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Schutzhund BH | The Companion Dog Test For IPO/IGP

Since the sport of Schutzhund was developed in Germany, we now use many abbreviations to simplify German terms. If you’re just getting started with this type of training or plan to do so, you probably heard of the BH. And chances are you have no idea of ​​what it means. Let’s change that!

What Is A BH In Schutzhund?

The BH is a test in Schutzhund that evaluates the dog’s temperament and obedience before competing in IGP. Also known as the Companion Dog Title, it includes exercises such as on and off lead heeling, basic commands, recalls, and real-life situations in the public traffic area. The BH is a prerequisite for IGP titles.

German Shepherd Schutzhund Trial

What Does BH Stand For In Schutzhund?

The abbreviation BH stands for Begleithundprüfung. It’s a German term meaning “traffic-sure companion dog test”. You can see it as an evaluation that a dog must pass to qualify for participating in IPO/IGP trials. It will test his temperament, obedience skills, and reactions around people, dogs, and traffic.

Can Any Dog Participate In The BH Test?

Although Schutzhund training was developed for and is still dominated by German Shepherds, dogs of all breeds and sizes are eligible for the BH. So any dog can participate in this pre-IGP evaluation. As long as your dog is old enough, well-trained, and has the right temperament, he should be able to pass the BH test.

Some exceptions are, unfortunately, excluded from the trial. For example, females that are obviously pregnant or nursing are not eligible to pass the BH. Sick and contagious animals are also not allowed in Schutzhund events for the safety of other dogs.

How Old Does A Dog Have To Be For A BH?

One of the requirements to be eligible for the BH is age. Young puppies can’t participate in this evaluation for various reasons, including their safety. The dog must be at least 15 months old to pass the BH test. After obtaining the Companion Dog Title and reaching 18 months of age, your dog can attempt the IGP 1.

The Four Parts Of A BH Test

Now that you know what BH means and what dogs can participate in it, you might wonder how this evaluation works. There are four different exams you will have to go through during this trial. It includes a temperament, written, obedience, and traffic test.

Let’s dive into each of these parts that make the BH degree.

Written Test

The United Schutzhund Clubs of America (USCA) require any first-time handler in the BH to pass a written exam. Most questions are relevant to elements and exercises you have to practice for the rest of the test. But there are also questions about the USCA rules and regulations.

The current BH Written Examination (at the time I’m writing this article) has 35 questions. There are mainly True or False. You also have some multiple-choice questions, but nothing too complicated. You will need 28 correct answers out of 35 (80%) to pass this test.

Temperament Test

Before your dog can be allowed to begin the BH, he must go through a temperament evaluation. It involves an identity check and observation of the dog. First of all, you have to bring your dog on a loose heeling leash to the judge without using any command.

Then, the judge will check the tattoo or microchip number of the dog and verify the trial documents. During identification, the judge also has to observe and evaluate the temperament. The dog must be comfortable being touched by the judge and remain calm.

In this temperament test, the judge evaluates if the dog shows traits and behaviors needed for Schutzhund training. It includes self-confidence, quietness, attentiveness, impartiality, friendliness, and much more. The dog must not fail this part of the process to participate in the BH.

Even if there’s an initial temperament test, the evaluation continues during the whole trial. The judge can decide to disqualify a dog with a faulty temperament at any time of the BH. 

After you’ve done the written exam and your dog passed the temperament evaluation, it’s where the Companion Dog Test really starts. The practical portion of the BH has two parts: Obedience and Traffic. Here’s more information about each of them.

Obedience Test

The BH generally starts with obedience exercises. It includes heeling on-leash, heeling off-leash, a sit out of motion, a down with recall, and a long down under distraction. Each exercise is worth points, and the dog must receive 42 out of 60 points (70%) to pass the test.

German Shepherds Schutzhund Training

Here’s the repartition of the points:

  • Heeling On Leash: 15 points.
  • Heeling Off Leash: 15 points.
  • Sit Out Of Motion: 10 points.
  • Down With Recall: 10 points.
  • Long Down Under Distraction: 10 points.

Each exercise will require you to use specific obedience commands. The language (English or German) doesn’t matter as long as you’re consistent during the entire trial. Here are the Schutzhund commands you should use for each exercise during this evaluation. (English / German)

Heeling On Leash:

  • Command: “Heel” / “Fuss” 

Heeling Off Leash: 

  • Command: “Heel” / “Fuss”

Sit Out Of Motion: 

  • Command: “Sit” / “Sitz”

Down With Recall: 

  • Commands: “Down” / “Platz”, “Come” / “Hier” & “Heel” / “Fuss”

Long Down Under Distraction: 

  • Commands: “Down” / “Platz” & “Sit” / “Sitz”

It’s important to note that you will start and end every obedience exercise in the basic position. (Handler standing straight up in a sporting posture and dog sitting parallelly on its left with his right shoulder on the handler’s knee.)

For more information on this position and the obedience exercises, please read the USCA Trial Rulebook.

  • Basic Position. (p.53-54)
  • Development Of The Exercises. (p.54-57)
  • Description Of The Obedience Exercises: (p.57-76)
  • Heeling On Leash (p.57)
  • Heeling Off Leash (p.58)
  • Sit Out Of Motion (p.62)
  • Down With Recall (p.63)
  • Long Down Under Distraction (p.74)

Traffic Test

The second part of the BH will not take place on the training field. It will test your dog with various everyday situations in a suitable public traffic area. The goal is to see how the dog behaves around people, dogs, cars, or anything else he could encounter in real-life.

In the traffic test, there are no points given for each exercise. The overall impression of the dog’s performance will determine the final result given by the judge. Now let’s look at the scenarios involved in this part of the BH.

Encounter With A Group Of People

The first exercise consists of the handler walking with the dog on a leash approaching a group of at least 6 people. The dog must follow the handler willingly on a loose leash while being indifferent toward pedestrians and bicyclists.

Then, one person from the group of strangers will talk and greet the handler with a handshake. The handler can tell the dog to sit or lie down next to him while remaining calm during the short interaction.

Encounter With Bicyclists

With a similar setup, the dog will also have to manage the presence of bicyclists around him. The handler will again walk the dog on a leash while a bicyclist passes them by behind, on the side of the dog, ringing his bell.

The cyclist then has to come back on the other way doing the same thing. During those encounters, the dog must remain calm and ignore the bicyclist.

Encounter With Cars

Another exercise is to walk past cars. One of the drivers will start the engine, and another will slam the door of his car. Then, someone will stop by to ask the handler for directions through the opened window.

The handler can ask the dog to lie down or sit. During the whole exercise, the dog must stay calm and be indifferent toward cars and traffic noises.

Encounter With Joggers or Inline Skaters

You will also have to come across joggers or inline skaters. In this exercise, the handler and dog will walk on a quiet road while joggers or inline skaters pass them by behind and one that goes toward the handler.

The dog must heel on a leash and not bother the people passing around him. The handler can also make the dog sit or lie down during the encounters.

Encounter With Other Dogs

The last encounter consists of another handler with a dog passing the evaluated handler and dog while walking in both ways. The dog must be neutral to the other dog during this exercise.

The handler is allowed to repeat the command “Heel” / “Fuss”. He can also put the dog in a sit or down position during the encounter.

Behavior Of The Leashed Dog Toward Other Animals When Alone

After a short on-lead walk along the sidewalk of a relatively quiet road, the handler will attach the dog leash to something. Once tied, the dog will be left alone. The handler has to go out of sight by entering a store or something like that. 

The dog can stand, sit, or lie down, while a pedestrian with another dog walks at a distance of 5 paces. The evaluated dog must remain calm and not show aggression toward the other dog. Then, the handler can come back and pick up the dog at a signal from the judge.

Keep in mind that the exercises and situations above are just examples of how the traffic test could go. The judge can modify the scenarios and change the location at any time of the trial. He might also make a dog redo something for further evaluation.

Schutzhund BH Rules

There are many rules you should know before considering attempting the BH with your dog. You first have to make sure your dog is eligible to participate in this trial. He has to appear healthy, be old enough, and be identifiable by a tattoo or microchip.

Each dog also has to pass a test of impartiality and sureness. Apart from the initial requirements, you and your dog should follow specific guidelines during the BH to avoid disqualification.

You might be declared ineligible for the Companion Dog Title by the judge if he notices temperament faults in the dog, unsportsmanlike conduct by the handler, and offenses against the trial regulations or local animal protection laws.

Disqualification can also occur in a situation where the handler loses control over the dog. For example, if your dog leaves and does not come back after three commands, you might be disqualified.

Another instance where the judge can disqualify a dog is when his temperament is dangerous. Unsportsmanlike conduct consists of behaviors the handler must avoid. It includes alcohol consumption and the use of motivational objects, food, or training devices.

Many other actions can lead to disqualification. There are also several rules you must conform to when attempting the BH. Here are some of the most important ones every handler should know!

  • Each participant must follow the instructions of the judge and trial committee.
  • Dogs must perform the work and exercises with focus, attention, and willingness.
  • Ill-natured actions and poor sportsmanship are not allowed and can lead to expulsion.
  • No verbal or physical correction is allowed. It can result in deductions or disqualification.
  • No training aid is allowed. (Food, vest, gloves, etc.)
  • All handlers must stay until the end of the event. 
  • The dog must wear an appropriate collar, and the handler must carry a lead during the whole trial.
  • Dogs must be able to be approached and touched at any time.

I’ve found those rules and requirements in the United Schutzhund Clubs of America Rulebook. The list above only represents my main takeaways. I highly recommend you read it all to make sure you know and understand the regulations of an official trial, including the BH. 

How To Prepare & Train Your Dog For The BH?

As you can see, there are many things you should know and skills your dog must develop to pass the BH. Preparing and training for this exam isn’t that complicated. Obedience is all about practice, while temperament is mainly innate.

German Sherpherd Down Command

It will only take a lot of time and work before you master everything necessary for this test. So now you might wonder where you should start? First of all, you have to do proper socialization and some basic obedience with your dog if he’s not already well-trained. 

Raising your Schutzhund puppy the right way is essential to prepare him for the BH. Then, you can work on commands such as “Sit” / “Sitz”, “Down” / “Platz”, “Come” / “Hier”, and “Heel” / “Fuss”. Once your dog is obedient and reliable, you should be ready to practice the BH routines and patterns.

Schutzhund BH Routine & Pattern

The BH routine and patterns are the series of exercises you will have to do in this test. You should first master them without your dog to be confident in what you have to do. Walk each pattern counting your steps so it becomes automatic and you don’t have to think about it anymore.

Then, you can add your dog into the mix once he’s ready for the obedience exercises. During training, you should reward him at specific points in the routine for more motivation and excitement. However, keep in mind that you can’t have food or use any training aid for the trial.

You should adapt your pace to your dog’s conditions and find a way to stay calm during the trial. It will make the patterns much more enjoyable for everyone. There’s no secret. You have to practice a lot, and everything should go well.

Now here’s a video of the most recent Schutzhund BH exam routine!

You might also use the following patterns to practice the obedience exercises!

On Leash Heeling Pattern

Retrieved from the Kaltersberg Kennel’s website

Sit Out Of Motion Pattern

Start In Basic Position — 10-15 paces → Dog Sit — 15 paces → Halt & Return To Dog.

Down With Recall Pattern

Start In Basic Position — 10-15 paces → Dog Down — 50 paces → Halt & Recall Dog.

These BH patterns come from the Heeling Pattern Diagram on page 35 of the 2019 USCA Trial Rulebook.

Join A Club.

If you’re new to Schutzhund, you have to find and join a local club. Training and talking with experienced handlers will help you prepare yourself for the BH. You might even have the chance to make sure you’re ready by doing simulations with members of your club.

Learn More About Schutzhund Clubs!

Other Preparation.

Apart from doing a lot of training and practice for the obedience and traffic test, you can also prepare yourself for the written exam. It’s relatively simple, but reading the USCA rules and studying the questions a few days before the BH might not be a bad idea.

How To Participate In The BH?

Once you and your dog are ready to pass the BH, it’s time to find an event. First, you will have to be a member of a Schutzhund organization such as the USCA. Then, you can join a club or find an event near you where you can pass the BH.

Here are some helpful links to find an event!

What’s Next After The Schutzhund Companion Dog Test?

After passing the BH, you can start training your dog for his first official Schutzhund title: IGP 1. On the contrary to the Companion Dog Test, further trials will involve all phases of the sport. So you now have to prepare your dog for tracking and protection work.

Last Thoughts About The BH Test In Schutzhund!

Finally, passing the BH requires knowledge and skills from both the handler and the dog. That’s why you will have to work and practice together a lot before being ready for that first Schutzhund test.

German Shepherd On Leash

But if you keep your focus on obedience training and put in the time, I’m sure you can do it. So now it’s time to take all the information you’ve just learned and take action. The sooner you get started, the faster you will have that Companion Dog Title.

Let’s Pass That BH!