Protection Phase of the Protection 1 class. Introduction. This title is totally designed around the training needs of a family protection dog. The class requires practical and realistic obedience and protection exercises that are consider essentials for developing a safe and dependable dog for protection. The requirement for this phase of the Protection 1 class is first passing the obedience phase. The Protection 1 is a training title that clearly defines the skills a handler and dog should be able to perform when training or keeping a dog for family protection. In addition, the Protection 1 has a difficulty level suitable for beginners and part time trainers and was created to meet the demands of American dog owners who want, need or enjoy training and owning a dog that has the ability to protect the family. The Protection 1 teaches all the fundamentals of both obedience and protection training and lays the foundation for participating in more advanced titles.

PROTECTION - 1 SCORING:

EXERCISE                  MAX. PTS.    DED. PTS    DED. PTS.   DED. PTS.   DED. PTS  DED. PTS.   

                                              RATING        RATING        RATING      RATING     RATING

Friendly Greeting            10                 4-5                 3                    2                1                .5

Alert on Command          15                 6-15               4-5                3                1.5 - 2         1

Jump Out Attack             25                 9-25               7-8               5-6              3-5            1-2

Defense of Handler          35                11-35              8-10             6-7              4-5            1-3

Re-Friendly Greeting       15                  6-15              4-5                 3                  1.5             1

Total                           100

          1. General Rules.

a. All handler/dog teams must first pass the obedience routine at the trial to be eligible to participate in the protection routine at the same trial.

b. Each exercise is conducted on leash.

c. All exercises begin and end in the basic position.

Judges Note for all Evaluations. The judge will be evaluating the handler and dog on the bases of an ideal performance. All of the listed reasons for imperfection deduction are given as guide for handlers to have some idea of what is expected. The judge must assess deductions for other behavior that is not covered or that takes away from the ideal performance. In addition, the judge will be assessing the dog’s behavior concerning attitude, attention to the handler, and the willingness to perform the required exercises. Dogs that display energetic attitude and are attentive and responsive toward their handler will receive the most points.

2. Greeting the Helper. The primary purposes of this exercise are to demonstrate the handler/dog team’s ability to perform a non-threatening procedural introduction with the helper.


a. Judge’s Instructions. The Judge’s orders for this exercise are the following: the judge will indicate to the handler when and where to report, when the exercise starts, when the helper will come out and leave, and when the exercise is finished.

b. Exercise Instructions. The Friendly Greeting exercise begins by the handler/dog team reporting to a designated starting position determined by the judge. Once arriving, the handler will halt with the dog sitting in the basic position. The judge will ask the handler if there are any questions and then will announce the name of the exercise to be performed. The handler will then acknowledge the judge to begin the exercise. The judge will then instruct the helper to come out from behind the blind or hiding place. The helper will make a direct approach toward the handler to a point where a friendly greeting and handshake can be given; the handler will be responsible for providing a procedural greeting which includes: introducing themselves, giving the dog’s name, and stating the name of the title they are reporting for. After the greeting, the helper will return to behind the blind. The handler will then acknowledge the judge for conclusion of the exercise.

c. Scoring the Friendly Greeting Exercise. The exercise will be evaluated on the handler’s ability to conduct a procedural greeting and the dog’s behavior during the greeting. The dog should be alert, but should display non-aggressive behavior during the entire exercise. The dog may be attentive to the handler but must clearly indicate non-threatening behavior. The judge must assess point deductions for any abnormal behavior that deviates from the ideal performance that are not listed. All listed items for imperfections are given as helpful information to inform the handler on what items are considered faults for point deductions.


Non-qualifying scores. The following must be giving a (zero) score for the following:



1. The dog will not sit in the basic position to start the exercise.
2. The handler has to force the dog into the sit position.
3. The dog displays aggressive behavior toward the judge, also if the judge feels the dog is not under control or too aggressive, the judge may dismiss the dog from further participation.
4. The dog show extreme shyness or timid behavior when the helper approaches.
5. The dog moves from the sit position and tries to engage the helper.
6. The dog grips the helper.

Major Imperfections. Major imperfections must be assessed for the following:


1. The dog makes to much eye contact with the helper such as a constant stare throughout the routine.
2. The dog moves or stands up when the helper approaches.
3. The dog barks excessively.
4. The handler doesn’t perform required procedures during introductions.

Major-deductions. Minor deductions shall be assessed for the following:


1. The dog whines or barks a few times.
2. The dog doesn’t clearly indicate neutral behavior toward the helper.
3. The dog becomes restless or moves slightly from the stationary position.
4. The handler introductory procedures are not correct.
5. The dog is dull or not attentive to the handler.

3. Alert on Command. The primary purposes of this exercise are for the handler with his/her dog to clearly demonstrate that the dog knows the handler’s command for turning on and off to defend from a helper’s threat.


a. Judge’s Instructions. The Judge will indicate to the handler where and when to start the exercise, when to alert the dog and when to give the call off command, the judge will also instruct the helper when to come out from the hidden position, when to cease threatening the dog, and when the exercise is complete.

b. Exercise Instructions. The Alert on Command exercise will be conducted from the same location as the “Greeting the Helper Exercise” and starting with the handler with his/her dog sitting in the basic position. The exercise will start by the handler acknowledging the judge. The judge will then announce the exercise to be performed and then instruct the helper to come out from behind the blind and approach the dog. The helper will walk in a direct approach to a point approximately 1-2 yards from the dog. The helper will then walk back and forth in a fairly brisk pace displaying a nonaggressive manner. After pacing back and forth one complete time, the judge will instruct the handler to give the dog the command for defending against a threat. The dog will be allowed and expected to come to the end of the leash barking and wanting to engage the helper. When the helper hears the dog barking, or sees the dog come out, the helper will turn and challenge the dog with threatening gestures. After the dog is challenged, the judge will instruct the helper to cease the direct threats and return to behind the blind. The helper will be allowed and expected to be suspicious and threatening while returning to the hiding place. When the helper is out of sight, the handler will be instructed by the judge to reclaim the dog. The handler must demonstrate a call off by giving a command to return to the basic position. When the dog has returned to the proper basic position, the handler acknowledges the judge to conclude the exercise.

c. Scoring the Alert on Command Exercise. The Alert on Command Exercise will be evaluated mainly on two criteria. The judge will evaluate the handler’s ability to control and command the dog and the dog’s eagerness to bark and engage the helper. Dogs demonstrating proper control and high enthusiasm to engage the helper will receive the highest points. Dogs should continue barking and display a willingness to continue after the helper until being called off by the handler.


Non-qualifying scores. The following must be given a (zero) score on this exercise:


1. The dog moves from the sit position prior to the helper making two passes in front of the dog.
2. The dog grips the helper due to poor handling or lack of control.
3. The dog will not leave the handler’s side.
4. The dog runs or shows much fear from the helper’s threats.
5. The dog can’t be reclaimed when the helper is out of site.
6. The handler uses physical force or touches the dog to make it sit or to regain control.

Major Imperfections. The judge must assess major imperfections for the following:


1. The dog is slow to respond to either the alert or call off command.
2. The dog doesn’t display enthusiasm and courage to engage the helper.
3. The dog never barks.
4. The handler allows the dog to pull them from their original starting position.
5. The handler gives extra commands.

Minor Imperfections. The following must have minor imperfections assessed to the score.


1. The dog spins excessively.
2. The dog should display more enthusiasm and willing to engage the helper.
3. The dog could respond faster to commands.
4. The dog moves slightly when helper is passing back and forth in front of the dog.
5. The dog slightly anticipates the command.

4. Jump Out Attack on the Handler. The primary purposes of this exercise are for the handler with his/her dog to demonstrate proper heeling during a protection routine and the handler/dog’s ability to demonstrate a 360-degree perimeter guard from a jump attack by the helper.


a. Judge’s Instructions. The Judge will indicate to the handler where and when to start the exercise, when to halt when approaching the blind not containing the helper, when the handler will heel toward the blind containing the helper, when the helper is to come out for the attack, when the helper is to cease the attack, when the handler will call the dog off, and when the exercise is complete.

b. Exercise Instructions. The Jump Out Attack exercise starts by the handler reporting to the starting position location as determined by the judge. The handler will start with the dog in the basic position and by acknowledging the judge. The judge will announce the exercise to be performed and will then indicate to the handler to start the exercise. The handler/dog will perform heeling in a straight line to an assigned area containing a blind, upon reaching this area the judge will instruct the handler where to halt. The judge will then indicate to the handler to turn and heel the dog in a straight line to a blind where a hidden helper is waiting for a jump out attack. On the signal from the judge, the helper will attack out of the blind and go directly at the handler and dog. When the handler sees the attack the handler will give an alert command. The dog must come to the end of the leash to engage the helper. The handler will stand still and hold the dog by the leash. The helper will make threatening gestures toward the handler and dog. The dog should demonstrate warning barking and stay at the end of the leash trying to engage the helper. The helper will threaten the dog until a 360- degree turn has been completed. The judge will then instruct the helper to cease the assault and go back into hiding. Again, the helper will maintain a suspicious and threatening posture while leaving to return to the hiding place. Once the helper is out of sight, the judge will instruct the handler to reclaim the dog. The handler must demonstrate a call off by giving a command back to the basic position. Once the dog is under control, the handler will acknowledge the judge to conclude the exercise. Note: Dogs should continue performing the exercise until called off by the handler.

c. Scoring the Jump Out Attack Exercise. The judge will be evaluating the handler’s control and the willingness of the dog to protect from hidden attack. The degree of courage by the dog and the control displayed by the handler will be the main focus for full points. Heeling must be very correct to receive full points.


Non-qualifying (zero) score. The following must be given a zero for the following:


1. The dog grips the helper due to handler error.
2. The handler cannot perform proper heeling for most of the routine.
3. The dog runs behind the handler when the helper attacks.
4. The handler cannot bring the dog back under control during the routine.
5. The dog shows much fear from the helper.

Major Deductions. The following must be assessed as major deductions for this exercise.


1. The dog’s heeling is not correct.
2. The dog lacks enthusiasm and courage during defending the attack by the helper.
3. The dog stays back near the handler and doesn’t keep pulling into the leash to engage the helper.
4. The dog is very slow to respond to commands by the handler.
5. The handler gives double commands.
6. The handler applies a leash correction during the routine.

Minor Deductions. The following will be assessed as minor deductions:


1. The dog could respond quicker to the commands.
2. Minor heeling errors during the heeling exercises.
3. The dog spins excessively.
4. The dog lacks attention to the handler.
5. The dog anticipates the commands.
6. The dog should display more barking.
7. The dog needs more intensity toward the helper.

5. Defense of the Handler. The primary purposes of this exercise are for the handler with his/her dog to demonstrate proper responses to the alert and call off command, the ability and willingness of the dog to defend the handler by gripping the threatening helper, the amount of intensity and quality of the grip, and the ability of the dog to respond to handler’s commands.


a. Judge’s Instructions. The Judge will indicate to the handler on where and when to start, when for the helper to cease the attack, and when the exercise is finished or complete.

b. Exercise Instructions. The Defense of the Handler exercise will start by the judge instructing the handler to report to a designated spot with their dog. The handler will start the exercise with dog sitting in the basic position. The handler will acknowledge the judge, and the judge will then announce the exercise to be performed. The helper will be waiting at the side of the hiding place visible to the dog and handler. On the judge’s instructions, the handler will give the dog its alert command. The helper will stand still for at least three seconds to determine if the dog can demonstrate the alert command, after three seconds has past, the helper will first threaten the dog by yelling and making quick threatening gesture at the same time toward the dog, after the initial threat, the helper will make a direct approach at the dog in a threatening manner. The helper may yell and threaten with a stick during the approach. The helper will present an arm presentation for the dog to engage. Once the dog engages the helper, the helper will challenge the dog with threats and resistance while driving the dog back toward the hiding place or blind. The judge will instruct the helper to cease the attack. Once the attack by the helper ceases, the dog should release the grip; the handler is allowed to use a verbal release command. Once the dog is called off from the helper, the handler will have an option in commands and procedures for commanding the dog back into the basic position. The handler may do the following: after the out, the handler may step into the right side of the dog and commands the dog into a sit and then instructs the helper to leave, or the handler may give the release command, tell the helper to leave and then call the dog to basic position or any variations that only uses two commands for releasing the grip and returning the dog back to the basic position. After the dog is in the basic position, the handler then heels the dog back to the original starting position and halts facing the judge. The handler acknowledges the judge to conclude the exercise.

c. Scoring the Defense of the Handler Exercise. The Defense of the Handler is the only exercise in the Protection 1 Routine where the dog is allowed to engage the helper with gripping. This exercise will be evaluated on the dog’s willingness to engage a threatening helper. The dogs grip and fight drive during engagement are the main things the judge will be evaluating. The call off and the ability of the handler to reclaim the dog are also important. A dog that will not release the grip with 3-commands will be dismissed. The out command will be given with 3-seconds intervals.


Non-qualifying score. The following must be giving (zero) score on this exercise:


1. The dog will not release the grip on the helper after three commands to release.
2. The dog will not engage the helper.
3. The dog will not return to the basic position after gripping.
4. The handler drops the leash during the exercise.
5. The handler touches or forces the dog into the basic position.

Major Deductions. The following will be assessed as major deductions by the judge.


1. The dog receives extra commands.
2. The dog is very slow responding to the handler’s commands.
3. The dog will not leave the handler’s side during the alert command.
4. The dog lacks intensity in the grip and fight drive while engaging the helper.
5. The dog comes off the grip but will reengage the helper.
6. Handler cannot perform proper heeling back to the starting position after the grip.
7. The dog doesn’t bark.
8. The handler forgets the procedures in the routine.
9. The dog re-grips the helper or continuously bothers the helper.

Minor Deductions: Minor deductions shall be assessed for all of the following:


1. The dog is slow to release the grip.
2. The dog slightly re-grips the helper or bothers the helper.
3. The dog is slow to sit in the basic position.
4. The dog could respond faster concerning all commands.
5. The overall performance needs improvement.
6. The dog needs to bark more.

6. Re-Friendly Greeting. The primary purpose of this exercise are for the handler with his/her dog to be able to demonstrate a re-friendly greeting by the helper, after the dog has performed a series of protection exercises. The handler must perform a procedural re-greeting routine.


a. Exercise Instructions. The Re-Friendly Greeting Exercise will be conducted from the same location as the Defense of the Handler Exercise. The Exercise will start with handler having his/her dog in the basic position; the handler will acknowledge the judge to start the exercise. The judge will then announce the exercise to be performed and then instruct the helper to come out from behind the blind and approach the handler. The helper will make a direct approach toward the handler to a point where another friendly greeting and handshake can be given. The handler should report his or her name and the dog’s name and announce the completion of the Protection 1 routine. On the judges instruction the helper will return to behind the blind. The handler will then acknowledge the judge for the conclusion of the exercise.

b. Scoring the Re-Friendly Greeting. This exercise will be evaluated on the handler’s control and the dog’s behavior toward re-greeting the helper. The dog should remain alert but nonaggressive to the re-friendly greeting helper. The handler will also be evaluated on the procedural requirements for this exercise.


Non-qualifying score. The following must be given a (zero) score on this exercise.


1. The dog grips the helper.
2. The dog moves the sit position and tries to engage the helper.
3. The dog will not sit in the basic position to start the exercise.
4. The handler touches or forces the dog into a sit position.
5. The dog growls or threatens the helper with a closed mouth and staring.
6. The dog is rules unruly by its overall performance.

7. Concluding the Routine. After completing all exercises the handler/dog team will be instructed by the judge to designated area for hearing a critique of the performance, short summary or simply the announcement of the score. The dog/ handler team should then leave the field in an orderly manner.