Hold and Bark (five points)

Before the dog‑handler team walks onto the field, the helper hides behind one of the blinds. On the judge’s command, the team heels to the midline between two blinds. On the judge’s signal, the handler removes the leash from the dog’s collar and then sends it to the blind. When the dog reaches the helper, it must harass him by staying close and barking powerfully and aggressively. The helper does not move or show aggression toward the dog in any way, and therefore it must not bite him. The dog will lose points for bumping or biting, not barking forcefully enough or being less than completely vigilant.

Attack on Handler (thirty‑five points)

At the conclusion of the hold‑and‑bark exercise, the judge instructs the handler to go to his dog and, taking the animal’s collar, pull it away from the helper. The helper leaves the blind and, once he has vacated it, the handler and dog step into it. Meanwhile, with the dog’s vision of him obscured by the blind, the helper moves to a new blind. At the judge’s signal, the team heels on leash in the direction of the new hiding place. Still in motion, the handler removes the leash and continues heeling toward the blind. Suddenly the helper charges out of the blind, simulating an attack on the handler. Without command, the dog should immediately attack the helper and bite hard and full on the sleeve. During the fight the helper drives the dog and strikes the animal twice with a flexible reed stick. At the judge’s command the helper stops fighting and “freezes.” The handler commands his dog to “Out!” and the animal must release its bite. The dog will not be granted a Schutzhund degree if it does not out properly at least once during the routine. After the “Out!” command the dog should remain near the helper and guard him closely. The dog may bark or not, and it may sit, stand or lie down but must remain vigilant and concentrated upon the helper. At the judge’s signal, the handler advances and again takes his dog by the collar so that the helper can step away.

^{“The protection dog must be sharp, but sharpness must be disciplined by training turned in the right direction and conditioned by the most perfect obedience.”–Max von Stephanitz}