Courage Test - Page 1

In the courage test for SchH 1,2 and 3 is the handler permitted to hold the dogs collar when saying "stop or I'll send my dog"? Thanks, Melanie

You are permitted to slip one or two fingers under the collar, but the dog must remain sitting and "calm" to receive all points. It is different in the breed survey where one is allowed to hold the dog but actively pump the dog up by talking to it, vigorously thumping it on the side etc. Remember, you can not say "packen" or bite him or any such thing when releasing the dog. Most good and well trained dogs need no verbal stimulus anyway as they know what they want.

Hodie, thank you for your reply. Question: So the dog is to remain calm while the helper runs towards us waiving his stick? and I can't tell him to packen?? Is the release of the collar the dogs indication he should go? Well we are definitely going to have to work on the sitting calm thing, but how many points do they take off if the dog is chomping at the bit whilst I hold his collar?? Thanks, Melanie

Melanie, I would not worry too much about the dog chomping at the bit. As soon as you release the dogs' collar he will go. The release should be on the judges' signal and not before. The dog will take off, or should take off, toward the helper. There is a politically correct issue about telling a dog to bite, in any way, so one can not do that, by rule. This was a change from just a few years ago when one could tell the dog to "packen". Now just saying something like ok, or go or nothing at all is the only thing one can say. But again, it is not necessary anyway. Just let the dog go. As long as the dog is not completely out of control while you are waiting for the judge to signal to let it go, I do not think you will loose enough points to worry about. If the dog does not engage the helper, that is what you want to really worry about. Sharyn

There is a new twist to the Courage Test...and that is you're not supposed to yell anything at the Helper as he's coming towards you...But I'm not sure if they take points off yet for that or not...

yes you can hold the collar - they are not counting how many fingers are in the collar :) - but your dog must sit quiet, not "fire up". On the judges direction, you let go of the collar and the dog should know what to do. You are not allowed to say "Packen" but if you do, just don't say it loud enough for the judge to hear you. molly

Thanks everyone:-)