IPO – 1 Arranged as follows: Phase A 100 points
Phase B 100 points
Phase C 100 points
Total: 300 points
Participating regulations On the day of the trail event, the dog must have reached the prescribed age. No exceptions can be made. Condition to start is a passed BH/VT exam according to the national rules of the country.
IPO – 1 Phase “A” – Tracking Handler track, minimum 300 paces, 3 legs, 2 turns (approx. 90 degrees), 2 handler (HF) articles, minimum 20 minutes aged, execution time 15 minutes. Maintaining the track: 79 points Articles (11+10) 21 points Total 100 points If the dog does not find the article, the evaluation can only be rated as “satisfactory”. General requirements: The officiating judge (LR) or the responsible track coordinator determines the pattern of the track considering the layout of the area. Varying patterns must be used for the tracks. It is not permitted that the articles and corners on each track are placed at the same distance from each other. The scent pad needs to be well marked with a sign, which must be placed in the ground directly to the left of the start. The judge will draw for the order of participants after the tracks are laid. Acceptable Tracking Fields All natural terrain, i.e., grass, plowed fields and forest surface are acceptable tracking areas. Visual tracking is to be avoided. For all tracking levels it is possible to have suitable change of terrain. Laying the tracks The responsibilities of the officiating judge or track coordinator are: − organize the layout of the track − organize the track layers − observe the laying of the track The layout of the track is contingent on the actual fields. FCI Regulations 2012 Page 48 of 128
When laying the tracks, it is important to note that they are laid in a natural walking pace. The track layer (FL) may not provide help such as unnatural walking on the legs, turns, articles. The tracklayer (FL) (=Handler) Must show the articles to either the judge or the track coordinator. Only articles that have been scented at least 30 minutes may be used. The handler (HF) (tracklayer) remains for a brief time at the scent pad and then proceeds at a normal pace in the designated direction. The legs are to be laid at a normal pace with breaking stride of scuffing. The distance between the individual legs must be at least 30 paces. The turns are likewise to be done at a normal pace, so that this affords the dog the possibility to continue the track pattern (see sketch). Scuffing or breaking stride is not permitted. A break in the track may not happen. While the track is being laid, the dog is out of sight. Placing the article The first article is placed either on the first or second leg after a distance of minimum 100 paces, not within 20 paces before or within 20 paces after the corner, the second at the end of the track. The articles have to be placed while walking the track. After the last article is placed, the tracklayer continues several paces moving in a straight direction. Tracking Articles Only articles that have been scented by the tracklayer (FL) (handler) for at least 30 minutes may be used. Within a given track different articles are to be utilized (material: e.g. leather, textile, wood) and must be approximately 10 cm long, 2-3 cm wide, 0,5-1 cm thick. The articles may not stand out in colour from the terrain. For above regional events, the articles must be numbered. The numbers have to coincide with the track number. While the dog is tracking, the judge (LR), the tracklayer and any accompanying person(s) are not permitted in the area where the dog/handler (HF) have the right to track. Commands: a) One verbal command for:”Track” The command (HZ) to “suchen/track” is only permitted at the start and after the first article or after a false indication. Execution and judgment of the tracking work b) The handler (HF) prepares the dog for the track. The dog may track free or on a 10 m line. The 10 meter line may be held over the dog’s back, to the side or between his front and/or back legs. The tracking line may be attached directly to the collar, but not the live ring or attached to the harness ring (harness or böttger harness without additional straps). When called the handler (HF) goes with his dog into basic position and reports in to the judge (LR) and advises if the dog will pick up or indicate. Prior to the track, at the scent pad and for the duration of the track, no force is to be applied. FCI Regulations 2012 Page 49 of 128
The tracking line must be a minimum of 10 meters long. The judge may check the length of the line, the collar and the harness only prior to the start of the track. Flexible leashes are not permitted. Scent Pad At the instruction of the judge (LR), the dog is led to the scent pad slowly and calmly. A brief sit by the dog approximate 2 meters in front of the scent pad is permitted. The start has to be worked out independently by the dog (even when restarting at the articles) A certain amount of slack in the line is permissible. The dog is to take the scent at the start intensely, calmly and with a deep nose. This has to be done without any handler help (except for the command to “Such/track”. There is no time limit set for the scent pad; rather the judge (LR) orients himself to the behaviour of the dog on the first leg as to how intensely the scent was detected. After 3 attempts to work out the scent pad to determine the direction of the track, the track work will be terminated. The dog has to track with a deep nose maintaining a steady pace. The handler (HF) follows his dog at as distance of 10 meters at the end of the tracking line. If the dog tracks free, then the handler (HF) is to maintain a distance of 10 meters as well. There may be some slack in the tracking line, but whereby the handler (HF) keeps it in his hand(s) and a definitive shortening of the line to get closer to the dog may not happen. Touching the ground is not faulty. Track Performance The dog must follow the track intensively, with endurance and when possible at an even speed (depending on the terrain, degree of difficulty). The handler is not obliged to follow the course of the track. A rapid or slow track execution cannot be a criterion towards the rating, when the track is consistently and convincingly worked out. Turns The dog has to work out the turns confidently. Checking, without leaving the track, is not faulty. Circling at the turn is faulty. After then turn the dog is to continue tracking at the same speed. In the area of the turn, the handler is to maintain the prescribed distance if possible. Indicating or picking up the articles As soon as the dog has found the articles, he has to convincingly and without handler (HF) help either pick up or indicate. If he picks up he may either remain standing, sit or return to the handler, who has to remain standing. Continuing with the article or lying down is faulty. The indication may be done either lying down, sitting or standing (also alternating is permitted). Not lying completely straight at the article is not faulty, lying to the side of the article or turn around looking at the handler is however faulty. FCI Regulations 2012 Page 50 of 128
Articles that are done with strong handler help are considered to be overrun. This would be the case for instance, if the dog does not indicate the article and the handler either by use of the line or through verbal command hinders the dog from continuing to track. When the dog either picks up or indicates the article, the handler is to drop the line and go to his dog. By raising his arm with the article in hand, he advises that the dog has found the article. Picking up and indicating are faulty. Any action done with the article or picking up while lying down is faulty. If the dog returns back to the handler, the handler does not approach the dog. When the handler approaches his dog to release the article or when picking up, the handler must stand next to the dog. The dog is to remain calmly in place if indicating or where he picked up the article until released to track whereby the handler deploys him holding the line short. Leaving the track If the handler restrains the dog from leaving the track, then the handler receives instructions from the judge to follow the dog. The handler must follow these instructions. Tracking will be terminated if the dog is more than a line length off of the track (over 10 meters with a free tracking dog) or the handler does not heed the judge’s instructions. Praising the dog Occasional praising in the level 1 phase is permitted (the command to “such/track” is not considered praise). A short praise may be given also at the articles. Reporting out After completing the track, the found articles are to be presented to the judge. Playing or feeding the dog after picking up or indicating the last article prior to reporting out and receiving the awarded points is not permitted. Reporting out is to be done in basic position. Evaluation The evaluation of Phase “A” begins with the start of the dog tracking. A convincing, intensive and dedicated nosework as well as a good training base are expected of the dog. The handler has to become part of the process and experience it. He has to interpret the reactions of the dog, be concentrated on the work and ignore any external influences. The judge has to observe not only the dog and handler, but also the tracking area, the weather, possible cross tracks and the time-frame. In his evaluation he has to take into consideration all factors. − Track behaviour ( speed on the legs, before and after the turns, before and after the articles) − Training status of the dog (i.e., hectic start, showing pressure, avoidance) FCI Regulations 2012 Page 51 of 128 −
Any handler help - Difficulty in working the track through: • Ground conditions (overgrown, sand, change of terrain, fog) • Wind conditions • Wild game • Weather (heat, rain, snow) • Scent change The evaluation should be contingent upon these conditions. After the handler has reported in for the track, the judge has to strategically place himself so as to be able to observe the track work and listen to verbal commands or see any other influence by the handler. He has to select a distance from the handler so that he does not interrupt the dog’s work and so that the handler does not feel crowded. The judge has to be able to experience the entire track work. He has to evaluate the dog’s work based on his enthusiasm, confidence or insecurity or flightiness. A fast or slow track work is not part of the criteria for the evaluation, if the track is worked out intensely, even and convincingly and the dog maintains a positive attitude. Checking without leaving the track is permitted and not faulty. Casting, emptying, circling at the turns, constant encouragement, line or verbal helps within the tracking area, or at the articles, faulty pick up or faulty indication of the articles are evaluated accordingly (up to 4 point deduction). Definitive casting, lacking intensity, wildly tracking, emptying, hunting mice, etc. can receive up to an 8 point deduction. If the dog leaves the track by more than a leash length, the track is terminated. If the dog leaves the track and is restrained by the handler, judge advises the handler to follow his dog. If the instructions are not followed, the track will be terminated by the judge. If after the maximum allowable time (Level 1 and 2 = 15 minutes) (Level 3 = 20 minutes) to work out the scent pad is not met, the track work is terminated by the judge. Any awarded points up to this point are made known. If the dog shows both styles of article work, namely “picking up” and “indicating” on a given track, this is considered faulty. The articles will only be evaluated and scored as per the initial report. Pick up or faulty indication of the articles , false indication, are to be deducted accordingly up to 4 points, if the restart is next to the dog and another 2 points obligation deduction if the handler makes the restart at the end of the tracking- lease. If articles are not found, then no points are awarded. If no handler articles are found, the phase “A” can only be rated as “satisfactory”. Also this must be taken into consideration that the handler cannot restart his dog at an article. FCI Regulations 2012 Page 52 of 128
If the dog follows his hunt drive and chasing game, the handler may give the command to “down” in order to maintain control. The track work will continue at the instruction of the judge. If this does not work, the trial is terminated. (Evaluation: disqualified due to lack of control). Termination/Disqualification Behaviour Consequence Dog is restarted at the scent pad 3x Terminated - All Levels: Dog leaves the track by more than a line length or the handler does not heed the judge’s instructions - Dog does not meet the time limit for the track Level 1: 15 minutes after the start Terminated - points will be awarded up to that point CRITIQUE UP TO TERMINATION!! - Dog picks up the article but refuses to release it. - Dog chases game and cannot be restarted. DISQUALIFICATION due to lack of control
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Phase B 100 points
Phase C 100 points
Total: 300 points
Participating regulations On the day of the trail event, the dog must have reached the prescribed age. No exceptions can be made. Condition to start is a passed BH/VT exam according to the national rules of the country.
IPO – 1 Phase “A” – Tracking Handler track, minimum 300 paces, 3 legs, 2 turns (approx. 90 degrees), 2 handler (HF) articles, minimum 20 minutes aged, execution time 15 minutes. Maintaining the track: 79 points Articles (11+10) 21 points Total 100 points If the dog does not find the article, the evaluation can only be rated as “satisfactory”. General requirements: The officiating judge (LR) or the responsible track coordinator determines the pattern of the track considering the layout of the area. Varying patterns must be used for the tracks. It is not permitted that the articles and corners on each track are placed at the same distance from each other. The scent pad needs to be well marked with a sign, which must be placed in the ground directly to the left of the start. The judge will draw for the order of participants after the tracks are laid. Acceptable Tracking Fields All natural terrain, i.e., grass, plowed fields and forest surface are acceptable tracking areas. Visual tracking is to be avoided. For all tracking levels it is possible to have suitable change of terrain. Laying the tracks The responsibilities of the officiating judge or track coordinator are: − organize the layout of the track − organize the track layers − observe the laying of the track The layout of the track is contingent on the actual fields. FCI Regulations 2012 Page 48 of 128
When laying the tracks, it is important to note that they are laid in a natural walking pace. The track layer (FL) may not provide help such as unnatural walking on the legs, turns, articles. The tracklayer (FL) (=Handler) Must show the articles to either the judge or the track coordinator. Only articles that have been scented at least 30 minutes may be used. The handler (HF) (tracklayer) remains for a brief time at the scent pad and then proceeds at a normal pace in the designated direction. The legs are to be laid at a normal pace with breaking stride of scuffing. The distance between the individual legs must be at least 30 paces. The turns are likewise to be done at a normal pace, so that this affords the dog the possibility to continue the track pattern (see sketch). Scuffing or breaking stride is not permitted. A break in the track may not happen. While the track is being laid, the dog is out of sight. Placing the article The first article is placed either on the first or second leg after a distance of minimum 100 paces, not within 20 paces before or within 20 paces after the corner, the second at the end of the track. The articles have to be placed while walking the track. After the last article is placed, the tracklayer continues several paces moving in a straight direction. Tracking Articles Only articles that have been scented by the tracklayer (FL) (handler) for at least 30 minutes may be used. Within a given track different articles are to be utilized (material: e.g. leather, textile, wood) and must be approximately 10 cm long, 2-3 cm wide, 0,5-1 cm thick. The articles may not stand out in colour from the terrain. For above regional events, the articles must be numbered. The numbers have to coincide with the track number. While the dog is tracking, the judge (LR), the tracklayer and any accompanying person(s) are not permitted in the area where the dog/handler (HF) have the right to track. Commands: a) One verbal command for:”Track” The command (HZ) to “suchen/track” is only permitted at the start and after the first article or after a false indication. Execution and judgment of the tracking work b) The handler (HF) prepares the dog for the track. The dog may track free or on a 10 m line. The 10 meter line may be held over the dog’s back, to the side or between his front and/or back legs. The tracking line may be attached directly to the collar, but not the live ring or attached to the harness ring (harness or böttger harness without additional straps). When called the handler (HF) goes with his dog into basic position and reports in to the judge (LR) and advises if the dog will pick up or indicate. Prior to the track, at the scent pad and for the duration of the track, no force is to be applied. FCI Regulations 2012 Page 49 of 128
The tracking line must be a minimum of 10 meters long. The judge may check the length of the line, the collar and the harness only prior to the start of the track. Flexible leashes are not permitted. Scent Pad At the instruction of the judge (LR), the dog is led to the scent pad slowly and calmly. A brief sit by the dog approximate 2 meters in front of the scent pad is permitted. The start has to be worked out independently by the dog (even when restarting at the articles) A certain amount of slack in the line is permissible. The dog is to take the scent at the start intensely, calmly and with a deep nose. This has to be done without any handler help (except for the command to “Such/track”. There is no time limit set for the scent pad; rather the judge (LR) orients himself to the behaviour of the dog on the first leg as to how intensely the scent was detected. After 3 attempts to work out the scent pad to determine the direction of the track, the track work will be terminated. The dog has to track with a deep nose maintaining a steady pace. The handler (HF) follows his dog at as distance of 10 meters at the end of the tracking line. If the dog tracks free, then the handler (HF) is to maintain a distance of 10 meters as well. There may be some slack in the tracking line, but whereby the handler (HF) keeps it in his hand(s) and a definitive shortening of the line to get closer to the dog may not happen. Touching the ground is not faulty. Track Performance The dog must follow the track intensively, with endurance and when possible at an even speed (depending on the terrain, degree of difficulty). The handler is not obliged to follow the course of the track. A rapid or slow track execution cannot be a criterion towards the rating, when the track is consistently and convincingly worked out. Turns The dog has to work out the turns confidently. Checking, without leaving the track, is not faulty. Circling at the turn is faulty. After then turn the dog is to continue tracking at the same speed. In the area of the turn, the handler is to maintain the prescribed distance if possible. Indicating or picking up the articles As soon as the dog has found the articles, he has to convincingly and without handler (HF) help either pick up or indicate. If he picks up he may either remain standing, sit or return to the handler, who has to remain standing. Continuing with the article or lying down is faulty. The indication may be done either lying down, sitting or standing (also alternating is permitted). Not lying completely straight at the article is not faulty, lying to the side of the article or turn around looking at the handler is however faulty. FCI Regulations 2012 Page 50 of 128
Articles that are done with strong handler help are considered to be overrun. This would be the case for instance, if the dog does not indicate the article and the handler either by use of the line or through verbal command hinders the dog from continuing to track. When the dog either picks up or indicates the article, the handler is to drop the line and go to his dog. By raising his arm with the article in hand, he advises that the dog has found the article. Picking up and indicating are faulty. Any action done with the article or picking up while lying down is faulty. If the dog returns back to the handler, the handler does not approach the dog. When the handler approaches his dog to release the article or when picking up, the handler must stand next to the dog. The dog is to remain calmly in place if indicating or where he picked up the article until released to track whereby the handler deploys him holding the line short. Leaving the track If the handler restrains the dog from leaving the track, then the handler receives instructions from the judge to follow the dog. The handler must follow these instructions. Tracking will be terminated if the dog is more than a line length off of the track (over 10 meters with a free tracking dog) or the handler does not heed the judge’s instructions. Praising the dog Occasional praising in the level 1 phase is permitted (the command to “such/track” is not considered praise). A short praise may be given also at the articles. Reporting out After completing the track, the found articles are to be presented to the judge. Playing or feeding the dog after picking up or indicating the last article prior to reporting out and receiving the awarded points is not permitted. Reporting out is to be done in basic position. Evaluation The evaluation of Phase “A” begins with the start of the dog tracking. A convincing, intensive and dedicated nosework as well as a good training base are expected of the dog. The handler has to become part of the process and experience it. He has to interpret the reactions of the dog, be concentrated on the work and ignore any external influences. The judge has to observe not only the dog and handler, but also the tracking area, the weather, possible cross tracks and the time-frame. In his evaluation he has to take into consideration all factors. − Track behaviour ( speed on the legs, before and after the turns, before and after the articles) − Training status of the dog (i.e., hectic start, showing pressure, avoidance) FCI Regulations 2012 Page 51 of 128 −
Any handler help - Difficulty in working the track through: • Ground conditions (overgrown, sand, change of terrain, fog) • Wind conditions • Wild game • Weather (heat, rain, snow) • Scent change The evaluation should be contingent upon these conditions. After the handler has reported in for the track, the judge has to strategically place himself so as to be able to observe the track work and listen to verbal commands or see any other influence by the handler. He has to select a distance from the handler so that he does not interrupt the dog’s work and so that the handler does not feel crowded. The judge has to be able to experience the entire track work. He has to evaluate the dog’s work based on his enthusiasm, confidence or insecurity or flightiness. A fast or slow track work is not part of the criteria for the evaluation, if the track is worked out intensely, even and convincingly and the dog maintains a positive attitude. Checking without leaving the track is permitted and not faulty. Casting, emptying, circling at the turns, constant encouragement, line or verbal helps within the tracking area, or at the articles, faulty pick up or faulty indication of the articles are evaluated accordingly (up to 4 point deduction). Definitive casting, lacking intensity, wildly tracking, emptying, hunting mice, etc. can receive up to an 8 point deduction. If the dog leaves the track by more than a leash length, the track is terminated. If the dog leaves the track and is restrained by the handler, judge advises the handler to follow his dog. If the instructions are not followed, the track will be terminated by the judge. If after the maximum allowable time (Level 1 and 2 = 15 minutes) (Level 3 = 20 minutes) to work out the scent pad is not met, the track work is terminated by the judge. Any awarded points up to this point are made known. If the dog shows both styles of article work, namely “picking up” and “indicating” on a given track, this is considered faulty. The articles will only be evaluated and scored as per the initial report. Pick up or faulty indication of the articles , false indication, are to be deducted accordingly up to 4 points, if the restart is next to the dog and another 2 points obligation deduction if the handler makes the restart at the end of the tracking- lease. If articles are not found, then no points are awarded. If no handler articles are found, the phase “A” can only be rated as “satisfactory”. Also this must be taken into consideration that the handler cannot restart his dog at an article. FCI Regulations 2012 Page 52 of 128
If the dog follows his hunt drive and chasing game, the handler may give the command to “down” in order to maintain control. The track work will continue at the instruction of the judge. If this does not work, the trial is terminated. (Evaluation: disqualified due to lack of control). Termination/Disqualification Behaviour Consequence Dog is restarted at the scent pad 3x Terminated - All Levels: Dog leaves the track by more than a line length or the handler does not heed the judge’s instructions - Dog does not meet the time limit for the track Level 1: 15 minutes after the start Terminated - points will be awarded up to that point CRITIQUE UP TO TERMINATION!! - Dog picks up the article but refuses to release it. - Dog chases game and cannot be restarted. DISQUALIFICATION due to lack of control
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