2010 WDC

April 24, 2010

THANKS!

On behalf of the United Schutzhund Clubs of America, I wish to thank The Working Dog Championships Event Coordinator Mark Scarberry and Jim Alloway of Mid-Ohio Scutzhund for all of their efforts with the organization and successful running of a GREAT EVENT!

I was personally impressed with the venue and the organization of the event. I received nothing less than excellent comments from those in attendance during the entire weekend.

I offer my sincere thanks to the competitors, sponsors, vendors, spectators, all of the USA members that were involved with working the event and in particular the members of Mid-Ohio Schutzhund.

THANK YOU!

Lyle Roetemeyer
President
United Schutzhund Clubs of America

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It's raining, it's hot, it's cold, it's windy … must be another USA Championship. ;D

Photo by Charles Snyder / My Trial Photos

Samantha Jimenez and Hesy Naspo doing dumbbells

A very nice crowd greated the competitors at this year's USA Working Dog Championships. The Mid-Ohio club did a stellar job in organizing the event and in keeping things running smoothly.

One of the crowd's favorites was seven-year-old Samantha Jimenez with her dog, Hesy Naspo. After a somewhat disappointing outting in tracking, Hesy turned in 91 and 92 point routines with Samantha for obedience and protection. Samantha is the daughter of NE Regional Director, Pedro Jimenez, and was coached by T Floyd. She is clearly a part of USA's future!

For a short selection of photos from her routine, Click here.

Check out the event website at www.2010WDC.com for constantly updated results.

Local Media Coverage

• Columbus Channel 10

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New Sports Medals, SchH3 Club Announced

USA Sports Medals

The USA office would like to announce the latest Sports Medal Awards.

• Frank Phillips — Master Gold
• Peter Carey- — Bronze
• Daphne Carey — Bronze

For the complete Sports Medal List, see Sports Medal Recipients . To learn more about the USA Sports Medal Program, USA Sports Medal Program

SchH3 Club

We have several new members of the Schutzhund 3 Club. This honors those who have titled a dog from the inital BH through the SchH3 title. As we all know, not an easy task, but a very rewarding one!

• Karen Kroyer with Akilah von Steinmauer, (BMAL), San Gabriel Hund Verein, South Central Region
• Sharon Wilson with Force vom Waldbach, (ROTT), Cedar Hill Working Dog Club, Mideastern Region
• Al Govednik with Armor vom Govednik, (GSD), Machtig Strom SchH Verein, Mid-central REgion
• Anita Gard with Wonder vom Haus Miller, (GSD), Iron Dog SchH Club , Southeastern Region

For the complete SchH3 Club listing, see SchH3 Club List.

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Wanted – a few good men and women to serve the USA!

— Updated

The following positions are open this even year and indication of interest should be sent to any member of the Nominating Committee by May 31, 2010. These will be acknowledged within 24 hours.

Such intimation should preferably be accompanied by a short resume, accomplishments and what you hope to achieve for the USA and the breed if so elected. These will be published in the Magazine, Website and the Blog so that the membership is aware of the background of the persons wishing to be considered.

Please keep your content to 500 words or less. The Nominating Committee reserves the right to make any changes if the verbiage exceeds this.

The Nominating Committee may also invite you for a telephone interview in case the positions are being contested and to assist them to evaluate your application. The final slate of the candidates will be submitted directly by the Nominating Committee to the Secretary in time for the general meeting. This is only a recommendation and the ultimate decision is vested in the membership which makes your background information more so important.

• Officers — President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Director of Judges and National Breed Warden
• Directors’ at Large — Four (4) positions
• Auditing Committee — Three (3) positions
• Board of Inquiry — Ten (10) positions
• Judges' Committee — One (1) position
• World Championship Committee — Four (4) positions

If you are interested in being considered for these roles, please contact any member of the Nominating Committee or its Chair, Rifky Mackeen, at rifkyn@hotmail.com for details of the process and how you may submit your names for consideration.

The future of the USA and its canines rests on the shoulders of those who are elected by the membership to run it and we need the best men and women to take on these roles.

USA Trial Entries

February 10, 2010

Regarding trial entry into all USA Events please follow these guidelines.

It is the Member and Trial Secretary and Judges’ responsibility to review this information to ensure that all trial entries are valid for our events.

1. All entries must be USA members or members of an AWDF Member Club in good Standing, members must be able to provide proof of a valid membership at time of entry (membership card).
2. All dogs must have a USA Certified Scorebook or a bond must be posted.
3. Entries from outside the USA (Foreign members of WUSV or FCI Organizations) that do not have full time residence in the USA are exempt from theses rules.
4. Previous titles are only recognized from WUSV or FCI Organizations.
5. USA Judges will only sign or accept titles documented in a USA, AWDF Member Club or foreign score book or pedigree from a WUSV or FCI organization
6. For entry into Championship Events you must be a USA Member (Regional, WDC, national Championship)
7. For entry into the Working Dog Championship or National Championship all German Shepherd Dogs must be registered with USA.

The USA Judges List on both the Website and the magazine has been updated and now includes a table that clearly shows the titles that our Judges are licensed to award. Personal contact information has also been updated.

Nathaniel Roque
Director of Judges — United Schutzhund Clubs of America
USA - Working Dog Judge #30
USA/SV - SV Recognized Working Dog Judge
AWMA - Working Dog Judge #2

Let A Dream Become Reality!

February 2, 2010

Just imagine. You arrive at a national event held for the first time at USA’s new central headquarters. You walk into a spacious club house where people have gathered to chat and share good times. You notice immediately that the main gathering areas are well furnished and complete with kitchen, bathrooms, and other comforts designed to welcome visitors from the US and all over the world.

A short tour of the offices gives you the impression of order and organization. You see USA staff members answering questions and helping people with documents and paperwork right out of their ample desks and computer centers.

After a little while of friendly encounters you walk out the back to continue your discovery. Immediately to your right you see a large indoor-arena. As you enter the building you are faced with row after row of chairs and conference-style tables prepared for the upcoming general board meeting. Someone explains that the setup is designed to be easily converted to any type of large group gathering such as what is needed during draw night, banquets, seminars, or other celebrations or educational programs. A small room reveals podiums, wide projection screens, monitors and other media equipment ready for all tasks.

A wide door leads you out to the open fields where the real excitement begins. A breath of fresh air hits you as you look into the distance and recognize instantly two perfectly manicured training and exhibition fields complete with bleachers, lighting, and well defined features designed specifically for the German Shepherd related sports.

A large flag of the organization flies proudly at the entrance of the performance fields along with flags of other nations decorating the space with the kind of festive atmosphere that says: “Welcome to the United Schutzhund Clubs of America”.

Your flight in was easy, directions clear and the airport of arrival, a short distance from the center. You already checked into the main hotel only a few minutes away. As you sit and take the whole new experience in you simply wonder how we could have done it all those years without a central location such as this.

Too ideal?, Too much of a dream? The executive board along with members at large are already working on this plan. A huge undertaking indeed, but it can be done. We will of course need a lot of help and support from the membership, particularly from the Mid Western area where we think this facility should be located.

Please contact us and let us know your thoughts. Perhaps you know of a property that could suit us. The location should be no less than 10 acres of even and level terrain. It must also be zoned for agricultural or industrial use. It should be located within one and a half hours of a decent airport and within 45 minutes of adequate hotels and other urban centers. If water and electricity are already in place it would be of great help.

Please contact Johannes Grewe at: grewe@att.net

Dan Brigham

Long time USA member and helper, Dan Brigham passed away unexpectedly on December 14, 2009. Dan was a originally a member of the High Plains club in Denver. For the past several years, he was a member of Falconhurst Police Canine Corps in Saginaw, Michigan. In 2008, he qualified for the SchH3 club with his dog, Gent vom Stillen Bahngleis. Dan was a great supporter of the USA — he provided the programming and software support for the WUSV event in 2008. Most recently, he was a track layer at the 2009 Nationals.

A memorial is planned for the Denver area in March. Contact the High Plains club for details.

Ann Marie Chaffin, a High Plains member and USA judge provided this remembrance for the services …

USA / SVF Judge Clarification

… Updated

There have been a lot of questions on some of the Web Forums regarding the SV licensing of our USA Judges and the use of the acronym SVF as well as their names on the SV Judges List. I have used the acronym SVF and in the upcoming issue of the USA Magazine I used the acronym USA/SV Judge since at that time it was not clear what would be the most correct.

I have now received a copy of the letter confirming the license of one of our judges. In order to properly designate our USA Judges that are SV Recognized to award titles in the United States, we will use the acronym SVR (for SV Recognized). All of our Judges that attended the SV Seminar and passed are SV Recognized to award titles in the United States that will be recognized for Breed Survey by the SV.

The description on the license is :
      vom SV anerkannter Auslands - Leistungarichter
It is my understanding that the correct translation of this is:
      SV-recognized Foreign Performance Judge

What are membership needs to remember is that what is most important is these judges are recognized by the SV. All awarded titles will be accepted the same as they are from any other SV Judge for the purpose of Breed Surveys.

Before the SV will list the USA Judges, they needed to become SV members so that they could issue licenses. Mr. Grewe and Mr. Hintz were already SV Members, so they will be listed in the Jan 2010 SV List (Jan 2010 SV Zeitung). All Judges living outside of Germany will be listed with an "L" after their name. The remainder of the USA Judges that are SV Recognized will be listed as soon as their SV Membership is processed.

All titles awarded by USA Licensed Judges are and have always been recognized in any WUSV Member Organization for the purpose of sport. It is important to remember that USA Judges have been invited to judge at the WUSV World Championship under their USA License which proves the validity of the organization and its Judges' College.

In the future, the USA Judges that have earned SV Recognition will use the acronym "SVR" to make it easier for the membership to determine if that Judge and / or title is SV Recognized for SV Breed Requirements. Also, please remember that if you plan on using the USA-only Breed Survey, titles from any USA Judge are accepted.

I hope this answers some of the questions that have been asked.

USA President's Statement

During the past year I committed myself to open a dialogue between the WDA and USA for the betterment of the German shepherd dog in the United States. Those discussions actually led to an agreement to work out details of a merger. However, the possibility of a merger unfortunately dissipated when the WDA signed a contract to continue their association with the GSDCA.

As an organization, we should be very proud of our accomplishments over the past thirty three years. The United Schutzhund Clubs of America, as a breed club, has played a most significant role in reestablishing the German shepherd dog in the United States as a truly utilitarian breed. I was recently reminded, by a GSDCA member that the GSDCA is the oldest German shepherd dog club in the world with the exception of the SV. Isn’t it strange, as to the severe differences in both structure and temperament that now exist?

The recent by-law change that was presented at the General Board Meeting was done so with one thought in mind: to protect the United Schutzhund Clubs of America and the FCI breed standard for the German shepherd dog by eliminating the “Conflict of Interest” that is evidenced by those members who are also members of competing German shepherd dog organizations. This by-law change was accepted by the necessary 2/3 majority vote of the General Board. Several of those that were in the 1/3 minority have admitted to being members of the GSDCA and GSDCA WDA. Obviously, this is a conflict of interest, whether they were conscious of it or not.

The by-law is now in effect for anyone seeking membership in the United Schutzhund Clubs of America and will affect current members when they renew their membership.

I have received many letters and phone calls of support for this by-law change from our membership and of course have also heard from those that are unhappy with the outcome. Many have expressed that they are not happy about being told what they can or cannot do. I ask you to think of the future and the necessary steps to protect our breed and our organization from those who may attempt to destroy it and you will possibly come to the same realization as those members of the United Schutzhund Clubs of America whom voted in favor of this by-law. This by-law shall make evident that we, as an organization, cannot and will not sacrifice thirty three years of effort to reestablish the FCI and WUSV standard for the German shepherd dog in the United States to those organizations that have a completely different mind set about the character of the German shepherd dog. Please take into account that the WDA as an organization is not recognized by the WUSV but the GSDCA is recognized by the WUSV.

As we enter into the Holiday Season, I ask each of you to take the time to be thankful for what we have accomplished over the past thirty three years as an organization. If all of us were to put forth the positive and selfless effort, on even the smallest scale that is exhibited by many of our members in our local clubs, committees and boards many more will be able to experience success with their dogs. I am pleased to say that we continue excellent relations with the SV as a full member club within the WUSV. I look forward to continuing our working relationship between the SV and the United Schutzhund Clubs of America in the months and years to come.

As always, I wish to express my sincere thanks to each and every member for their continued support and their spirit of camaraderie in furthering the goals of the United Schutzhund Clubs of America. For more than thirty-three years, the efforts of our membership to protect and preserve the German shepherd dog through the use of our breed evaluations have continued to ensure that our future generations will be able to experience the joy of owning a German shepherd dog with true working temperament.

I wish each of you happiness and success with your dogs in all walks of your life!

SV Recognizes USA Judges

— A Milestone in the History of the United Schutzhund Clubs of America

The decades-long task of building a Judge training program for the USA is bearing fruit. After meetings at last year's WUSV meeting, USA and the SV began the preparations for evaluation of the USA judges and their possible recognition to the SV Foreign Judges list.

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GEC Annouces Club Awards

The General Education Committee will like to announce the 2009 winners of the Regional Director's and President's Awards.

Regional Winners

Presidents Award

The winner is - OG Buckeye Schutzhund Club

Prizes

Each of the Regional winners will receive a check for $250 along with a Plaque and Pins for the members. These will be sent directly by the USA Office to the club contact listed in the Nomination sheet.

The President’s award winner will receive an additional cash prize of $350. These prizes are intended for the clubs to use as they consider fit and to assist their goals of promoting Schutzhund. Well done indeed.

We would also like to thank all of the Regional Directors who assisted us in identifying the winners and who encouraged their clubs to participate. We are hopeful that more clubs will participate in the future.

This was another GEC team effort lead by Terry Fisk as the Project leader.

Regards,
Rifky Mackeen
Chair - GEC

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US Team Finishes 4^th at WUSV!

As you read this, the USA team is returning from this year's WUSV competition.

From the USA this year, we have Mike Diehl, Dan Cox and Lisa Jacquin (Alternate). We will post some photos as they come in.

Watch the WUSV site for updates …WUSV 2009 - Krefeld, Germany

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Nathaniel Roque Elected as Interim Director of Judges

I am pleased to announce that the Executive Board has unanimously elected Nathaniel Roque to serve as our interim Director of Judges.

The USA Judges College was polled for their input prior to the nominations for this election and they are fully supportive of the Executive Board’s selection. The General Board will be asked to ratify the Executive Board’s selection at the 2009 General Board Meeting this November.

I wish Nathaniel great success in his role as USA’s Director of Judges and feel certain that the entire membership shares my feelings.

Lyle Roetemeyer
President
United Schutzhund Clubs of America

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2008 WUSV Judge's Meeting

USA Director of Judges, Mark Przybylski, attended the 2008 WUSV Judge's Meeting in Darmstadt, Germany. There were 59 Judges there from 30 different countries. The emphasis on the meeting was strongly geared to rules applications, evaluation of exercises, and point assessment based on quality of work, training, and behaviors. This meeting emphasized proper judging in accordance with the current rules.

The following is a summary of issues discussed at the meeting.

DEVELOPMENT OF A DOG

In order to clearly evaluate a dog, a brief synopsis was given regarding development of the dog which would help understand the learning and training processes. This was broken down into three categories; Pre-natal, neo-natal, and juvenile.

Pre-Natal was described as the first 2 weeks after birth. It is here were the puppy is introduced to stress and stimulus.

Neo-Natal was described as the period from 4-14 weeks. During this time the dog learns fear and aggression and the handler should try to have these two elements work in harmony. The dog must learn to win and learn to lose. It is during this time the dog(s) should be introduced to all types of stimuli and environment.

Juvenile Phase was described starting at around 5-8 months of age. It is here were the dog learns body language, interacts with people, and learns the body language of people and helpers, and establishing a harmonious working relationship with its owner. The dog should be exposed to all environments and learn to self explore these environments. It is during these phases in particular that dogs learning what are harmful, and what is not. What is to fear, and what is not to fear. Teaching should be in an active manner to overcome these fears.

WHAT MAKES THE “V” PERFORMANCE

One of the problems that has developed over the past few years, is the rating of “excellent” is given far too often. This seems to be more common as it relates to dogs of less character and genetics. In statistics gathered through Europe, dogs are given an “excellent” rating about 40% of the time. As compared to 10 plus years ago the number was 4% to 10%. Part of this is judges are not following the guidelines, not understanding the rules, and not having a clear understanding of character, temperament and genetics. All dogs, no matter what the breed, no matter of breed versus show, must be evaluated the same.

The dog’s temperament must be tested throughout. It starts at the beginning. It is strongly recommended that we use many of the adjective descriptors available to us to note what the animal demonstrates from the onset. This will help place the dog in the appropriate category and rating. In order for the dog to receive an “excellent” rating he must demonstrate the following;

• Must be happy
• Must be free
• Must be correct in all parts of an exercise
• Must be well trained
• Must show harmony between dog and handler
• Must show drive (temperament and character)
• Must show balance in drives

IMPLEMNTATION OF TRIAL RULES

We basically have three different sets of trial rules; VDH, WUSV, and the FCI (IPO) rules. The VDH outlines the performance for all the titles; starting with the BH and through Schutzhund Three and other titles as currently outlined. The WUSV rules were discussed as the ultimate application of rules, as to ensure that no matter what country the judge is from, that the handler will show with the same expectation of assessment for their handling and showing.

For example: Here in the USA we can judge 36 portions. A judge from Germany may only be able to judge 30 portions. The judge cannot alter his/her rules from his/her country to apply them here. That judge must follow the rules from that country as dictated by his VDH rules.

DISQUALIFICATION

Again the topic of disqualification was covered. It was reported that in Germany that the number of “disqualifications” has increased. If a person is disqualified, then in most cases, all points and rating are lost as well. Disqualification and can occur for the following reasons;

• Poor sportsmanship
• Breaking of the rules
• Temperament
• Animal cruelty
• Common decency
• Possession of motivation object during a trial
• Lack of control
• Fails to out after 2 commands
• Fails to control after 3 command

TRACKING

Not much new here. I will bullet the highlights and then give some clarifications on rules enforcement/interpretation.

• Land should be as uniform as possible, but not required
• Judge orders the track order and pattern
• Each pattern should be different
• Must have a start flag
• Must have a draw for tracking
• Flag must be directly to the left of the scent pad (not 1m)
• Tracks must laid in normal, as well as the corners
• Level 2 & 3 dogs, dogs and handler must be out of sight
• If the dog reaches the last leg within time frame, must allow dog to finish the track
• No time requirement or limit for start
• No minimum size for article dictated
• No help from tracklayer if terrain changes

Specific questions were asked regarding the following situations.

Reporting In

“..handler must report ready for tracking”. The tracking leash must be laid out so that the judge can see the length. The line may be attached to the collar. It does not have to under the leg or attached to the harness when reporting in.

Article Indication

The handler must indicate that the article will either be pointed out or picked up. If the handler reports that the dog will pick up he can do the following option; pick up and sit at the article location, pickup and stand at the article location or pickup and retrieve to the handler. The dog cannot lie down and pick up the article. The speed of the indication may by in-line with the speed of the dogs track. For example; if the dog track slow, the article indication does not have to be extremely fast. As longs as the indication is sure and with purpose a slow indication may not be faulty when considering the dog’s temperament and character.

Praise

At the article praise can be before or after but not both. The handler cannot praise the dog as the handler picks up the article. If praise comes prior to showing the article, there must be a clear pause between the two. Praise the dog, stand up/break from the dog, then retrieve the article. Once the handler has followed the dog after the start(s) and after the corner and the handler is clearly in the leg, the slight verbal praise is allowed.

Working of the Track

The dog from the time he reports in should show no pressure. The start is part of the evaluation for the first leg. During the track the dog must demonstrate self reliance, harmonious relationship with handler and environment, consistent in the work, intensive, active in searching, temperament and character of the dog are relevant in the rating. If a dog is tracking, and makes a check off to the side without leaving the track, this may not be faulty. This is the same with the corners. A dog that takes a corner cleanly may be evaluated the same as the dog that stop to determine the track direction, then proceeds. But the action of the second dog must be quick and convincing. A dog that changes its pace because of difficulty or terrain change should not be faulted. Environment and ground conditions can be taken into consideration as part of the overall evaluation.

FH1 and FH2

The FH1 must have a street and changes of terrain. Going from one dirt field to another is not a change of terrain. However, in grass field, there may changes of terrain in that field and could be considered sufficient. But there has to be a clear change in terrain. For the FH2, a road may not be required, but there must be another type of difficulty (fence, ditch, tree line etc).

Evaluating the Track

In evaluating the team, there are several factors to be considered. These should be kept in mind during the entire tracking, corners, and article indication. Also the judge must in position at all times to see the dog’s work and article indication. If the tracks are laid in high vegetation (1m), the judge must be close enough to see the dog and approach close enough to verify the indication of the article.

• Tempo must be constant
• Tempo can change with terrain changes
• Tempo can change with change in difficulty
• Nature of the soil and terrain
• Humidity, temperature, and wind
• Height of vegetation
• Contamination
• Superficial behaviors
• Dog must make 100% of the decisions
• The dog is in the tracking phase from the moment they walk onto the field, and after they leave the field. Any rewards given prior to the completion of any critique, is grounds for “disqualification”
• The dog can sit or stand when placing the line underneath, but not down and no obedience commands may be given when preparing the dog with the line
• Dogs temperament and character or part of the evaluation
• Line can be held in either hand or in both hands during the track
• At the start, the dog may be brought in from any direction. However, if the dog is brought in from where the tracklayer walked, and the dog’s tracks through the start, it may be faulty. But remember, part of the evaluation is that no time limit is required for the start.

OBEDIENCE

There were not many questions regarding obedience. It was again stressed that the dog’s temperament and drives should be clearly explained to the handler and spectators. Here are a few bulleted items;

• Judge tells when to begin each exercise
• Handler is responsible for the content of each exercise
• Commands can be given in any language, but must be consistent
• 3 commands are allowed to perform an exercise, then it results in severe points loss to disqualification
• If a dog does not finish an exercise, the highest rating is insufficient
• If a dog does not come into basic position after three commands, 6 points off
• In the send out, it is broken down into 2 five point parts; basic positions, build up, send out, and distance. The second part is the down and pickup. If 2 commands given, the rating is good, if three commands are given it is high insufficient
• The basic position can only be taken one time. If the handler adjust more than one time, points are taken
• The handler must display three seconds between parts of the exercises, and does not have to wait for the judges signal to finish.

During the heeling exercises the following items were noted;

• Dog must be free from pressure
• Must be straight and at handlers knee
• Errors in the Basic Position is part of the overall evaluation for that exercise
• Watch the 3 second rule
• Pickups can be from either side
• Giving a command to heel, then waiting 3 seconds or notable pause to start is faulty. The handler and dog must move at, or directly after the command to heel is given
• Must be a clear distinction in evaluations and describe the dogs; concentration, activity to work, freeness, temperament, association with the handler, and recognize the difference between correct and not correct, and temperament and lack of temperament
• No motivation between exercises
• No motivation with the dumbbell
• Handler must go directly to the position for the retrieves

For the retrieves we must check the equipment for proper height and safety. At a trial, only the dumbbells provided by the hosting club can be used. Spitting on or rubbing on the dumbbell is faulty. No reposition is allowed. One interesting point was on the 1 meter jump and the dog should knock the jump over. In this case, the jump is repositioned and the handler is allowed to throw the dumbbell again; however, the only portion that is evaluated is the return jump. All other portions; initial jump, pickup, sit in front, hold, and finish have already been evaluated. If on the second jump the jump is knocked over again, then the jump is rated as no return. Other general rules are as follows;

• Handlers must walk in a normal manner and normal pace
• Walking too slow is faulty during the normal pace
• Dog must clearly demonstrate a change of paces
• About turns must be on the same line
• Slowing or increasing speeds is not part of the counted steps
• Depending on the layout, it may be permissible for the club to demonstrate two left turns as opposed to 2 right turns
• Dog must be clear headed
• Not natural for the dog to look 100 percent at the handler’s eyes, this is based on the physical makeup and flexibility of the dog. But the dog must be attentive and show relationship to the handler
• The jumps should be direct and powerful
• If the handler moves after the dog is sent, the highest rating is high insufficient

For the sit exercise, the dog must sit with concentration and purpose. Looking around may not be faulty if the dog with strong temperament is being aware of the environment. The same applies to the down/recall and the stand in motion.

PROTECTION

This area is generally discussed by spectators more that the other parts of the exercises. It is critically important that we are clear in our critiques to ensure that the reason for the rating is that the dog displayed/possessed certain traits or characteristics. We must describe the drives, balance of drives, power and temperament. We must also describe in each exercise how the dog attempts to stop the helper, and reacts to the pressure and the stick hits. We must make it clear for example; comparing a dog with good speed, adequate power and faultless mechanics can not be rated as high as compared to a dog with power, balance in drives, and this dog may make slight fault in portions of the exercise. The dogs with superior traits and training must be recognized. A dog lacking character and intensity in the work cannot receive a “v” rating. A dog that is consistent in behavior but is lacking throughout can only received a “good” rating.

Basic rules for disqualification were covered;

• Lack of temperament
• Lack of control
• Biting the helper other than the sleeve
• No out

In describing the part regarding biting the helper, a dog that nips is not to have considered biting the helper. This is referring to the dog that fully engages and grips the helper on other parts outside the sleeve. No changes from out current evaluation on how the grip is evaluated under our current program.

Blind Search

The commands given by the handler should be made while walking in motion down the field. The dog should run in front of the handler. However, if a dog of strong character runs behind the handler one time only, this should not be faulted. However, if a dog runs behind a second time, the highest rating should be a “g”. It is not important that we see the eyes of the dog looking into the blind, but more importantly recognize the behavior and the posture of the dog at the blind. These signs would be able to demonstrate to the judge that the blind was searched convincingly. No criteria were set on how wide the dog is allowed to run the blind. In videos that we watched, it was more typical of a dog with lesser character to run fast and lacking purpose to run the blinds wide. The rules describe a close and tight search, but there may be some allowance for a very fast dog (only if his character is strong).

HOLD AND BARK

This was an interesting discussion on some points. The first point was that the guard must 100% towards the helper, then followed by a statement that “…a dog of strong character, showing aggression, self assuredness, and balance in drives, may not be faulted if the dog detects a movement and quickly checks and then returns to the helper”. The position was stated that we do not want a robotic dog. It would be negligent to take away the dog’s natural being during an exercise. Here are some other points;

• Dog must be active and attentive
• Must be powerful and demonstrate balance in drives
• Must be self assured
• The hold and bark duration is 20 seconds
• In IPO, there is a call back in IPO1 (no pick up)
• Helper must observe the dog and movements
• Helper does not have to make direct eye contact
• Weak barking is minimum of high good
• Strong guard and no bark, minus 5 points
• If a dog leaves the blind or is going to be sent a second time, the handler cannot call the dog back into the basic position and resend. If the handler does this, this is cause for disqualification
• If a dog comes back prematurely on the call back, the highest rating is only high in the high insufficient

During disarming exercises, the helper can step back one step if requested. However, at higher events, judge can set the standard so that all dogs are shown the same.

The next point of discussion was three exercises because the dog receives different penalties for the same behavior. If the dog is disobedient in the blind during the hold and bark, and bites, up to 9 points is taken. The handler cannot say "out".

During the back transport, if the dog breaks and engages the helper before the handler can gain control, this is mandatory disqualification for “out of control”.

During the back transport, if the dog breaks and engages the helper before the handler can gain control, this is mandatory disqualification for “out of control”.

OVERALL PROTECTION EVALUATION

It was stressed that during the evaluation that the judge must clearly describe the behaviors, temperaments, drives, and hardness of the dog. It is the hope then when faced with dogs of different character/temperament, that when explaining to the public why a dog showing a fault can be rated higher over a dog of less power and temperament with better technical skills.

In all phases, the dog must be watchful towards the helper.

RULE CHANGERS

There are no current rule changes. There will be some rule changes in 2010. Here are some items currently being discussed. These are only items being discussed and nothing is yet been determined.

• In tracking the point assessment will change for articles so that if a dog misses all the article the dog cannot pass
• In obedience the climbing wall may eliminated for Sch 1
• On the climbing wall, the dog must touch certain area of the wall to get full points, jumping high and off the wall would be faulty
• Heeling on leash may be back in Sch 1. This would incorporate the BH and Sch 1 in one and same showing
• Required mandatory commands in certain phases
• Required command in transports would be “transport”
• Point allocation and dismissal would be closer or the same if the dog makes the same mistake in different parts of the protection
• Big pressure to eliminate the long bite and the sticks hits. Currently the vast majority do not want to eliminate either
• If the long grip is eliminated, it would follow the DPO call off, then a hold and bark, and re-attack
• Talks regarding attack out of the blind in lieu of escape and defense
• Under WUSV rules, the current would not change

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USA Rulebook Changes

USA Director of Judges Mark Przybylski has released the updates for the rules at trials.

Many different interpretations of the rule changes had been implemented and distributed by the SV and we did try and make sure that we had the most complete before we attempted to put them in force. We also wanted to wait until the FCI Judges meeting to make sure that we were also in agreement with them due to the increased usage of FCI judges at USA trials.

Actual handing down of rules occurs as follows: FCI to the AZG which then goes to the VDH which of course relays to the SV, each country may still decide to adopt or not adopt a specific rule or create a variance as to its’ interpretation which is usually where the confusion starts to set in.

The actual first draft of them was delayed because of unforeseen factors, but the rules were still being meted out as the USA judges attempted to make them known, I hope that you will bear with me for the time frame being as extensive as it was.

TRACKING

There were a few changes that became evident here. Head checks on the track with a dog that tracks consistently are not subject to the penalties that may have been marked in the past, also, the vegetation, wind and the temperature are also taken into consideration when scoring and evaluating the track.

When the track is laid, there is to be more of a natural pace while actually laying the track. Heavy stepping while laying the track is not allowed and the laying of the scent pad must not be heavy, although there may be some extra time (slight stepping) here.

Also, the articles on the SchH1 track will be as the articles on the SchH2 track - first article on the second leg and last article at the end of the track. It is no longer the choice of the handler as to article placement in SchH1.

Praising at the articles may be before or after you show the article to the judge, which means, when you go to your dog upon an article indication, you may praise (such as petting or verbal praise) before you pick up the article to show it to the judge or you may do it after you show the article to the judge. You may not praise while you are picking up the article and/or showing it to the judge.

The start of the track has not changed greatly other than the complete omission of any obedience commands in your approach to the scent pad. After reporting in to the judge be prepared for tracking with the lead played out so the judge may observe the lead, you may stop three meters (approximately nine feet ) before the scent pad to re-position your lead, such as, under the dog’s leg without any type of obedience command (no sit or down). You may also do this while moving towards the scent pad. The dog then should go to the scent pad with the handler, while under control and be given the track command at the scent pad. The handler’s hands may not go below their knee in setting the dog into the track initially and at the re-starts at the articles. The handler may also not go to the scent pad to survey the lay of the track before the beginning of the track.

The leash may be tight or loose, but the handler must be 33 feet behind the dog and must not change pace unless the actual terrain would dictate it.

The indication of articles should be presented in the same manner as the actual tracking of the dog, such as, a dog that tracks with much enthusiasm and drive should not be slow at the articles to the point where it creates a wholly different picture from the overall track.

The dog should also take a good scent pad, not rushing through it from avoidance or nerves, although there is not a set time that the dog must remain at the scent pad that would result in point deduction.

There is still encouragement of the dog allowed on the track but may not be extreme and the “such” command may only be used at the scent pad and at the re-starts on the articles.

BOETCHER HARNESS

• You can clip the leash to the metal ring underneath the dog on the harness
• You can clip the leash to the collar and have the leash go through the metal ring on a BOETCHER harness underneath the dog.

The FH1 and the FH2 now have the same start, as in the FH1.

Obedience

The union between dog and handler is important and will be one of the criteria whereby the judge evaluates obedience. The dog does not necessarily have to have constant eye contact with the handler or always looking up but must show attention to the handler throughout the obedience phase.

The left about turn and the military international about turn are both correct, but are performed as a pivot move (traveling back over the same ground) and not a curve back, the same about turn must be utilized throughout the whole routine.

The handler must make sure they do the correct heeling pattern in obedience.

The handler is also responsible for taking the correct number of steps in all buildups and in exercises where the dog is left in place. One example, in the buildup of the exercise, 10 to 15 steps. Point deduction for failure in this part of an exercise could range from ½ to 1 point.

At local trials, the handler may still decide in what direction they wish to do the jump exercises. At national events, all handlers will follow the same direction. The same dumbbells are used by all handlers at all events. The handler may not prepare the dumbbell in any way such as, rubbing it before throwing and may not use it as an incentive for the dog. Upon completion of the retrieve exercise, the dumbbell must be held at the right side calmly and along the leg.

The dumbbell must be thrown at least ten paces (approximately 20 to 30 feet) from the handler. If the handler is unable to make the distance, the judge may help the handler with the throw.

Touching the jump may result in a ½ to two point deduction in both directions.

During any part of an exercise where running is required there must be a noticeable change of pace.

Training vests are allowed in local trials but may not be worn in Regional or National events at any time during competition.

PROTECTION

There is still much discussion and different interpretations among some of the foreign judges about the helper being allowed to move back one step before the search or transport. This is still under discussion although almost all foreign judges allow it, some do not, but all are told to adopt this interpretation, the consensus of the majority was that the helper may be instructed to step back one step.

If the dog returns to the handler as he approaches the “live blind”, a deduction of three to four points may be taken.

A dog that goes into the blind and bites the helper, can only receive a “fuss” command to regain control. If the handler gives an “out” command, the team is disqualified.

Call out of the blind is “ Hier, Fuss “.

Heavy gripping of the sleeve after the “out“ may result in up to a 9 point deduction.

If a dog holds onto the sleeve before the “out“, this is not considered faulty.

There is only a small deduction for a shallow grip that changes to a full grip at the dog’s first opportunity in an exercise.

The handler must wait for the judge’s signal to release their dog on the “courage test” and the handler must remain at the point of release until the judge’s signal to come forward to pick up their dog.

The new title of STP (Stobenprufun ) Article Search is covered in the new printing of the rulebook.

Many of the rules or interpretations described above are not new, just more clearly defined than in the past.

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SV Breed Surveys and Elbows

USA Breed Warden, Tim Burke announced that the SV has mandated that all dogs born after January 1, 2004 (regardless of country of origin) must have elbows certified by the SV if they want an SV breed survey. They will not accept OFA elbows.

Tim is meeting with the SV office the first week of March to establish procedures so the USA office can assist members in obtaining SV elbow certification similar to the USA “a” stamp program.

We do not have this requirement yet for USA breed surveys. The Breed Advisory Committee will take this under advisement after the Sieger show to discuss if we want to implement this rule for USA breed surveys.

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Trial Secretary Tutorial

Your club has a trial coming and they need a trial secretary. What are you gonna do?

Gail Kendall from the Phoenix Schutzhund Club has distilled her long experience into a 30 minute tutorial on how to handle that task. From setting up the entry forms, the judge's sheet and the final listing of the scores and titles, this outstanding presentation covers it all!

Getting the paperwork completed correctly is a huge task in the USA office. Chasing down corrections on the forms is a major effort. If all the forms came in correct and complete, it would free a significant amount of resources to better serve the USA membership.

The tutorial is about 30 minutes long. You will need to have the Flash plug-in available on your computer to play it. Most browsers already have this installed.

Click here to view the tutorial.

Is Your Event Using a Correctly Classified Helper?

This is a reminder from the USA Helper Committee regarding the proper use of Helpers in all authorized USA Events. There has been some confusion regarding the level of helpers to work events.

The guidelines are:

1. All helpers working a USA Event must be current USA members and have a Helper Book with a classification noted in the book of Basic or higher.
2. Entry level helpers may not work events. These are helpers that are USA Members and have purchased a book, but not attended and passed a seminar/classification.
3. Basic level helpers may only work club level events — not regional championships or nationals.
4. Club level helpers may work club level events and be considered for selection at regional level events.
5. Regional level Helpers may work club and regional events and be considered for national events.
6. National level helpers may work any event.
7. Teaching helpers may teach as well as work any level of event that they are selected to work.

The current helper classifications are listed on the USA website. Click here to view the helper classification list. However, the most recent classification noted in the helper's book will be the determining one when selecting a helper for trial work.

In the event that a club does not have a "classified" helper available to work an event they should contact the Helper Program Director to request a special circumstances waiver to allow the event to proceed.

It is the Trial Secretary and, secondly, it is the judge's job to verify that the helper is properly "Classified" to work the event. It is also the helper's responsibility to know what level event they are allowed to work.

Failure to follow the program rules may lead to unsportsmanlike conduct charges, revocation of the Helper's book or charges against the club.

The goal and mission of the helper program is to improve the quality , education and performance of trial helper work at all levels of events. Our committee is here to help and we will support helpers and clubs in any way to promote the proper progress of the scheduled event.

Thanks for your continued support of the Helper Program

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Previous Year's Executive Ballots

Note

Executive Ballots that involve Board of Inquiry cases are not published until the balloting process has been completed.