NEWLRO Updates  from Hartmut Beckmann

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If you have questions you can contact me at: Hartmut.Beckmann@qwest.com

This site will be updated periodically so check back.

Submitted 10/06/08

Signature of Training Director for DVG entries
  • There seems to be some confusion about when a signature of the Training Director (TD) is required on the entry form.
  • If a DVG member wants to compete in a DVG Trial, the signature of the TD is required
    • for a BH (unless the dog has earned a BH already)
    • and for the first VPG/IPO title.
  • Once a dog has earned a VPG/IPO I, that signature is no longer required.
  • A guest member (not DVG) does not need that signature, but be sure to check if he/she is a current member of a recognized organization (i.e USA) and has a valid scorebook from the same organization before accepting that entry.
  • Members who are going for other titles, such as Obedience or Tracking Titles do not need that signature.

Submitted 05/08/08

Specifically for the 2008 Nationals,
the following rule will be apply for the Obedience part:
(From Trial Chairperson - Hartmut Beckmann)
  • The Retrieve on the Flat is to be shown in the same direction as the heeling and/or the send-out. Meaning, you are not to throw the dumbbell across the field in the direction of the dog in the long down. This will also be announced at the drawing/handler’s meeting of this year’s Nationals.

Submitted 04/29/08

Answers to questions about the 2008 Nationals
(From Trial Chairperson - Hartmut Beckmann)
  • Blinds will be up for the entire event and for all levels.
  • Jump and wall will be left on the field for the entire event as well.
  • The group will be the “old-fashioned” 4 cornered group.
  • The correct command for bringing your dog into the basic/finish position (to conclude the exercise) after the send-out or long-down is “SIT”
  • The command for the call after the hold and bark is: "Here/Heel" or "Hier/Fuß". Both commands need to be given.
  • The disarming procedure is not to include raising the arms anymore, but otherwise the procedure is up to the handler. So, if the handler wants to ask the helper to take one step back before disarming or heeling the dog away, you may do so. But please remember that the basic position next to the helper is required before proceeding with the side escort.
  • No specific requirements for the procedure to start the track (other than what is stated in the trial rules). I suggest you ask at the handler’s meeting (drawing) if you have specific questions.

Submitted 05/21/07

We have 2 new judges in DVG LV America !!!

  • Please join me in congratulating Lisa Little and Jennifer Reid for their successful certification to become the latest members of our judging staff. After completing their final tests in theory and praxis ( which they mastered beautifully) during Centennial’s trial last weekend, they are now official DHV Judges and will be getting their first assignments immediately. I would like to thank Centennial SchH Club for their support during this certification as well as the judges and other LV America Members who gave their support to Lisa and Jennifer during their apprenticeship. Please continue your support for these two and try to make their first assignments as pleasant as possible.

  • Lisa and Jennifer, thank you for your time and efforts you put into your apprenticeship and for your commitment to DVG/LV America. We wish you good luck in everything you do.

  • I would also like to announce that we have made the “Judges’ Handbook” available for members to review. You will find this on this website under “Trial Rules and Regulations”

  • Unfortunately, for personal reasons, I will not be able to attend this year’s LV Championship, but I wish the Host Club a successful event and the best of luck to all the competitors. I will miss you all.

Submitted 05/10/07

  • Handlers will be allowed to show their dogs in Training Vests and/or Jackets. Please make sure, though, that you do not keep any toys, food packets or similar items inside. The judge is allowed to check if he suspects that to be the case and it could be viewed as unsportsmanlike conduct. Please also note, though, that this does not apply to Championships where the respective KG or LV determines the dress code for that event.

  • Please make sure that the tracks are laid correctly. We do see frequently that the corners are laid as wide, round circles. This is not correct! The judges have been instructed to ensure that the tracks are laid correctly (“approximately 90 degree corners”).

  • Disarming Procedure:
    Disarming occurs without the helper raising his arms. It is only necessary to take the stick. However, otherwise the method and manner in which the helper is disarmed is optional for the handler. (So, if for example you like the helper to take a step back before the transport, you may ask him to do so).

Submitted 06/12/06

  • For those of you who are interested in showing any dog in the Random Search Test ("Stöberprüfung") in your future trials, please mark this (apply for) on your trial applications. For those of you who already have an approved and assigned trial, I will waive this requirement and inform Germany. No special paperwork is needed, but please inform the assigned judge (before the trial) if you have a dog going for this title.

Submitted 06/07/06

  • The translated rules for the Random Search Test (Stöberprüfung) are now available. Click here

Submitted 02/06/06

“IPO Left About Turn”

  • It has come to my attention that more and more handlers are attempting to do the so-called “IPO Left About Turn” in trials. And a lot of handlers are training and performing the maneuver incorrectly.

    This type of left about turn differs from the “old” left about turn in what the dog does, not what the handler does. Too many handlers are making small U-turns (curves), rather than pivoting on their foot as they would in performing the original type of about turn where the dog goes around the handler. This is incorrect and will result in point loss. In the “IPO” left about turn, the dog is to quickly move (flip) to the handlers left side as the handler pivots on the left foot. The handler’s footwork doesn’t change but remains identical to that of the original left about turn. The handler simply pivots on the foot, ending up facing back where he/she came from and the dog is ends up on the handler’s left side. It’s what the dog does that is different. So, if you’re going to use the IPO left about turn, be sure to train and perform it correctly.

Submitted 11/09/04

  • The handler does not have to stop before going into the group in the heeling (assuming the group has been called out and is ready). Of course, there is the mandatory stop after the About Turn.
  • The AZG has now determined (amended) that the side transport to the judge has to begin with a basic position. The amended text is as follows: On [the judge’s] instruction, the handler proceeds at a normal pace to the dog and with a command, puts the dog in the basic position and takes the stick from the helper. The method and manner in which the helper is disarmed is left up to the handler. Telling the helper to raise his arms does not have to occur. The handler once again halts next to the helper in the basic position. On command of the handler, a side transport to the judge ensues over a distance of about 20 paces. When reporting [to the judge], the dog is off lead and sits at heel between the handler and the helper.     Note: A command such as “Transport” (instead of Fuß/Heel) may be used to allow a differentiation between Obedience and Protection Heeling. Please note that the side transport is to be shown at all levels with the dog off lead.
  • In the exercise “Attack out of motion” (Courage test), after the handler assumes the position (with the dog sitting at heel) he is not to say anything until he gives the dog the release command upon the judges’ signal. In other words, the handler will neither call out the helper nor ask him to stop.
  • The Tracking (I-III) and Obedience (I-III) titles can be entered into the scorebook. In that case they also need to be listed on the judges’ report and an application has to be sent in with the paperwork (like for any other BH or VPG dog). Another way is to list these dogs only as a total number in the appropriate section on the report, in which case no specific entry forms will have to be filled out and the results will not be recorded in Germany. Be aware that, in either case, the dog always has to qualify with a BH title first. It is permissible to jump (i.e. from T1 to T3) if a handler chooses to do so. It is now also possible to show in Protection (I-III), however, this can only be done in conjunction with another phase and not in Protection-Only! So, for example, handler A can show his dog in Obedience III and Protection III. Click here for title details.
  • The BH title is also required for showing a WH! Which of course means that the minimum age for a WH has to be 15 months as well (and not 12 months).
  • Please be aware that a DVG member (still) has to have a DVG scorebook to show his dog. However, I could show a dog, who’s owner is not a DVG Member but a member of a breed club (i.e. ADRK), with its breed club scorebook.

Submitted 4/15/04
Phase A (Tracking)

  • A draw for tracking order is required at all levels and is to be supervised by the trial judge, not just at the VPG III level.
  • Tracks should be different (change pattern and/or distances).
Phase B (Obedience)
  • No gunshots in BH.
  • Sit after Send out, Long Down or Stand only after judge’s signal.
  • The walking stand occurs in VPG II only; the running stand is required in VPG III.
  • Wall already part of VPG I.
Phase C (Protection)
  • For VPG I: Call out or heel out (both are allowed).
  • If the dog doesn’t come (in call-out) after 3 commands, disqualification.
  • If dog doesn’t out after 3 commands, disqualification (no more chance to approach the dog and get out then).
General:
  • Tracking and Obedience titles can now be entered in the scorebook (and on the reports). Please be aware that we still cannot count these for the 4 dog minimum per trial!
  • Still choke chain (big link fur saver) required for all trials!

Submitted 2/28/04
  • The new VPG rules are now posted   Click Here.

Submitted 12/19/03
  • The new BH rules are now posted   Click Here.
    • Basically there's no change to BH, except no more gun shots!
  • The translated VPG rules are to be posted probably within the next couple weeks.
    • The new VPG rules are almost identical to the current IPO rules (only very few differences).
  • Official start of using the new BH and VPG rules in DVG America trials will be April 1st. The Nationals will be held using the new rules.
  • For those handlers who would like to show under the new rules earlier (before April) I would suggest to show as an IPO vs. VPG. I will accept IPO titles as qualification for the Nationals.
  • The jump is now back to being solid (no soft top). To give clubs some time, I will allow clubs to use either type (soft or solid) of jump for the next 6 months. The jump used at the Nationals will be solid.

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