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BH-Begleithund Translates to "Companion Dog." This
test was developed as a preliminary character evaluation. It was
designed to keep aggressive, sharp, shy, or nervous dogs from
participating in the sport. DVG rules say dogs of all sizes and breeds
are eligible; the minimum age is 12 months. The only allowable collar is
a chain type "choke" collar, and the lead, when used, is
attached to the dead ring. Generally, scores or points are not
announced, rather the judge evaluates whether a handler/dog team have
passed. Part A must be passed for the team to do Part B. Part A
The Obedience phase of the BH is eventually the same as the
obedience in SchH 1 but without the retrieving exercise.
Obedience exercises should show the bond between the
handler/dog team. The dog should show a willingness to work and pure joy
to be out on the field. The obedience exercises are done in groups of
two dogs/handlers. Both teams report to the judge and state their name
and their dogs name. The judge then directs each team to their
appropriate locations. While one team is performing the heeling
exercises, the other team is doing the long down. Any exercises on leash
should be done with a loose lead. The leash is to be held in the left
hand. Attach leash to the dead ring of a choke (fur saver) type collar.
Leather and prong collars are not permitted.
Heeling on leash (15 points) Singly and within a group.
The dog must stay close and keep his shoulder blades
"level" with the handlers' knees. The dog must not forge
ahead, move to the side or lag to the rear. Upon a halt the dog must, on
his own, go to the sitting position. The only voice command given should
be at the start of exercise and when changing paces.
Starting from the basic heeling position, dog sitting at
your left side) give one voice command of heel. (the dog should
willingly follow at this time) proceed forward in a straight line for
40-50 paces without stopping. Do a complete turnabout and come back
10-15 paces. Give the heal command and without hesitation do a running
heel for 10-15 paces followed by a slow heel of 10-15 paces. Return to a
normal pace for 10-15 more paces. The "fuss" or
"heel" command can be given at the beginning of each change of
pace. You then make a right turn, heel 20 paces, make another right
turn, heel 20 paces, make an about turn, heel 10-15 paces and halt. Heel
forward 10-15 more paces and make a left turn. You can then proceed
directly to the group. The judge will direct the handler through a group
of at least 4 people, who are expected to mingle about. You must make at
least 1 left turn and 1 right turn around at least 2 people and halt
close to one of the group. (This is basically a figure 8.) You then
leave the group, halt (handler may praise dog) and remove the leash
Heeling off leash (15 points) Singly and within a group.
When requested by the judge, the leash will be removed
while in the basic position. The handler moves through the group with
the dog freely heeling. After demonstrating at least one halt, the
handler and dog leave the group and perform the heeling exercises that
were performed on leash. While the dog and handler are performing the
off-leash exercises, at least 2 gun shots (6 - 9 mm) are to be fired
(not while moving in the group) and the dog must remain indifferent to
the noise. Special emphasis is placed on indifference to the gun. If the
judge deems the dog to be insecure or should the dog run from the shot,
the judge may excuse the dog from further participation.
Sit (10 points)
From the basic heeling position the handler and free
heeling dog proceed in a straight line. After at least ten paces, the
handler issues the voice command to sit - the dog should quickly come to
a sit position. The handler shall continue for at least 30 paces without
interrupting pace or direction, then stop and turn around to face the
dog. At the direction of the judge, the handler returns to the right
side of the dog.
Down With Recall (10 points)
From the basic heeling position the handler and free
heeling dog proceed in a straight line. After at least ten paces, the
handler issues the voice command to down - the dog should quickly come
to a down position. The handler shall continue for at least 30 paces
without interrupting pace or direction, then stop and turn around to
face the dog. At the direction of the judge, the handler shall recall
the dog. The dog should come to the handler with a spirited and swift
motion and sit close in front. Upon a "heel" command, the dog
should quickly come to a sit position next to the handler.
Long Down(10 Points) Under Distraction
Prior to the start of the obedience exercises of another
dog, the handler commands the dog into a down position at a spot
designated by the judge. The handler moves approximately 40 paces away
within sight of the dog. The handler remains quiet with his back to the
dog. The dog must remain in the down position without additional
influences from the handler until the other dog concludes the first 6
exercises. The finish will be like the Go Ahead and Down, above
Part B
This consists of tests to evaluate the dog's ability to
function in heavy traffic. These exercises are to be conducted in the
open with areas with some traffic, but not inconveniencing the general
public. For this reason, only dogs that pass Part A may take this part
of the test. It is a time consuming test, and a maximum of 15 dogs per
day per judge may be tested. There is no point allocation per exercise;
the judge will evaluate the dog's performance and its ability to do the
exercises well.
Ability to Perform in Traffic The handler and judge are
instructed to proceed on leash down a designated walkway, street, or
roadway. The dog should heel willingly on a loose leash. The dog must
act with indifference toward pedestrian and other traffic including
joggers and pedestrians. After negotiating the traffic on the roadway,
the handler and dog proceed to the judge and stop, shake hands,
converse. The dog is expected to ignore the judge and may stand, sit, or
lay down quietly.
Behavior of the Dog Under Extreme Traffic Conditions The dog
and handler now move through rather heavy and noisy pedestrian traffic.
The handler must stop twice the first time ordering the dog to sit and
the second time to lay down. The dog must remain calm and undisturbed.
Behavior of the Dog Left Alone During Traffic Conditions The
handler secures the dog to a suitable tie off and moves out of sight of
the dog, remaining out of sight for approximately two minutes. Another
dog and handler team will pass within five paces of the secured dog
which must remain calm during this exercise.
Titles
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