ak9psrules

NB. __Before competing in any recognised AusK9 Pro Sport trial, a dog must have attained its GA,
Guardian Angel certificate ; or the equivalent bona fide CGC Canine Good Citizen___

K-9 PRO SPORTS RULE BOOK

Introduction

SAFETY RULE #1 ;
A judge will have the safety of the participants and spectators as their priority. A judge may excuse any dog from an exercise or the competition for the general safety of
the participants. There is no protest allowed on safety issues.

Spirit of the Exercise
Fulfilment of the Spirit of the Exercise is at either Judges discretion. Spirit is accomplishing the fundamental requirements of the exercise. Failure may be seen in
Obedience as disregard for the handler or commands through much of the routine. Protection failure may be lack of commitment to the fight or complete failure to
engage. Ritual or pattern like performance, as in a Call Off when the dog is sent out but is awaiting the recall, due to prior Pattern training for the exercise. All commands
should be followed by the dog with no more than three commands from the handler

Obedience Disqualification;
1.Disregard of the handler, or refusal from the dog to follow commands in a consistent manner.
2.The appearance of an abused or intimidated posture by the dog. Use of improper equipment.
3.Harsh actions by the handler that may be detrimental to the dog or conduct damaging to the image of the dog industry.

Protection Disqualifications;
1.Failure to engage or protect the handler.
2. Failure to release the bite.

Civil Agitation Zero;
1.Dog distracted and allowing the decoy to "Tag" the handler
2. Or in the judges view exposing the Handler to the point that the Decoy could have tagged the handler but due to Decoy discretion, safety, etc. Decoy chose not to tag.

Call Off Zero;
1. Early call off commands before the designated minimum call off mark.
2. Dogs tooth touching any fabric on the Decoys suit.

Obstacle Course Zero;
1. Failure to negotiate the first obstacle

Handler Disqualifications;
1.Disrespectful attitude or behaviour to the Judges, Officials, or fellow competitors.
2.Harsh treatment of any dog.
3. Allowing his/her dog to act in a manner unsafe to others.
All behavioural disqualifications must be preceded by a warning from the Ring Steward at the direction of either Judge.

DIVISIONS

TRAINING

The Training Division is open to any person, thirteen years of age or older wishing to compete and see where they and their dog stand in their training without having to
complete the full requirements of the PPD exercises.

PERSONAL PROTECTION DOG (PPD)

The PPD Division is open to any person, thirteen years of age or older, wishing to compete. The Personal Protection Dog is defined as one with the abilities to Detect a
possible threat, and, at the Handler's discretion, to Deter, and if necessary Defend and protect, its' Handler from the threat. There is no limit to the number of years that
a dog may compete in the Personal Protection Dog Division. The dog may receive the PPD and/or the PPDX Certification only one time.

PATROL DOG (PD)

The PD Division is open to any person, thirteen years of age or older, wishing to compete. The Professional Protection Dog is defined as one with the abilities, and at
the discretion of the Handler, to apprehend and control a potential threat.

TRAINING DIVISION

OBEDIENCE EXERCISE (TRAINING) – 65 POINTS

Equipment: Six foot leash with buckle collar or harness. No other equipment may be on the dog.

Exercise: Obedience patterns will vary. Patterns will consist of the following elements, Heel, Sit, Down, Stay, Stay from Motion, Left Turn, Right Turn, About Turn, Fast
Pace, Slow Pace, and may also include jumps and distractions.

Scoring for Obedience – 65 Possible Points

Heeling: 15 Points
The Handler will cue the dog on the command to begin the exercise. Each command or cue thereafter, unless otherwise specified, will result in a deduction of points.
Proper heeling position for a PPD should not change in relation to the handler from the first step to the last. The dog should be attentive to its’ Handler, while maintaining
an awareness of its surroundings.

Turns: 5 Points each
The dog must stay at the Handler’s side throughout the turns. Forging, lagging or bumping into the Handler or cueing the dog will result in a deduction of points.

Change of Pace: 5 Points
The Steward will give either the command, “Slow Pace” or,”Fast Pace”. Dogs must stay at the Handler’s side as the Handler changes pace from Normal – Slow – Normal
or Normal – Fast – Normal. The Handler’s change of pace needs to be obvious to the Judges. The Handler is allowed to give a command or cue at each change of pace.

Distraction: 5 Points
A distraction, during the obedience, may be anything that could be encountered in a normal daily living situation. Training equipment may not be used.

Figure Eight: 10 Points
At the Stewards command of, “Figure Eight”, the Handler and dog will heel in a figure eight pattern around two points. The two points may be traffic cones, people,
chairs, etc. Forging, lagging or bumping into the Handler or cueing the dog will result in a deduction of points. The Handler and dog may enter into the figure eight
pattern on either the right or left side of the first point.

Change of Position: 10 Points
At the command of “Halt” from the Steward, the Handler will stop. The Steward will then command, “Leave your dog and go to the end of your leash, turn and face your
dog”. When the Handler has completed the command, the Steward will wait at least five seconds and give the command, “Change position”. At this command, the
Handler will have the dog change to any other position. After at least five seconds, the Steward will again command, “Change Position”. The Handler will have the dog
change positions again. After at least another five seconds, the Steward will command, “Return to your dog”.

PROTECTION EXERCISES (TRAINING) – 90 POINTS

Civil Agitation

During this exercise the Handler will be asked to stand on a mark. The Handler may not move from this mark. The purpose of this exercise is to see how the dog
responds to a passive, friendly person (not a padded Decoy) and to an aggressive person after the Handler has commanded the dog to be alert and to protect.

During this exercise the Decoy will have NO protection. It is EXTREMELY important that the dogs are properly and securely collared for the Decoy’s protection. The
Handler will be asked to hold the leash and assume a secure stance to ensure the safety of the Decoy.

Equipment: Six foot leash with flat buckle collar or approved harness. During this exercise, and only this exercise, the dog will be required to wear a chain slip (also
called a choke or correction) back-up collar. The back-up collar will be clipped to the leash with the flat buckle collar. A backup-up collar will not be required for dogs
using a harness. No other equipment may be on the dog.

Scoring for Civil Agitation – 50 Possible Points

Alert: 10 Points
When cued by the Decoy, the Handler will alert the dog. At this point the Decoy will remain passive. The Judges are looking to see how your dog responds to your cue.
After a few seconds, the Decoy will become aggressive.

Aggression: 20 Points
The Judges are looking to see the intensity of the dog, specifically, will the dog do whatever it takes to protect you and bite without the presentation of equipment.

Attack on Handler

While out for a walk, the Handler is attacked from behind. This attack simulates a surprise attack. The Judges want to see, in a real life situation, if you were attacked
from behind, will the dog protect you.

Scoring for Attack on Handler – 40 Possible Points

Heeling: 15 Points
The dog must display control. The dog should heel both onto and off the field.

Bite: 15 Points
The Judges are looking for the dogs’ ability to control and dominate the Decoy, fullness and intensity of the bite and the dogs fighting abilities.

Control after the Bite: 10 Points
The Judges will be looking at the dog’s responses after the release. Did the dog guard, return to the Handler, re-bite, etc.? Could the dog be heeled off the field or did it
need to be dragged away by the Handler?

PERSONAL PROTECTION DOG DIVISION

OBEDIENCE EXERCISE (PPD) – 100 POINTS

Equipment: Six foot leash with buckle collar or harness. No other equipment may be on the dog.

Exercise: Obedience patterns will vary. Patterns will consist of the following elements, Heel, Sit, Down, Stay, Stay from Motion, Left Turn, Right Turn, About Turn, Fast
Pace, Slow Pace, and may also include jumps and distractions.

Scoring for Obedience – 100 Possible Points

Heel: 15 Points
The Handler will cue the dog on the command to begin the exercise. Each command or cue thereafter, unless otherwise specified, will result in a deduction of points.
Proper heeling position for a PPD should not change in relation to the handler from the first step to the last. The dog should be attentive to its Handler, while maintaining
an awareness of it’s’ surroundings.

Turns: 5 Points each
The dog must stay at the Handler’s side throughout the turns. Forging, lagging, or bumping into the Handler or cueing the dog will result in a deduction of points.

Change of Position: 10 Points
At the command of “Halt” from the Steward, the Handler will stop. The Steward will then command, “Leave your dog and go to the end of your leash, turn and face your
dog”. When the Handler has completed the command, the Steward will wait at least five seconds and give the command, “Change position”. At this command, the
Handler will have the dog change to any other position. After at least five seconds, the Steward will again command, “Change Position”. The Handler will have the dog
change positions again. After at least another five seconds, the Steward will command, “Return to your dog”.

Change of Pace: 5 Points
The Steward will give either the command, “Slow Pace” or, “Fast Pace”. Dogs must stay at the Handler’s side as the Handler changes pace from Normal – Slow – Normal
or Normal – Fast – Normal. The Handler’s change of pace needs to be obvious to the Judges. The Handler is allowed to give a command or cue at each change of pace.

Figure Eight: 10 Points
At the Stewards command of, “Figure Eight”, the Handler and dog will heel in a figure eight pattern around two points. The two points may be traffic cones, people,
chairs, etc. Forging, lagging or bumping into the Handler or cueing the dog will result in a deduction of points. The Handler and dog may enter into the figure eight
pattern on either the right or left side of the first point.

Stay From Motion: 10 Points
While heeling, the Handler will be given the command, “Leave your dog”. At the command the Handler will cue the dog to Stay. The dog may stay in the Sit, Down or
Stand position during the Stay From Motion exercise. In this exercise the Handler should not change pace or stop with the dog. The dog should be commanded to stay
as the Handler keeps a steady pace and walks to the designated area.

Distraction: 5 Points
A distraction, during the obedience, may be anything that could be encountered in a normal daily living situation. Training equipment may not be used.

Recall: 15 Points
When commanded, the Handler will call the dog. The dog must return to a position of control. The dog must come directly to the Handler without hesitation. The dog
may come to either the Handler’s front or side. The dog may sit, lie down or stand. When the dog returns to the Handler, the position used must be held until the,
“Exercise Finished”, command is given.

PROTECTION EXERCISES (PPD) – 150 POINTS

During the Protection Exercises contestants will be judged on the overall control of their dog. The dog should display control from the time the team enters the field until
the time they leave the field.

Civil Agitation

During this exercise the Handler will be asked to stand on a mark. The Handler may not move from this mark. The purpose of this exercise is to see how the dog
responds to a passive, friendly person (not a padded Decoy) and to an aggressive person after the Handler has commanded the dog to be alert and to protect.

During this exercise the Decoy will have NO protection. It is EXTREMELY important that the dogs are properly and securely collared for the Decoy’s protection. The
Handler will be asked to hold the leash and assume a secure stance to ensure the safety of the Decoy.

Equipment: Six foot leash with flat buckle collar or approved harness. During this exercise, and only this exercise, the dog will be required to wear a chain slip (also
called a choke or correction) back-up collar. The back-up collar will be clipped to the leash with the flat buckle collar. A backup-up collar will not be required for dogs
using a harness. No other equipment may be on the dog.

Scoring for Civil Agitation – 50 Possible Points

Alert: 10 Points
When cued by the Decoy, the Handler will alert the dog. At this point the Decoy will remain passive. The Judges are looking to see how your dog responds to your cue.
After a few seconds, the Decoy will become aggressive.

Aggression: 20 Points
The Judges are looking to see the intensity of the dog, specifically, will the dog do whatever it takes to protect you and bite without the presentation of equipment.

Distraction: 20 Points
Again, the Judges are looking for intensity. How easily can the dog be persuaded not to protect you? Does the dog understand that although this Decoy may seem
friendly and want to pet him or play BALL, that he is still a threat and the dog must protect?

Attack on Handler

While out for a walk, the Handler is attacked from behind. This attack simulates a surprise attack. The Judges want to see, in a real life situation, if you were attacked
from behind, will the dog protect you.

Scoring for Attack on Handler – 50 Possible Points

Heeling: 15 Points
The dog must display control. The dog should heel both onto and off the field.

Bite: 15 Points
The Judges are looking for the dogs’ ability to control and dominate the decoy, fullness and intensity of the bite and the dogs’ fighting abilities.

Release: 10 Points
The Judges will be looking for the quickness of the dog’s release after the Handler is instructed to and gives the command for the dog to release.

Control after the Bite: 10 Points
The Judges will be looking at the dog’s responses after the release. Did the dog return to the Handler, re-bite, etc.? Could the dog be heeled off the field or did it need
to be dragged away by the Handler?

Courage Test

During this exercise the Handler will heel the dog to the start line where they will wait for the Stewards’ command. The Steward will ask if the Handler is ready. The
Handler may send the dog at any time after the agitation begins.

Distractions by the Decoy, or the environment, may be used to test the dogs’ commitment to the engagement. At the stewards command, the Handler will call the dog to
release and return to the Handler.

Scoring for the Courage Test – 50 Possible Points

Send: 10 Points
The Judges will be looking for intensity from the dog. How quickly did it engage the Decoy? How confident was the dog? Was the dog hesitant to leave its Handler and
engage or did it give 110% to protect its Handler.

Bite: 15 Points
The Judges are looking for the dogs’ ability to control and dominate the decoy, fullness and intensity of the bite and the dogs’ fighting abilities.

Release: 10 Points
The Judges will be looking for the quickness of the dog’s release after the Handler is instructed to and gives the command for the dog to release.

Handler Position: 15 Points
The Judges will be looking to see the level of control the Handler exhibited in bringing the dog back to the starting line. Moving forward to get control of the dog will
expose the Handler to danger, therefore, the closer the position the Handler requires to get control of their dog, the lower the score.

PROFESSIONAL PROTECTION DOG
DIVISION

OBEDIENCE EXERCISE (PrPD) – 100 POINTS

Equipment: All equipment must be removed from the dog before the exercise begins.

Exercise: Obedience patterns will vary. Patterns will consist of the following elements, Heel, Sit, Down, Stay, Stay from Motion, Left Turn, Right Turn, About Turn, Fast
Pace, Slow Pace, jumps and distractions, one surprise exercise and a down on recall.

Scoring for Obedience – 100 Possible Points

Heel: 15 Points
The Handler will cue the dog on the command to begin the exercise. Each command or cue thereafter, unless otherwise specified, will result in a deduction of points.
Proper heeling position for a PPD should not change in relation to the handler from the first step to the last. The dog should be attentive to its Handler, while maintaining
an awareness of its surroundings.

Turns: 5 Points each
The dog must stay at the Handler’s side throughout the turns. Forging, lagging or bumping into the Handler or cueing the dog will result in a deduction of points.

Change of Position: 10 Points
At the command of “Halt” from the Steward, the Handler will stop. The Steward will then command, “Leave your dog”, “Forward”, “Turn and face your dog”. When the
Handler has completed the command, the Steward will wait at least five seconds and give the command, “Change position”. At this command, the Handler will have the
dog change to any other position. After at least five seconds, the Steward will again command, “Change Position”. The Handler will have the dog change positions
again. After at least another five seconds, the Steward will command, “Return to your dog”.

Change of Pace: 5 Points
The Steward will give either the command, “Slow Pace” or, “Fast Pace”. The dog must stay at the Handler’s side as the Handler changes pace from Normal – Slow –
Normal and Normal – Fast – Normal. The Handler’s change of pace needs to be obvious to the Judges. The Handler is allowed to give a command or cue at each
change of pace.

Figure 8: 10 Points (Optional - May be used instead of Pass & Pick Up)
At the command of, “Figure Eight”, the Handler and dog will heel in a figure eight pattern around two points. The two points may be traffic cones, people, chairs, etc. On
command the Handler will leave the dog in the center of the pattern. The handler will then circle the points until told to ‘Pickup the dog”. At this time the Handler will call
the dog to heel and exit the pattern. Forging, lagging or bumping into the Handler or cueing the dog will result in a deduction of points. The Handler and dog may enter
into the pattern on either the right or left side of the first point.

Pass & Pick Up: 10 Points
The Handler will leave his dog in motion and circle the dog at varying paces as commanded by the Steward. The dog should remain on the heeling side as the Handler
passes the dog. A dog failing to remain in a stable “stay” position or a dog that is slow to resume the heel in motion position will lose points.

Stay From Motion: 10 Points
While heeling, the Handler will be given the command, “Leave your dog”. At the command the Handler will cue the dog to Stay. The dog may stay in the Sit, Down or
Stand position during the Stay From Motion exercise. In this exercise the Handler should not change pace or stop with the dog. The dog should be commanded to stay
as the Handler keeps a steady pace and walks to the designated area.

Distraction: 5 Points
A distraction, during the obedience, may be anything that could be encountered in a normal daily living situation. Training equipment may not be used.

Down on Recall: 10 Points
The Handler will call the dog. On a signal from the Steward or at a pre-determined spot, the Handler will give the dog a command to down. The faster the dog responds
and the closer to the mark it downs, the more points awarded.

Recall: 10 Points
When commanded, the Handler will call the dog. The dog must return to a position of control. The dog must come directly to the Handler without hesitation. The dog
may come to either the Handler’s front or side. The dog may sit, lie down or stand. When the dog returns to the Handler, the position used must be held until the,
“Exercise Finished”, command is given.

PROTECTION EXERCISES (PrPD) – 200 POINTS

During the Protection Exercises contestants will be judged on the overall control of their dog. The dog should display control from the time the team enters the field until
the time they leave the field.

Equipment: At the Professional level the dog will wear no training equipment. The Handler may not wear anything resembling training equipment. The Handler will
remove all equipment before the start of each exercise and may replace it on the dog after each exercise.

Surprise Exercise

Scoring for the Surprise Exercise – 40 Possible Points

Points for the Surprise Exercise will be divided among the elements involved in the exercise.

Call Off

During this exercise the Handler will be asked to stand on a mark. The Handler may not leave this mark. The purpose of this exercise is to see how quickly the dog
responds to the Handler’s command and that the Handler’s command will override the dog’s desire to pursue the Decoy.

There will be a designated mark on the field. The Decoy will be approximately 60 feet away (depending on the size of the field). The Decoy will begin agitation. After the
Decoy begins agitation, the Handler may send the dog to engage. After, but not before, the dog passes the designated call off point, the Handler may “Call Off” the dog.
The dog should immediately end the pursuit and return to the Handler. The closer the dog gets to the Decoy before the command to call off is given, and provided the
dog does not bite, the higher the point scores that will be awarded.

Scoring for the Call Off – 50 Possible Points

Send: 15 Points
The Judges will be looking for intensity from the dog. How quickly did it engage the Decoy? How confident was the dog? Was the dog hesitant to leave its Handler and
engage or did it give 110% to protect its Handler. If it is evident to the Judges that the dog has no intention of engaging the Decoy, the score for this ENTIRE exercise will
be ZERO.
Call Off: 25 Points
The Judges will be looking for how quickly the dog responds to the Handler’s command and how close the dog was to the Decoy when the command was given. If the dog’
s teeth touch the Decoy in any manner, the score for this ENTIRE exercise will be ZERO.

Return: 10 Points
The Judges will be looking for the quickness of the dog’s return to the Handler and the assumption of a position of control. This means the dog must return to the
Handler without hesitation. The dog may come to either the Handler’s front or side. The dog may sit, lie down or stand. When the dog returns to the Handler, the
position used must be held until the, “Exercise Finished”, command is given.

Dual Attack

The Handler and dog will go to the area designated. The first Decoy will begin agitation. The Handler will then command the dog to engage this Decoy. After the dog
has engaged the first Decoy, a second Decoy will emerge. On command of the Handler, the dog is to disengage from the first Decoy and engage the second Decoy.
After the dog has engaged the second Decoy, the Steward will give a signal for the Handler to have the dog release.

Scoring for the Dual Attack – 50 Possible Points

Send: 10 Points
The Judges will be looking for intensity from the dog. How quickly did it engage the Decoy? How confident was the dog? Was the dog hesitant to leave its Handler and
engage or did it give 110% to protect its Handler.

Bite: 10 Points
The Judges are looking for the dogs’ ability to control and dominate the decoy, fullness and intensity of the bite and the dogs’ fighting abilities.

Release: 10 Points
The Judges will be looking for the quickness of the dog’s release after the Handler is instructed to and gives the command for the dog to release.

Obstacle Course

During this exercise the Handler will heel the dog to the start line, where they will wait until the Stewards’ command. Upon the Stewards’ command, the Handler will send
the dog. The dog will overcome all obstacles in its path, a maximum of two, and engage the Decoy. The Decoy will remain passive until the dog has cleared all of the
obstacles and then begin agitation. The Handler will maintain a position of safety (behind the start line) until the dog engages the Decoy. The dog must engage the
Decoy for at least five seconds. The Handler may move forward upon engagement. At the Stewards’ command or signal, the Handler will command the dog to release.
The dog should quickly release and maintain a guard position until the Steward calls, “Exercise finished”.

If the dog does not complete the obstacle course the Decoy will not agitate the dog and will remain passive until the exercise is completed.

Scoring for the Obstacle Course – 60 Possible Points

Send: 5 Points
The Judges will be looking for intensity from the dog. How quickly did it engage the Decoy? How confident was the dog? Was the dog hesitant to leave its Handler and
engage or did it give 110% to protect its Handler.

Window Jump*: 10 Points
The dog should go through the window without hesitation.

Hurdle*: 10 Points
The dog should go over the hurdle without hesitation.

Surprise: 5 Points
The dog should encounter, negotiate and overcome the surprise without hesitation.

Bite: 10 Points
The Judges are looking for the dogs’ ability to control and dominate the Decoy, fullness and intensity of the bite and the dogs’ fighting abilities.

Release: 10 Points
The Judges will be looking for the quickness of the dog’s release after the Handler is instructed to and gives the command for the dog to release.

Guard: 10 Points
The dog should go into an automatic guard posture after the release. The Judges will be looking for the dog to intensely watch the passive Decoy.

* The terms Window and Hurdle are used as examples only. Any safe object encountered in real life may be used.

TIE BREAKING PROCEDURES

In case of a tie in scores at a trial and where a tie breaker is necessary to decide finishing positions for award purposes, the dogs will be ranked according their scores in
the Obedience Exercise portion of the trial.