DPO is an abbreviation for the German word "Diensthundpruefung" which, translated into English is "Service Dog Examination." In the German language, the term Service Dog means the same as the English term Patrol Dog. The DPO has been used for over 50 years as a performance standard for federal, state, and military agencies worldwide. This version is known as the "Baseline DPO." It is compatible for certification or competition.

1. General Information
   
   
   1. There are two Titles a government Service Dog can achieve. They are DPO-1 and DPO-2. The Dog must be at least 14 months old for the DPO-1 and 18 months for the DPO-2. There must be at least six weeks between the DPO-1 and DPO-2 Trials. The Dog can participate in a Special Tracking Dog (FH or PFH) Trial providing it has a DPO-1 or other recognized Title.
      
      
   2. The DPO Trial is divided into three areas: Scentwork, Obedience-Agility, and Apprehension.
      
      
   3. The Dog achieves the DPO-1 if it acquires at least 70% of maximum points in each of the areas. The Dog achieves DPO-2 if it acquires at least 70% in Scentwork and Obedience-Agility, and at least 80% in Apprehension.
      
      
   4. The following evaluation scale provides a rating of the Dog's performance.
      
      
      1. 400-380 = Excellent (American "A" or German "V")
         
         
      2. 379-360 = Commendable (American "B" or German "SG")
         
         
      3. 359-320 = Good (American "C" or German "G")
         
         
      4. 319-280 = Satisfactory (American "D" or German "B")
         
         
      5. 279-240 = Insufficient (American "I" or German "M")
         
         
      6. 239-000 = Unsatisfactory (American "U" or German "U")
         
         
   5. When the Dog is heeling beside its Handler, it must automatically sit beside the Handler if the Handler halts, unless the exercise calls for a different behavior.
      
      
   6. Dogs that do not pass the Gunfire Test or the Courage Test are excused from the Trial at that point. All Dogs participating in the DPO Trial must be tested in these two exercises.
      
      
   7. Only very experienced tracklayers should be chosen for a DPO Trial, since it is difficult to present each Dog with similar tracking conditions.
      
      
   8. Tracks are to laid under the following conditions:
      
      
      1. The tracks are laid as evenly as possible.
         
         
      2. Articles, terrain changes, diversions, exits, and the proximity of the neighboring tracks must not be so close as to cause undue distractions to the Dog.
         
         
      3. The track should be laid using normal length steps and without any markers, except for a starting flag.
         
         
      4. Articles shall not be placed in holes or on hills.
         
         
      5. Articles shall be throughly permeated with human odor when placed along the track.
         
         
      6. The Judge shall be given a sketch of each track by the tracklayer and no other person shall have access to it.
         
         
   9. Only very experienced Agitators shall be used in a DPO Trial.
      
      
   10. The following criteria shall be critical:
       
       
       1. Equitable behavior shall be exhibited toward each Dog.
          
          
       2. Protective clothing worn by the Agitator should be as discreet as possible.
          
          
       3. The Agitator shall exhibit the same behavior toward each Dog, regardless of the Dog's response.
          
          
       4. The Judge shall instruct the Agitator on the specific behavior s/he wishes to be displayed.
          
          
       5. When multiple Agitators are used, if possible, each Agitator will act in the same role throughout the examination.
          
          
       6. When stick hits are administered, the Dog shall be struck only on the less sensitive parts of the body.
          
          
       7. The Agitator shall freeze in position when ordered by the Judge to do so.
          
          
       8. During any detain phase of the examination, the Agitator may turn and face a moving Dog.
          
          
       9. The Agitator shall avoid excessive swinging of the Dog when it is biting, as this is unnatural human behavior.
          
          
   DPO-1 (400 pts)
   1. Tracking (80pts)
      
      The Dog shall follow the steps of a person along a track that is 400-600 paces in length, having two 90 degree turns, and aged a minimum of 30 minutes. Two items which have been permeated with the tracklayer's scent shall be placed along the route. One item shall be on the second leg and the other shall be at the end of the track. The Dog shall indicate the location of these items as it encounters them.
      
      
   2. Criminal Evidence Search (20 pts)
      
      The Dog shall be deployed to search for two, well-scented, small items which have been hidden within an 800 square yard area. The Dog and Handler shall be out of sight when the items are placed. The Handler shall remain along the centerline of the search area and direct the Dog to search systematically. The Dog shall indicate the location of these items as it encounters them.
      
      
   3. On-Leash Heeling (20 pts)
      
      The Dog shall heel off-leash beside its Handler through a series of normal, slow, and fast paces. During each pace the Handler shall make right-, left-, and about-turns. Next, the Handler shall walk in a straight line and at intervals of at least 10 paces s/he shall command the Dog to sit, stand, and down. As s/he gives each command s/he shall also halt. Next, the Dog shall heel beside its Handler as s/he walks in serpentine fashion through a group of at least three persons. The group shall be walking slowly and parallel to each other. At some point, the Handler shall halt beside one of the persons such that the Dog is immediately next to an individual. When the Handler halts, the group shall halt also. The Dog shall show no unusual attention to the person beside whom it is sitting.
      
      
   4. Off-Leash Heeling and Gunsureness (20 pts)
      
      The Dog shall then heel beside its Handler as s/he exits the group. The Handler shall then remove the leash and stow it out of sight. The Dog shall now heel beside its Handler as s/he repeats the off-leash exercises, now done in different order. First shall be the heeling through the group. As the Handler heels toward the group, two gunshots are fired from a distance of at least 15 paces. When the Handler exits the group, s/he shall demonstrate the the series of normal, slow, and fast paces. During each pace the Handler shall make right-, left-, and about-turns. Next, the Handler shall walk in a straight line and at intervals of at least 10 paces s/he shall command the Dog to sit, stand, and down. As s/he gives each command s/he shall also halt.
      
      
   5. Stand-Motion and Down (15 pts)
      
      The Dog shall heel beside its Handler in a straight line. After a few steps the Handler shall command the Dog to stand. The Handler shall continue forward, without breaking stride, for at least twenty paces. S/he shall then stop, turn, and face the Dog. After a few moments, the Dog shall be commanded to assume a down position. After a few moments, the Handler shall return to the Dog. It shall remain in the down position until commanded to sit, at a heel position.
      
      
   6. Retrieving an Object (10 pts)
      
      The Handler shall obtain an object and hold it in his/her hand as s/he and the Dog assume a heel position. The Dog shall remain in position as the Handler tosses the object a moderate distance in front. After a short pause, the Dog shall be commanded to retrieve the object. The Dog shall respond and present the object in a front position. When commanded, the Dog shall release it, and go to a heel position.
      
      
   7. Jumping an Obstacle (15 pts) The Handler and Dog shall assume a heel position at an appropriate distance from an obstacle that is at least 39 inches high. The Dog shall be commanded to jump over the obstacle and then stand in place. After a pause, the Handler shall walk to the Dog and command it to heel, without breaking stride. The Handler shall then walk away from the obstacle and halt.
      
      
   8. Climbing and Retrieving (10 pts)
      
      The Handler shall obtain an object and hold it as s/he and the Dog assume a position in front of a wall. The wall shall be inclined and at least five feet high. The Dog shall remain in position as the Handler tosses the object over the wall. When commanded, the Dog shall climb the wall. As the Dog descends, it shall be commanded to retrieve the object. It shall climb back over the wall with the object, and then present it in front of the Handler. On command, the Dog shall relinquish the object. After a pause, it shall then be commanded to assume a heel position.
      
      
   9. Long Down with Distraction (10 pts)
      
      The Handler shall place the Dog in a down position as instructed by the evaluator. S/he shall then leave the Dog and walk a distance of about 50 paces, remaining in the Dog's field of vision. The Handler shall stand with the back to the Dog while another Dog goes through exercises 1-4 listed above. The Dog shall remain calmly in position until the Handler returns and commands the Dog to sit in a heel position.
      
      
   10. Suspect Search (25 pts)
       
       The Handler shall position the Dog on the boundary of a predetermined search area. The Dog shall be directed to search systematically. The Handler shall move along the center line of the search area in a tactical manner.
       
       
   11. Detaining & Indicating (35 pts)
       
       While in the search area, the Dog shall encounter an innocent person who happens to be there totally by accident. The Dog shall respond to the person's submissive behavior by detaining him without physical contact. The person shall be absolutely submissive during this encounter.
       
       
   12. Frisk & Dismiss (15 pts)
       
       When the Handler arrives, the Dog shall be commanded to assume a backup position as the Handler conducts a frisk of the person, searches the location, and dismisses him/her.
       
       
   13. Surveillance and Apprehension (65 pts)
       
       The Handler and Dog shall assume a surveillance position. The Dog shall remain calm and alert. A person representing a criminal suspect shall appear about 80-100 yards away. The Dog shall remain quiet as the Handler issues a Departmental warning. (15 pts)
       
       The person shall flee and the Handler shall send the Dog to apprehend. The suspect shall stop and face the Dog submissively when it is about 30 yards away. It shall be evident the person is surrendering. When the Dog arrives it shall detain the suspect without physical contact. When the Handler arrives s/he shall command the Dog to assume a backup position. (40 pts)
       
       It shall now remain quiet and alert, ready to engage the suspect if necessary, while the Handler frisks the suspect and places him in custody. The Dog shall heel beside its Handler as s/he escorts the suspect to the evaluator for remanding. (10 pts)
       
       
   14. Handler Defense and Apprehension (60 pts)
       
       The Handler and Dog shall heel along a predetermined route. A person shall emerge from a hiding place and attempt to assault the Handler. The Dog shall defend its Handler without hesitation by engaging in strong combat. The perpetrator shall be armed with a simulated weapon such as a stick. At some point during the combat s/he shall strike the Dog twice sharply on the less sensitive parts of its body. The Dog shall continue in combat until the the Handler shall command the Dog to Release its grip. (45 pts)
       
       At this point the Dog shall remain alert and quiet while the Handler conducts a frisk and places the individual in custody. The Dog shall heel beside its Handler as s/he escorts the individual to the evaluator for remanding. (15 pts)
   DPO-2 (400 pts)
   1. Tracking (80 pts)
      
      The Dog shall follow the steps of a person along a track that is 600-800 paces in length, having three 90 degree turns, and aged a minimum of 60 minutes. Four items which have been permeated with the tracklayer's scent shall be placed along the route. Each item shall be at about the midpoint of the first three legs and the last shall be at the end of the track. The Dog shall indicate the location of these items as it encounters them. A crosstrack shall intersect the original track at two points and shall be laid at least 30 minutes after the original track.
      
      The items of evidence shall be consistent with those possibly encountered in actual deployments, such as a comb, set of keys, etc.
      
      The Handler shall be advised what the last article is, so s/he will know when the end of the track is reached.
      
      
   2. On-Leash Heeling (20 pts)
      
      The Dog shall heel off-leash beside its Handler through a series of normal, slow, and fast paces. During each pace the Handler shall make right-, left-, and about-turns. Next, the Handler shall walk in a straight line and at intervals of at least 10 paces s/he shall command the Dog to sit, stand, and down. As s/he gives each command s/he shall also halt. Next, the Dog shall heel beside its Handler as s/he walks in serpentine fashion through a group of at least three persons. The group shall be walking slowly and parallel to each other. At some point, the Handler shall halt beside one of the persons such that the Dog is immediately next to an individual. When the Handler halts, the group shall halt also. The Dog shall show no unusual attention to the person beside whom it is sitting.
      
      
   3. Off-Leash Heeling and Gunsureness (20 pts)
      
      The Dog shall then heel beside its Handler as s/he exits the group. The Handler shall then remove the leash and stow it out of sight. The Dog shall now heel beside its Handler as s/he repeats the off-leash exercises, now done in different order. First shall be the heeling through the group. As the Handler heels toward the group, two gunshots are fired from a distance of at least 15 paces. When the Handler exits the group, s/he shall demonstrate the the series of normal, slow, and fast paces. During each pace the Handler shall make right-, left-, and about-turns. Next, the Handler shall walk in a straight line and at intervals of at least 10 paces s/he shall command the Dog to sit, stand, and down. As s/he gives each command s/he shall also halt.
      
      
   4. Stand-Motion, Down/Sit (20 pts)
      
      The Dog shall heel beside its Handler in a straight line. After about 20 steps the Handler shall command the Dog to stand. The Handler shall continue forward, without breaking stride, for at least twenty paces. S/he shall then stop, turn, and face the Dog. After a few moments, the Dog shall be commanded to assume a down position. After a few more moments the Dog shall be commanded to sit. After a few more moments, the Handler shall return to the Dog. It shall remain in the sit position until commanded to go to the heel position.
      
      
   5. Retrieving an Object (10 pts)
      
      The Handler shall obtain an object from the evaluator or another officer and hold it in his/her hand as s/he and the Dog assume a heel position. The Dog shall remain in position as the Handler tosses the object a moderate distance in front. After a short pause, the Dog shall be commanded to retrieve the object. The Dog shall respond and present the object in a front position. When commanded, the Dog shall release it, and go to a heel position.
      
      
   6. Jumping an Obstacle (8 pts)
      
      The Handler and Dog shall assume a heel position at an appropriate distance from a metal fence-type obstacle that is at least 39 inches high. The Dog shall be commanded to jump over the obstacle and then stand in place. After a pause, the Handler shall walk to his/her Dog and command it to heel, without breaking his/her stride. The Handler shall then walk away from the obstacle and halt.
      
      
   7. Jumping and Retrieving (10 pts)
      
      The Handler shall obtain an object from the evaluator or another officer and hold it in his/her hand as s/he and the Dog assume a heel position in front of an obstacle. This obstacle shall be at least 39 inches high, built to resemble a hedge. The Dog shall remain in position as the Handler tosses the object over the hedge. After a short pause, the Dog shall be commanded to jump over and then to retrieve the object. The Dog shall jump over, retrieve, and jump back over as it presents the object in a front position. When commanded, the Dog shall release it, and upon further command go to a heel position.
      
      
   8. Climbing and Standing (12 pts)
      
      The Handler and Dog assume a position in front of a wall. The wall shall be inclined and at least six feet high. When commanded, the Dog shall climb the wall. As the Dog descends, it shall be commanded to stand in position. It shall remain standing until commanded to climb back over the wall. Upon executing the return climb it shall present itself in front of the Handler. After a pause, it shall then be commanded to assume a heel position.
      
      At the conclusion of this exercise, the Handler shall report to the Judge, leash his/her Dog, and leave the field.
      
      
   9. Long Down (10 pts)
      
      All Dogs in the examination shall be evaluated together in this exercise. All Dogs shall be muzzled for safety sake and be placed at least ten yards apart from each other. Each Handler shall place his/her Dog in a down position, parallel to the other Dogs. Handlers shall then leave their Dogs on command from the evaluator and run out of sight for a period of ten minutes. Each Dog shall remain calmly in position until the Handler returns and commands the Dog to sit in a heel position.
      
      
   10. Suspect Search (20 pts)
       
       The Handler shall position the Dog on the boundary of a predetermined search area. The Dog shall be directed to search systematically. The Handler shall move along the center line of the search area in a tactical manner.
       
       
   11. Detaining & Indicating (25 pts)
       
       While in the search area, the Dog shall encounter an innocent person who happens to be there totally by accident. The Dog shall respond to the person's submissive behavior by detaining him without physical contact. The person shall be absolutely submissive during this encounter.
       
       
   12. Frisk & Dismiss (10 pts)
       
       When the Handler arrives, the Dog shall be commanded to assume a backup position as the Handler conducts a frisk of the person, searches the location, and dismisses him/her.
       
       
   13. Surveillance and Apprehension (55 pts)
       
       The Handler and Dog shall assume a surveillance position. The Dog shall remain calm and alert. A person representing a criminal suspect shall appear about 80-100 yards away. The Dog shall remain quiet as the Handler issues a Departmental warning. (10 pts)
       
       The person shall flee and the Handler shall send the Dog to apprehend. The suspect shall stop and face the Dog submissively when it is about 30 yards away. It shall be evident the person is surrendering. When the Dog arrives it shall detain the suspect without physical contact. When the Handler arrives s/he shall command the Dog to assume a backup position. (35 pts)
       
       It shall now remain quiet and alert, ready to engage the suspect if necessary, while the Handler frisks the suspect and places him in custody. The Dog shall heel beside its Handler as s/he escorts the suspect to the evaluator for remanding. (10 pts)
       
       
   14. Handler Defense and Apprehension (35 pts)
       
       The Handler and Dog shall heel along a predetermined route. A person shall emerge from a hiding place and attempt to assault the Handler. The Dog shall defend its Handler without hesitation by engaging in strong combat. The perpetrator shall be armed with a simulated weapon such as a stick. At some point during the combat s/he shall strike the Dog twice sharply on the less sensitive parts of its body. The Dog shall continue in combat until the the Handler shall command the Dog to Release its grip. (20 pts)
       
       At this point the Dog shall remain alert and quiet while the Handler conducts a frisk and places the individual in custody. The Dog shall heel beside its Handler as s/he escorts the individual toward the evaluator for remanding, following a prescribed route. (15 pts)
       
       
   15. Handler Defense (35 pts)
       
       This exercise shall take place during the transport of Surveillance and Apprehension. The Handler and Dog shall be transporting the arrestee along a predetermined route. A seemingly harmless person shall walk between the Handler and arrestee and suddenly attempt to assault the Handler. The Dog shall defend its Handler without hesitation by engaging in strong combat. This "Accomplice" shall be armed with a simulated weapon such as a stick. At some point during the combat s/he shall strike the Dog twice sharply on the less sensitive parts of its body. (20 pts)
       
       Now the Handler will command the Accomplice to desist and s/he shall do so. S/he will then command the Dog to realease its grip. At this point the Dog shall remain alert and quiet while the Handler conducts a frisk and places the accomplice in custody. (15 pts)
       
       
   16. Recapture Escapee and Courage Test (55 pts)
       
       During the Handler Defense scenario, the first arrestee takes the opportunity to escape. S/he shall first walk and then run at the point at which the Dog releases the accomplice. The Handler shall now conduct a side transport of the accomplice for at least five steps before deploying the Dog to recapture the escapee. This is only to establish the level of control the Handler has over the Dog. When the Dog is about 40 paces from the escapee, s/he shall turn and charge the Dog. This is to test the Dog's Courage. S/he shall yell, wave his/her arms, and throw small (harmless) objects at the Dog. The Dog shall disregard these actions and engage the escapee intensely. When the Handler and accomplice arrive at a distance of at least 10 paces, the Dog shall be commanded to assume a backup position. (50 pts)
       
       The Dog shall heel beside its Handler as s/he escorts the individuals to the evaluator for remanding. To exhibit control, when the Handler remands the arrestees s/he and the Dog shall be positioned immediately between the pair. The Judge will excuse the Handler, who waits at a predetermined spot for the overall score. (5 pts)
       
       
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