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