TRAFFIC-STEADY COMPANION DOG TEST
BEGLEITHUNDPRÜFUNG (BH)

The BH was introduced to pacify the animal rights and anti-protection-dog-training factions in Europe. As these things go, however, the idea was a good one. It provides an excellent doorway into the Schutzhund sport for interested novices, and demonstrates that the dog has sufficient temperament and training to advance to the SchH1 level.

The dog must pass a BH test and have it noted in the scorebook before going on to SchH1.

The BH is made up of two parts: the first part, the obedience portion, is relatively standardized amongst judges. The second part, the "traffic sureness test," tests the dog under a variety of conditions, seemingly limited only by time and the judge's imagination.

General Rules

The ... scorebook is to be presented to the trial secretary prior to the trial. Should the hosting organization demand a membership or affiliation requirement, then a valid membership card must be presented.

All breed and sizes are eligible to enter the BH test. The minimum entry age is 12 months. At the end of the test, the results are not given out as "points" but only as a "Pass" or "Fail" rating announced by the judge. The test is passed when 70% of the total points (42 out of 60) available in Part A are earned, and the exercises in Part B are considered by the trial judge to be "sufficient".

There is no "waiting period" required before the test may be repeated.

A club may offer BHs on several consecutive days, allowing dogs who fail on one day to re-attempt it on the following day, provided the trial paperwork is submitted showing each day as a separate trial.

The "title" given (BH) is not a "training title" in the sense of the breeding, showing, Körung (breed-survey) or exhibition requirements of a member-club of the VDH.

In other words, while the BH is required for continuing on in Schutzhund, it does not count as a title for breed surveys.

 

Before being permitted to participate in a trial, each dog must pass a test of impartiality and sureness. The testing of the self confidence or impartiality will take place during the entire trial. A dog is to be dismissed from the trial if it demonstrates faulty temperament during the trial even though the initial test for impartiality was positive.

An integral part of the temperament test is the ... examination and verification of the tattoo-number.

No food or toys are allowed: handlers should empty their pockets before stepping on to the trial field. Swinging keys, chewing gum, training vests, scarves, etc. may make the judge question their use as a training aid. Judges may direct the handler to remove these objects. "Each dog-handler must handle his dog in a sportsman-like and irreproachable manner."

No corrections or any form of discipline is allowed during or between exercises.

Only choke chains or fur saver collars are permitted. The collar must not fit tightly around the neck. The lead must be attached to the "dead" ring so that the collar doesn't tighten. Flat leather collars (due to their similarity to electric collars), spike, pinch, prong, electric or flea/tick collars are not permitted. The dog must wear a collar and the handler must carry a lead at all times.

Bitches in heat may compete after all other dogs have been judged for the day. It is the responsibility of the handler to notify the judge and trial secretary that his bitch is in season. The handler should keep his bitch off the trial grounds and away from other dogs until called for his turn.

If there are several in-season bitches entered, they are to draw for positions among themselves, starting at the end of the trial.

All handlers and trial participants shall follow the instructions of the judge and trial chairman/secretary without any disagreement. All decisions by the judge are final.

The handler must exhibit the dog in a sporty and faultless manner. Ill-natured actions or poor sportsmanship will lead to expulsion from the trial. The final decision in all cases rests with the presiding judge and the decision of the judge may not be challenged. A protest is not permitted. In the event any one is expelled from a trial by the judge or trial secretary, the USA Board of Inquiry will review the situation for further possible disciplinary action.

Handlers that possess physical handicaps that hinder movement of the dog on the left side of the handler can show dogs on the right side. In such cases, the dog and handler will be judged without prejudice as long as the performance is analogous to a left heeling dog.

If you plan to send your GSD to Germany for training and titling, make sure you get the BH under an SV judge.

Dogs which come from foreign ownership into German ownership must show proof of having passed a BH-test under an AZG trial judge before they are allowed to enter any further trials.

Dogs of permanent foreign (non-German) ownership, which enter a trial in Germany, do not have to show a BH-test under AZG jurisdiction when they present their foreign score books, but they may only be shown in IPO classes.

Public authority service dogs or dogs with proof of HGH (herding title) do not have to show proof of having passed a BH-test.

Performance

Reporting In

Two dog and handler teams are on the field at the same time. One team performs the moving exercises while the other team does the long down. The two dog/handler teams will report in to the judge at the same time "in a sportsman-like manner". The report consists of the handler stating his/her name, the dog’s call name, and the phase that will be performed. The judge will direct one team to the long down and the other team to the starting place for the moving exercises. Note that if there is an odd number of entries, it is common for the judge to use a "round robin" approach, where three dogs alternate between exercises and being off the field.

While reporting in, the dog must be leashed and must be sitting in the basic heel position.

Directions from the judge

The judge will signal the handler to start an exercise. Everything further, such as turns, halts, changes of pace etc. are carried out without any signal from the judge. The handler may, however, request the judge to give all of these signals.

The handler should be attentive to the judge. Likewise, the judge is expected to promptly acknowledge the handler when starting and completing an exercise. Such acknowledgment may be eye contact, nodding, etc.

The judge may remind a handler if s/he forgets a complete exercise, with no point deduction. This is true for both club trials and championships. However, if the handler fails to perform some portion of an exercise (such as the 3-second pause or forgetting to take the basic position at the completion of an exercise) points will be deducted.

Basic position

All of the obedience routines start from the basic position. This is both a place (starting point) which may be marked or otherwise indicated by the judge, and a position (posture) assumed by both the handler and dog. In the basic position, the handler stands erect and tall, looking forward, with feet squarely under the hips and hands neutral and at his/her sides. The handler may not stand with his/her feet spread apart at any time, and especially for the recall. The dog should be sitting straight, attentive, with his right shoulder blade next to the handler’s left knee.

The ending basic position of one exercise may be used as the starting basic position for the following exercise.

The handler may end an exercise in the basic position, pause briefly (approximately three seconds) and begin the next exercise without assuming a new basic position.

Taking of the basic position is allowed only once per exercise.

Once the handler assumes the basic position, s/he may not move forward, circle, or otherwise re-adjust their position even if the dog is sitting crooked.

Praise

Praising of the dog is allowed after the completion of each exercise. Afterwards the handler may take up a new basic position. If he does not take a new basic position, he must observe a definite 3-second pause between praising the dog and starting the next exercise. Between the exercises, the dog must remain at heel.

Praise is allowed after every individual exercise is completed, but only in the basic position and while the dog is under reasonable control. That means that breaking the dog out to play or any exuberant praise that makes the dog leave the basic position is not permitted, but a couple of pats on the head or body would be permitted.

Since praise is done in the final basic position after an exercise, the handler may assume a new basic position after praising his dog: this starts the new exercise. If the dog is in proper position (straight and attentive) the handler need not assume a new basic position, but must pause for a count of three (or wait for the judge's signal) before starting a new exercise.

In the general discussion of the obedience exercises, the rulebook also states "...Breaking formation or playing is not permitted, although light praise is permitted without breaking heeling."

While contradictory to the statement that "praise is only given in the basic position", this may be interpreted to mean that verbal praise, smiles and brief petting while heeling to the start position for the next exercise is permitted. Exuberant petting while heeling, allowing the dog to jump up or breaking the dog out as you would in training is "breaking formation". You must once again show the basic position for the 3-second pause before proceeding with the next exercise.

(These guidelines are our interpretation of the rules. Remember that all judges are different and what’s mild praise to one might be overboard to another. If you’re unsure what is permitted, ask during the handler’s meeting.)

Body language

Body help from the handler is not permitted and, if used, will be penalized by point deductions.

Looking back to see if the dog is sitting on the moving sit; leaning forward or standing with splayed legs on the recall or turning the head and shoulders on the finish are all common but faulty handler help.

The Buildup

All of the moving exercises start from the basic position and require a buildup of 10-15 paces with the dog at heel before the command is given. The rulebook states a "minimum of 10 paces (maximum 15)": many handlers count 12 for all the exercises. The buildup for the moving exercises begins with the judge's signal.

The Three-second Pause

The handler must observe a 3-second pause everywhere there is a change in the routine. This includes all the fronts and finishes, after returning to the dog on the Sit Out of Motion, and between returning to the dog on the Long Down and giving the sit command. Observe a 3-second pause after each sit in the heeling routine and in the group, unless the judge indicates otherwise.

Voice Commands

The commands allowed are given in the trial rules. In general there is some flexibility at the club trial level (e.g., "get it" instead of "fetch" or "bring"), but judges at national events frequently deduct points for improper commands. Appropriate commands in languages other than German or English are allowed.

The commands are fixed in the Trial Rules. If a dog fails to perform an exercise after three commands are given, the exercise is terminated and no points are given for it.

When recalling the dog, the dog's name may be used instead of the command "Hier" / "Come". However, use of the dog’s name in combination with the command will be counted as a double-command and penalized by a point loss.

Penalties for additional commands:

1st extra command: part exercise rated "satisfactory"

2nd extra command: part exercise rated "faulty"

Heeling

At the command "Fuß" / "Heel" the dog must always go with the handler happily, attentively and close, with his shoulder blade at knee-height, through all changes of pace, turns, and in the group.

During the Heeling on Lead, the lead is held in the left hand and must hang loose.

The dog must travel straight next to the handler and, whenever the handler stops, he must automatically sit fast and straight beside the handler. In doing this the dog must remain calm and attentive. At the various changes of pace, the handler must be careful to make distinct changes of speed: normal walking, fast running (not a sprint), and slow walking.

The change of pace from fast into slow must take place without any "normal" transition steps in between.

The command "Fuß" / "Heel" is permitted only at the start and when changing pace.

Fronts and Finishes

The dog must sit in front fast, close and straight. Upon command, after the required 3-second pause or on the judge’s signal, the dog must take up the ending basic position (go from "front" to "finish") fast and close. The dog may perform the "finish" by going around behind the handler or by executing a military (flip) "finish" from in front of the handler.

Returning to the dog

The handler may return from the front or by going around behind the dog.

The Exercises

Heel on Leash	15 points
Heel Free	15 points
Sit out of Motion	10 points
Down out of Motion with Recall	10 points
Long Down under Distraction	10 points

Heel on Leash. 15 points

The Heel on Lead begins in the basic position. The lead is held in the handler's left hand and must hang loose.

To achieve full points, the dog must travel straight next to the handler. Forging, lagging, crowding, heeling wide or heeling crooked (with the head in and the rear out) are incorrect. During halts the dog must sit automatically, fast and straight, beside the handler. The dog must remain calm and attentive throughout heeling. During the changes of pace, the handler must make distinct changes of speed.

The command "Fuß" / "Heel" is permitted only at the start and when changing pace.

Starting at the basic position, the handler gives the heel command and walks a minimum of 50 paces in a straight line down the center of the field. After 50+ paces the dog and handler execute a Schutzhund (left) about turn, and continue back down the center of the field in the opposite direction. After approximately 12 more paces at a normal speed, the handler commands heel and runs for 12 paces. The fast should be at a definite run, not just fast walking, and fast enough that the dog runs as well. After 12 paces of running, the handler commands heel and slows for approximately 12 paces of slow walking. After 12 paces, the handler gives the command heel again and resumes a normal pace.

 

The change of pace from fast into slow must take place without any "normal" transition steps in between.

This statement does not mean that there can't be a smooth transition between the speed changes. Prior to 1991 the rules called for 10 normal paces between the fast and the slow; this has been removed. However, the transition between fast and slow may be smooth and harmonious, not abrupt. For the slow pace, the handler should slow his/her steps while maintaining smooth forward motion. Pausing or hesitating between each step will appear choppy.

The typical heeling pattern calls for at least one right turn, one left turn, and one Schutzhund about turn at the normal pace. One halt is also demonstrated after the about turn and while moving in a straight line. The handler should pause for a count of three (or wait for the judge's signal) before resuming heeling. At the completion of the turns, the handler heels into the group.

Group. The group is the last part of the Heel on Lead exercise and the first part of the Heel Free exercise. Therefore, the only time that the dog may be praised is at the end of the on-lead heeling.

 

Heeling through the Group of moving people is to be shown both on-lead and off-lead in [the] BH.

In the Group, the handler must heel the dog around at least 2 persons, one to the left and one to the right (i.e. in a figure-eight), and must halt at least once near a person. The judge may request the handler to repeat the procedure.

In [the] BH ... the unleashing of the dog after the heeling on-lead takes place outside the Group in the basic position.

The group consists of (usually) four people who slowly move in place while the handler and dog heel among them. Most judges like to see a figure-8 pattern, with at least one left turn, one right turn and one halt. Halts should be done close to a group member. The judge may ask for additional heeling through or halts in the group.

After each halt, the handler must pause for a count of three or a signal from the judge before continuing.

At the judge's signal, the dog and handler heel out of the group a short distance, execute an about turn, and halt. The handler removes the leash in the basic position and places it in a pocket, around his/her waist or over the left shoulder with the snap on the right side opposite the dog. The handler may briefly praise the dog at this point.

 

Praising of the dog after leaving the Group is permitted only in the ending basic position.

Heel Free. 15 points

After assuming a new basic position or after a 3-second pause (or on the judge's signal) the handler heels back into the group. A left turn, right turn and halt are again demonstrated. Upon the judge's signal, the dog and handler leave the group and heel to the starting point for the remainder of the off-lead heeling exercise. The dog and handler assume the basic position and after a 3-second pause begin heeling.

in [the] BH ... begins with the Group heeling. After leaving the Group in the free-heeling exercise, a new basic position is to be taken.

The handler may not praise the dog after leaving the group. When the basic position is taken before free-heeling, the exercise is already in progress and praise therefore would be faulty.

Sit out of Motion. 10 points

The Sit out of Motion begins from the basic position. The handler and free-heeling dog begin the build-up by walking straight ahead at a normal pace.

Within 10-15 paces, the "Sitz" / "Sit" command is given and the dog must sit fast and straight without the handler interrupting his pace or looking backwards. The dog must sit quietly. After walking at least 30 paces further the handler stops and immediately turns around towards the dog. On the judge's signal the handler returns to the dog and takes up the basic position at the dog's right side.

Previously, many handlers stopped, paused briefly and then turned to face the dog. Note the rules now say to "immediately turn" and face the dog. The handler may go around behind the dog or go directly to his right side and turn.

If the dog lies down or remains standing instead of sitting, the point deduction is 5 points in BH...

Under "Acceptance of Commands in the Development of an Exercise" the rulebook states:

The Sit, Down and Stand exercises are to be performed on single commands. An additional command is permitted immediately after the first command, and will be penalized the same as a faulty performance.

If the dog does not take the command, two additional commands may be given.

Under "Procedure: Voice Commands" the rulebook states:

Penalties for additional commands: 1st extra command: [that portion] of the exercise is rated "satisfactory"; 2nd extra command: [that portion] of the exercise is rated "faulty" [insufficient].

These statements appear to be contradictory. A sample breakdown of the exercise:

Exercise performed without fault: one command, fast response, pickup correct = 10 points, excellent.

One command given, the dog remains in place but downs or stands, pickup correct = 5 points, faulty (insufficient = "mangelhaft").

One command given, the dog continues walking, receives and obeys a second command, it is either "satisfactory" (7-7.5 points) or "faulty" (4-6.5 points), depending on how the rest of the exercise is executed (and where in the rulebook you read it).

Two extra commands = 4 - 6.5 points, "faulty".

Down out of Motion with Recall. 10 points

The handler goes straight out, at a normal pace, from the basic position with his dog heeling free. Within 10-15 paces the dog, on the command "Platz" / "Down", must lie down fast and straight without the handler interrupting his pace or looking around backwards. After at least 30 further paces, the handler stops and immediately turns around to face the dog. On the judge's signal he recalls the dog, either with the command "Hier" / "Come" or with the dog's name.

The dog must come to the handler happily, rapidly and directly and must sit close and straight in front of him.

After a 3-second pause or on a signal from the judge, the handler commands the dog to finish in the basic position.

On the command "Fuß" / "Heel" the dog must rapidly go to the basic position.

If the dog remains standing, or sits, at the "Platz" command, 5 points will be deducted.

The handler should stand erect with his/her feet directly under the hips and not splayed widely apart. Arms should be held neutrally at the sides. Leaning forward, head ducking and shoulder movements are all considered handler help and will be penalized.

The leash should be put on the dog at this point while in the basic position before heeling over to the long down spot or before reporting in to the judge.

Long Down under Distraction. 10 points

A location for the long down will be designated by the judge. Dogs and bitches should have separate areas which should be marked by flags. On the judge's signal, the handler heels with his/her dog on leash to the area indicated. The handler stops in the basic position, facing the direction of the blind or place where s/he will be waiting. The lead is removed and put away with the dog sitting in the basic position. The handler gives the down command while standing straight and facing forward: the handler may not point at the ground or otherwise give handler help to the dog. When the dog has complied, the handler walks away without turning approximately 30 paces to the place indicated by the judge and stands with his/her back to the dog.

At the judge's signal and at the completion of the obedience of the other dog, the handler returns directly to the dog's right side. After a 3-second pause or at the judge's signal, the handler commands the dog to sit. The leash is attached while the dog is sitting in the basic position.

At the beginning of the obedience routine of another dog, and on the judge's signal, the handler "downs" his dog from the basic position at a spot designated by the judge. No leash or other article is to be left with the dog. The handler moves away to a distance of 30 paces. In BH ... the handler then stands with his back to the dog. During the Down, the dog must remain lying quietly. On the judge's signal, the handler goes to the dog's right side and, after a 3-second pause, takes the dog into the basic position with the command "Sitz".

In the BH test, a partial score cannot be given if the dog leaves the "Down" position prematurely.

The dog may not leave the "Down" position by more than three meters at any time during the long down.

If the dog sits or stands up, or lies restlessly, ... a partial score will result.

If the dog is restless or sits up, points will be deducted but the dog will still receive some points if it does not move more than the allowed 3 meters.

If the dog approaches the handler as he comes to pick the dog up, the exercise will be rated "satisfactory".

The dog that gets up and goes to the approaching handler will receive no more than a Satisfactory rating (at least a 3-point deduction).

After both handlers have done their routines, they report back to the judge.

The BH obedience portion is pass/fail. Although some judges will give the point total, this is frowned upon. The passing score of 70% minimum (42 points out of 60 total) in part A is required. If the dog passes the obedience portion, it will go on to (at the judge's discretion) the "traffic sureness" portion of the BH.

What the judge is looking for:

As in all the Schutzhund obedience exercises, the judge is looking for spirit balanced by accuracy and precision.

"Correct heeling position is important. Every exercise starts and ends with the dog at heel in the basic position. It is judged in every obedience exercise in one form or another. The dog must remain in a consistent position with its shoulder beside the handler's knee, and must be attentive to the handler at all times. The team must demonstrate normal, fast and slow heeling with smooth changes between paces. The dog must match its speed to that of the handler. Judges evaluate, in particular, the start, turns, changes of pace and the halts. The overall attitude of the dog is critical. The picture the handler wants to present is of a happy working dog pleasing its master by staying exactly along side, regardless of what the handler does.

"The most common faults observed include inattentiveness, sullen attitudes, wide turns, lagging and forging in the changes of pace, and crooked, slow sits. Handlers can create a negative impression by failing to show the complete heeling pattern and by not taking enough steps in the fast, slow, etc. This often places the dog at a disadvantage when the handler tries to cut short the heeling between the turns and the halt."

—Excerpted from "The Heeling Exercise" by G. Shumaker, Schutzhund USA, July/August, 1991.

By permission from Big Sky's Website

Comments & Correspondence to:

sam@bigskyschutzhund.bizland.com