COMPANION Degree from BRTA
NAAC COMPANION DOG Degree of Intern Masters and Champion.
Certification format will not have a STANDARD course or judging STANDARD.However, it does have standard categories of exercises. Each time you go into a ring, you will be required by each different judge to do a different set of exercises, based on that judge's knowledge of your American Alsatian's Generational Line and Service/Assistance Specialty. INTERN Degree is the first level to be earned. COMPANION INTERN degree must be awarded to the American Alsatian before MASTERS Degree. Consequent with MASTERS to COMPANION CHAMPION Degree.
INTERN - Will be awarded for completion of 3 (three) of the following exercises, with a score of 14 or higher.
MASTERS Will be awarded for completion of 6 (six) of the following exercises, with a score of 20 or higher.
CHAMPION COMPANION will be awarded for completion of 9 (nine) of the following exercises with a score of 26 or higher.
Each team will have no prior knowledge of which set or order they will be asked to perform a combination of the following exercises.
INTERACTION with cautious strangers
American Alsatian must stay steady in place as stranger approaches. When stranger approaches with caution, American Alsatian must not attempt to leave handler nor break position. Lowering head or avoiding eye contact is permissible. Air reading and SOME chopping is allowed, but will lose points.
INTERACTION with Friendly strangers.
American Alsatians must remain steady in position. Dog must not approach or solicit attention from the stranger. Dog must remain quiet and attentive for a brief conversation of stranger and handler. American Alsatians must not break position as stranger attempts to go. American Alsatians must NOT use mouth to solicit attention near stranger when attempt to leave is made.
WALKING with handler across novel surfaces.
The dog will make contact with 2 different novel surfaces, willingly, on cue, on a loose 6' or shorter
leash without the handler touching the dog. Unusual surfaces should have one or more of the following
novel qualities: unusual texture, moves (safely) when the dog steps on it, has open spaces below it, requires
the dog to step over or around (not jump) raised sections or objects, makes noise. surfaces
should be placed 15-30 feet apart (variation in distances should be considered when determining maximum
time allowed.) For maximum points, the handler should not touch the dog or objects and the dog
should perform this exercise in heel position. (Surface will not include standard agility equipment.)
SEND OUT
Handler sends the dog away from handler in any direction while handler stays in a designated area. Points are awarded for distance from the marked area, dog moving in the direction indicated
by the handler, and the dog remaining away from the handler until released. Use of a placed or
thrown target object is allowed, but will score less points than distance control of the dog without a target.
Judge will designate when time starts.
DISTANCE WORK
Two parallel lines at least 3' apart should be marked on the ground. The dog and handler start on opposite
sides of this marked gap. The dog does cued behaviors without crossing either line (repeating the same
behavior is allowed, but more points are awarded for more different behaviors used). Behaviors asked will be a combination of the following: Sit - Sit from laying position. DOWN from STAND. PAW or WAVE - SPIN - ROLL OVER - "PLAY DEAD" - DOWN - "Touch" Object - Handler may also submit a personal trick. Points will be awarded via how many exercises could be performed to completion, and difficulty of exercise will be considered. Points will be deducted for each time dog or handler cross the drawn lines.
PICKUP AND CARRY
Dog and handler will start at a predesignated area no shorter than 50 feet from the finish point. Judge will place several objects along the "path" of the team. Handler will be required to walk dog among objects, and will instruct dog to carry object to finish line. Handler will only be told which object is theirs before start of course. Points will be awarded according to a distance and security of which dog carries object, as well as handlers ability to communicate well with their American Alsatian.
Approach and greet a sitting stranger
Several people will be placed throughout the course grounds, seated. Judge will instruct dog and handler to walk dog over and be seated next to stranger. American Alsatians often to not appreciate being petted around the head, handlers are instructed to inform stranger of their American Alsatians interaction preferences. NOTE: ALL course assistants will be informed of the dog's propensities PRIOR to course start. This is to determine the handlers ability to interact appropriately with the public).
HOLD STEADY for dropped or objects
Dog and handler will start course on Judges signal with NO noise start cues. Dog and handler must silently and steadily follow an arrowed course around orange safety cones. Course assistants will be placed at 10 foot intervals. An Object of size and audibility will be dropped prior to team arrival. Dog and team will be instructed to walk past dropped object with no deviation.
ENTER and EXIT Car
Dog and handler will be asked to walk up to a strange car. Handler must SIT and WAIT dog nicely, open door, and signal dog to enter and close door. Handler must walk around to the other side of the car and open door after a count of 10 is counted off. Dog must sit nicely and quietly in car while owner waits outside. After ten count is completed - owner must open car door, and WAIT dog until Judge signals release from car.(Minimum six count - No longer than a ten count)
STAND FOR PACK LOAD
Handler will strap pack prior to start of course. Upon Judges signal, handler will instruct Dog to stand and have its pack loaded (as per a list given to handler). Dog must not be held by pack nor leash for entire load. Handler must then Take Up Dog and walk 10 feet to course finish.
"At The Counter" Manners
Team must approach a counter. Handler will instruct dog to sit when they arrive. Handler will be handed a plastic grocery bag half full with noisy items. Handler will hold bag at counter level, dangling near dog, and will fill out a short provided form while dog sits quietly. One of the following distractions will be added - According to the Judges knowledge of your American Alsatians temperament and generational line:
- Approach of friendly stranger: Dog must accept petting but not get up to solicit attention.
- Approach of unfamiliar dog - dog must sit quietly and let dog pass without getting up.
- Pass of shopping cart
- Pass of jogger or bicycle.
- dropped food by passing stranger.
PICTURE TIME!
Team must sit and pose for portrait in a bustling atmosphere. Distractions may include unfamiliar dogs and children, costume for both handler and dog. Dog must follow handlers seated instruction for posing, according to the Judges request. Dog must not shy completely away from flash.
Team Regulations and Conduct Code
Flat buckle collars are allowed. These include any collar that fastens at a stationary point rather than tightening. Properly fitted limited-slip/martingale collars are allowed (when tightened fully, the collar is only
snug and does not press into the dog’s neck muscle.) Properly fitted harnesses are allowed as long as a
stationary leash attachment is on the dog's back. No-pull type harnesses are not permitted while testing.
Chain, full slip collars, adjustable or decorative, face harnesses and no pull type harnesses are not allowed.
Any leash of nylon or leather 6' or shorter can be used. Retractable, elastic or designer performance leashes are not allowed.
The handler may not bring food or a clicker into the ring while their dog, or another dog, is performing exercises. This is to ensure that the dog is performing the exercises as requested based on a solid working relationship with the handler and foundation skills the dog has already learned.
The handler is allowed to end exercises early at any time if they should feel the dog is uncomfortable or under duress to the point of potential harm to itself or others. The handler is allowed to restart the exercise at anytime during the time the day the course is open, with a 50% deduction of points. If the team is unable to complete the course any time during the day the course is open, the team will forfeit all points earned for that exercise only.
The handler has the responsibility to correctly and openly inform the judge of any deviation of normal stresses the dog may feel threatened by. For instance, if the American Alsatian has developed a discomfort of automobiles, it is the responsibility of the handler to inform the BRTA Judges of this malfoctor BEFORE course creation. The handler has the responsibility of informing all course assistants if they feel their American Alsatian is not acting comfortably around them, and end the exercise early. Course assistants cannot end exercises.
Most exercises have no requirements of correct specific movement or handler technique. A crooked sit is not considered in awarding points. loose leash is awarded no target heel will be expected.
Dogs are not permitted to be disruptive or compromise the safety of itself, the handler, general public or judges. Some excited barking is permitted, however American Alsatians are not expected to be noisy or disruptive. Such disruptions can and will lead to disqualification of the entire course.
Dogs may only be handled by one handler per course. The handler is not required to be the dogs trainer or owner, but must have an intimate relationship with the dog. Handlers must be a member in good standing with the NAAC.
It is the responsibility of the handler to provide for the needs and welfare of the dog.
Dogs presented for degree accreditation must be F-1 or further Strongbred American Alsatians.
Dogs must be in good health, presentable condition of grooming, coat free of loose undercoat or mats and tangles. Nails must be clipped blunt. Bitches in season are not permitted onto course grounds. Unaltered male American Alsatians must be curbed and the handler must keep relationships with all other dogs on the grounds quiet. No rough "horse" play between dogs will be permitted on grounds.
Judges and Judging Responsibilities
Judges
Are certified and educated by the BRTA. Selection of Judges assigned to courses is a combination of availability of volunteers, as well as complication of course needed. Judges at all times during representation of the NAAC are in accordance with NAAC By-Laws. Judges work closely with the Dire Wolf Project to further their education and understand the unique temperament of the Strongbred and Truebred American Alsatian.
Judging and Scoring
Because of the versatility of the course combined with the variations of Temperament of Strongbred American Alsatians, Judges must have participated in a rigorous versing of American Alsatian Breeding philosophy and study of the genetic temperament traits of the line of the specific American Alsatian they are Judging.
When designing a course judges will this and current level of experience and degree.
Scoring will recognize the team's communication and willingness to perform above all. Judges will design all courses and exercise levels according to the best potential of challenge for the team. Judges will consider the welfare and safety of team, course assistants and spectator public. Judges will "call" any team and exercise Stopped if any of those are compromised. Judges will calculate and record each course and/or exercise they have designed and conducted. Judges will be responsible for updating certification and keeping themselves current on all line temperament of American Alsatians of age for participation in BRTA Degrees.
Judges will be provided with a score regulation booklet, and must refer to this publication for course design standards. Written assignments given to the owner will be on standard form. Judges will accurately and legibly fill out these forms and hand them to handler as each exercise
As a general rule, scores of 0-10 should be assigned as follows:
0 - is score is reserved for teams who do not attempt the exercise, the dog/handler are stopped by
the judge for engaging in unsafe behavior or damaging equipment, or for attempts in which the
handler engages in unsportsmanlike conduct and/or is abusive toward the dog, including but not
limited to harsh physical corrections of the dog.
1-4 Scores of 1-4 should be assigned to teams which do not necessarily have mastery exercise, but use their skills, communication, creativity, and problem solving to negotiate the exercise
5-9 Scores of 5-9 should be assigned to teams whose negotiation of the exercise demonstrates an
understanding and/or previous training for the exercise, and use their skills, communication, creativity, and problem solving to negotiate the exercise.
10 A score of 10 should be reserved for teams whose performance not only meets all of the criteria
for the exercise, but also demonstrates an excellent working relationship and is as good a performance as the judge could imagine any team giving.
Generally, Teams should score more points for
Clearly demonstrated willingness to perform - "give it the old college try"
Dog needs little assistance or repeated cues from handler
Team accomplishes the task quickly
Handler demonstrates precise distance control of the dog
Dog quickly and enthusiastically follows all cues given by the handler
Dog willingly confronts new and unusual requests made by the handler
Handler demonstrates excellent insight into the dog’s abilities and how best to “coach” the dog;
Handler demonstrates the ability to realize their dogs limitations
When certifying in higher levels - Judges will consider the quality of advancement in completion of exercises that had been difficult or challenging for teams in previous levels. Generally Judges will more generous in these areas.
Point Deductions will generally be given for:
♦ Needing to make many attempts to accomplish the task
- Excessive frustration of the handler or dog, indicating lesser communication skills of the team
♦ Handler physically moving the dog or its body parts, or directing the dog by pulling its leash
rather than by giving cues to the dog which the dog voluntarily follows
♦ Dog ceases to work at one or several points during the exercise
♦ Lesser quality of performance, as determined by the Judge in conjunction with this Rulebook
- Overly shy unwilling to interact with course assistants. Out right aggression is a disqualification.
- Over exuberant or obnoxious behavior
Exercise Spec's & Equipment
Walking with handler Across Novel Surfaces
Surfaces must be no smaller than 2 x 4 feet and no larger than 6 x 12 in dimension
Surfaces must be secured by weight or by safely posting.
Surfaces cannot be of metal or dark colored material in consideration of heat from sunny days. Surfaces of these construct must be placed in shady areas or indoors..
Surface may be everyday obstacles such as a staircase of wood for intern and a staircase of metal rungs for Champion. However surfaces may not be any form of standard agility equipment such as A Frames.
Surface may incline or recline, placed at angels comfortable for a standard walking pace.Surfaces must be placed a minimum of 15 feet and a maximum of 20 feet away from each other. No Obstacles or distractions may be placed between surfaces.
Standards: Team must exhibit a willingness to approach surfaces. American Alsatians may investigate by sniffing and placing front feet on and off. Handler should encourage and judge should watch for the American Alsatian visually watching the example. Judges should watch for comprehension of task and American Alsatians should not wish to bolt across the surface beyond the handlers comfortable pace. Each team will display a comfortable pace that should be noted and progress in future accreditation will be based on that performance.
