HERDING REGULATIONS FOR SV

HERDING COMPETITIONS

Circa 2000

German Shepherd Dog Association (SV) registered association of VDH, FCI, and WUSV.

Founding association of the breed and responsible for the breed standard of German Shepherd Dogs.

The German Shepherd Dog Association (SV) issues the following herding regulations (according to the German way of herding) with flocks of sheep and herding dogs.

1. General

The SV with its regional clubs (Landesgruppe-LG) and its local clubs (Ortsgruppe-OG) organizes the following herding competitions:

a) local herding competitions (Ortsgruppen-Hueten)

b) regional herding competitions (Landesleistungshueten)

c) national herding competitions (Bundesleistungshueten).

The herding skill aims at optimal food consumption and thus at maximum weight gain of the sheep with consideration given to the available pastures and the weather by using a senseful way of herding. For that purpose the handler needs a well trained herding dog. From this point on the dog will be called herding utility dog (Herdengebrauchshund - HGH). Only with harmonic team work between human and animals can optimal grazing be accomplished. The flock of sheep must not be disturbed more than necessary while feeding. The flock must be kept in certain areas. On roads it must be led skillfully. The course for a herding competition should be laid out in a way that the exercises are connected with each other and that a flowing run is possible (cp. no. 3.2). The order of the exercises doesn’t matter much. The course should be according to every day practices regardless of the constraint to judge the shown performance.

The work of the shepherd with the flock and the dog must present a unified and composed picture. The shepherd’s confidence and calm demeanor has to transfer to the flock and dog. The handler uses the dog skillfully and sensefully. For that purpose the handler uses verbal commands or signals. The reaction of the HGH and the execution of the signals gets special attention. During a run one must show repeatedly that the HGH responds immediately in the proper direction according to the verbal commands and signals.

The work of the HGH is determined by its genetics and training, by its relation to the handler and by how the handler uses the dog. The dog’s disposition must be composed and sure, it must show good nerves and fearlessness. Drive, courage and toughness are further necessities to be respected by the flock which contains rebellious sheep. The protection drive should be developed.

2. Regulations for Admission and Organization

Permitted are German Shepherd Dogs who are registered in the SV’s breed book or in the register. Owner and handler of the HGH must be members of the SV.

2.1 The minimum age of the dog must be at least 14 months.

2.2 Admission regulations

2.2.1 Necessary achievements

The HGH does not have to qualify in order to participate in the Landesleistungshueten. In order to compete in the Bundesleistungshueten the dog must have received the note “good” in a Landesleistungshueten before being entered.

2.2.2 Health regulations

Only healthy dogs are permitted to compete in herding competitions. Official health regulations must be fulfilled. The dogs must be vaccinated against rabies. The vaccination certificate must be available to show to the organizer.

2.2.3 Application

The herding competitions will be announced in the SV magazine or in the sheep breeder association press. The organizer sets a deadline. The owner must have the dogs entered by that deadline. The entries have to be sent to the organizer. For the national herding competition the entries must be sent directly to the SV headquarters at Steinerne Furt 71/71a in 86167 Augsburg.

The entry form must include: names of main dog and man dog, breed book or register number, sex, date of birth, parents, name and address of owner and handler. (Entry forms for the national herding competition must include proof of qualification for the main dog).

If there are too many entries, second entries can be canceled by the organizer or at the national herding competition by the headquarters in agreement with the organizer. Dogs who are registered in the breed book should be preferred.

Sending the entry form means acknowledgment of the regulations for admission and the SV herding regulations.

2.3 Herding regulations

Herding with one main dog and one man dog is the regular case. The herding regulations refer to the main dog. They refer to the man dog only there where its work relates to the performance, allowed help, etc. There is no difference in judging the herding with “one” or with “two” dogs.

2.3.1 General regulations

All information given by the handler has to be true. A handler who intentionally gives wrong information, tries to mislead the judge, or tries to disturb the work of another dog loses all his/her and his/her dog’s titles. He/she can be disqualified. Handler, owner and breeder can be removed from the trial by the hosting club or chairman when they violate the herding rules or argue the judge’s decision improperly.

Every handler is liable for damages caused by his/her dogs.

2.3.2 Herding order

The herding order will be decided by drawing a lot. The order is not influenced by using one or two dogs or by the sex of the dog. The chairman observes the draw.

Females in season must be reported to the chairman before the draw. They are not allowed to enter the course and must compete at the end.

If a handler does not attend the draw the chairman or another participant can draw for this handler.

2.3.3 Course

The course must be chosen according to practical real life situations. It must allow the handler to show all required parts (compare to 3.2).

2.3.4 Examination

The examination will be done with at least 200 sheep, at regional and national competitions with approximately 300 sheep.

The handler should stand or move in a proper position during the examination like in real life situations. The handler has to lead the dog by using verbal commands or signals. Before the handler starts the run he/she has to name the dog’s grip (grip on back of back leg, on back of neck, on ribs).

During the competition all dogs except for the ones currently competing are on leash.

The host is responsible that no other dog besides the entered dogs is on the course.

3. Judges and Scores

3.1 Judges

The body of judges in local herding competitions contains at least one SV recognized HGH judge, in regional competitions at least two SV recognized HGH judges, and in national competitions one main judge and two SV recognized HGH judges.

The judges will be requested by the hosting club.

After every run the HGH judge, or at the national herding competition the main judge, gives the critiques and the score.

3.2 Score system

3.2.1 Scoring the handler

The work of the handler will be judged (very good, good, satisfactory, deficient, unsatisfactory) according to:

a) herding technique

b) handling of the sheep

c) use and direction of the dog

The work will be described in words.

3.2.2 Scoring the HGH

The work of the dog will be judged as follows:

Maximum number of points

Exit from the pen 6

Traffic 10

Wide graze 10

Placing 8

Narrow graze 10

Narrow road 8

Bridge 6

Grip 8

Obedience 10

Diligence 10

Independence 10

Re-pen 4

_____________ ___

Total 100

The notes are:

Excellent 90 to 100 points

Very good 80 to 89 points

Good 70 to 79 points

Satisfactory 60 to 69 points

Deficient 50 to 59 points

Unsatisfactory less than 50 points

In order to get the HGH title according to the breeding regulations the dog must get the note Satisfactory with 60 points.

3.2.3 Judgment of temperament and genetics of the HGH

Judgments are: lively, calm, excited, lazy, attentive, indifferent, impertinent, timid, shy.

The protection test will be done with an agitator and the dog on leash.

4. Guidelines for Herding Competitions

Description of examinations.

4.1 Exit from the pen (6 points are the maximum available)

In order to establish contact with the sheep the shepherd goes around or in the pen. He/she can do both. The dogs stay on the outside of the pen or are tied to prevent disturbance.

After the shepherd has contact with the sheep he/she opens the pen by taking out one panel in order to get an opening of approximately 4 meters. Where the shepherd opens the pen is up to him/her unless the judge decides where. While opening the pen the HGH stands in front of the gate in order to prevent the sheep from escaping. After opening the gate the handler stands in front of it, where the HGH just stood. Then he/she sends the dog into the pen by letting the dog jump over a panel. The dog will stand calmly on command in the pen in a proper position. The handler tries to bring the flock in motion by moving slowly backwards and calling the sheep. If the sheep don’t follow the handler the dog tries gently to move the sheep. As soon as the sheep move the HGH stands inside the pen on the panel near the gate.

If necessary the HGH can go back and move the sheep but has to come back to and stand at the panel. The HGH can leave its position by itself or on command not before the last sheep has left the pen. If the sheep while exiting don’t follow the handler the man dog has to be used. When the exit works normally the man dog stays on the panel opposite the main dog. A stand stay is not necessary.

Mistakes:

Opening more than one panel unless ordered by the judge.

Unnecessarily long exiting.

HGH is led into the pen.

HGH doesn’t react to verbal commands and signals.

HGH sits or lies down.

HGH stands outside the panel.

HGH stands too far away.

HGH is called too early from position.

HGH disturbs sheep.

HGH needs too much help.

4.2 Obstacles, traffic (10 points are the maximum available)

The exercise will be shown on a road or way with enough width. The handler leads the flock while the HGH moves the sheep far enough to the side that a car, first from in front and afterwards from the rear, can slowly pass the flock. The HGH has to patrol between car and flock in order to make room and safety for animals and obstacle. The handler has to watch that the sheep don’t damage bordering fields.

Also on other obstacles such as agricultural equipment the HGH has to move or stand between flock and obstacle in order to prevent the sheep from possible injuries.

Mistakes:

HGH is afraid of car.

HGH goes around the car.

HGH works behind or too much in front of car.

HGH charges into the flock and creates disturbance.

HGH chases sheep away from flock.

HGH doesn’t make enough room between car and flock.

Car cannot pass flock on marked road.

Flock moves too far over on man dog side.

4.3 Wide graze (10 points are the maximum available)

The handler goes in front of the flock and leads the sheep to the wide graze. He/she lets the flock go around him/her into the big area with several sided borders. While the handler stands with the man dog at the corner of the graze the main dog has to patrol on the opposite side and – if necessary – to go with the flock. The handler can also stand with the HGH on the corner when the graze starts if there is a field with especially endangered crops or a road there. If there is a furrow/border the HGH has to work in/on it correctly and has to work beside the sheep on that border which is closest to the sheep without getting commands. It is desirable that the HGH covers the whole length of the flock several times. If there is no furrow/border the HGH has to patrol along the edge of the graze and otherwise has to show the same behavior. It is not allowed to leave the edge to the outside or inside (disturbance). If the dog has to patrol on several borders it has to go around the corner. It always has to watch the head of the flock and has to go with the sheep without any commands and signals. If the dog has to switch sides it has to do it in front of the flock.

Mistakes:

Dog doesn’t stay in furrow or on border.

Dog covers whole length only on command or signal.

Dog cuts corners severely.

Flock gets unnecessarily disturbed.

HGH lies down, sits, sniffs.

HGH shows little interest.

4.4 Placing (8 points are the maximum available)

The handler has to show in this exercise that he/she can send the HGH with commands and signals in front of the flock without disturbing its grazing.

The handler sends the HGH from the furrow or border in a wide angle in front of the flock. There the HGH has to stand on command facing the flock. On one command or signal the HGH moves towards the head of the flock until it gets the command “Stand.” The closer the HGH comes to the head of the flock the slower it has to move. This exercise has to be shown with at least three interruptions until the head of the flock turns slowly around.

Not until the HGH has done this can it go back on command the same way it came from. The handler is not allowed to stand close to the dog while sending it in front of the sheep. Going with the dog partly devalues the result.

Mistakes:

Too many commands and signals.

HGH goes in a close angle to the head of the flock.

HGH does not go straight towards the head of the flock.

HGH disturbs the flock.

HGH doesn’t stand steady.

HGH moves towards handler and not towards head of the

flock.

HGH moves too fast towards head of the flock.

HGH lies down, sits, sniffs.

HGH charges into flock.

HGH stands incorrectly and insecurely on corners.

4.5 Narrow graze (10 points are the maximum available)

The narrow graze can be a small meadow, a field with leftovers, or a narrow 30 meter wide pasture. The flock has to graze in a small area. That necessarily strings out the flock. While entering the narrow graze the handler does the same as in the wide graze. When the handler works with one dog it stands on the corner and the flock goes around the dog. While entering the graze the dog must already correct stray sheep or prevent sheep from straying into the next field. The HGH stands at the corner until the last sheep has entered the narrow graze. It changes sides on command or signal in order to work the side opposite the handler. Here the HGH goes independently with the flock and stays correctly on the border or in the furrow. When the handler works with two dogs the handler stands with the man dog on the corner and the main dog goes right away independently to the opposite side.

On command or signal the HGH has to switch sides at least once no matter if the handler uses one or two dogs. The HGH has to be sent several times from the endangered side to the front. The sheep must not be disturbed and especially not turned around. Stray sheep must be pushed back or if necessary corrected by the dog without giving a command. If the flock behaves in a way that the HGH has no need to patrol and the HGH shows less activity the HGH should not lose points. Otherwise the dog has to patrol constantly along the flock.

To be in a better position to influence the situation, the handler should place him/herself beside the last third or middle of the flock.

Mistakes:

HGH doesn’t stand on the corner while entering the graze.

HGH leaves furrow or border several times.

HGH charges into flock.

HGH doesn’t cover the whole length of the flock.

HGH switches sides too close to the sheep.

HGH stands to close in front of the flock.

HGH turns flock around.

HGH shows too little ambition.

HGH stands for a longer time, sits, or lies down.

Handler helps to much while dog is switching sides.

Handler is in front of flock.

4.6 Narrow road (8 points are the maximum available)

The narrow road should be narrow and at least 200 meters long. The handler goes in front and leads the flock while the HGH works on the endangered side. Without getting a command the HGH has to cover the whole length of the flock. If all sheep are on the road the dog does not have to cover the whole length all the time. If necessary the dog has to go to the last sheep. If necessary the dog has to switch sides in front of the handler. It can follow stray sheep into the flock and grip.

Mistakes:

HGH lacks interest, shows little temperament.

HGH doesn’t cover whole length.

HGH switches sides between handler and flock.

HGH chases sheep away and follows them.

HGH grips unnecessarily.

HGH slows down, stands still, sits, and lies down.

HGH is heat sensitive.

HGH is not weather resistant.

Flock moves too far over to man dog side.

HGH works to far away from flock.

4.7 Bridge (6 points are the maximum available)

If there is no natural bridge one must be set up. It should be reasonably wide and long. While passing the bridge the HGH should stand on the sharp corner. This should be done when the first sheep enter the bridge. The HGH should stand in a way that it sees the handler and the following part of the flock. The HGH has to prevent sheep from going around the bridge and possibly damaging themselves. After the sheep have crossed the bridge the dog follows over the bridge either on command or independently. Right afterwards the HGH has to work the whole length of the flock on the endangered side.

Mistakes:

HGH stands on wrong side of the bridge.

HGH shows little attention to the flock, is under pressure.

HGH sniffs, sits, or lies down.

HGH or man dog lets sheep go around the bridge.

HGH charges into the flock.

HGH reacts badly to commands and signals.

HGH switches sides behind sheep or bridge.

HGH stands unsteady and insecure.

HGH needs a lot of help to be placed.

4.8 Grip (8 points are the maximum available)

In every flock are sheep who have no or only a little respect even for a HGH and who try the dog. In order to get their respect the HGH has to show once in a while a correct grip. In order to show the necessary result the grip has to be fast, with the full mouth, and with the necessary pressure over a short time period. Unnecessary and many grips are wrong. The HGH has to go with the sheep while gripping. It must not tear. Injuries must not happen. Grips on the back of a back leg, on the back of the neck, and on the ribs are allowed.

When the handler gives the command to grip the HGH immediately has to go to grip. It must not hesitate. One to two commands should be enough, the same when the dog grips too long and has to release. It has to be checked if the HGH gets the necessary respect and also watches lambs. Just barking is not enough.

Mistakes:

HGH is afraid.

HGH doesn’t grip.

HGH grips too often.

HGH tears.

HGH grips too long.

HGH injures sheep.

HGH ignores lambs.

Grip is too hard.

4.9 Obedience (10 points are the maximum available)

Obedience is the foundation of the training. The HGH must be willing and easy to handle. When the handler gives a command or signal the HGH has to carry it out immediately. Useful and satisfying herding presumes a useful and knowledgeable training. That leads to a mutual, good combination.

Obedience is part of every exercise. All commands and signals have to be carried out immediately, enthusiastically and with vivacity – even at a far distance like in the wide graze. The dog must not go after wild animals.

The way the handler works with the HGH shows if the dog obeys happily. The handler’s note will be influenced by his/her composure and confidence and by his/her love, understanding and empathy for the creature.

Mistakes:

HGH is badly trained.

HGH is afraid of handler.

HGH obeys unwillingly.

Commands and signals are carried out slowly and without desire.

HGH needs repeated commands and signals.

Handler and HGH have no relation of trust.

HGH is under enormous pressure.

HGH goes after wild animals.

4.10 Diligence (10 points are the maximum available)

The HGH must show joyful willingness at all times. It always has to watch sheep and handler. Liveliness, quickness while working and constant patrolling show a good and diligent HGH. A spectator should get the impression the dog constantly wants to count the sheep.

Mistakes:

HGH is lazy, tired, or cannot work anymore.

HGH doesn’t listen to commands.

HGH doesn’t see signals.

HGH shows no ambition.

HGH shows no interest.

4.11 Independence (10 points are the maximum available)

The HGH works independently when it works where it is needed, if necessary patrols on several sides, doesn’t disturb the sheep, pushes stray sheep back and corrects them if necessary. The independent HGH patrols without getting commands and signals, goes with the flock and watches the sheep while they are grazing.

Mistakes:

HGH shows little or no independence.

HGH lacks necessary attention.

HGH shows little vivacity.

HGH doesn’t cover the whole length of the flock.

HGH doesn’t have courage or strength to correct.

Handler gives hidden help (wide graze).

4.12 Re-pen (4 points are the maximum available)

At the re-pen the handler stands where the HGH stood while exiting but outside and not inside the pen. He/she lets the sheep go around him/her into the pen. If necessary he/she leads the sheep into the pen. The HGH has to be placed on the furthest end of the removed panel. It can leave its place if the flock refuses to go into the pen (heat, mud, etc.). Otherwise the flock should be forced to funnel into the pen. The HGH has to prevent sheep from going around. If the last sheep of the flock refuse to go into the pen, the HGH can push slowly on command from behind and can go up to the middle of the gate.

Mistakes:

HGH stands too far away from panel.

HGH stands too close to the gate.

HGH sits, sniffs.

HGH makes sheep nervous.

HGH lets sheep go around the pen.

HGH charges into flock.

Handler stands in the pen.

These herding regulations are effective as of January 1, 1989.