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Hold and Bark 

Worth 15 points at each level.

The Handler is waiting after the blind search for the judge to allow to approach.

On average, the duration of barking is 20 seconds. It has been known to last longer at higher levels of competition.

The dog must come into the blind and remain centered in front of the Helper. The dog must not bite or bump the sleeve.

Upon the judge’s command, the Handler will approach the blind and stand at a marked position 5 steps away from the Helper. Once the judge gives the command:

  • IGP1 – the Handler calls his dog into the Basic Position. He can also approach the dog, walk into the Basic Position, and tell the dog to sit. The dog must stop barking. The Handler either puts the dog on leash or free-heels to the assigned location. The dog will then sit in the Basic Position. The dog will pay attention to the Handler.
  • IGP2 and 3 – the Handler calls his dog into the Basic Position. The dog stops barking, comes into the Basic Position either by Wrap-Around or Flip Finish. The dog will pay attention to the Handler.

When calling out the dog, you can give “here/heel” or “here/fuss” commands. This should be said almost as one word.

You will lose points if the dog gets distracted by the judge or by your approach.

It is hard to speak on behalf of judges but the rule book identifies scoring as below.

Your rating will be Satisfactory to Insufficient if the dog does not bark consistently, does not bark right away when coming into the blind. Barks unfocused, weakly, with a lack of energy or dominance.

Your rating will be Insufficient if:

  • If the dog bumps or pushes the Helper
  • If the dog does not bark but does silent guard.
  • The dog bites the sleeve and only releases when the Handler approaches the blind or gives the command.
  • If the dog leaves the Helper when the Handler approaches.
  • If the dog stops guarding and shows avoidance.
  • If the dog comes into the Basic Position before the command.
  • If the dog leaves the Basic Position.

Termination happens when the dog leaves the Helper and does not go back or goes back and leaves the Helper again.

Disqualification will happen if the dog bites the sleeve and does not release after “out“ and a “here” and “heel“ command,which should be said almost as one word.