The helper runs away down the field, making threatening gestures at the dog-handler team as he goes. On the judge’s command, the handler sends his dog to pursue the helper, who is now approximately fifty paces downfield. When the dog is about thirty paces away from him the helper turns around and runs directly toward the dog while at the same time making threatening motions (yelling and waving the stick menacingly). The dog should not hesitate: it should charge straight into the helper and bite. The helper fights the dog for five or six seconds, but without striking it with the stick, and he then freezes. The handler, who has remained in the spot from which he sent the dog, then commands the dog to “Out!” The handler should wait for the judge’s signal before going to his dog (approximately thirty seconds). At this point, he approaches the dog, searches the helper and confiscates the stick. The handler and dog then escort the helper to the judge. The handler walks on the helper’s right with the dog, on leash, walking between them. The dog should remain vigilant during the escort, but nicely at heel and under control. This exercise is called the side transport.
The judge evaluates the fighting instincts of the dog throughout the entire performance. The animal must show strong spirit and an intense desire to fight, and display a firm, full grip on the sleeve in order to receive maximum points. If, during any of the guarding phases (during the hold and bark or after the outs), the dog returns to its handler or is inattentive to the helper it may receive no more than a sufficient fighting drive evaluation from the judge (rather than pronounced). A dog that is not under the control of its handler, that does not release its grip when commanded to “Out!” or that refuses to bite during the courage test or the attack on handler will not pass the protection phase.
SCHUTZHUND II PROTECTION
Before the dog-handler team arrives on the field, the helper hides behind one of the blinds. On the judge’s command, the team walks to the midline between the first two blinds. The dog is off leash. The handler sends the animal to search either the first blind on the right or on the left, according to the judge’s instructions. He then walks up the midline of the field, using hand and voice signals to call his dog back and forth across the field in a zigzag pattern, making the animal search all six blinds in order. The overall appearance of the exercise should be one of fluidity and intensity of desire on the part of the dog. In order to control the animal and direct its search, the handler can use the command “Come!” as well as the dog’s name.
The helper is hiding in the sixth blind, and when the dog finds him he remains still. The dog must harass the helper by barking aggressively at him but without touching or biting him. On the judge’s signal, the handler proceeds to the designated spot, usually about four paces behind the dog, and upon another signal from the judge he recalls his dog to heel. The handler then orders the helper out of the blind, tells him “Hands up!” and commands the dog to lie down in front of him. The handler searches the helper and then moves back into the blind. Meanwhile, the dog should guard the helper vigilantly.
At the judge’s instruction, the helper attempts to escape by running from the dog. The dog should stop him immediately by biting hard on the sleeve. When the helper stops fighting, the dog should out from the sleeve on command and guard him vigilantly. Upon a signal from the judge, the helper reattacks the dog, threatening it with the stick and driving it. Once the dog is firmly on the sleeve, the helper strikes it twice on the back or withers with the stick. The helper freezes and the handler commands the dog to “Out!” He then commands the helper with “Hands up!” and downs his dog. He then searches the helper. Because the helper will need the stick in the following exercises, the handler does not take it from him during the search. The handler then instructs the helper to move forward and the team transports him, following at a distance of five paces.
Handler and dog transport the helper approximately fifty paces through a series of turns specified by the judge. During the transport, the dog should remain responsive to its handler and also alert to the helper.
While the helper is being transported, he turns on the judge’s command and simulates an attack on the handler. The dog should attack him immediately and bite hard and full. The dog may cease its attack either when the helper stops fighting and freezes or when it is commanded to “Out!” The helper now moves off approximately 100 paces and begins making threatening motions. The handler, holding his dog by the collar, verbally challenges the helper, who runs away. The handler sends his dog. When the dog is within forty paces of him, the helper turns and runs directly at the animal. The dog should not hesitate and should bite him hard and full. When agitation ceases, the dog should again release the sleeve and then stay in close to the helper and harass him. The handler picks up his dog, searches the helper, removes his weapon and then escorts him in a side transport to the judge.
SCHUTZHUND III PROTECTION
Before the dog-handler team arrives on the field, the helper hides behind one of the blinds. On the judge’s command, the team walks to the midline between the first two blinds. The dog is off leash. The handler sends the animal to search either the first blind on the right or on the left, according to the judge’s instruction. He then walks up the midline of the field, using hand and voice signals to call the dog back and forth across the field in a zigzag pattern, making the animal search all six blinds in order. The overall appearance of the exercise should be one of fluidity and intensity of desire on the part of the dog. In order to control the animal and direct its search, the handler may use the command “Come!” as well as the dog’s name.
The helper is hiding in the sixth blind, and when the dog finds him he remains still. The dog must harass the helper by barking aggressively at him but without touching him. The dog will lose points both for biting and also for being inattentive or not barking. On the judge’s signal, the handler proceeds to the designated spot, usually about four paces behind the dog, and upon another signal from the judge he recalls his dog to heel. The handler then orders the helper out of the blind, tells him “Hands up!” and commands his dog to lie down in front of him. The handler searches the helper and then moves back into the blind. Meanwhile, the dog should guard the helper vigilantly.