" is mean growling, barking or lunging (trying to grip). There should be no agitation of the dog here; what matters is the general behavior of the dog. The person testing the dog is not allowed to circle around the dog nor to carry a stick. Once the dog has foiled the attempt to "take" his object away, the tester goes out of sight, and the dog must remain by the object in order to be able to renew his defence of it. After a pause of about half a minute, the handler picks up his dog on the judge's signal.

9. Testing the Dog for Watchfulness (100 points)

Part A — 30 points

The exercise takes place in a specially prepared "courtyard" (possibly with a dog kennel). This fenced-in area must have dimensions of at least 7 x 7 meters. As an alternative, the clubhouse may also be used for the exercise.

The dog is placed free in the "courtyard" (clubhouse). The dog must watch every approach (by the Helper) toward the fence (clubhouse) with attentiveness. The dog must emphasize his attentiveness by barking.

Part B — 40 points

As soon as the dog has made himself noticeable, the Helper takes flight. The handler then enters the fenced area (clubhouse) and holds the dog firmly. The Helper continues his flight and goes into hiding in a blind (or other cover) that has been made secure for him. As soon as the Helper has reached his "safe place", the dog is released. He must immediately run to the hiding place and begin jumping up at it, and must bark at the visible or not visible Helper. (40 points)

Part C — Watchfulness on the running wire — 30 points

The dog will be fastened securely on a chain, which is located on a running wire (cable) that is about 15 meters long. The dog must show aggression, whereupon the tester goes out of sight. Now a second tester comes along at the other end of the running wire and likewise agitates the dog. Here also, the dog must behave attentively and aggressively. After the second tester has gone out of sight of the dog, the exercise is completed and the dog is picked up. (30 points)