The Martial Arts for dogs

Certified Judges

To contact any of these judges, please contact Butch Cappel at (817) 483-2026

Certified Decoys

To contact any of these decoys, please contact Butch Cappel at (817) 483-2026

K-9 PRO SPORTS RULES

Revised June 1, 2007

DIVISIONS

• TRAINING

  The Training Division is open to any person, thirteen years of age or older wishing to compete and see where they and their dog stand in their training without having to complete the full requirements of the PPD exercises.

• YOUTH DIVISION

  The Youth Division is open to youths twelve years of age or younger. Youths wishing to compete in this Division must certify under the Executive Director or a Regional Director. Certification for this Division will require that the youth prove the ability to maintain control over the dog with which they wish to compete. Certification will include a sample obedience course, an out and a recall. Youth competing in this Division must submit a waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian. A parent or legal guardian must be on the field during the youth's competition. The parent or legal guardian must either have prior competition experience with K-9 PRO SPORTS or pass a certification test to be given by the Executive Director or a Regional Director.

• PERSONAL PROTECTION DOG (PPD)

  The PPD Division is open to any member, thirteen years of age or older, wishing to compete. The Personal Protection Dog is defined as one with the abilities to Detect a possible threat, and, at the Handler's discretion, to Deter, and if necessary Defend and protect, its' Handler from the threat. There is no limit to the number of years that a dog may compete in the Personal Protection Dog Division. The dog may receive the PPD and/or the PPDX Certification any time it is earned.

• PATROL DOG (PD)

  The Patrol Dog Division is open to any member, thirteen years of age or older, wishing to compete. The Patrol Dog is defined as one with the abilities, and at the discretion of the Handler, to apprehend and control a potential threat .There is no limit to the number of years that a dog may compete in the Patrol Dog Division. The dog may receive the PD and/or the PDX Certification any time it is earned.

JUDGING

A K9PS judge is responsible for giving a K9PS competitor a written record or ‘picture’ of their training program as it stands on the day of the trial. That picture is drawn from each individual judge’s experience. Guidelines set forth by K9PS will help each judge work through the score sheet in a manner that will give our competitors the best picture.

 

DECOY WORK

The K9PS decoy should present to the handler a clearly aggressive and threatening picture. The decoys actions should be such as to clearly indicate the use of a protection dog as a solution for the handlers continued safety.
After engagement, the decoy will fight in a manner consistent with a fight without the benefit of protective gear. Example: the Decoy may stumble forward over the dog and may attempt to strike the dog to dislodge it.
The Decoy may not pick the dog up and drive into the dog in an unrealistic manner.
The Decoy may use any items on the field in an attempt to dislodge or dissuade the dog in the engagement.
Decoys failure to present a threatening picture or inconsistency in work may result in a rerun, at the judge’s discretion, and may also result in the Decoys dismissal from the trial.

TRAINING DIVISION

OBEDIENCE EXERCISE (TRAINING) – 65 POINTS

Equipment: A Six-foot leash with a harness or any type of collar that does not cause the K9 pain, for training division only training collars and training aids may be used. No Electrical collars will be allowed.

BAITING: The training Division is the only time that baiting will be allowed

Exercise: Obedience patterns will vary. Patterns will consist of the following elements, but not limited to, Heel, Sit, Down, Stay, Stay from Motion, Left Turn, Right Turn, About Turn, Fast Pace, Slow Pace, and may also include jumps and distractions

 

Judging: OBEDIENCE: Heeling - the dog’s position in relation to his handler shall be assessed by the 3rd step taken by the handler. This position should be maintained through-out the heeling pattern. The dog should resume this position when called back to heel while in motion.
Second “heel” commands may be given ONLY when changing speed or pace. Any other second commands, whether voice or body signals, will result in point deductions. A dog at heel should present a picture of attentiveness to the handler while maintaining an awareness of their surroundings. It is always allowed to use the dogs’ name before giving a command in obedience. Giving a second “heel” command when changing speeds ex; normal to fast and back to normal is also allowed.

Scoring for Obedience – 65 Possible Points

Heeling: 15 Points
The Handler will cue the dog on the command to begin the exercise. Each command or cue thereafter, unless otherwise specified, will result in a deduction of points. Proper heeling position for a PPD should not change in relation to the handler from the first step to the last. The dog should be attentive to its’ Handler, while maintaining an awareness of its surroundings.

Turns: 5 Points each
The dog must stay at the Handler’s side throughout the turns. Forging, lagging or bumping into the Handler or cueing the dog will result in a deduction of points.

Change of Pace: 5 Points
The Steward will give either the command, “Slow Pace” or, ”Fast Pace”. Dogs must stay at the Handler’s side as the Handler changes pace from Normal – Slow – Normal or Normal – Fast – Normal. The Handler’s change of pace needs to be obvious to the Judges. The Handler is allowed to give a command or cue at each change of pace.

Distraction: 5 Points
A distraction, during the obedience, may be anything that could be encountered in a normal daily living situation, not designed with dog training as its original function. Training equipment may not be used. Distractions should be judged by degrees, from totally disregarding the distraction. Perfect, to tempt to move and investigate 50%, to; “go for it” a zero

Figure Eight: 10 Points
At the Stewards command of, “Figure Eight”, the Handler and dog will heel in a figure eight pattern around two points. The two points may be traffic cones, people, chairs, etc. Forging, lagging or bumping into the Handler or cueing the dog will result in a deduction of points. The Handler and dog may enter into the figure eight pattern on either the right or left side of the first point.

Change of Position: 10 Points
At the command of “Halt” from the Steward, the Handler will stop. The Steward will then command, “Leave your dog and go to the end of your leash, turn and face your dog”. When the Handler is in position, the Steward will give the command, “Change position”. At this command, the Handler will have the dog change to any other position. After completion of the first change of position, the Steward will again command, “Change Position”. The Handler will have the dog change positions again. Upon completion of the second change of position, the Steward will command, “Return to your dog”. During Position Changes, dog should be attentive to a position change command from a distance. This exercise should be completed with one command, either vocal or hand signal for each change.

PROTECTION EXERCISES (TRAINING) – 70 POINTS

During the Protection Exercises, contestants will be judged on the overall control of their dog. The dog should display control from the time the team enters the field until the time they leave the field. Handlers may request a sleeve presentation for their dogs in the Training Division.

Judging: PROTECTION: The goal of the protection exercises is to give a picture of the dogs’ ability to protect his owner. Every exercise should be judged, as if the owner were in fear for their life from an attack by an assailant. As in real life, there are no penalties for encouraging a dog to fight harder during the exercise. The exception would be if, in the eyes of a judge, the dog needed the encouragement to find the courage to stay in the fight. If the judge feels that the dog is addicted to the encouragement from the handler, then point deductions will reflect this. The goal of all protection exercises is to save the handler from harm. If the dog does not accomplish this by stopping the attacker, the handler would be harmed. You will receive zero points for a dog that fails to accomplish the most basic goals of the protection exercises. The dog is given 3 tries to engage the attacker. If the dog still has not engaged the attacker by then, the exercise will be judged as a zero. The engagements by the dog will be scored as that may discourage most humans from continuing an attack. As a minimum, the dog must bite the attacker in a manner that the attacker isn’t able to shake it off with ease. If the dog continues to fall off the bite, maximum 3 times, then the exercise will be judge as a zero.
Engagements are judged by the dog’s ability to control the attacker. This is listed as “fight” on the score sheet but should reflect the dog’s total ability to hold and control the attacker. A full mouth bite with intensity is the most desired, but other factors are, the dog’s use of its body to control the attacker. This can mean pulling them to the ground, charging into them hard enough to disable them or any other means by which the dog takes complete control of the decoy’s movements.
The handler must give the ‘Out’ command upon the judge’s signal. Additional commands will result in point deductions. The handler has a maximum of 3 attempts before the exercise is scored as a zero. Any time a dog is physically removed from the grip, the entire exercise will be judged as a zero.

Civil Agitation

During this exercise the Handler will be asked to stand behind a line. The Handler may not move from this line. . If the handler steps in front of the line any time during this exercise, they will be disqualified and receive a zero for this entire exercise. A second line will be drawn approximately 30” in front of the first line. If the decoy can step across this line, OBVIOUSLY endangering the handler, at any time during this exercise, a zero will be given for this entire exercise.
During this exercise, the Decoy will have NO protection. It is EXTREMELY important that the dogs are properly and securely collared for the Decoy’s protection. The Handler will be asked to hold the leash and assume a secure stance to ensure the safety of the Decoy
The purpose of this exercise is to see how the dog responds to a passive, friendly person (not a padded Decoy) and to an aggressive person after the Handler has commanded the dog to be alert and to protect.

Judging: CIVIL AGITATION: This exercise is designed to see if the dog will alert, on command, without equipment to stimulate the dog. After the alert, we are looking to see if the dog can present an aggressive appearance that would discourage a potential attacker from attempting to even start an assault. The spirit of Civil Agitation is the dog’s immediate response to the alert command, and the dog’s ability to present a picture of intimidation to the average person. Dropping the leash will result in a zero for the whole exercise

Equipment: Six foot leash with flat buckle collar or approved harness. During this exercise, and only this exercise, the dog will be REQUIRED to wear a chain slip (also called a choke or correction) back-up collar. The back-up collar will be clipped to the leash with the flat buckle collar. A backup-up collar will not be required for dogs using a harness. No other equipment may be on the dog. The handler should remain in possession of the leash at all times

Scoring for Civil Agitation – 30 Possible Points

Alert: 10 Points
When cued by the Decoy, the Handler will alert the dog. The Judges are looking to see how your dog responds to your cue.

Aggression: 20 Points
The Judges are looking to see the intensity of the dog, and the dog’s ability to deter a threat without the presentation of equipment.

Attack on Handler

The Handler is attacked from behind while out for a walk. This attack simulates a surprise attack.

Judging: Attack on Handler: The Team will be judged while heeling down the field. The decoy will come from behind the team and attack the handler. The dog will be judged on how quickly it engages the threat, and its’ ability to engage and control the threatening decoy. The dog will release when commanded and will be judged on the control immediately after the bite. The spirit of the Attack on Handler is the dog’s ability to stop and then control the average threatening person. Next is the dog’s willingness to respond efficiently to all commands of the handler. The handler may remain in possession of the leash at all times. If the handler feels threatened to the point of dropping the leash, and the dog and decoy get more than a leash length away from the handler, then the handler will be required to recall the dog after the ‘Out’ command is given. In countries where dropping the leash is not permissible, then the handler MUST remain in possession of the leash at all times or score a zero for the entire exercise.

Scoring for Attack on Handler – 40 Possible Points

Heeling: 10 Points
The dog must display control at all times. The dog should heel both onto and off the field.

Fight: 10 Points
The Judges are looking for the dogs’ ability to control and dominate the Decoy, fullness and intensity of the bite and the dogs fighting abilities.

Release: 10 Points
The Judges will be looking for the quickness of the dog’s release after the Handler is instructed to and gives the command for the dog to release.

Control after the Fight: 10 Points
The Judges will be looking at the dog’s response after the release. Did the dog guard, return to the Handler, re-bite, etc.? Could the dog be heeled off the field or did it need to be dragged away by the Handler?

PERSONAL PROTECTION DOG DIVISION

OBEDIENCE EXERCISE (PPD) – 100 POINTS

Equipment: Six-foot leash with a harness or any collar that does not cause the K9 pain, all slip type chains must be hooked up on the dead ring, no Pinch or Electrical collars will be allowed. The handler should remain in possession of the leash at all times. Stay from motion, Recall and the out of sight stay are the only time the handler will be allowed to drop the leash during the Obedience phase. Any additional dropping of the leash will result in a Zero. Competitors may use a slip collar on the live ring during the Obedience exercises and receive half points for that exercise.

Exercise: Obedience patterns will vary. Patterns will consist of the following elements, but not limited to, Heel, Sit, Down, Stay, Stay from Motion, Left Turn, Right Turn, About Turn, Fast Pace, Slow Pace, and may also include jumps and distractions.

Judging: OBEDIENCE: Heeling - the dog’s position in relation to his handler shall be assessed by the 3rd step taken by the handler. This position should be maintained through out the heeling pattern. The dog should resume this position when called back to heel while in motion. Second ‘heel’ commands may be given ONLY when changing speed or pace. Any other second commands whether voice or body signals will cause point deductions. A dog at heel should present a picture of attentiveness to the handler while maintaining an awareness of their surroundings. It is always allowed to use the dog’s name before giving a command in obedience. Giving a second ‘heel’ command when changing speeds; ex: normal to fast and back to normal; is also allowed.

BAITING: Baiting with any type of food, tugs, toys, etc., in any way, during an exercise will result in a Zero for the entire exercise

Scoring for Obedience – 100 Possible Points

Heel: 15 Points
The Handler will cue the dog on the command to begin the exercise. Each command or cue thereafter, unless otherwise specified, will result in a deduction of points. Proper heeling position for a PPD should not change in relation to the handler from the first step to the last. The dog should be attentive to its Handler, while maintaining an awareness of its surroundings.

Turns: 5 Points each
The dog must stay at the Handler’s side throughout the turns. Forging, lagging, or bumping into the Handler or cueing the dog will result in a deduction of points.

Change of Position: 10 Points
At the command of “Halt” from the Steward, the Handler will stop. The Steward will then command, “Leave your dog and go to the end of your leash, turn and face your dog”. When the Handler is in position, the Steward will give the command, “Change position”. At this command, the Handler will have the dog change to any other position. After completion of the first change of position, the Steward will again command, “Change Position”. The Handler will have the dog change positions again. Upon completion of the second change of position, the Steward will command, “Return to your dog”. During Position Changes, dog should be attentive to a position change command from a distance. This exercise should be completed with one command, either vocal or hand signal for each change.

Change of Pace: 5 Points
The Steward will give either the command, “Slow Pace” or,”Fast Pace”. Dogs must stay at the Handler’s side as the Handler changes pace from Normal – Slow – Normal or Normal – Fast – Normal. The Handler’s change of pace needs to be obvious to the Judges. The Handler is allowed to give a command or cue at each change of pace.

Figure Eight: 10 Points
At the Stewards command of, “Figure Eight”, the Handler and dog will heel in a figure eight pattern around two points. The two points may be traffic cones, people, chairs, etc. Forging, lagging or bumping into the Handler or cueing the dog will result in a deduction of points. The Handler and dog may enter into the figure eight pattern on either the right or left side of the first point.

Stay From Motion: 10 Points
While heeling, the Handler will be given the command, “Leave your dog”. At the command the Handler will cue the dog to Stay. The dog may stay in the Sit, Down or Stand position during the Stay From Motion exercise. In this exercise the Handler should not change pace or stop with the dog. The dog should be commanded to stay as the Handler keeps a steady pace and walks to the designated area. The handler will be allowed to drop the leash for this part of the exercise.

Distraction: 5 Points
A distraction during the obedience may be anything that could be encountered in a normal daily living situation, but not designed with dog training as its original function. Training equipment may not be used.
Distractions should be judged by degrees, from totally disregarding the distraction. Perfect, to tempt to move and investigate 50%, to; “go for it” a zero.

Recall: 15 Points
When commanded, the Handler will call the dog. The dog must return to a position of control. The dog must come directly to the Handler without hesitation. The dog may come to either the Handler’s front or side. The dog may sit, lie down or stand. When the dog returns to the Handler, the position used must be held until the “Exercise Finished”, command is given. The handler will be allowed to drop the leash for this part of the exercise.

Stay–Handler Out of Sight: 10 Points
The Handler will be given the command, “Halt”. At this command, the Handler will cue the dog to stay. The dog may stay in the Sit, Down or Stand position during the Stay-Handler out of Sight exercise. When commanded, the Handler will proceed to the designated out of sight area. After not more than 30 seconds, the Handler will be commanded to “Return to your dog.” The handler will be allowed to drop the leash for this part of the exercise.

PROTECTION EXERCISES (PPD) – 150 POINTS

During the Protection Exercises, handlers will be judged on the overall control of their dog. The dog should display control from the time the team enters the field until the time they leave the field.
The mission of a Personal Protection dog is to ‘deter’ or ‘defend’ the handler in case of an attack. Competitors may choose to have their dog caught on a sleeve during the Bite exercises for half points in each exercise the sleeve is used.

Judging: PROTECTION: The goal of the protection exercises is to give a picture of the dog’s ability to protect his owner. Every exercise should be judged, as if the owner were in fear for their life from an attack by an assailant. As in real life, there are no penalties for encouraging a dog to fight harder during the exercise. The exception would be if, in the eyes of a judge, the dog needed the encouragement to find the courage to stay in the fight. If the judge feels that the dog is addicted to the encouragement from the handler, then the point deductions will reflect this. The goal of all protection exercises is to save the handler from harm. If the dog does not accomplish this by stopping the attacker, then the handler would be harmed. You will receive zero points for a dog that fails to accomplish the most basic goals of the protection exercises. The dog is given 3 tries to engage the attacker. If the dog still has not engaged the attacker by then, the exercise will be judged as a zero. The engagements by the dog will be scored as that may discourage most humans from continuing an attack. As a minimum, the dog must bite the attacker in a manner that the attacker isn’t able to shake it off with ease. If the dog continues to fall off the bite, maximum 3 times, then the exercise will be judge as a zero.
Engagements are judged by the dog’s ability to control the attacker. This is listed as ‘fight’ on the score sheet but should reflect the dog’s total ability to hold and control the attacker. A full mouth bite with intensity is the most desired, but other factors are, the dog’s use of its body to control the attacker. This can mean pulling them to the ground, charging into them hard enough to disable them or any other means by which the dog takes complete control of the decoys movements.
The handler must give the ‘Out’ command upon the judge’s signal. Additional commands will result in point deductions. The handler has a maximum of 3 attempts before the exercise is scored as a zero. Any time a dog is physically removed from the grip, the entire exercise will be judge as a zero.

Civil Agitation

During this exercise the Handler will be asked to stand behind a line. The Handler may not move from this line. If the handler steps in front of the line at any time during this exercise, they will be disqualified and receive a zero for this entire exercise. A second line will be drawn approximately 30” in front of the first line. If the decoy is able to step across this line, OBVIOUSLY endangering the handler, at any time during this exercise, a zero will be given for the entire exercise.

During this exercise the Decoy will have NO protection. It is EXTREMELY important that the dogs are properly and securely collared for the Decoy’s protection. The Handler will be asked to hold the leash and assume a secure stance to ensure the safety of the Decoy. The handler should remain in possession of the leash at all times.

 

Judging: CIVIL AGITATION; This exercise is designed to see if the dog will alert, on command, without equipment to stimulate the dog. After the alert we are looking to see if the dog can present an aggressive appearance that would discourage a potential attacker from attempting to even start an assault. The spirit of Civil Agitation is the dog’s immediate response to the alert command, and the dog’s ability to present a picture of intimidation to the average person. The handler should remain in position of the leash at all times. Dropping the leash will result in a zero for the whole exercise

Equipment: Six-foot leash with flat buckle collar or approved harness. During this protection exercise, and only this protection exercise, the dog will be required to wear a chain slip (also called a choke or correction) back-up collar. The back-up collar will be clipped to the leash with the flat buckle collar. A back-up collar will not be required for dogs using a harness. No other equipment may be on the dog..

Scoring for Civil Agitation – 50 Possible Points

Alert: 10 Points
When cued by the Decoy, the Handler will alert the dog. The Judges are looking to see how your dog responds to your alert command.

Aggression: 15Points
The Judges are looking to see the intensity of the dog and the dog’s ability to deter a threat without the presentation of equipment.

Distraction: 20 Points
Again, the Judges are looking for intensity. How easily can the dog be persuaded not to protect you?
Distractions should be judged by degrees, from totally disregarding the distraction, perfect, to tempted to move and investigate 50%, to “go for it”, being a zero.

Return to Heel: 5 Points
The dog should return to heel on the Handler’s command and heel away under control at the end of the exercise.

Attack on Handler

The Handler is attacked from behind while out for a walk. This attack simulates a surprise attack.

Judging: Attack on Handler.
The Team will be judged while heeling down the field. The decoy will come from behind the team and attack the handler. The dog will be judged on how quickly it engages the threat without any verbal commands, and its ability to engage and control the threatening decoy. The dog will release when commanded and will be judged on the control immediately after the bite. The spirit of the Attack on Handler is the dog’s ability to stop and then control the average threatening person. Next is the dog’s willingness to respond efficiently to all commands of the handler. The handler may remain in possession of the leash at all times. If the handler feels threatened to the point of dropping the leash, and the dog and decoy get more than a leash length away from the handler, then the handler will be required to recall the dog after the ‘Out’ command is given. In countries where dropping the leash is not permissible, then the handler MUST remain in possession of the leash at all times or score a zero for the entire exercise

Scoring for Attack on Handler – 50 Possible Points

Heeling: 15 Points
The dog must display control. The dog should heel both onto and off the field.

Fight: 15 Points
The Judges are looking for the dog’s ability to control and dominate the decoy, fullness and intensity of the bite and the dog’s fighting abilities

Release: 10 Points
The Judges will be looking for the quickness of the dog’s release after the Handler is instructed to and gives the command for the dog to release.

Control after the Fight: 10 Points
The Judges will be looking at the dog’s responses after the release. Did the dog return to the Handler, re-bite, etc.? Could the dog be heeled off the field or did it need to be dragged away by the Handler?

Courage Test

During this exercise the Handler will heel the dog to the start line where they will wait for the Steward’s command. The Steward will ask if the Handler is ready. The Handler may send the dog at any time after the agitation begins.

Distractions by the Decoy, or the environment, may be used to test the dog’s commitment to the engagement. At the steward’s command, the Handler will call the dog to release and return to the Handler.

Judging: Courage Test: The dog will be sent a distance, determined by the size of the field, to a threatening decoy. The decoy may use noisy objects thrown in the dog’s path, or obstacles that must be overcome. Anything may be used that presents a challenge to the dog without the support of the handler. The dog’s energy and intensity will be judged on the ‘send’ as well as the ‘bite’ and ‘out’. Handler Position is judged by where the handler is standing when outing and recalling the dog. The handler that stays in the original spot when the dog returns will receive all 15 points. Moving closer to the decoy to gain control of the dog, exposes a civilian to a greater risk. The handler will then lose points from the ‘handler position’ section, half way up the field, half the points, etc. The Spirit of the Courage test is the eager, committed dog overcoming all obstacles to stop and then control the threatening person. Teamwork and control are demonstrated by the handler being able to remain in the start position, affording maximum safety, and still maintaining control of the dog with the recall

Scoring for the Courage Test – 50 Possible Points

Send: 10 Points
The Judges will be looking for intensity from the dog. How quickly did it engage the Decoy? How confident was the dog? Was the dog hesitant to leave its Handler and engage?

Fight: 15 Points
The Judges are looking for the dog’s ability to control and dominate the decoy, fullness and intensity of the bite and the dog’s fighting abilities.

Release: 10 Points
The Judges will be looking for the quickness of the dog’s release

Recall & Handler Position: 15 Points
The Judges will be looking to see the level of control the Handler exhibited in bringing the dog back to the starting line. Moving forward to get control of the dog will expose the Handler to danger, therefore, the closer the position the Handler requires to get control of their dog, the lower the score.

PATROL DOG DIVISION

OBEDIENCE EXERCISE (PD) – 100 POINTS

Equipment: The Handler may not wear anything resembling training equipment. All equipment must be removed from the dog and either placed on the ground or handed to the Steward before the exercise begins. Equipment may be replaced on the dog after completion of the exercise.

Exercise: Obedience patterns will vary. Patterns will consist of the following elements but not limited to, Heel, Sit, Down, Stay, Stay from Motion, Left Turn, Right Turn, About Turn, Fast Pace, Slow Pace, jumps, return to heel , distractions, Recall and a Down on Recall.

Judging: OBEDIENCE: Heeling - the dog’s position in relation to his handler shall be assessed by the 3rd step taken by the handler. This position should be maintained through out the heeling pattern. The dog should resume this position when called back to heel while in motion. Second “heel” commands may be given ONLY when changing speed or pace. Any other second commands, whether voice or body signals, will cause point deductions. A dog at heel should present a picture of attentiveness to the handler while maintaining an awareness of their surroundings. It is always allowed to use the dog’s name before giving a command in obedience. Giving a second “heel” command when changing speeds ex; normal to fast and back to normal is also allowed

Scoring for Obedience – 100 Possible Points

Heel: 15 Points
The Handler will cue the dog on the command to begin the exercise. Each command or cue thereafter, unless otherwise specified, will result in a deduction of points. Proper heeling position for a PD should not change in relation to the handler from the first step to the last. The dog should be attentive to its Handler, while maintaining an awareness of its surroundings

Turns: 5 Points each
The dog must maintain a consistent position at the Handler’s side throughout the turns. Forging, lagging, and bumping into the Handler or cueing the dog will result in a deduction of points.

Change of Position: 10 Points
At the command of “Halt” from the Steward, the Handler will stop. The Steward will then command, “Leave your dog”, “Forward”, “Turn and face your dog”. When the Handler is in position, the Steward will give the command, “Change position”. At this command, the Handler will have the dog change to any other position. Upon completion of the first change of position, the Steward will again command, “Change position”. The Handler will have the dog change position again. Upon completion of the second change of position, the Steward will then command, “Return to your dog”.
Position Changes - dog should be attentive to a position change command from a distance. This exercise should be completed with one command, either vocal or hand signal for each change.

Return to heel: 5 Points
After the change of position, the Steward will then call out “Return to your dog”.
Your dog should remain in the position you last commanded him to be in, until the handler is back at the dog’s side in the heel position.


Change of Pace: 5 Points
The Steward will give the command, “Slow pace” or, “Fast pace”. The dog must stay at the Handler’s side as the Handler changes pace from Normal – Slow – Normal and Normal – Fast – Normal. The Handler’s change of pace needs to be obvious to the Judges. The Handler is allowed to give a command or cue at each change of pace

Figure 8: 10 Points (Optional - May be used instead of Pass & Pick Up)
At the Stewards command of “Figure eight”, the Handler and dog will heel in a figure eight pattern around two points. The two points may be traffic cones, people, chairs, etc. Forging, lagging or bumping into the Handler or cueing the dog will result in a deduction of points. The Handler and dog may enter into the figure eight pattern on either the right or left side of the first point and must complete a full figure 8 pattern.

Pass & Pick Up: 10 Points
On command, the Handler will leave the dog in motion in the center of the Figure 8 pattern. The Handler will then circle the points and the dog at varying paces as commanded by the Steward until told to ‘Pick up your dog”. At this time, the Handler will call the dog to heel and exit the pattern. A dog failing to remain in a stable stay position, or a dog that is slow to resume the heel in motion position, will lose points.

Stay From Motion: 10 Points
While heeling, the Handler will be given the command, “Leave your dog”. At the command the Handler will cue the dog to stay. The dog may stay in the Sit, down or Stand position during the Stay from Motion exercise. In this exercise the Handler should not change pace or stop with the dog. The dog should be commanded to stay as the Handler keeps a steady pace and walks to the designated area.

Distraction: 5 Points
A distraction during the obedience may be anything that could be encountered in a normal daily living situation. Training equipment may not be used.
Distractions should be judged by degrees, from totally disregarding the distraction. Perfect, to tempt to move and investigate 50%, to; “go for it” a zero.
.

Down on Recall: 10 Points
The Handler will call the dog. On a signal from the Steward or at a pre-determined spot, the Handler will give the dog a command to down. The faster the dog responds and the closer to the mark it downs, the more points awarded.

Recall: 10 Points
When commanded, the Handler will call the dog. The dog must return to a position of control. The dog must come directly to the Handler without hesitation. The dog may come to either the Handler’s front or side. The dog may sit, lie down or stand. When the dog returns to the Handler, the position used must be held until the, “Exercise finished”, command is given.

PROTECTION EXERCISES (PD) – 200 POINTS

During the Protection Exercises contestants will be judged on the overall control of their dog. The dog should display control from the time the team enters the field until the time they leave the field.
A patrol Dog is one that is qualified to work as a police or military patrol dog. This dog’s mission is to reduce risk to the handler by ‘apprehending’ and ‘containing’ a suspected felon. For this reason, a PD will do all exercises at the handler’s direction, but at a distance from the handler. To exhibit the dog’s willingness to work with the handler, all dogs in this division will work without any collar or restraining devices

Obstacles: The dog should be judged on ability to clear the obstacle in the most efficient manner, in following the command as well as in the ability to not be slowed down or obstructed by the obstacle. The dog is given 3 tries to clear the first obstacle, if the dog doesn’t clear the obstacle after that, the dog will then receive zero points for the entire exercise. The decoy will remain passive until the dog has cleared the second obstacle.

Equipment: The Handler may not wear anything resembling training equipment. All equipment must be removed from the dog and either placed on the ground or handed to the Steward before each exercise begins. Equipment may be replaced on the dog after completion of each exercise.

Judging: PROTECTION: The goal of the protection exercises is to give a picture of the dog’s ability to protect his owner. Every exercise should be judged, as if the owner were in fear for their life from an attack by an assailant. As in real life, there are no penalties for encouraging a dog to fight harder during the exercise. The exception would be if, in the eyes of a judge, the dog needed the encouragement to find the courage to stay in the fight. If the judge feels that the dog is addicted to the encouragement from the handler, then the point deductions will reflect this. The goal of all protection exercises is to save the handler from harm. If the dog does not accomplish this by stopping the attacker, the handler would be harmed. You will receive zero points for a dog that fails to accomplish the most basic goals of the protection exercises. The dog is given 3 tries to engage the attacker. If the dog still has not engaged the attacker by then, the exercise will be judged as a zero.
The engagements by the dog will be scored as that may discourage most humans from continuing an attack. At a minimum, the dog must bite the attacker so the attacker isn’t able to shake it off with ease. If the dog keeps falling off the bite, maximum 3 times, then the exercise will be judge as a zero.
Engagements are judged by the dog’s ability to control the attacker. This is listed as ‘fight’ on the score sheet, but should reflect the dog’s total ability to hold and control the attacker. A full mouth bite with intensity is the most desired, but other factors are, the dog’s use of its body to control the attacker. This can mean pulling them to the ground, charging into them hard enough to disable them or any other means by which the dog takes complete control of the decoy’s movements.
The handler must give the ‘Out’ command upon the judge’s signal. Additional commands will result in point deductions. The handler has a maximum of 3 attempts before the exercise is scored as a zero. Any time a dog is physically removed from the grip, the entire exercise will be judge as a zero

Surprise Exercise

Scoring for the Surprise Exercise – 40 Possible Points
Points for the Surprise Exercise will be divided among the elements involved in the exercise.

Judging: This is a scenario that could occur in real life and will test the handler’s ability to make decisions as well as the dogs working ability. The exercise will be described to the teams when it is time for this exercise to begin. There is a guard in this exercise. A guard is defined as the dogs intimidating attention on the decoy after being told to release the bite. There is no required position for the dog to go to. They may sit, stand or down, as long as they are attentive enough to stop the chance of escape by the decoy. Focus, attention, and intimidation, will be the judgment criteria in the guard

Call Off

During this exercise, the Handler will be asked to stand on a mark. The Handler may not leave this mark. The purpose of this exercise is to see how quickly the dog responds to the Handler’s command and that the Handler’s command will override the dog’s desire to pursue the Decoy.
There will be a designated mark on the field. The Decoy will be approximately 60 feet away (depending on the size of the field). The Decoy will begin agitation. After the Decoy begins agitation, the Handler may send the dog to engage. After, but not before, the dog passes the designated call off point; the Handler may ‘Call Off’ the dog. The dog should immediately end the pursuit and return to the Handler. The dog must go at least one-third the distance of the field before the handler can call off the dog. The call off line may not exceed one half the distance of the field.
Any words form the handler before the dog reaches the minimum call off line are considered a command and will result in a zero for that exercise. Call off commands given as the dog gets closer to the fleeing decoy will result in higher points. Spirit of the exercise; the dog’s total commitment to engaging the decoy is seen and the dogs drives are at a peak in the send. The handler’s ability to overcome these natural drives with an obedience command demonstrates the spirit of this exercise.

Scoring for the Call Off – 50 Possible Points

Send: 15 Points
The Judges will be looking for intensity from the dog. How confident was the dog? Was the dog hesitant to leave its Handler? If it is evident to the Judges that the dog has no intention of engaging the Decoy, the score for this ENTIRE exercise will be ZERO.

Call Off: 25 Points
The Judges will be looking for how quickly the dog responds to the Handler’s command and how close the dog was to the Decoy when the command was given. If the dog’s teeth touch the Decoy in any manner, the score for this ENTIRE exercise will be ZERO.

Return: 10 Points
The Judges will be looking for the quickness of the dog’s return to the Handler and the assumption of a position of control. This means the dog must return to the Handler without hesitation. The dog may come to either the Handler’s front or side. The dog may sit, lie down or stand. When the dog returns to the Handler, the position used must be held until the, “Exercise Finished”, command is given

Dual Attack

The Handler and dog will go to the area designated. The first Decoy will begin agitation. The Handler will then command the dog to engage this Decoy. On command of the Handler, the dog is to disengage from the first Decoy and engage the second Decoy. After the dog has engaged the second Decoy, the Steward will give a signal for the Handler to have the dog release.

Scoring for the Dual Attack – 50 Possible Points

Send: 10 Points
The Judges will be looking for intensity from the dog. How quickly did it engage the Decoy? How confident was the dog? Was the dog hesitant to leave its Handler and engage?

Fight: 10 Points
The Judges are looking for the dog’s ability to control and dominate the decoy, fullness and intensity of the bite and the dog’s fighting abilities.

Release: 10 Points
The Judges will be looking for the quickness of the dog’s release after the Handler is instructed to and gives the command for the dog to release. If the handler gives more then one command, it will cost points. The handler has a maximum of 3 attempts before the exercise is scored as a zero. Any time a dog is physically removed from the grip, the entire exercise will be judge as a zero.

Fight: 10 Points
The Judges are looking for the dog’s ability to control and dominate the second decoy, fullness and intensity of the bite and the dog’s fighting abilities.

Release: 10 Points
The Judges will be looking for the quickness of the dog’s release after the Handler is instructed to and gives the command for the dog to release. The handler must give the ‘Out’ command upon the judge’s signal. Additional commands will result in point deductions. The handler has a maximum of 3 attempts before the exercise is scored as a zero. Any time a dog is physically removed from the grip, the entire exercise will be judge as a zero.

 

Obstacle Course

During this exercise, the Handler will heel the dog to the start line where they will wait until the Steward’s command. Upon the Steward’s command, the Handler will send the dog. The dog will overcome all obstacles in its path, a maximum of two, and engage the Decoy. The Decoy will remain passive until the dog has cleared all of the obstacles and then begin agitation. The Handler will maintain a position of safety (behind the start line) until the dog engages the Decoy. The dog must engage the Decoy for at least five seconds. The Handler may move forward upon engagement. At the Steward’s command or signal, the Handler will command the dog to release. The dog should quickly release and maintain a guard position until the Steward calls, “Exercise finished”.
If the dog does not complete the obstacle course, the Decoy will not agitate the dog and will remain passive until the exercise is completed.
The obstacle Course is designed to test the dog’s athletic ability as well as its determination to apprehend. Spirit of the exercise: The Spirit of this test is the eager, committed dog overcoming all obstacles to stop and then control the threatening person. The dog should then exhibit a guard that demonstrates control of the decoy as the handler approaches and takes control of the decoy.
The dog is given 3 tries too clear the first obstacle, if the dog doesn’t clear the obstacle after that, the dog will then receive zero points for the entire exercise.

Scoring for the Obstacle Course – 60 Possible Points

Send: 5 Points
The Judges will be looking for intensity from the dog. How quickly did it engage the Decoy? How confident was the dog? Was the dog hesitant to leave its Handler and engage?

Window Jump*: 10 Points
The dog should go through the window without hesitation or Handler assistance.

Hurdle*: 10 Points
The dog should go over the hurdle without hesitation or Handler assistance.

Surprise: 5 Points
The dog should encounter, negotiate and overcome the surprise without hesitation or Handler assistance.

Fight: 10 Points
The Judges are looking for the dog’s ability to control and dominate the Decoy, fullness and intensity of the bite and the dog’s fighting abilities.

Release: 10 Points
The Judges will be looking for the quickness of the dog’s release after the Handler is instructed to and gives the command for the dog to release.

Guard: 10 Points
The dog should go into an automatic guard posture after the release. The Judges will be looking for the dog to intensely watch the passive Decoy.

* The terms Window and Hurdle are used as examples only.

Obstacles will be any object that may be encountered in anyone’s daily life or routine, such as mud puddles, bales of hay, tables, etc. Also included is equipment that is designed for dog training or competition, such as hurdles, window jumps, etc. Jumps may not exceed 40 inches in height. If a combination high/broad jump is used, such as bales of hay stacked two high and two wide, the height may not exceed 30 inches and the length of the jump must not exceed 36 inches.

YOUTH DIVISION

OBEDIENCE EXERCISE (YOUTH)

Obedience exercises will be the same as those in PPD.

PROTECTION EXERCISES (YOUTH)

Protection exercises will be the same as those in PPD.

 

THE SPRIT OF THE EXERCISE

The ‘spirit’ of the exercise is a term used to describe ‘why’ the contestant is competing, not the ‘purpose’ of the exercise. Although both are restaurants, you would not go to a Chinese restaurant and order a pizza, and you would not expect a dog trained for agility to stop an attacker.
The agility dog may jump over the attacker, but, would probably not really engage or take control. The spirit of a protection exercise is the dog’s ability to take control of a situation and control the decoy. Failure to control an attacker in real life could result in your injury or worse in real life. Therefore, on the trial field, that results in a failure to protect, or a ZERO, on a score sheet.
The ‘spirit’ rule also applies to the control exercises. In a Call Off, the purpose is to exhibit control at the most difficult of times. The purpose of a Call Off is to stop the dog from biting. The ‘spirit’ of the Call Off goes beyond that and defines the essence of the exercise. In the ‘spirit’, the dog is going to the attack with commitment to the engagement. The dog’s determination to stop the decoy is evident to all, the dog’s willingness to overcome its desire to engage and return at the handlers command is the ‘spirit’ of the exercise.
A dog may be trained to do an excellent ‘send out’, running 20 meters downfield with tail high and turning sharply to return to the handler. This could look good on the field, and resembles a Call Off, but it is not the ‘spirit’ of a Call Off to show that your dog will do a ‘send out’. What appears to be a mechanically correct exercise would then fail on the field, just as it would fail you in real life if an innocent person accidentally stepped between your dog and a fleeing purse snatcher.
If you want to walk your dog to a park, but the only time the dog has done any heeling is when you are in the obedience ring, the dog may have trouble when asked to heel with no pattern to follow. Though you scored the highest in the ring for your Obedience title, in the real life application required by K9PS, you have failed the spirit of the obedience, because your dog is relying on a pattern and not working as part of a team with you.
Hopefully you can see why using the ‘spirit’ as a judging factor allows K9PS judges to more accurately assess a dog team’s practical ability to be safe in real life. It can also alert the team to the problem of applying show ring type pattern training to the streets, or to a K9PS trial. Hopefully this judging factor will some day save some ones family or life.
It will certainly assure K9PS members that their score sheets are a clear, accurate, picture of their dog’s ability to function properly in all places and circumstances.

TIE BREAKING PROCEDURES

In case of a tie in scores at a trial, and where a tie-breaker is necessary to decide finishing positions for award purposes, then the dog with an AKC CGC or equivalent will be the first deciding factor. If both dogs have a CGC, then the score from the Obedience Exercise portion of the trial will be used.

 

RE-RUN PROCEDURE

A re-run may be requested by any contestant that feels there has been an equipment failure or an inconsistency in the performance of the Decoy(s) or Ring Steward.
A re-run must be requested before the competitor following the protesting contestant begins their run.

PROTEST PROCEDURE

Anyone may register a ‘Protest’ over any run where the judges may fail to recognize a rule infraction or any other official guideline discrepancy that may influence anybody’s score inaccurately. Protests should be made in a timely manner in order to facilitate an accurate decision.
To protest, contact the Ring Steward. A protester may not approach a judge unless also designated as the Ring Steward. The protester will give their account of the infraction to the Steward. If, in the Ring Steward’s assessment, the infraction is a rules or procedure infraction, the protester may post a fifty-dollar ($50) fee with the Ring Steward.
The Ring Steward will then stop the competition and present the infraction to both judges. At their discretion, the judges may interview anyone present or ask for corroborating video from all present.
If the Judges find in favor of the Protester, the fifty dollar fee will be returned and the infraction will be ruled on accordingly, point reduction, re-run, or disqualification as is called for by the Rule Book or By-Laws.

BAITING

Baiting with any type of food, tugs, toys, etc., will only be allowed in the training division.

 

 

Latest page update: June 10, 2010