At schutzhund/VPG trials, one helper can be used for all levels, but if there are seven or more dogs in the trial, two helpers should be used. The same helper must be used for all handlers within any one trial level.

Dogs that are not kept in control by the handler, or that will not “out” (Aus!) after the defense exercise or do so only through the active influence of the handler, or that bite other parts of the body than the proffered schutzhund sleeve, must be disqualified. The result is no TSB rating being given.

If a dog refuses to engage to defend its handler in the attack/defense exercise, or leaves the area, this phase “C” is to be halted. The dog is given no appraisal. The “TSB” evaluation has to be accomplished. The command fore the release (“Aus”), if needed, is allowed one time during each defense exercise. The evaluation for the “out” is in the table below.

1. Search the Blinds for the Helper 5 points

a) Commands

Commands for the blind search by tacking or quartering (sweeping the filed side-to-side), and calling the dog back (this can include the use of the dog’s name as well as the “recall”): Voran or Revier, Heir.

b) Performance

The helper is found hiding in the last blind, initially out of view of the dog. The handler with his freely heeling dog starts between the 2nd and 3rd blinds, so that four lateral sweeps to the two sided are possible. instruction of the judge, the working out of Phase “C” begins. With short voice commands such as “Revier!” and hand signals with the right or left arm (which may be repeated), the dog must quickly leave the handler and purposefully, closely, and side, the handler calls the dog (“Hier!”) toward himself and directs it during the movement toward the subsequent blinds with a renewed command to “Revier!” The handler proceeds in a normal walking speed along the aforementioned centerline, which he may not leave during the dog’s searches. The dog must always be in front of the handler. When the dog reaches the helper’s hiding place, the handler must stop and remain standing, and no further voice commands and/or hand signals are allowed.

c) Evaluation/Scoring

Deficiencies in control of or by the dog, in regard to free and purposeful attempts to find the helper, as well as in close and attentive circling of the blinds, result in appropriate deductions.

2. Hold and Bark 10 points

a) Commands

Commands for the recall, finish/heel : Hier, Fub

b) Performance

The dog must actively and attentively “hold” (guard) the helper with persistent barking. The dog may not jump onto the helper, nor grab him. After staying there for approximately 20 seconds, and after an order from the judge, the handler directly approaches to within 5 paces of the blind. After another directive from the judge, the handler calls his dog back to the basic position.

c) Evaluation /Scoring

Deficiencies in guarding with continuous, determined barking, and very eagerly pressing the helper to keep him in his place, or this activity being influenced by voice commands or the presence of the judge or the approaching handler, are scored accordingly. For persistent barking, 5 points will be awarded. If the dog barks only weakly, it will get 2 points, and if it does not bark yet remains actively and attentively guarding the helper, 5 points are deducted. “Bothering” the helper (biting, jumping on, bumping, etc.) will cost them up to 2 points, and strong grips upto 9 points. If the dog leaves the helper before the judge’s order is given for the handler to leave the centerline where he was to stop, the dog can be ordered once more to go to the helper (Revier). If the dog then remains at the helper and barking, Phase “C” can be continued; however, a rating of Unsatisfactory/Faulty is given. If the dog does not renew his bark and-hold, or if the dog leaves the helper again, Phase “C” is terminated at that point. If the dog comes to meet the handler when he approaches the blind, or comes to the handler before being called off, it is given a partial score and rated as Unsatisfactory/Faulty.

3. Prevention of Escape Attempts by the Helper : 20 points

a) Voice Commands

Commands for finish, down, releases : Fub, Platz, Aus.

b) Performance

On the judge’s order, the handler calls the helper to step out from the blind. The helper proceeds at a normal walk to the designated starting point for the escape attempt. Following an indication by the judge, the handler proceeds with his freely heeling dog to a designated waiting place to prepare for the escape attempt. The distance between helper and dog is about 5 paces. The handler then puts his guarding dog in a “Platz” (down) position, leaves it, and goes behind the blind, but he must still be able to observe the dog, the helper and the judge.

Following an order/signal from the judge, the helper undertakes an escape attempt. The dog must frustrate this attempt without hesitation, independently, effectively, and with energetic and robust gripping. It may only attack the helper by biting him on the schutzhund sleeve. Upon the judge’s order, the helper stands still.

After the helper stops the struggle, the dog must release immediately. The handler can also give a voice command for “Aus” after an appropriate time.

If the dogs does not “out” after the first allowed command, the handler receives the judge’s direction to give up to two further voice commands for the “out”. If the dog does not “out” after the third command (one allowed without deduction and two additional), it results in a disqualification. During the “Aus!” command, the handler must stand still, without otherwise influencing the dog. After the release, the dog must remain close to the helper and guard him attentively.

c) Evaluation/Scoring

Not meeting the essentials of the following important performance criteria results in appropriate deductions : fast, energetic reaction, fast pursuit with robust grip and effective prevention of the escapee’s flight, full calm and steady grip up until the stopping of the fight by the helper. If the dog remains lying down when the helper tries to run away, or does not stop the flight through grabbing and holding on within approximately 20 steps, the exercise and the rest of “C” are terminated.

If the dog in the bark-and-hold process of guarding is slightly inattentive and/or slightly bothering the helper, about 1 point is deducted from the exercise. If the dog is very inattentive and/or is strongly annoying the helper, then around 2 points are deducted from the exercise. If the dog does not hold (guard) the aid, yet remains in place, around 3 points are taken off. If the dog leaves the helper, or if the handler gives a command to make sure that the dog remains at the helper, Phase “C” is terminated.