1 Basis. 2 Man-Dog Interaction during Training

Transcription

1 Schäferhundverein RSV2000 e.v. [German Shepherd Association RSV2000 e.v.] Training rules and guidelines for dog sport according to the definition of utility dogs ( 2.2 of the Bylaws) Status 2015/08/22 1 Basis (1) The cooperation between man and dog is a cultural value that has already existed for more than 10,000 years and does not require any justification. The utility dog takes up a special position; he is a value in himself. The preservation of the utility dog and his genetic resources is part of maintaining the cultural value. (2) In the past, the shepherd dog was allocated an important function as a sheepdog and Schutzhund [protection dog] whereby his selection was based on his ability to perform and his health. Today, sport has increasingly taken over this function. Within the framework of legal provisions this is quite right. However, when dealing with dogs, demands have to be made that must do justice to the responsibility man has for the animal as a fellow creature as "nobody may cause an animal pain, suffering or damage without reasonable cause" ( 1 Animal Protection Act 1998). 2 Man-Dog Interaction during Training (1) The secret of all education and training lies in the correct recognition and use of existing characteristics (von Stephanitz). (2) The Schäferhund [German Shepherd] is only in a position to fully reveal his inherent characteristics if his living requirements are met appropriately according to his species and he is in harmony with his environment - this also includes man. The goal of any training must be the achievement of such harmony. Here, the precondition is that the dog is not anthropomorphized [humanized] but is treated according to his species. (3) Dealing with dogs in accordance with behavioral and animal protection rights during education, training and utilization demands a high level of knowledge and expertise. Dog trainers must be in a position to recognize and accept the dog's behavior as an expression of his state of mind. They may only demand those performances, which are possible and apply aids and influences, which are suitable for the situation. This is why dog trainers must also acquire knowledge of behavior and handling technical aids during their training and continuing education. (4) Hunger, sexuality, flight and aggression are a dog's four largest drivers. We use these to carry out sport with the dog; that is to say, training makes use of the dog's instinct to master the technical execution of exercises.

2 (5) By promoting and forming his natural behavior pattern and subsequently monitoring it, the dog can develop and, through targeted selection, we can maintain and improve his quality. Training is therefore a preservation of the species. (Anm. d. Übers.: Übersetzung am Ende dieses Dokuments (S. 7)) (6) The harmony between dog and dog-handler is achieved through the best possible use of ethological and empirical knowledge and correctly structuring the social relationship between man and dog. (7) The dog perceives man as a social partner who can be of higher, equal or lower rank but also as an enemy. Equal ranking towards the dog creates frequent confrontation. Subordination on the part of man makes training difficult and can even make the dog dangerous. Hostility prevents positive learning effects. Man should achieve his higher ranking position through empathy and affection to the dog, knowledge and experience, consistency and firmness. Brutality does not create a higher rank but aversion or hostility. (8) Man must understand that the dog only makes "a mistake" if he has not understood the aid, is distracted, the demand is repeated too often or too much is expected of the dog. He must also know that such "mistakes" and an apparent disobedience can also come about through physical or health problems or from a previous situation where too much was expected of the dog. 3 Teaching, Learning, Communicating (1) Each learning process starts with a conflict for the dog, as he does not yet know his work. Naturally, he will either try to solve the problem with hyperactivity or with avoidance behavior. (2) Communication between trainer and dog takes place through body language and acoustical language. The dog is talented when it comes to learning body language; learning vocal signals is more difficult for him. Resulting behavioral consequences for the trainer must be learned and taken into consideration.

3 (3) The legalities of the classic and instrumental conditioning must be considered, good timing for positive and negative reinforcement are preconditions for the learning process and must be implicitly learned and applied by the trainer. (4) The preferred means at the beginning of the learning process is one of immediate, positive reinforcement. (5) Learned behavior is intensified through intermittent positive reinforcement. (6) Negative reinforcement serves to secure learned behavior and to prevent undesirable behavior. (7) As far as this does not lead to injury, drawing the line for the intensity of negative reinforcement shall be orientated towards similarities in the dogs innate social behavior and their means of communication and enforcement. (8) Subsequent sanctions for inappropriate behavior are pointless and contradict animal protection laws. (9) Negative reinforcement and the required aids must serve their purpose, be adapted to the dog and be in perfect condition. They may not cause any lasting pain and in no event may they cause damage. Here, the animal protection laws must be observed; here particular reference is made to Section 3. (10) The use of stronger, negative reinforcements must be reserved for trainers who have an advanced level of education and who are in a position to apply these aids in a controlled manner, expertly where it is necessary for the good of the animal whilst complying with the TSchG Section 3 [Tierschutzgesetz / Animal Protection Act]. 4 Education, Training and Use (1) Education and training cannot be separated and merely differ on a quantitive basis. Learning is constant, and communication is constant. In terms of 2 No. 7, the dog learns the relationship to his dog handler the communicative elements his optimal behavior in every situation according to his social disposition to ensure his best possible personal comfort at all times. (2) Schäferhundverein RSV2000 e.v. [German Shepherd Association RSV2000 e.v.] endeavors to breed good utility dogs according to its Breeding Rules, conforms to these Breeding Rules and accompanies the development of a dog that was bred in the Schäferhundverein RSV2000 e.v. [German Shepherd Association RSV2000 e.v.]. For this purpose, the Association shall establish Competence Centers (CC) to provide its members with advice, help, support, sport and the possibility to test their dogs.

4 5 Leiter Ausbildung und Zucht (LAZ) [Training and Breed Manager] (1) According to 9 and 10 of the Bylaws, the LAZ is responsible for the fields of training and breeding. (2) The LAZ's duties also include procurement of a training program training courses supervising the work in the CCs (3) General LAZ instructions are published on the website of the Schäferhundverein RSV2000 e.v. [German Shepherd Association RSV2000 e.v.]. (4) The LAZ employs managers in the Competence Centers (Leiter [Manager] Competence Center = LCC) to realize his duties. 6 Competence Center (1) The Competence Center organizes the following events: a) Jugendhundsichtung [youth dog evaluation] at the age of 4-6 months. (Please refer to the Sichtung- and Körordnung [Evaluation and Breed Survey Rules] of the Deutscher Schäferhundverein RSV2000 e.v. [German Shepherd Association RSV2000 e.v. ]) An abbreviated ZG matrix is taken after dentition, to obtain information on growth, social behavior, prey behavior and an aptitude as a tracking dog. The dog's identity is examined and, if necessary, a sample taken to prove its pedigree. If necessary, the owner is granted compensation in the event that faults are proven which would preclude breeding. The amount of compensation is determined by the Executive Board and depends on the Association's financial situation. The owner is given personal advice on how to educate and handle his dog. The owner receives advice on how to promote prey behavior; it is at this stage that the dog's predisposition for prey drive is classified. The owner receives an induction to a tracking course; it is at this stage that the dog's predisposition for tracking is classified. b) Junghundsichtung [young dog evaluation] at the age of 7-12 months. (Please refer to the Sichtung- and Körordnung [Evaluation and Breed Survey Rules] of the Deutscher Schäferhundverein RSV2000 e.v. [German Shepherd Association RSV2000 e.v. ]) The dog's development is noted in the same way as during the Jugendhundsichtung [youth dog evaluation]. Problems related to education and training are tested, documented and remedial measures presented.

5 c) Talentsichtung [aptitude evaluation] at the earliest at 12 months. (Please refer to the Sichtung- and Körordnung [Evaluation and Breed Survey Rules] of the Deutscher Schäferhundverein RSV2000 e.v. [German Shepherd Association RSV2000 e.v. ]) The complete ZG matrix is carried out. The owner receives advice on training. The owner is given the identity card. If necessary, the owner is granted compensation in the event that faults with regard to HD, ED are proven which would exclude breeding. The amount of compensation is determined by the Executive Board and depends on the Association's financial situation d) Körungen [breed surveys] (please refer to the Sichtung- and Körordnung [Evaluation and Breed Survey Rules] of the Deutscher Schäferhundverein RSV2000 e.v. [German Shepherd Association RSV2000 e.v. ]). These examine type characteristics mental qualities fitness e) Trials f) Shows g) Training courses (2) Dates and results are published on the website. 7 Local Clubs (1) Local clubs support the Schäferhundverein RSV2000 e.v. [German Shepherd Association RSV2000 e.v.] on a regional level. (2) The Training and Breed Managers for the local club (OG LAZ) must regularly take part in training courses at the Competence Center to impart appropriate to a species and successful education, training and breeding. (3) Local clubs can carry out trials.

6 8 Trials (1) The Association offers trials for: Begleithund [companion dog], Schutzhund [protection dog] 1-3, IPO 1-3, tracking dog 1-2 and endurance. (2) The Schäferhundverein RSV2000 e.v. [German Shepherd Association RSV2000 e.v.] uses the Trial Rules of the Verband für das Deutsche Hundewesen (VDH) [The German Kennel Club] in the relevant valid version. (3) Trials are carried out by the CCs by the local clubs of the Schäferhundverein RSV2000 e.v. [German Shepherd Association RSV2000 e.v.] (4) Date protection applications must be made via the website of the Schäferhundverein RSV2000 e.v. [German Shepherd Association RSV2000 e.v.]. (5) Approved trials are published on the website of the Schäferhundverein RSV2000 e.v. [German Shepherd Association RSV2000 e.v.]. (6) The Schäferhundverein RSV2000 e.v. [German Shepherd Association RSV2000 e.v.] recognizes trials carried out in an association recognized by the VDH/FCI. 9 International Siegerprüfung [Championships] RSV2000 e.v. (ISP RSV2000) (1) The Schäferhundverein RSV2000 e.v. [German Shepherd Association RSV2000 e.v.] conducts an ISP RSV2000 on an annual basis. (2) Members entitled to apply are those with RSVSchH/IPO3 German Shepherd Dogs that, after the most recent RSV WM [RSV world championship], have achieved a mark of at least [good, B] in their last International/RSV Schutzhund 3 [protection dog, RSVSchH/IPO3] trial at a CC of the Schäferhundverein RSV2000 e.v. [German Shepherd Association RSV2000 e.v.]. A Deutscher Schäferhund [German Shepherd] who has successfully participated in a national qualification recognized by the VDH (e.g. LGA, FCI) in the same year. RSVSchH/IPO3 German Shepherd Dogs that, after the most recent RSV WM have achieved a mark of least 270 points at a trial of a local club of the Schäferhundverein RSV2000 e.v. [German Shepherd Association RSV2000 e.v.]. (3) Bitches of RSV WM that were placed in 1 to 10 or achieved a total grade of SG (very good), can participate in next year's RSV WM without qualification.

7 (4) Foreign members/sponsors must be able to prove that their dog has an RSVScH/IPO3 qualification of at least 270 points after the most recent RSV WM.members must be able to prove that their dog has a ScH3 qualification of at least 270 points after the most recent ISP [international championship] RSV2000. (5) The Executive Board determines the number of participants for both local and international dog handlers. (6) If the number of applications exceeds the stipulated quota, the Executive Board will decide on a performance related admission. (7) There is no entitlement to participation. 10 Enforcement and Final Provision These rules become effective following the decision taken by the Executive Board on 08/12/2007. Changes were made by the board on October 1, 2012, they are valid from the day of publication on this internet site. Should parts of these rules become null and void, this does not lead to the complete rules becoming null and void. In this event, the affected provisions will apply mutatis mutandis. GERMAN Kausalkette zum Erhalten des Gebrauchshundes ENGLISH Causal chain to preserve the utility dog AUSBILDEN TRAINING in Prüfungen SICHTEN EVALUATION in trials SELEKTIEREN Selection Der Zucht ZUFÜHREN Introduce to BREEDING

8 Den Gebrauchshund als Kulturgut ERHALTEN PRESERVE the utility dog as a cultural value