Guard Dog Temperament (GDT)
Defense of Handler (DHT)
Guard Dog Temperament (GDT)
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**Any dogs wanting to compete towards an ID3 or ID5 Title are required to obtain their GDT first.**
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Obedience/Temperament Phase
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**Test must be performed on a loose leash in a controlled heel. Leash will be 4 - 6 ft long attached to the dead ring of a Fur Saver or choke chain.
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Exercise 1
Team enters field in a controlled heel to designated area to report in with Judge. On Judges signal, team will heel forward 20 paces, right turn, heel 15 paces, left turn, heel 15 paces, about turn, pause 5 seconds.
Exercise 2
Heel 10 paces, stop and down your dog, handler to proceed ahead without dog 20 paces, stop and turn to face the dog. On judge's signal, recall dog to a front position, pause 3-5 seconds, finish in the basic position.
** Handler has 2 attempts to recall dog.
The Handler can take 1 step to grab dog, but not 2.
Exercise 3
Heel 10 paces to a friendly stranger, shake hands and have a 10 second conversation. Heel forward 10 paces to Judge to report out.
*dog must be calm (no fear or aggression) can show happiness with no jumping.*
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Protection Phase
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Phase 1 - Appraisal Bite
Team will approach Judge for Check-in in a heel.
On judges command, heel to designated area where helper is visible
Dog may now be “turned on”.
Helper will approach to give dog an appraisal bite.
Helper will use a “stick” (either padded or clatter) in a threatening manner.
When dog is on the bite, the helper will give the dog 2 stick hits using either a clatter stick or padded stick.
Helper will then freeze up facing judge and the handler will command the dog to out.
*3 attempts are allowed to out dog. If dog does not out after 3 attempts it is an automatic fail.
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Phase 2 - Hidden Decoy in Blind​
Handlers will heel to start line.
Handler will put the dog in sit.
Team will be signaled to heel forward towards the blind.
Judge will then signal helper to come out of the blind in a threatening manner.
Handler will drop the leash with command to attack helper.
When dog is on the bite, the helper will drive the dog giving 2 stick hits. Helper will be instructed to freeze up.
Handler will be instructed to out the dog.
During the out the dog is to stay with the helper performing a bark and hold or a silent guard.
On the Judges signal, handler will pick up dog and heel away to judge to report out.
**if dog does not out in 3 attempts, it is an automatic fail.
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Defense of Handler (DHT)
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The DHT is a civil exercise, we are testing the dogs courage to stand and perform a civil display towards a forward moving aggressor:
The competitor shall approach the start gate with equipment ready for inspection by steward. Equipment allowed is an agitation harness, or flat 2" agitation collar which will be used on the backtie for the exercise. The handler will be asked to also have a fur-saver (or choke chain) on the dog and attached to the dead ring for safety purposes. The handler's leash will remain on the dog and attached to the dead ring, as a backup in case of equipment failure.
Flexi leads are not allowed.
A 6ft leash, at least 3/4 inches to 1 inch leashes are preferred.
Once inspection is complete, handler will put harness or agitation collar on the dog securely. The steward will instruct the handler and dog to proceed to the back-tie area where handler will attach the back-tie to the dog's collar or harness, while leaving their leash attached to the fur-saver. The Steward will ask the agitator if they are ready, then when the handler is ready, the exercise begins.
The agitator (with no equipment) will come from their hiding area and towards the team aggressively and fast. The agitator will move in an arc, 180 degrees agitating heavy on the dog, then will move 180 degrees back. The steward will instruct end of exercise and agitator will retreat.
Ideal picture is the dog at the front of the line fighting towards the aggressor. A tight line should be visible, and constant vigilance by the dog to "protect" the handler.
A dog who displays fear, backing up, darting forward and back or any aggression towards handler, the exercise will be stopped immediately resulting in a failed test.
**If dog will not engage with Helper or backs down from the pressure, it is an automatic fail.**