BH is short for Begleithund which means companion dog test. The BH is a basic obedience and temperament test that is a pre-requirement before the dog may move on to a Schutzhund title. However, non SchH dogs can also earn a BH title. It is a nice opportunity for you to participate in an obedience trial with your pet or maybe compete in a different venue with your competitive obedience dog.
First time handlers will be required to take a short written test before moving onto the trial. The test will cover basic BH trial rules and questions about the routine. You can view a sample test on the USCA website to practice. A handler is only required to take this test for their first BH.
The actual BH trial will consist of two parts. The first part is the obedience routine. The obedience routine will begin with two dog/handler teams reporting into the judge on the field together. One team will begin the heeling pattern while the second team performs the long down on the side of the field. The pattern will consist of heeling at a normal, slow and fast pace as well as right, left and about turns. After you complete the heeling pattern you will enter a group consisting of four people on the field where your dog must heel around and out of the group. Once this is completed you will take the leash off of your dog and do the whole routine over again off leash.
After the heeling pattern is completed on and off leash, you will proceed to the motion exercises. First you will perform the sit out of motion then return to your dog. Next you will perform the down out of motion, but instead of returning to your dog, this time you will do a recall.
After you are finished with these exercises, on the judge’s cue you will place your dog in a long down while the second dog/handler team performs their obedience on the field.
Once both dog and handler teams are finished, you will both report out to the judge. The judge will then give a critique of both teams and inform you if you earned enough points to pass first part of the BH.
The dog/handler teams who pass the first part will move onto the second part which is the temperament test. The temperament part of the BH will vary depending on the judge’s discretion and what he wishes to include in the test. However, it usually includes vehicles, a bicycle rider, a jogger, other dogs and a group of people. All of these items are used to test your dog’s temperament and check for any aggression, nervousness or fear. Watch for my future article on preparing for the temperament part of the BH.
If you are interested in finding an upcoming BH/SchH Trial in the Akron area you can visit the USCA Upcoming Events List.
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