Editing Schutzhund (section)

==Trials and titles==
Trials are events—competitive examinations of a dog—at which titles are awarded to dogs that pass standards. In Germany, German Shepherd Dogs are not permitted to be bred unless they have passed at least the level one trials and obtained a title.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.schutzhund-training.com/schutzhund.html|title=SCHUTZHUND / IPO / IGP|website=schutzhund-training.com|access-date=2020-07-15|archive-date=2020-02-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228045352/http://www.schutzhund-training.com/schutzhund.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

There are three levels of titles, numbered 1 through 3, with level 1 being the first and level 3 being the most advanced. Previously they were called Schutzhund 1 through Schutzhund 3 (abbreviated SchH1–SchH3),{{efn|name=schh}} in 2012 they became IPO1–IPO3,{{efn|name=ipo}} and in 2019 they became IGP1–IGP3.{{efn|name=igp}}<ref name=fcirules />

[[File:Schutzhund trial, tracking test.jpg|thumb|right|Tracking phase]]
[[File:Felix with Corvette in 2006 FMBB Hungary.jpg|thumb|right|Obedience phase: the "send out"]]
[[File:Schutzhund trial, bite test.jpg|thumb|right|upright|Protection phase]]

Trials have changed over the years. Modern trials consist of three phases: [[tracking (dog)|tracking]], [[Obedience training|obedience]], and [[Guard dog|protection]].<ref name=havredailynews /> A dog must pass all three phases in one trial to be awarded a title, must have passed the prior level before allowed to compete, and may only acquire one title within an event. Each phase is judged on a point scale with a minimum score required to obtain a title. At any time the judge may dismiss a dog for showing poor temperament, fear or aggression, or failing one of several tests within each phase.<ref name=fcirules />

As a prerequisite, before a dog can compete for IGP1, it must pass a temperament test called a BH-VT{{efn|name=bhvt|BH-VT—Begleithundeprüfung mit Verkehrssicherheitsteil (translation from German: Utility dog examination with traffic safety part)}} (usually called just "BH"). The BH-VT tests basic obedience and confidence around strange people, strange dogs, traffic, bicyclists, joggers, loud noises, and briefly tethered alone (such as tethering the dog to a post while its owner goes out of sight into a shop). A dog that exhibits excessive fear, distracted behaviors, or aggression will not pass the BH-VT and so cannot go on to IGP level 1. BH-VT is the exception to the rule of earning only one title at an event; a dog may be awarded a BH-VT along with one other level 1 title.<ref name=fcirules />

* '''Tracking phase''': This tests not only the dog's scenting ability, but its mental soundness, and physical endurance. A "track layer" walks across a field dropping several small articles along the way. After a period of time, the dog is directed to follow the track while being followed by its handler on a {{convert|10|m|ft}} leash. When the dog finds each article, he indicates it, usually by lying down with the article between his front paws. The dog is scored on how intently and carefully it follows the track and indicates the articles. The length, complexity, number of articles, and age of the track varies for each title.
* '''Obedience phase''': This takes place in a large field, with two dogs on the field at a time. One dog is placed in a down position on the side of the field and its handler leaves it while the other dog works in the field. Then the dogs switch places. In the field, there are several heeling exercises, including heeling through a group of people. There are two or three gunshots during the heeling to test the dog's reaction to loud noises. There are one or two recalls, three retrieves (flat, jump and A-frame), and a "send out", in which the dog is directed to run away from the handler straight and fast and then lie down on command during its run. Obedience is judged on the dog's accuracy and attitude. The dog must show enthusiasm. A dog that is uninterested or cowering scores poorly.
* '''Protection phase''': The judge has an assistant, called the "helper", who helps test the dog's courage to protect itself and its handler, and its ability to be controlled while doing so. The helper wears a heavily padded sleeve on one arm. There are several "blinds" on the field, and the helper hides in a random blind. The dog is directed to search all the blinds for the helper. When it finds the helper, it indicates by barking. The dog must guard the helper to prevent them from moving until recalled by the handler. There follows a series of exercises similar to police work where the handler searches the helper and transports them to the judge. At specified points, the helper either attacks the dog or the handler, or attempts to escape. The dog must stop the attack or the escape by biting the padded sleeve. When the attack or escape stops, the dog is commanded to "out", or release the sleeve. The dog must out or it is dismissed. At all times the dog must show courage to engage the helper and the temperament to obey the handler while in this high state of emotional arousal. The dog must show enthusiasm. A dog that shows fear, lack of control, or inappropriate aggression is dismissed.