SECTION B Courage & Protection Test

REGULATION REQUIREMENTS WUSV UNIVERSAL STANDARD COURAGE TEST - APPLICABLE TO ALL DOGS SUBMITTED FOR CONSIDERATION OF AN `EXCELLENT SELECT` TITLE
In compliance with WUSV regulations pertaining to the awarding of the distinctive `Excellent Select` title (VA) title offered under controlled circumstances in shows other than the SV main breed show the following tests will be required of adult dogs and bitches over twenty four months of age and entered in the classes scheduled for working dogs.
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​THE TEST IS HERE OUTLINED

PHASE A: Before entering the test area the dog`s microchip number is examined and verified.
1 - The dog and handler will proceed to the marked starting point they take a couple of steps, with the lead still attached to the dog.
2 - The dog is placed in the basic position (sitting), the lead is removed and the dog and the handler and walk towards the area where the helper is hiding. As they approach the hiding place, upon a signal from the judge the helper comes out and moves towards the dog in a threatening manner. The dog is required to grip the helpers protected arm, and once the helper stops his resistance the dog should release automatically or alternatively release the grip when given command by the handler to out. Upon releasing , the dog is required to stay close to the helper and remain in a guarding mode. In all instances is only allowed to give three `out ` commands.
3 - The handler takes his dog and leads him to the new starting point for the commencement of the next exercise.

PHASE B: 
1 - The dog and the handler take up the basic position at the marked location. The dog must be under effective control in the basic position (sitting). The handler may hold the dog by the collar until the judge indicates the helper to come out. In response the helper leaves his hiding place and walks parallel to the handler and dog.
2 - When the helper reaches the centre of the field, the judge will indicate for the helper to run towards the handler and dog in a threatening way.
3 - On a signal from the judge the handler will let go of his dog and the dog must run towards and stop the helper by gripping the protected arm. Just as in the previous exercise, the dog may release automatically at the cessation of conflict or may be given a command to `out`. The dog is required to stay close to the helper, in a guarding mode. Th handler must stay in the starting position until indicated by  the judge and will then approach the dog, attach the lead and in an orderly fashion return with the dog to the reporting area to await the judge`s comments. As in the previous test(A) when a verbal command is used to affect a release by the dog - only three (commands) opportunities are permitted.

EXPLANATION OF RESULTS

1 - Dogs with a `PRONOUNCED` courage rating and that release automatically or upon command, guard effectively and remain under control will be the ones eligible to proceed to the next stage for consideration of an `EXCELLENT or `EXCELLENT SELECT` rating in the working class. A pass in this phase does not automatically guarantee a `V` or `VA` title
2 - Dogs which do not receive a courage rating of pronounced in the `Existing ` category shall be ineligible to receive a `VA` - `Excellent Select` title. However the dog shall still remain eligible to be considered for the high rating of `Excellent` - the is however completely at the judges discretion.
3 - Dogs which do not remain at heel with their handler three times during the transport phase will be ineligible to take part in any further confirmation evaluation or rating process with the show.
4 - Dogs which grip any other part of the body other than the protective sleeve or do not release the grip after three commands shall be considered to be - effectively out of control and will be dismissed from the courage test and shall be ineligible to take part in any further confirmation evaluation or rating process associated with the show.
5 - Dogs which grip effectively and demonstrate a willingness to let go but do not remain guarding the helper in convincing and effective mode shall be ineligible to take part in any further confirmation evaluation or rating process associated with the show.
6 - Dogs which exhibit poor nerve condition, show obvious fear or who avoid contact with the helper  in the courage test, or who explicitly lets go and runs away (avoidance) ------- shall be dismissed immediately and there after remain ineligible to take part in any further confirmation evaluation or rating process associated with the show.

Provisions for the Helper to assist the judge
* The helper assigned to assist the judge during the courage test evaluations must be a licensed GSD League WDB/BAGSD IGP/WUSV helper with trial assistance experience and have an understanding of the testing and selection regulations.
* The work must be carried out in strict accordance with the testing regulations as contained in the SV/WUSV Breed Survey.
* The helper must at all times work under the direction of the officiating judge and may not save by implicit instruction from the judge carry out any action not prescribed/permitted in the regulations. This means in instances when a dog fails to let go , runs away or otherwise exhibits negative responses the helpers reactions are dictated by the judge. This also applies to rewarding failing dogs with a sleeve win.
​* The helper is required to use appropriate and properly fitting protection wear - this is specified as regulation scratch overalls and a matching jacket with an opposite protected sleeve. The padded arm for the test must be of a reasonable good quality with the jute cover having been previously broken in. There must be no loose fabric or damaged areas which could cause the dogs teeth to snag. The padded stick must be of a flexible type (regulation).
* Th equipment of the helper is finished off with suitable training shoes with grips so as to ensure steadiness in all phases.

Please note: the details provided are explicitly intended to apply only to he courage test as per international guidelines. To establish eligibility to submit a dog for consideration for a VA title and as a precursor to being allowed to take part in these working tests there are several other criteria that must be met in full.  Exhibitors intending showing dogs in the British Sieger Event are strongly advised to familiarise themselves with the regulations. This test must not be confused with the requirements required for Schutzhund/VPG/IPO/IGP trials.

SECTION C SUMMARY OF IMPORTANT SHOW RULES AND REGULATIONS
1 - The event is open to German Shepherd Dogs only.
2 - All handlers when exhibiting in the ring must wear a number bib. The bib must be clearly visible. It is the owners responsibility to ensure the bib is returned to the steward at the end of the class, unreturned bibs will be charged for at £15.
3 - There will be a mandatory gun test for all classes over the age of 12 months.
4 - All exhibits must have ISO approved microchip identification and is mandatory.
5 - All dogs over 24 months must have been surveyed. (See class requirements)
6 - IDENTIFICATION CHECKS WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE RINGATTHE START OF THE CLASS. THE HANDLER/OWNER SHOULD BE AWARE OF THE POSITION OF THE EXHIBIT`S MICROCHIP. THE OWNER OF ANY EXHIBIT WHOSE ID NUMBER DOES NOT MATCH THAT SUBMITTED ON THE ETRY FORM MUST PROVIDE ORIGINAL DOCUMENTATION TO PROVE THE ID NUMBER OF THE EXHIBIT MATCHES THE NAME OF THAT EXHIBIT  BEFORE IT`S INDIVIDUAL COMMENCES, IF THIS CANNOT BE PROVIDED THE EXHIBIT WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO COMPETE.
7 - All dogs over 9 months MAY be measured in the ring. All dogs over 12 months WILL be measured.
8 - All dogs over 18 months require hip and elbow scores, which satisfy the requirements of a Breed Survey or Koerung.
9 - Dogs 24 months and over will require a Breed Survey or Koerung.
10 - All exhibitors and handlers will abide by all instructions from the judges, ring stewards and Event Manager.
11 - Cheques/PO`s payable to the BRITISH SIEGER EVENT. Should any cheque, money order etc not be honoured immediately upon resenting to the bank, the entries will be returned or their cheques, etc. for discharge and any such costs or fees that are incurred,the exhibitor will be liable for the full costs.
12 - In the event the British Sieger Event is cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances it will refund any fees, less reasonable expenses, to all exhibitors and if requested, provide a statement of the costs.
13 - Dogs must not be left unattended in the precincts of the show and under no circumstances re they to be tied up. Dogs in cars - remedial action will be taken in the event of dogs left in cars being found in a distressed condition. Warning  - if your dog is found to be at risk, forcible entry to your vehicle may be necessary without liability for any damage caused.
14 - Exhibitors are  responsible for the behaviour of their children and will be held responsible for any damage caused.
15 - Awards will be given out at the end of each class.
16 - Winners will be entitled to use the titles of British Sieger/Siegerin (from the Working classes), Adult Sieger/Siegerin, Young Sieger/Siegerin and Youth Sieger/Siegerin.
17 - The top grading of Vorzuglich Auslese (Excellent Select) may only be awarded to dogs and bitches with SV Koerung, Hip & Elbow scores of Normal or Fast Normal.
18 - During the courage test on Saturday morning & the practice on Friday, only dogs participating in this class & booked in will be allowed in the area of the ring and practice area, all other dogs are requested to be kept away until completion of the courage test.
19 - The use of remote trainers and pinch collars will not be allowed at the venue and anyone found using them will be reported and disqualified.
20 - Please respect the venue and clean up after your animals, anyone not cleaning up after their animals will be asked to leave the venue.
21 - To protect all our visitors wether showing or spectating we have designated a special area for those who wish to attract their dogs from outside the rings . In the interest of safety any mobile attraction will not be permitted anywhere else. Please ensure you understand  comply with this safety instruction, as persistent offenders will be required to leave the venue.
22 - It is not allowed fot the judge at a British Sieger Event to judge dogs that are bred or owned by himself and / or his agents. Extreme caution should be exercised  regarding dogs that are owned or cared for by the judge`s near relatives. This includes persons one lives with, breeds with, owns dog with and shares household with.
23 - The committee reserves the right to refuse entries.
24 - Exhibitors are obligated to make true statements about their dog(s). Any attempt at deception may lead to the implementation of disciplinary procedures by the British Sieger Working Party, which may result in disqualification of the owners and their dog(s) from this and any future British Sieger Event based on WUSV Rules and Regulations.
25 - Exhibitors are obligated to show sportsmanlike conduct. Offences determined by the British Working Group`s disciplinary procedures could lead to a reprimand and/or to the disqualification of the dog(s) Also exhibitors who intentionally make wrong statements or do not answer questions put to them by the Event Officials , also those who make or tolerate changes in their dog (s), or take actions intended to deceive the judge will lose any award given to their dog(s) at this event and can, according to the gravity of the case, be excluded from future events or have another penalty administered by the organising British Sieger Working Group.

SECTION D: Complaints and Disciplinary Procedures

Incidents/Complaints on the day of the event:

• Will be referred to the Event Manager in the first instance.

• If the matter is serious / complicated / the exhibitor is not satisfied with the Event Manager`s decision then it should be referred to the WUSV co-ordinator of the host organisation(s) who will make a final decision on the day.

Complaints made after the above procedures have been followed or made after the event:

• ​Referred to the British Sieger Working Party in the first instance. The BSWP will investigate the complaint and will respond within 30 days.

• Thereafter referred to the Kennel Club or the WUSV.

Disciplinary Matters

• If the Event Manager believes that the actions of any exhibitor(s) or spectator(s)require a disciplinary investigation this will be notified to the British Sieger Working Party within one month of the event. A full report of the matters of concern will be given to the BSWP.

• The British Sieger Working Party will consider the Event manager`s report and decide whether any further investigation is required which will be carried out by a person nominated by the BSWP.

• Once all investigations have been completed the BSWP will decide whether there is a disciplinary issue to address and will write to the exhibitor(s) or spectator(s) advising them of their concerns and inviting them to submit a response, in writing within 30 days. The exhibitor(s) or spectator)s) have he right to request a meeting putting forward their views and must arrange within 14 days a written request to do so.

• The BSWP will consider the investigation and the exhibitor(s) or spectator(s) representations and will notify them of their conclusions and any action arising from it within 30 days of receipt of written representation, meeting date or deadline for receipt of written representations if none received.

• In the event that the exhibitor(s) or spectator(s) are not satisfied with the decision of the BSWP then an appeal will be heard by the WUSV Co-ordinator of the host organisation(s)and two other persons appointed by the host organisation(s)who have not previously been involved in the matters under discussion.

• Thereafter referred to either the Kennel Club or the WUSV.

A review of the rules will be carried out periodically to incorporate future objectives.