RH - 1 PROGRAM LOGISTICS
The RH – Rettungshundewesen
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LOGISTICS
The organizational portion of the Testing Event is the responsibility of the Test Organizing Officer, who is charged with overseeing the preparatory and execution exercises of the testing event.
Liability
The dog handler is liable for himself and his dog during the Testing Event. The owner of the dog is liable for any injuries or damages caused by the dog and must be insured as a dog handler against such losses. All instructions given by the judge or Test Organizing Officer are to be accepted and voluntarily executed at the handler's own risk.
Proof or required vaccinations must be furnished to the testing authorities before the test upon request.
AGE LIMITATIONS
The dog must have reached the following age on the day of testing"
RH-E TEST 14 MONTHS
LEVEL A- TEST 18 MONTHS
LEVEL B- TEST 19 MONTHS
LEVEL C- TEST 20 MONTHS
TEMPERAMENT CHECK
The judge is to observe the temperament of the dog at the start of and throughout the whole test. The judge is obliged to disqualify any animal showing obvious temperament inadequacies and to note this down in the log book.
The Temperament Check includes:
a) The self-confidence and composure of the dog around strangers
b) Confidence and composure during unexpected disturbances
c) Resilience during difficult situations such as extended work periods, many dogs working simultaneously, extremes in temperature and weather, presence of dust and smoke, or strong, unpleasant odors etc.
d) Additional temperament inadequacies such as gun shyness, nervousness and its associated aggressiveness, aggressive disposition, fearfulness etc.
DUTIES OF THE TEST PARTICIPANT
Every dog handler is to meet registration deadlines. Any delay in arrival is to be reported to the Test Organizer immediately. Dog handlers are to sign in with the judge fully equipped with the clothing and supplies appropriate for the particular exercise of the test. The handler is to comply with the instructions of the Judge and the Test Organizing Officer, and must complete all parts of a test, even if the minimum score of the given discipline
has not been reached. The test is complete when the results have been announced and entered into the log book and returned to the handler. Any premature termination of the test exercise is to be recorded in the log book along with an explanation.
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Rescue Dogs - Suitability Test RH- 1
Consists of:
Scent Work: Choice of one of three Variations: 100 Points
Obedience with Dexterity 100 Points
Total Possible Points 200 Points
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Section A - Scent Work - Variation Tracking:
Total Possible Points: 100 Points
Alerting Exercise 20 Points
Adherence to Scent Track 50 Points
Objects 3 x 10 30 Points
Time Limit: max. 15 Minutes
Handler’s Track: about 600 paces. 30 min. old.
Two corners conforming to the terrain
Objects: 3 shoe-sized scent objects on the track
A 10 metre leash may be used or the exercise may be performed off leash.
The Starting Point is to be marked.
GENERAL RULES:
Before beginning the search, the dog handler must declare the type of alert the dog will give: alert by barking, alert by "Bringsel", or :Recall", whereby the dog runs back and forth between the dog handler and the victim on the quickest path, thereby leading the handler to the victim. The search-ready dog is allowed to wear an identifying harness and/or collar. The dog handler may choose his own path through the area.
OVERALL PERFORMANCE OF TASK AND VICTIM ALERT:
The judge instructs the victim as to the hiding place before the beginning of the exercise. The hiding place may allow for possible sight and physical contact between dog and victim. Hiding sites may be reused at any time but must be located at least 10 meters apart. The dog handler reports to the judge with his dog ready to search. The judge then informs the handler of the details of the task. The victim is then instructed by the judge to move to the hiding place. The dog handler and dog are allowed to observe the departure of the victim and the dog handler may give verbal motivation to the dog. The search begins at the command of the judge. the dog handler places his dog at a point of his choice. The dog should begin sniffing the area at the command of the handler. This exercise is designed to primarily test the dog's working intensity and obedience. The dog handler may not leave the starting point unless instructed to do so by the judge. The dog must alert clearly when the victim is found. The dog handler must report the alert to the judge and may not go to his dog until instructed to do so by the judge. The dog must remain within 2 meters of the victim while barking, until the dog handler arrives. The composition of the terrain is to be taken into consideration. When employing the "bringsel" or the "Recall" method, the dog must lead its handler to the victim on a direct path. If the alert behavior of the dog is triggered by the dog handler or the victim, the exercise will be awarded 0 points. While alerting, the dog may receive absolutely no support from the dog handler or the victim.
The test is ended by the judge.
MARKS:
1st False Alert: Minus 20 points
2nd False Alert: Termination of the test in Section A
This part of the test is completed when the dog handler reports to the judge and signs out and the judge announces the marks.
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SECTION B- OBEDIENCE AND DEXTERITY
Total-Score / Obedience and Dexterity: 100 Points
Exercise 1 Heeling 10 Points
Exercise 2 Off Leash Heeling 15 Points
Exercise 3 Traversing of unpleasant surfaces 10 Points
Exercise 4 Off leash recall 10 Points
Exercise 5 Walking through a group of people 10 Points
Exercise 6 Traversing three different obstacles 15 Points
Exercise 7 Traversing an elevated rigid wooden board 10 Points
Exercise 8 Carrying and handing over the dog 10 Points
Exercise 9 Lying down while distracted 10 Points
General Rules:
The start and execution of the exercises are to be announced by the judge or a person he appoints. The dog should carry out the exercise willingly and quickly. In the start position, the dog must sit close to the handler on his left side, oriented directly forward, and its shoulder may not be further forward than the handler's knee.
Performance Rules:
1. Heeling On Lead 10 Points
Voice command: "one voice command for "Heel"
The voice command may only be given at the start of each exercise. The handler approaches the judge with his dog on leash, has his dog sit, and presents himself. The leash must be held loosely in the left hand. From the from the start position, the dog must be attentive, heel willingly on the left
side of the handler and remain oriented directly forward, with its shoulder no further forward than the handlers knee. When the handler stops, the dog must sit quickly, without assistance and remain oriented forward. Forging ahead, lagging and straying to the side by the dog, as well as stalling by the handler at the turns, will be penalized. One left hand turn and one right hand turn as well as one about turn in stride must be demonstrated. Halting must be demonstrated two times after which the leash is to be removed.
2. Off Leash Heeling 15 Points
Voice command: "One voice command for "Heel"
The voice command may be given at the start of each exercise. The dog handler is to approach the judge with his dog on leash, have his dog sit, and then present himself. The leash is to be held loosely in the left hand. From the start position, the dog is to be attentive, heel willingly on the left side of the dog handler and remain oriented directly forward, with its shoulder no further forward than the handler's knee. When the dog handler stops, the dog is to sit quickly without assistance and remain oriented forward. Forging ahead, lagging, and straying to the side by the dog, as well as stalling by the dog handler at the turns, will be penalized. One left-hand turn and one right-hand turn as well as one about turn are to be demonstrated in strides. Halting must be demonstrated one time. Two Shots (caliber 6-9 mm) and motor sounds are to be issued as a distraction during the off leash heeling. The dog must be indifferent to the gun shots. Should the dog show any noise shyness or gun-shyness, it will be disqualified from the test. Should the dog become agitated during this shooting, this will be considered acceptable as long as the dog remains under the control of its handler. Only a dog who reacts indifferently to all forms of noise can be awarded full points.
Aggressive and overly shy dogs are to be excluded from the test.
3.Traversing of unpleasant surfaces: 10 Points
Obstacle Field: An area of tin sheeting or steel building lattice of approx. 3x3 meters covered with stones, construction materials, rubble, or similar materials. Voice command: "one voice command for "Heel". The start position is to be assumed in front of the obstacle. At the command "Heel". the handler walks from one end of the obstacle field and back with his dog willingly following in the heel position. On the return stretch, one full stop must be demonstrated. After leaving the obstacle field, the start position is to be assumed.
4. Off leash recall 10 Points
Voice Signals: one each for "Go On!" and "Come!"
From the start position and at the command of the judge, the dog handler is to set his dog free. The dog handler is not allowed to alter his position. When the dog has reached a distance of approx. 10 meters and at the command of the judge, the dog handler is to recall the dog with any voice command. The dog is to return immediately and willingly to the dog handler.
5. Walking through a group of people 10 Points
Voice command: "one voice command for "Heel"
At the command from the judge, the dog handler and his off-leash dog are to move through a shifting group of at least four people. The dog handler must stop at least once in the group.
6. Obstacles 15 Points
Voice commands: One each for "Heel" and "Jump"
The dog is to be led to three natural obstacles, one after another, each time at the voice command for "Heel". Suitable obstacles are, for example, a bush, a barrel, or a post, with a minimum height of 4 m and maximum height of 0.8 m. With voice command for "Jump" the dog must cross the obstacles by jumping completely over them or by jumping on the obstacle and then from the obstacles to the ground
7. Traversing an elevated rigid wooden board 10 Points
Voice command: "one voice command for "Heel"
The dog will be led to the rigid wooden board with ramp. The length of the board should be approximately 4.5 m, the height approximately 0.4 m. with a maximum width of 0.4 m. With the voice command "Heel" the dog must continue to the ramp and traverse the wooden board confidently and calmly with the dog handler remaining at his side.
8. Carrying the dog 10 Points
Voice commands: One each for "Come!" and "Start Position!"
The dog is to be picked up by the handler or another person from the ground or a higher level (e.g. a table) and carried 10 m and then handed over to the dog handler or another person, who carries the dog another 10 m. before setting the dog down. On the command of the judge, the dog handler is to call his dog, which is to assume the start position immediately upon reaching the handler, who then puts his dog on leash. If the dog handler is the person who received the dog, then the dog must remain in position after being set down until the handler is approx. 10 meters away. The handler then calls his dog, who must come and immediately assume the start position. The dog m ay not show any aggression towards the dog handler or the assisting persons.
9. Laying down while distracted 10 Points
Voice commands: One each for "Down" and "Sit up"
At the start of another dog's exercise, the dog handler is to have his dog assume the down stay position "(voice command) at a place indicated by the judge. Neither the leash nor nay objects may be left near the dog. The dog handler must take at least 30 paces, stop, turn and face the dog. The dog must maintain in the "down stay" position without any pressure from the dog handler, while another dog handler team goes through exercises 1-8. During exercise 5, the dog handler of the dog in the down stay position must join the slow moving group and upon completion of exercise 5, the dog handler must return to his previous position without prompting. At the judge's command, the dog handler must return to his dog and take up position on its right side. Upon renewed command of the judge, the dog handler is to give the voice command "Sit up!" and the dog must quickly resume a straight, sitting position.
This part of the test is completed when the dog handler reports to the judge and signs out and the judge announces the marks.
Puppy Tracking
Hello, My name is Marsha Asbury. Mr Al Govednik is my Training Director and the following comes from Al's instructions to me in the very beginning. I have since helped many beginners give their puppies the first start in tracking. I have put it into words and I would like to thank Al for editing this article for me. However, he reminds me to keep in mind that each dog is different and at different ages will be started in different ways. Al may start a 5 wk old puppy in an entirely different manner - but it is always rewarding for the puppy no matter the age. With older dogs he has to take each dog according to its "drive".
Should you have the opportunity to attend an Al Govednik Tracking Seminar please do so.
A STARTING PUPPY TRACK
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Scent Pad:
This at the beginning of your track. Walk in a normal fashion crushing down the vegetation in a section of grass about 15"x15" square or in a triangle with the point going out to the track. You should place a flag on the left side of the scent pad. Your puppy will come to associate the flag with his favorite food. You place a quanity of food all around the scent pad... stepping on it to put the scent on your shoes. You will stay in the scent pad for all of this.
Walking normally in a triangular fashion breaks up the grass to release the scent for the puppy. He will eventually associate the broken grass with the food.
LAYING THE TRACK
From the scent pad you will step (walk normally) heel to toe but not in front of each other. Puppy will learn to go side to side. Place a piece of food in each step. Some like to place the food close to the toe section of the footprint. Now lay the track about 10-20 ft depending on the puppies age. AND keep in mind you might be crawling along on your hands and knees.
At the end of the track place the article with a lot of food on top. Now hop out of your track....An article is a piece of carpet, leather or wood. I started out with a leather patch off an old pair of jeans. And piece of dowel about 4" long worked well for the wood, for the carpet cut it about 1.5"x 4". Now, you can improvize for different shapes and sizes.
Regulation size for articles is max of 1.5" x 4", not more than 1/2"
thick.
Now, staying on his right side bring puppy to about 6' in front of the track and "settle him down" platz him, stroke him (her) talk softly and quietly to them... when they have calmed down somewhat, place lead between the puppies front legs coming out to his right side keeping the lead short so you have some control. Softly say "suk" or "track" and lead them to the scent pad. You may guide your puppy along the way (keep the lead short), may even have to get on your hands and knees to show puppy the way, at this point is is ok to show him the food. With each piece of food he finds softly say good suk.. When you reach the end of
the track where the food and article are platz or down your puppy and while he is down give him even more food... softly saying "good suk" until he gets up... when he is up... it is over (or when you run out of extra food). For the older dogs a can of special dog or cat food at the end works wonders.
DO NOT LET YOUR PUPPY GO BACK DOWN THE TRACK... IF HE MISSED SOMETHING.. HE CAN NOT GO BACK... NOT EVER..
NEVER USE CORRECTIONS OR A STRONG VOICE IN TRACKING...
TRACKING SHOULD BE A PLEASANT..
SOFT AND RELAXING EXPERIENCE.
You can choose to play with your puppy and be all excited after the tracking is over or put your puppy up for a short while to think about it ... then bring him/her out for play. Try both ways and decide which works best for your pup. GSD'S are thinkers and I always put mine away when they were younger and as they got older they could play right afterwards...
Once your puppy has gotten the hang of it... make the track longer/foot steps not so close/ less food/ put a curve in the track and eventually that will become the corner.
It is good if prior to tracking you will take an article and everytime he gets a treat in the house.. put the treat on the article and put it under his chin and say platz... moving the treat downward between his legs/ to the floor. You may have to place your other hand on his back to gently push mostly backward but downwards as he follows the treat & article to the floor...
Aren't puppies wonderful???
This is how I learned to do the puppy tracking and I feel I learned from the best. At least he is called "Al the man" in tracking . Al is also the president of the AWDF.
If I have forgotten anything please feel free to add something in the suggestion box below, hints/tricks/ and tips are all appreciated... 10 ways of doing something and all are correct.
Your Friend,
Marsha Asbury
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