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WPO Rules
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Wettkampfpruefungsordnung
WPO
General Information
The integrity of a WPO Trial is held to the highest scrutiny. The WPO is an
event designed for officially-assigned Service Dog Handlers and their Service
Dogs. Handlers may be on the Municipal, County, State, or Federal level. An
officially-assigned Handler entering an unofficial dog is prohibited. A bona
fide officer, who is not specifically assigned as a Handler is prohibited.
Civilians and civilian-owned dogs are prohibited from entering a WPO Trial.
The following guidelines have been established for International competition
among Patrol Dogs. The exercises are common to many Agencies worldwide.
Special care and preparations have been taken to assure that no individual
Agency's deployment concepts shall be compromised by these exercises. These
are "Compulsory Exercises," however, no Patrol Dog shall be forced to
participate in any exercise; for the sake of competition, any deviation from
any exercise shall be grounds for point deductions.
These guidelines are effective as of March 1996. The WPO was originally
established in 1954 by the International Council of Service Dog
Administrators which gathered in Augsburg, Germany. This latest revision
makes the guidelines more "Street-Realistic" and the Judging guidelines more
standardized. A Dog which successfully performs according to these
guidelines, as declared by a qualified WPO Judge, may be issued the title of
WPO (Wettkampfpruefungsordnung). This title carries only limited value for
serviceability, but does infer that the Service Dog exhibits considerable
stability, control, and discipline.
In any WPO competition, the Patrol Dog Handlers are expected to act with
dignity and exhibit professional demeanor. Improper conduct from a Service
Dog or Handler may result in exclusion from the WPO Trial. Should the Dog
display disobedience to the point of failing to respond to control by the
Handler, it is excused from the competition, at whatever point the infraction
occurs. A dismissal of Service Dog or Handler is according to the discretion
of the Judge and is not subject to appeal. Frequently, the public attends
such an event and the image of law enforcement is on display.
The Handler is responsible to report for the exercises on time. S/he may be
excluded from further participation in a competition for failure to report.
During any WPO competition a participant is expected to wear a Departmental
uniform. A number may be issued to identify each participant.
The WPO is performed off-leash. The leash shall be stowed such that it could
not be grabbed by a perpetrator in deployment. This might be in a pocket, for
example, but may not be looped over a shoulder. Only one collar may be worn
and it shall be of a choke-chain variety. No unusual or special collars may
be worn. In the Obedience phase, commands may be given by voice or hand
signal, but the Dog's name may not be used as a command. Points shall be
deducted for an additional command and only one additional command may be
given. No points may be awarded for a Patrol Dog that requires more than two
commands to perform a task. Excessively loud or multiple commands are
unprofessional and are considered faulty. Any command may be repeated at the
Handler's discretion, but points will be deducted. Exercises may be repeated
only at the discretion of the Judge.
The exercises shall be demonstrated in their prescribed order. No exercise
may be omitted. In the event a Patrol Dog does not perform an exercise, no
points shall be awarded for that entire exercise. An example is attempting to
skip the Jump & Stand exercise.
The Patrol Dog Handler may issue a protest but only prior to the announcement
of the score. The protest shall then be delivered in writing to the presiding
Judge for a decision.
There are certain prerequisites for a WPO competition:
- The Tracking terrain shall be as consistent as possible for all
participants. Competent tracklayers shall be used. The tracklayers shall
walk such that no corner is sharper than a 1 meter radius. Handlers shall not
watch the tracks being laid. Items of evidence shall be no larger than 20cm X
20cm X 2cm (about 7-3/4 X 7-3/4 X 3/4 inches). The objects shall be
well-scented with human odor. The order of tracking is determined by drawing
lots, prior to the first track being initiated.
- The Obedience/Agility phase requires four persons dressed in civilian
clothing to assist by walking together as a group. A 9mm or .38 caliber blank
gun is needed to test for Gunsureness. Obstacles of varying description are
needed-refer to the respective exercises for dimensions. All obstacles shall
be negotiated from the same side. The object used for retrieving shall be
identical for all Patrol Dogs. It shall be a 1000g (2.2 pounds) dumbbell
which shall be provided by the host agency. The dumbbell may not be carried
by the Handler during other exercises. Each exercise begins and ends from the
Heel position.
- The Apprehension phase requires three persons to act as simulated
perpetrators. Each person shall wear protective clothing, preferably
full-body bite suits. Each shall be issued a flexible reed stick with which
to strike the Dogs. Padded sticks are not to be utilized. The persons shall
not change assignments once the competition begins.
- It is desirable to have four Judges for each phase in a competition with
numerous participants. In such a case, the highest and lowest scores in each
exercise shall be deleted and the remaining scores shall be averaged. If only
three Judges are present per phase, their scores shall be averaged. A WPO
Competition with only one Judge per phase or only one Judge for all three
phases is permitted. The score of each phase
(Tracking-Obedience-Apprehension) shall be announced as the Dog completes it.
The decision of the Judge(s) at this point is final. If any participants have
identical final scores the phase scores shall be compared. The participant
with the highest Apprehension score shall prevail; if again identical, then
the highest Obedience score shall prevail; if again identical, then the
highest Tracking score shall prevail. If competitors have identical scores
throughout, then two awards are to be given for the same place (for example,
two 6th places and no 7th place). If competitors have identical final scores
and one has not accrued a minimum of 70-70-80, the above circumstance does not
apply. A score of 70-70-80 is the minimum for passing and will prevail over
69-100-100, for example. This holds true for all non-passing scores.
Along with individual scoring, team scoring may be evaluated. A team shall
consist of at least three participants from a Department (or a State in
National or a Country in International events). The team score is determined
by the three highest individual scores.
Performance Objectives
Tracking
The Track shall be at least 600 paces long and aged about 60 minutes prior to
deployment. It shall consist of four legs, three 90 degree turns, and four
items of evidence placed along the track. One object shall be placed at the
midpoint of legs 1 - 3 and one at the end.
Obedience/Agility
Long Down
All Dogs are muzzled for this exercise. The Judge shall instruct each Handler
to heel the Dog in a single file to a predetermined location. Upon arrival,
the Handlers shall make a right turn so that the Dogs are parallel. The Dogs
shall be commanded to down simultaneously. The Judge shall now instruct the
Handlers to leave their Dogs at a fast pace and go out of sight. The Dogs
shall be left in the down position for five minutes. After that the Judge
shall instruct the Handlers to return to their Dogs. Upon arriving at the
Dogs, the Handlers shall remain standing until instructed to command the Dogs
to heel. When the Dog sits the exercise is finished. If any Dog removes its
muzzle during the exercise, it is expected to remain in the down position.
Heeling Pattern
The Handler shall report to the Judge before beginning this exercise. The Dog
shall then heel beside the Handler through a predetermined pattern. During
the pattern a right-, left-, and a "Quick-About" turn shall be demonstrated.
At the midpoint of each leg of the pattern a sit, stand, and down shall be
demonstrated. The Handler shall halt beside the Dog as each is shown. This
pattern shall be performed at a normal pace and then again at a fast pace. Of
special importance is that the Handler shall walk at least five paces after
each Quick-About Turn before changing paces.
Quick
About *NORMAL pace until 5 steps after Quick-About
: : *FAST pace until final Halt
: :
: :
F :
A :
S :
T :
: :
Auto : :
Sit X X Down
: :
: :
: :
: :
: :
: :
: :
: :
: : Stand
: : . . . . . . . . . . . . . . X . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
: :
: :
: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . X . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . :
Stand : :
: :
: :
: :
: :
: :
: :
: : Auto
Down X X Sit
: :
: :
: :
: :
: N
: O
: R
: M
: A
: L
: :
Halt X : X
: : Start
: :
Quick
About
Behavior in a Crowd & Test for Gunsureness
The Dog shall heel beside its Handler as s/he walks in serpentine fashion
through a group of four persons. The group shall be walking slowly, about 10
feet apart, and parallel to each other. At some point during the second time
through, 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. The Dog shall then heel beside its Handler as s/he exits the
group and walks away. At a distance of about 20 paces, two simulated gunshots
shall be discharged from a 9mm or .38 blank gun. The Dog shall remain under
control as this occurs. The exercise shall conclude when the Handler has gone
another 10 steps after the shots and halts. Gunshy Dogs shall be dismissed
from the competition at this point.
Stand in Motion, Down/Sit from a Distance
The Dog shall heel beside its Handler in a straight line. After about 20
paces the Handler shall command the Dog to stand. The Handler shall continue
forward, without breaking stride, for at least another 20 paces. S/he shall
then stop, turn, and face the Dog. After about three seconds, 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 sitting as the Handler walks to the Heel
position.
Down in Motion with Recall
The Dog shall heel beside its Handler at a fast pace. After a minimum of 20
paces the Dog shall be commanded to assume a down position. The Handler shall
continue running for another 20 paces, halt, and face the Dog. After a
minimum of three seconds the Dog shall be commanded to a front position. The
Dog shall return at top speed and sit immediately in front of the Handler.
After about three seconds, the Dog shall be commanded to assume the Heel
position, ending the exercise.
Jumping and Standing
The Handler and Dog shall assume a heel position at an appropriate distance
from a metal fence-type obstacle that is about 39 inches (1 meter) high and
five feet wide. The Dog shall be commanded to jump over the obstacle and then
commanded to stand in place. After a minimum of three seconds, the Handler
shall walk to the Dog and command it to heel, without breaking stride. The
Handler shall then walk away from the obstacle at least five paces and halt.
Jumping and Retrieving
The Handler shall obtain a dumbbell and hold it in the hand as s/he and the
Dog assume a heel position in front of an obstacle. This obstacle shall be
about 39 inches high (1 meter) and five feet wide, built to resemble a hedge.
The Dog shall remain in position as the Handler tosses the dumbbell over the
hedge. After a short pause, the Dog shall be commanded to jump over and then
to retrieve the dumbbell. The Dog shall jump over, retrieve, and jump back
over as it presents the dumbbell in a front position. When commanded, the Dog
shall release it, and upon further command go to a heel position. If the
dumbbell inadvertently tumbles to the side of the hedge obstacle when tossed,
the Handler may ask the Judge for one re-toss. The Dog is to remain at its
sit position while the Handler picks up the object.
Climbing and Standing
The Handler and Dog assume a position in front of a wall. The wall shall be
inclined ("A" frame) 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. After a minimum of three seconds it shall be 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. After the conclusion of this exercise the Handler shall
leash the Dog, report to the Judge and await the score.
Apprehension
Noteworthy Information
The Apprehension phase of the WPO Trial is of particular importance. These
are the exercises which display, through simulation, the Service Dog behaviors
which are the most technical and carry the greatest liability.
Throughout the Apprehension phase, the Dog should exhibit professional
behavior, enthused and energetic, yet disciplined. Further, the Dog should
perform within the recognized constraints associated with the "Use of Force."
While the Tracking and Obedience phases have many similarities with the
performances of civilian dogs, the Apprehension phase contains elements that
are uniquely associated with law enforcement or military applications.
Therefore, the mind-set of the Handlers and Dogs is expected to be consistent
with these elements. The WPO Trial is not just a sporting event for trained
dogs, but rather, a competitive display of Service Dogs in deployment mode
performing in simulated scenarios.
During all the exercises, a Handler is expected to exhibit appropriate
professionalism when obvious safety issues are encountered. For example, s/he
should not walk between the Dog and the Suspect when the Dog is in a Guarding
mode.
The Judge shall halt any exercise if the Dog exhibits unprofessional behavior,
to include:
- Failure to locate or remain with a Suspect when appropriate;
- Abandons any appropriate position more than 33 feet (10 meters);
- Insufficient defense of the Handler when s/he is ambushed;
- Failure to Release a Suspect after a second command; or
- Unresponsive to commands or resisting compliance to commands to the point
of being unprofessional.
If an exercise or the entire Apprehension phase is halted, all points assigned
are forfeited.
Suspect Search
The Handler shall position the Dog on the boundary of a predetermined search
area. The Dog shall be directed by voice or signal to conduct a systematic
area search. The Dog shall search all six hiding spots, exhibiting a "Clear
As You Go" demeanor. Slight searching to the rear is not faulty. Should the
Patrol Dog search an alternate spot, such as the A-Frame, it is not faulty and
may be considered one of the six mandatory searches. The use of a low volume
whistle is permitted. The Handler shall remain on the center line of the
search area while the Dog is deployed. While in the search area, the Dog
shall encounter an individual simulating an innocent person who inadvertently
happens to be in the search area. At the moment the Dog makes the find, the
Handler shall halt. Refer to the diagrams below for clarification.
D=Dog H=Handler S=Suspect D=Dog H=Handler S=Suspect
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
+ + + +
+ [S + + S] +
+ + + +
+ + + +
+ + + +
+ + + +
+ ] + + [ +
+ + + +
+ + + +
+ + + +
+ + + +
+ [ + + ] +
+ + + +
+ + + +
+ + + +
+ + + +
+ ] + + [ +
+ + + +
+ + + +
+ + + +
+ + + +
+ [ + + ] +
+ + + +
+ + + +
+ + + +
+ + + +
+ ] + + [ +
+ + + +
+ + + + + + + + +D H+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +D H+ + + + + + + +
Start Start
(Search to left side first) (Search to right side first)
D=Dog H=Handler S=Suspect D=Dog H=Handler S=Suspect
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
+ + + +
+ H [S D+ +D S] H +
+ : + + : +
+ : + + : +
+ : + + : +
+ : + + : +
+ ] : + + : [ +
+ : + + : +
+ : + + : +
+ : + + : +
+ : + + : +
+ : [ + + ] : +
+ : + + : +
+ : + + : +
+ : + + : +
+ : + + : +
+ ] : + + : [ +
+ : + + : +
+ : + + : +
+ : + + : +
+ : + + : +
+ : [ + + ] : +
+ : + + : +
+ : + + : +
+ : + + : +
+ : + + : +
+ ] : + + : [ +
+ : + + : +
+ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . + + . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +
Start Start
(Search to left side first) (Search to right side first)
Detaining and Indicating
The Dog shall respond to the (innocent) person's submissive behavior by
Detaining him/her without physical contact. Optimal distance is 1-2 meters.
It shall indicate to the Handler a find has been made by barking intensely,
simulating "Calling For Backup." The person shall be absolutely submissive
during this encounter. Refer to the diagrams below for clarification.
D=Dog H=Handler S=Suspect D=Dog H=Handler S=Suspect
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
+ +
+ +
/ + + \
H |S D + + D S| H
: \ + + / :
: + + :
: + + :
: + + :
: *When Handler deploys Dog to + + *When Handler deploys Dog to :
: left side first, s/he will + + right side first, s/he will :
: be in this configuration + + be in this configuration :
: + + :
After the Dog has indicated for a minimum of 10 seconds the Handler shall move
to a marked position about 10 yards from the location. If a Dog does not
Detain, the Handler shall go immediately to the marker. When the Handler
arrives at the marker, the Suspect shall be commanded to remain motionless and
the Dog shall be commanded to assume a backup position and guard the
Perpetrator. Refer to the diagrams below for clarification.
D=Dog H=Handler S=Suspect D=Dog H=Handler S=Suspect
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
+ +
+ +
/ + + \
: |S D + + D S| :
: \ + + / :
: + + :
: + + :
: + + :
: . . . . . . . . . . . . H + + H . . . . . . . . . . . :
+ +
*When Handler deploys Dog to + + *When Handler deploys Dog to
left side first, s/he will + + right side first, s/he will
be in this configuration + + be in this configuration
+ +
(Search to left side first) (Search to right side first)
When the Dog assumes this posture, the Handler shall move closer to a 5 yard
marker. Here, the Dog shall be commanded to the Heel position, and then to a
Down position. Refer to the diagrams below for clarification.
D=Dog H=Handler S=Suspect D=Dog H=Handler S=Suspect
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
+ +
+ +
/ + + \
|S D H + + H D S|
\ : + + : /
: + + :
: + + :
: + + :
. . : + + : . . .
+ +
*When Handler deploys Dog to + + *When Handler deploys Dog to
left side first, s/he will + + right side first, s/he will
be in this configuration + + be in this configuration
+ +
The person shall be ordered to step out and raise his/her hands The Patrol
Dog is evaluated for five paces as the person walks away, for control sake.
Refer to the diagrams below for clarification.
D=Dog H=Handler S=Suspect D=Dog H=Handler S=Suspect
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
+ +
+ +
/ + + D..... \
|: : H.. + + ..H : :|
\: :....D : + + : :/
:...S : + + : S...:
: + + :
: + + :
......: + + :
+ +
*When Handler deploys Dog to + + *When Handler deploys Dog to
left side first, s/he will + + right side first, s/he will
be in this configuration + + be in this configuration
+ +
The Dog shall remain alert as the Handler conducts a weapons frisk.
Refer to the diagrams below for clarification.
D=Dog H=Handler S=Suspect D=Dog H=Handler S=Suspect
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
+ +
+ +
/ + + D \
| ...... + + : |
\ : D + + : /
HS + + : SH
+ + :....:
+ +
+ +
+ +
*When Handler deploys Dog to + + *When Handler deploys Dog to
left side first, s/he will + + right side first, s/he will
be in this configuration + + be in this configuration
+ +
The Handler shall now search the location, return to the Dog, apologize for
the mistaken identity, and dismisses him/her. Refer to the diagrams below for clarification.
D=Dog H=Handler S=Suspect D=Dog H=Handler S=Suspect
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
+ +
+ + H........
/ + + D :\
|........H + + :|
\: D + + :/
:... . + + . ...:
: + + :
: + + :
S + + S
+ +
*When Handler deploys Dog to + + *When Handler deploys Dog to
left side first, s/he will + + right side first, s/he will
be in this configuration + + be in this configuration
+ +
Surveillance and Apprehension
The Handler and Dog shall now assume a Surveillance Position at the barricade
where the innocent person was found. This surveillance shall consist of the
Patrol Dog in the Heel position beside its kneeling Handler. The Patrol 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 two Departmental announcements. The person shall flee at that point
and the Handler shall send the Dog to apprehend. Refer to the diagrams below for clarification.
D=Dog H=Handler S=Suspect D=Dog H=Handler S=Suspect
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
+ + + +
+ [H: + + :H] +
+ . + + . +
+ . + + . +
+ . + + . +
+ . + + . +
+ ] . + + . [ +
+ . + + . +
+ . + + . +
+ D + + D +
+ + + +
+ [: + + :] +
+ ..............: + + :............. +
+ : + + : +
+ : + + : +
+ : + + : +
+ ] : + + : [ +
+ : + + : +
+ : + + : +
+ : + + : +
+ : + + : +
+ S [ + + ] S +
+ + + +
+ + + +
+ + + +
+ + + +
+ ] + + [ +
+ + + +
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
The suspect shall stop and face the Dog submissively when it is about 40 paces
away. It shall be evident the person is surrendering and s/he shall remain
motionless once s/he stops. When the Dog arrives it shall Detain the suspect
without physical contact and indicate intensely. Optimal distance is 1-2
meters. If the Dog circles the person, s/he shall turn to maintain a frontal
view of the Dog. Refer to the diagrams below for clarification.
D=Dog H=Handler S=Suspect D=Dog H=Handler S=Suspect
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
+ + + +
+ [H + + H] +
+ + + +
+ + + +
+ + + +
+ + + +
+ ] + + [ +
+ + + +
+ + + +
+ . + + . +
+ . + + . +
+ . [ + + ] . +
+ . + + . +
+ . + + . +
+ . + + . +
+ . + + . +
+ ] . + + . [ +
+ . + + . +
+ . + + . +
+ . + + . +
+ D + + D +
+ S [ + + ] S +
+ + + +
+ + + +
+ + + +
+ + + +
+ ] + + [ +
+ + + +
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
*When Handler deploys Dog in the *When Handler deploys Dog in the
Suspect Search to the left side Suspect Search to the right side
first, s/he will be in this first, s/he will be in this
configuration configuration
After the Patrol Dog is Detaining, the Handler shall make a tactical advance
to the next barricade and take cover. At this point, the Handler issues
verbal control commands to the Suspect and Dog. The suspect should be ordered
to remain in position and the Dog should assume a backup position. It shall
remain quiet and alert, ready to engage the suspect, if necessary. Refer to the
diagrams below for clarification.
D=Dog H=Handler S=Suspect D=Dog H=Handler S=Suspect
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
+ + + +
+ [: + + :] +
+ : + + : +
+ : + + : +
+ : + + : +
+ : + + : +
+ ] : + + : [ +
+ : + + : +
+ : + + : +
+ : + + : +
+ : + + : +
+ [H + + H] +
+ + + +
+ + + +
+ + + +
+ + + +
+ ] + + [ +
+ + + +
+ + + +
+ + + +
+ D + + D +
+ S [ + + ] S +
+ + + +
+ + + +
+ + + +
+ + + +
+ ] + + [ +
+ + + +
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
*When Handler deploys Dog in the *When Handler deploys Dog in the
Suspect Search to the left side Suspect Search to the right side
first, s/he will be in this first, s/he will be in this
configuration configuration
Now the Handler may leave cover and approach the suspect. When the Handler
arrives, s/he shall frisk and take the suspect into custody. Refer to the diagrams
below for clarification.
D=Dog H=Handler S=Suspect D=Dog H=Handler S=Suspect
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
+ + + +
+ [ + + ] +
+ + + +
+ + + +
+ + + +
+ + + +
+ ] + + [ +
+ + + +
+ + + +
+ + + +
+ + + +
+ [: + + :] +
+ : + + : +
+ : + + : +
+ : + + : +
+ : + + : +
+ ] : + + : [ +
+ : + + : +
+ : + + : +
+ ...............: + + :............ +
+ HD + + HD +
+ S [ + + ] S +
+ + + +
+ + + +
+ + + +
+ + + +
+ ] + + [ +
+ + + +
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
*When Handler deploys Dog in the *When Handler deploys Dog in the
Suspect Search to the left side Suspect Search to the right side
first, s/he will be in this first, s/he will be in this
configuration configuration
The Handler shall then transport the arrestee. The Dog shall Heel beside its
Handler as s/he front-transports the arrestee to a point which is designated
as the "Transport-Point." An Accomplice has been placed behind another
barricade. Refer to the diagram below for clarification.
D=Dog H=Handler
S=Suspect A=Accomplice
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
+ +
+ [ +
+ +
+ +
+ +
+ +
+ ] +
+ +
+ +
+ +
+ +
+ [ +
+ +
+ +
+ +
+ +
+ ] +
+ +
+ +
+ +
+ : +
+ : [A +
+ : +
+ : S +
+ : : +
+ : DH +
+ ] :...........: +
+ +
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
Handler Defense
This exercise shall take place during the transport of the Surveillance and
Apprehension phase. The Handler and Dog shall transport the arrestee along a
predetermined route. The final leg of the route shall be parallel to and not
more than six feet out from the barricades. As the Handler and Dog move past a
predetermined spot a hidden accomplice suddenly attempts to ambush the
Handler. The Dog shall defend its Handler without hesitation by engaging in
strong combat. The perpetrator shall be armed with a simulated weapon, a
flexible reed stick. At some point during the combat s/he shall strike the
Dog twice sharply on the less sensitive parts of its body. This is to test
its Courage, Hardness, and Combat drive. If the Dog releases when struck it
must immediately and intense lyre-engage. Dogs that refuse to defend their Handlers are
excused from the WPO Trial at this point. The Dog shall continue in combat
until the Handler commands the perpetrator to cease and s/he complies. A
control command for the Patrol Dog is permitted. At this point the Dog shall
assume a quiet and alert backup position during the suspect's frisk, arrest,
and remand to a backup officer. Refer to the diagram below for clarification.
D=Dog H=Handler
S=Suspect A=Accomplice
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
+ +
+ [ +
+ +
+ +
+ +
+ +
+ ] +
+ +
+ +
+ +
+ +
+ [ +
+ +
+ +
+ S +
+ : +
+ ] : +
+ : +
+ : +
+ : +
+ .... +
+ A [: +
+ HD +
+ : +
+ : +
+ : +
+ ] +
+ +
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
Recapture Escapee
During Handler Defense, the first arrestee takes the opportunity to attempt an
escape. S/he shall walk at first and then run at the moment the accomplice is
remanded. After remanding the accomplice, the Handler returns to the Patrol
Dog and commands it to Heel. After five steps s/he shall deploy the Patrol
Dog to recapture the escapee. These five steps are only to establish the
level of control the Handler has over the Dog. The Dog shall pursue the
escapee and prevent further escape by engaging in strong combat. The Handler
shall also pursue at top speed. When the Handler arrives at a distance of at
least 10 paces, the Handler shall command the escapee to cease and the Dog
shall be commanded to assume a backup position. Refer to the diagram below for clarification.
D=Dog H=Handler B=Backup
S=Suspect A=Accomplice
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
+ +
+ SD [ +
+ . +
+ .H +
+ . +
+ . +
+ ] . +
+ . +
+ . +
+ . +
+ ...... AB +
+ [ +
+ +
+ +
+ +
+ +
+ ] +
+ +
+ +
+ +
+ +
+ [ +
+ +
+ +
+ +
+ +
+ ] +
+ +
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
The Dog shall heel beside its Handler as s/he front-transports the escapee to
the Judge for remanding. At the conclusion, the Handler leashes the Dog and
awaits the score. Refer to the diagram below for clarification.
D=Dog H=Handler B=Backup
S=Suspect A=Accomplice J=Judge
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
+ +
+ . [ +
+ . +
+ . +
+ . +
+ . +
+ ] . +
+ . +
+ . D +
+ ...H.....SJ +
+ AB +
+ [ +
+ +
+ +
+ +
+ +
+ ] +
+ +
+ +
+ +
+ +
+ [ +
+ +
+ +
+ +
+ +
+ ] +
+ +
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
Procedures for WPO Exercises
Tracking
- The track is to be laid by someone other than the Handler.
- The track shall be at least 600 paces long and aged about 60 minutes
prior to deployment.
- The track shall consist of four legs, three 90 degree turns, and four
items of evidence placed along the track. One object shall be placed at
the midpoint of legs 1 - 3 and one at the end.
- A marker shall be placed at the rear-left corner of the scent pad and may
not be removed as the Dog deploys.
- The Handler shall inform the Judge, prior to deployment, of the manner of
indication the Dog shall exhibit. Any other indication behavior shall be
considered faulty.
- The Dog shall sniff the scent pad at the start very intensely. It shall
then track calmly, with a deep nose.
- If the Dog hesitates to deploy within the initial 10 meters, an
additional command may be given. If it then refuses, the exercise is halted.
- The Dog may track on a 10m leash or off-leash.
- The Handler shall follow behind the Dog at a normal pace. The Handler
shall follow the Dog as it tracks, even if it is disoriented. A Handler may
not, for example, stop at a visible corner and restrain the dog from getting
further off the track.
- If wild game, such as a rabbit, appears or runs while the Dog is
tracking, the Handler may issue a control command, and if not successful,
repeated. The Judge shall determine if compliance was exhibited and, if so,
the Dog may be re-deployed. A lack of control shall result in halting the
exercise.
- A command to deploy may be issued after each item of evidence indicated
on. Indication should be immediate, and as prescribed by the Handler prior to
deployment.
- Picking up evidence is permitted, if department policy dictates, but
should be very controlled. When the Dog finds evidence, the Handler halts.
If an object is picked up, the Dog shall stop, hold the evidence, and wait for
the Handler to collect it. Chewing evidence is faulty. At most, the Dog
should calmly pick up the evidence, hold it in its mouth, and wait for the
Handler to come forward and collect it. The Dog may then be re-deployed to
continue.
- Retrieving evidence is permitted, if departmental policy dictates, but
should be very controlled. When the Dog finds evidence, the Handler halts and
waits for the Dog to retrieve. The item may be presented at the Heel
position, if desired. The Dog is to be re-deployed at the point where the
Handler stands, not where the evidence was located. Chewing evidence is
faulty. At most, the Dog should calmly pick up the evidence, hold it in its
mouth, and retrieve it to the Handler.
- The Handler is permitted to give light praise to the Dog prior to re-deploying.
- When a Dog is re-deployed after encountering evidence, it shall be calm
and controlled.
- The Handler shall follow the Dog as it tracks, even if it becomes
disoriented. A Handler may not, for example, stop at a visible corner and
restrain the dog from getting further off the track.
- If the Dog gets off the track by more than a leash length, the exercise
shall be halted.
- After the track is completed the Handler shall leash the Dog, present the
evidence to the Judge, and await the score.
Obedience/Agility
- The Handler shall report to the Judge at the beginning of the Obedience
phase for identification, and then report back to the Judge after performing
to await the score.
- Each exercise begins and ends at the Heel position.
- While Heeling, an additional command is permitted only at a change of
speed.
- An Automatic-Sit shall be demonstrated each time the Handler halts,
unless the specific exercise dictates otherwise.
- Praising the Dog is allowed only between exercises and shall not consist
of more than light petting and praising.
- The official Retrieve Dumbbell is to be picked up just before that
exercise and returned to its position afterward.
- In the Long Down exercise, each Dog shall report with and wear a muzzle
for the entire exercise.
- In the Long Down exercise, the Handlers/Dogs shall line up, enter single-file,
place the Dogs in position, and follow the Judge's instructions
throughout the entire exercise.
- In the Long Down exercise, the Dogs are to be in position for 5 minutes.
- In the Long Down exercise, if a Dog moves more than 8 feet from its
original position, it is excused from the exercise.
- In the Long Down exercise, the exercise is not over until the Judge
instructs the Handlers to have their Dogs move from the Down to the Heel
position.
- In the Heeling exercise, it is especially important that the Dog remain
in a Heeling position through the manuevers. Specifically, the Dog's shoulder
should be aligned with the Handler's knee if halted, or hip if moving.
Traditionally, a Dog heels on the left side, however, this is due to the
overwhelming majority of Handlers being right-handed and positioning the Dog
opposite their duty weapon. If a left-handed Handler opts to position the Dog
on the right side, no penalty should be assessed.
- In the Heeling exercise, a single command is issued to begin with. The
sit portion is an automatic sit, without a command. Commands may be given at
the stand and down portions, along with the restarts after each is displayed.
Additionally, a command may be given when the pace changes from normal to
fast.
- In the Heeling exercise, all about-turns are to be exhibited as "Quick-About-Turns,"
which means that the Handler spins quickly into the Dog and the
Dog must quickly re-position itself once the Handler has reversed directions.
- In the Group-Gunfire exercise, the Dog shall show neutral behavior
towards the people and the disregard the gunshots.
- In the Group-Gunfire exercise, the Dog must sit within 1 step of a person.
- In the Stand-Motion exercise, during the Stand portion, a calm,
attentive, and disciplined Stand is desired. Undesirable behaviors exhibited
may be recognized as (1)anticipating the command, (2)not standing immediately,
(3)re-positioning itself in a sideways fashion, (4)being inattentive,
(5)fidgeting, (6)anticipating the next command, (7)being noisy, or (8)any form
of Handler help. These are all subject to point deductions.
- In the Stand-Motion exercise, during the Stand portion, if the Dog
follows for more than 10 steps after the Stand command is given, the entire
exercise is halted and all points shall be forfeited.
- In the Stand-Motion exercise, during the Stand portion, if the Dog Sits
or Downs at the Stand command, the Handler continues the exercise without
re-positioning the Dog.
- In the Down-Motion, Recall exercise, during the Down portion, the Dog
shall respond immediately, and then remain quiet and attentive. The Handler
shall run further, without looking back.
- In the Down-Motion, Recall exercise, during the Down portion, if the Dog
follows for more than 10 steps after the Down command is given, the entire
exercise is halted and all points shall be forfeited.
- In the Down-Motion, Recall exercise, during the Down portion, if the Dog
Sits or Stands when commanded to Down, the Handler continues the exercise
without re-positioning the Dog.
- In the Down-Motion, Recall exercise, during the Recall portion, the
Handler is not allowed to re-position him/herself to favor the Dog as it
approaches.
- In the Down-Motion, Recall exercise, during the Recall portion, the Dog
is expected to present itself in the "Front" position upon reaching the
Handler, and then attentively await further command. Bumping the Handler or
fidgeting is undesirable and subject to point deductions.
- In the Down-Motion, Recall exercise, during the Recall portion, if the
Dog fails to respond to a second Recall command, the Handler shall go to the
Dog and place it in the Heel position, concluding the exercise.
- In the Jump-Stand exercise, the Handler is responsible to position
him/herself at an appropriate distance from the hurdle. Re-positioning shall
not be allowed, once a command is given.
- In the Jump-Stand exercise, during the Jump portion, the Dog should not
touch the hurdle as it jumps.
- In the Jump-Stand exercise, during the Stand portion, the Dog should
respond to the Stand command and not prematurely assume a Stand position. It
must be clearly evident to the Judge that this is the case. Further, the Dog
is expected to comply immediately upon receiving the command.
Walking or re-positioning itself after the command is subject to point deduction. It is not
critical whether the Dog is facing the Handler once the command is given.
- In the Jump-Retrieve exercise, the Handler is responsible to position
him/herself at an appropriate distance from the hurdle. Re-positioning shall
not be allowed, once a command is given.
- In the Jump-Retrieve exercise, the Handler shall wait until the dumbbell
comes to rest before commanding the Dog to Jump.
- In the Jump-Retrieve exercise, if the dumbbell comes to rest in an
unfavorable position, the Handler may have 1 re-toss, with the Judges
approval.
- In the Jump-Retrieve exercise, if a re-toss is authorized, the Handler
may give the Dog a command to remain in its original position while the
Handler recovers the dumbbell.
- In the Jump-Retrieve exercise, during the Jump portion, the Dog should
not touch the hurdle as it jumps.
- In the Jump-Retrieve exercise, during the Retrieve portion, the command
to Retrieve shall be given after the Dog has cleared the hurdle and before it
has touched the ground on the other side. At this point the Dog shall pick up
the dumbbell, re-jump, and present the dumbbell to the Handler in the "Front"
position.
- In the Jump-Retrieve exercise, during the Retrieve portion, after the Dog
has presented the dumbbell, it shall wait calmly until the Handler commands it
to relinquish the dumbbell.
- In the Jump-Retrieve exercise, during the Retrieve portion, once the
Handler has the dumbbell, it may be held at waist level or in one of the hands
at the side of the body as the Dog is commanded to the Heel position.
- In the Jump-Retrieve exercise, during the Heel portion, the dumbbell may
not moved in conjunction with the command such that it becomes an
object-motivated Handler help.
- In the Climb-Stand exercise, the Handler is responsible to position
him/herself at an appropriate distance from the hurdle. Re-positioning shall
not be allowed, once a command is given.
- In the Climb-Stand exercise, during the Climb portion, it is desirable
that the Dog truly "Climb" and not merely jump up on and jump off. This is so
that physical injury to the shoulders, which has a cumulative effect over the
Dog's career, does not occur. A proper climb is observed when the Dog
approaches the wall near its bottom, jumps upward, climbs to the top, then
climbs downward at least halfway and then lightly jumps to the ground.
Climbing is a skill to be developed in order to prevent the Dog launching off
the top of the wall to the ground.
- In the Climb-Stand exercise, during the Stand portion, it is desirable
that the Dog wait quietly for the Handler's to climb back.
- In the Climb-Stand exercise, during the Return portion, the Dog shall
present itself to the Handler in the "Front" position.
Apprehension
- During the Apprehension exercises, the Patrol Dog is expected to exhibit
intense working drives while remaining under strict Handler control.
- During the Apprehension exercises, if the Patrol Dog exhibits unruly
behavior to the point of appearing unprofessional or presenting a negative
image on law enforcement, the exercise shall be halted at the point of
the infraction.
- In the Suspect Search exercise, a Handler may utilize voice commands or
hand signals and a silent whistle to direct the Patrol Dog.
- In the Suspect Search exercise, a Handler may repeat a command or signal
once in order to control the Dog, if it becomes unruly; multiple commands or
signals issued to control an unruly Dog are faulty.
- In the Suspect Search exercise, the Handler shall direct the Dog to search
all six barricades in a "Clear-As-You-Go" fashion.
- In the Suspect Search exercise, the Dog shall clearly exhibit that it is
investigating each barricade, not merely run around them as an obedience
exercise.
- In the Suspect Search exercise, the Dog need not circle each barricade, rather,
pausing beside each barricade and visually checking for a Suspect is sufficient.
- In the Detain and Indicate exercise, the Dog should exhibit intense and
purposeful Detaining behavior, not sport-type "Hold & Bark" behavior.
- In the Detain and Indicate exercise, the Handler should halt as soon as the Dog
locates the Suspect.
- In the Detain and Indicate exercise, the Handler need not act as though s/he
has a firearm, i.e., pointing clasped hands at the Suspect upon the approach.
I - n the Detain and Indicate exercise, the Dog should not get closer than one
meter, in order that it might not violate the Suspect's body space and also to
prevent itself from possible injury from a Suspect's kick or strike.
- In the Detain and Indicate exercise, the Dog should remain focused on the
Suspect throughout the entire exercise, especially during the Frisk.
- In the Detain and Indicate exercise, the Handler should not adjust his/her
position to favor the Dog if it is slightly out of position.
- In the Detain and Indicate exercise, the Handler is expected to Frisk the
Suspect first, then check the barricade afterwards.
- In the Detain and Indicate exercise, a cursory Frisk is sufficient, no indepth
weapons check is necessary - for the sake of the competition.
- In the Detain and Indicate exercise, if a Dog circles the entire barricade in
the process of Detaining, this is not considered faulty behavior.
- In the Detain and Indicate exercise, should the Dog physically Engage the
submissive Suspect, the Handler shall immediately command the Dog to cease;
if the Dog fails to do so on the second command, the entire Apprehension
phase shall be halted at this point.
- In the Surveillance and Apprehension exercise, the Handler and Dog
shall take their position using the barricade just checked as cover.
- In the Surveillance and Apprehension exercise, it shall be reasonable
for the Handler to position him/herself behind the barricade such that
spectators may have a full view of the team; this may include taking a
position on the left or right side of the barricade.
- In the Surveillance and Apprehension exercise, the Handler and Dog
should be in position a minimum of 10 seconds before the Suspect
appears.
- In the Surveillance and Apprehension exercise, the Suspect should
emerge from the middle barricade and run to the mid-point of the
last two barricades.
- In the Surveillance and Apprehension exercise, the Suspect should begin
running vigorously after hearing the first Announcement from the Handler.
- In the Surveillance and Apprehension exercise, the Suspect must
halt when the Dog is approximately 40 steps away.
- In the Surveillance and Apprehension exercise, the Dog should Detain
and Indicate for at least 10 seconds before the Handler issues any further
commands.
- In the Surveillance and Apprehension exercise, if the Dog physically
Engages the passive Suspect, the Handler shall immediately go to the
Suspect and Dog, and at a distance of about five steps issue the
appropriate commands to control the situation.
- In the Surveillance and Apprehension exercise, the Handler should not
leave the "cover" barricade until the Dog has responded to the Release
command.
- In the Surveillance and Apprehension exercise, if the Dog fails to respond
to a second Release command, the Apprehension phase is halted at this point.
- In the Surveillance and Apprehension exercise, the Handler is required to have
the Suspect back up about five steps from the Dog, prior to conducting the
cursory Frisk for weapons; the command to step back shall be issued from the
"cover" barricade.
- In the Surveillance and Apprehension exercise, the Suspect is
expected to turn and maintain a frontal view of a circling Dog.
- In the Transport exercise, the Handler and Dog shall be evaluated from the
point of arrest to a spot designated as the "Transport Point" at which this
exercise shall be concluded.
- In the Transport exercise, a distance of at least eight paces shall be maintained
between Handler and Suspect.
- In the Transport exercise, if the Dog breaks position badly but is prevented
from physically Engaging via voice command, the exercise may continue if
the Dog returns to the Heel position.
- In the Transport exercise, if the Dog breaks position and physically engages
the Suspect, the Apprehension phase shall be halted.
- In the Transport exercise, extra emphasis is placed on the latter stages of
the Transport, as the "Transport Point" is approached.
- In the Handler Defense exercise, scoring begins as soon as the Suspect
passes the "Transport Point"; this is in order to evaluate any Dog that
prematurely breaks or the "Trial-Trained" Dog.
- In the Handler Defense exercise, if a Dog acts as if it knows the Accomplice
is behind the barricade, it is not faulty as long as it stays in position until
the assault.
- In the Handler Defense exercise, the Accomplice shall direct the assault at
the Handler, not the Dog.
- In the Handler Defense exercise, the Accomplice shall exhibit true assault
behavior with the stick raised, not merely sudden movement out from the barricade.
- In the Handler Defense exercise, if the Accomplice does not exhibit true
assault behavior, but rather, merely sudden movement, the Dog shall not
be penalized if it remains at Heel.
- In the Handler Defense exercise, the Handler shall avoid the assault by
moving quickly away from the Accomplice.
- In the Handler Defense exercise, the Arrestee shall begin walking away
slowly, as if trying to sneak off, when the assault is initiated; the Arrestee shall
begin running away at the point that the Handler and Dog begin Heeling in
his/her direction.
- In the Handler Defense exercise, a Dog that has been specifically trained
to avoid being struck with a weapon during Combat may exhibit this behavior
without penalty, however, it must exhibit "trained" or "strategic" behavior
and not merely avoid the blows.
- In the Handler Defense exercise, the Handler is not allowed to assist the
Dog by voice or any other means.
- In the Handler Defense exercise, if the Dog fails to Release after the
second command, the Apprehension phase shall be halted.
- In the Handler Defense exercise, if the Dog rebites after a successful
Release, the Handler shall immediately command the Dog to Release again;
if the Dog fails to Release after the second command, the Apprehension
phase shall be halted.
- In the Handler Defense exercise, if the Dog abandons the Handler and
Accomplice prematurely and pursues the escaping Arrestee, the
Apprehension phase shall be halted.
- In the Handler Defense exercise, after the Accomplice has been Disarmed,
Frisked, and Arrested, the Handler shall Remand the Accomplice to a backup officer.
- In the Handler Defense exercise, the Judge may act as the backup officer, if
personnel shortage so dictates.
- In the Recapture exercise, if the Dog refuses to pursue the Escapee and persists
in Engaging the Accomplice, the Apprehension phase shall be halted.
- In the Recapture exercise, the purpose of the brief Heeling for five steps is to
demonstrate discipline and control over the Dog.
- In the Recapture exercise, the Escapee shall continue to attempt fleeing after the
Dog Engages and shall not slow down nor stop until the Handler issues
the lawful order to do so.
- In the Recapture exercise, after the Escapee has halted, the Handler
may walk up to the Dog and stop beside it in the Heel position.
- In the Recapture exercise, the Handler shall Front Transport the Escapee
back to the Judge at a distance of not less than eight paces
- In the Recapture exercise, once the Escapee is Remanded, the Handler shall
leash the Dog and await the Apprehension score.
Judging WPO Exercises
General Judging Criteria
- The Judge is responsible for the implementation of the WPO Trial and
assures that trial regulations are followed. S/he exercises total objectivity
when Judging a Handler who is from the same agency.
- These guidelines for WPO Judges serve to insure more uniform and
standardized scoring of Service Dogs and Handlers.
- Judges functioning in International competitions should be especially
skilled in this task.
- Officers functioning as WPO Judges should have official authorization to
do so, according to the respective agency policy-procedure.
- When multiple Judges are involved, a Chief Judge shall be designated, for
administrative purposes.
- A Judge's primary function is to evaluate the performance of competitors,
however, the following may be assessed and acted upon:
- Exclusion or dismissal from a WPO Trial any competitor who violates
animal-related laws, exhibits unprofessional behavior, or defies the Judge's
instructions; and/or
- Interrupt or discontinue a WPO Trial if a Service Dog
becomes ill or injured, guidelines are not being followed, or irregularities
arise which detract from the mandatory level of professionalism.
- Points shall be rounded up if .5 or higher, and rounded down if below .5.
- An appeal of a Judge's may be submitted, if a Chief Judge has been
designated. A final decision may be made by the Chief Judge, after careful
consideration of the respective Judge's opinion.
- An appeal by a competitor must be declared to the respective Judge prior
to the announcement of the score of that phase. If an appeal is verbalized,
no point announcement shall be made.
- Following the verbal notification of an appeal, a written appeal shall be
submitted.
- One repeat of a command is permitted.
- Each exercise must be attempted in its entirety. No portion may be
skipped or substituted by another behavior.
- If a competitor is dismissed from a WPO Trial for unbecoming conduct, no
points shall be awarded, regardless of the stage at which the dismissal
occurred.
- If a competitor is excused for illness, injury, or behavior which has no
negative association, the accrued points may be issued.
- The point distribution and performance rating is as follows:
- Superior --- (Vorzueglich) --- A --- (V) --- 96-100%
- Commendable --- (Sehr Gut) --- B --- (SG) --- 90- 95%
- Typical --- (Gut) --- C --- (G) --- 80- 89%
- Suitable --- (Befriedegend) --- D --- (B) --- 70- 79%
- Improvement Needed --- (Mangelhaft) --- I --- (M) --- 36- 69%
- Unsatisfactory --- (Ungenuegend) --- U --- (U) --- 0- 35%
In each of Tracking and Obedience a minimum of 70% must be achieved, and in
Apprehension a minimum of 80% must be achieved, in order to award a WPO Title.
- Points justifiably earned in an exercise cannot be taken away at a later
time, unless a dismissal occurs or a pattern of behavior is observed over a
series of exercises which can only be documented with a point deduction
distributed over the group of exercises.
- A Service Dog in a WPO Trial should perform with joy, enthusiasm,
discipline and correctness, displaying a professional image devoid of behavior
which would not be considered "Street-worthy." One example is a Service Dog
that is trained to "Run the Blinds" as opposed to approaching each one and
checking it for a suspect.
- A Service Dog Handler in a WPO Trial should perform with consummate
professionalism, as his/her skills are on display before not only peers, but
also the public.
- Handler help is defined as any action which aids the Service Dog in
accomplishing a task, which is beyond the authorized or permitted command or
signal.
- Handler help to the extent of a motivational object, such as a food
tidbit, is forbidden and considered an extreme violation of professionalism.
This may be grounds for dismissal from a WPO Trial.
- Repeating a command, in an exercise where only one command is assigned,
shall result in a deduction of 50% of the points assigned to that task (i.e.,
Sit from a Distance with 2 commands = 4 points instead of 8).
Tracking
- The Dog should track by exhibiting intensive, disciplined, non-distracted
sniffing along the path of the tracklayer.
- Once a command to track is given by the Handler, the Dog shall deploy
immediately. It need not remain any longer at the scentpad.
- If the Dog does not deploy immediately when commanded, the Handler is
allowed to re-start the Dog once. A mandatory 5 points shall be deducted for
a re-start within the initial 10m of the track.
- If a re-start is initiated within the initial 10m, light praise may be
given to motivate the Dog.
- If the Dog becomes disoriented or if it returns to the Handler while
tracking, it may continue working as long as it is independent of Handler
influence. In this case no re-start is assessed, merely a point deduction.
- When indicating evidence, a Dog may assume a position of sit, stand, or
down. When picking up evidence, the Dog may assume a position of sit, stand,
or down and then hold the evidence loosely in its mouth, such that damage is
not likely. When retrieving evidence, the Dog may go directly to the Heel
position.
- If the Dog indicates, picks up, or retrieves in a manner not prescribed
by the Handler, a mandatory 2 points are to be deducted.
Indicating, picking up, or retrieving an object which is not a piece of
evidence shall be cause for a mandatory deduction of 4 points per object. The
re-start following a false indication, pickup, or retrieve is permitted
without point deduction.
Obedience/Agility
- Correct obedience/agility performance in a WPO event is defined as
willing, immediate, accurate, and enthusiastic response to voice or hand
signals. Any behavior less than this is subject to point deductions.
- Incorrect behavior includes, but is not limited to, crooked sits,
touching obstacles when jumping, forging or lagging when Heeling, premature or
slow sit/stand/down, additional commands, or chewing the dumbbell.
- Each exercise is to start and end in a Heel position. However, the
finish position of one exercise cannot be used as the start position of
another. Each exercise is independent of the other and shall be performed
so. A violation of this rule shall be cause for a mandatory 1 point
deduction.
- In the Long Down exercise, if the Dog moves more than 8 feet from its
position, the Judge will instruct the Handler to pick up the Dog and no points
will be given.
- In the Heeling exercise, a brisk walking speed shall be considered
normal. About-turns shall be demonstrated as "Quick-About-Turns," in which
the Handler turns into the Dog as s/he reverses direction.
- In the Group exercise, the Dog shall sit beside a person at a distance of
not more than 2 feet.
- The Dog shall remain indifferent to the gunfire. If the Dog exhibits
sensitivity, such as aggression, but remains in the Heel position, it may
continue in the competition. If it acts gunshy, it is excused from the entire
WPO at this point.
- In the Stand-Motion exercise, if the Dog sits or downs when commanded to
stand, it may be left in the position it assumes and points deducted for an
improper response. Then, the command to sit-from-a-distance may be issued.
- In the Running Down-Motion exercise, if the Dog follows for more than 10
steps after the command, the exercise is halted, with no points accrued.
- In the Jump-Stand exercise, the stand command shall be given before the
Dog stands or comes to a halt on its own. The direction the dog is facing
when it stands is insignificant.
- In the Jump-Retrieve exercise, if a re-toss is made, an additional
control command may be given prior to the second toss.
- In the Climb-Stand exercise, climbing downward from the top to the bottom
or jumping part-way down is acceptable.
Apprehension
- Correct Apprehension performance in a WPO event is defined as willing,
immediate, accurate, and enthusiastic response to voice or hand signals. Any
behavior less than this is subject to point deductions. Certain behaviors
dictate mandatory expulsion, i.e., serious loss of control, leaving the search
area in spite of Handler commands to return, etc. Certain behaviors dictate
a halt of the Apprehension performance, yet earned points may be retained
for an overall score. These behaviors consist of:
- failure to find the Suspect;
- leaving a Suspect, once found, for a distance in excess of 10 meters; or
- failure to defend its Handler sufficiently.
- Incorrect behavior includes, but is not limited to, forging or lagging
when Heeling, unjustified injury to the suspects, resisting the Handler during
control commands - especially resisting a Release command, non-prescribed
Handler help, departing from prescribed procedures, and Handler failure to
observe /exhibit professional safety skills.
- Additional commands for a task are allowed, but subject to point
deductions.
- In the Suspect Search exercise, the Dog shall check each barricade to
determine if a suspect is hiding there. Obvious running around the barricade
without checking is unprofessional and subject to point deductions.
- In the Suspect Search exercise, only an intense, enthusiastic, and
disciplined Dog can receive full points.
- In the Detaining exercise, the optimal distance is 1-2 meters. If the
Dog is closer, it has entered the suspect's personal body space and is within
striking range, and points may be deducted. If it is farther, it is less
effective and points may be deducted. If the Dog engages the motionless
suspect, all points for the Detaining exercise are forfeited.
- In the Suspect Apprehension exercise, only an intense, enthusiastic, and
disciplined Dog can receive full points.
- In the Suspect Apprehension exercise, during the Surveillance portion,
only a calm and quiet Dog can receive full points. Fidgeting shall be subject
to point deductions. Barking suggests the Surveillance is compromised and,
accordingly, the Surveillance portion must not have a passing score.
- In the Suspect Apprehension exercise, during the Pursuit portion, only a
full speed Pursuit can be awarded full points.
- In the Suspect Apprehension exercise, during the Detaining portion, the
optimal distance is 1-2 meters. If the Dog is closer, it has entered the
suspect's personal body space and is within striking range, and points may be
deducted. If it is farther, it is less effective. If the Dog engages the
motionless suspect, all points for the Detaining portion are forfeited.
- In the Suspect Apprehension exercise, during the Detaining portion, if
the Dog fails to Detain, the Judge shall instruct the Handler to verbally
command the Dog to Release. These command(s) shall be issued from the
barricade cover position. The Handler shall have, at most, two commands to
control the Dog. If the Dog does not respond, the Judge shall instruct the
Handler to go to the Dog and control it.
- In the Suspect Apprehension exercise, during the Detaining portion, if
the Handler has been instructed to go the Dog, the Dog shall respond to, at
most, two verbal commands to Release. If it Releases at that point, up to 4
points shall be assessed against the Dog for resisting the distance control.
Failure to respond to the second command given at the shorter distance shall
be cause for halting the Apprehension phase.
- In the Suspect Apprehension exercise, during the Rear Transport, the Dog
shall remain under control to the designated/marked "Transport Point." This
shall be a visible marker parallel to the barricades and before reaching the
first in the series. If the Dog does not remain in position up to this point
and engages the arrestee or goes to the hidden accomplice, either action
suggest unprofessional behavior and is cause for halting the Apprehension
phase.
- In the Suspect Apprehension exercise, during the Rear Transport, if the
Dog is obedient up to the designated/marked "Transport Point," but, at some
point thereafter, leaves the Handler and goes toward the hidden accomplice,
the Judge may instruct the accomplice to initiate the ambush prematurely.
Such option exercised by the Judge shall be cause for point deductions.
- In the Handler Defense exercise, during the Ambush portion, the Dog is
expected to defend its Handler immediately and energetically. The Dog shall
not receive a passing score if any of the following behaviors are exhibited:
- the Dog does not engage, but rather avoids physical contact;
- abandons the combat;
- after engaging appropriately, lets go and hesitates to re-engage immediately; or
- after being struck, lets go and hesitates to re-engage immediately.
- In the Handler Defense exercise, during the Ambush portion, if the Dog
avoids being struck and hesitates to re-engage, the ambusher shall again
attempt to strike the Dog, by moving toward it if necessary. If the Dog
avoids being struck and exhibits insufficient courage to re-engage, the
Apprehension phase shall be halted at this point.
- In the Handler Defense exercise, during the Ambush portion, if a Dog
exhibits poor or insufficient Pain Compliance, it shall not receive a passing
score for Handler Defense. If, however, the Dog initially exhibits poor or
insufficient Pain Compliance and then improves during the combat, points shall
merely be deducted for the inconsistent behavior.
- In the Handler Defense exercise, during the Ambush portion, the Dog shall
maintain its focus on the ambusher during the Frisk and Arrest. If the Dog
loses focus on the immediate threat, this subject, and looks for the escapee,
points shall be deducted.
- In the Recapture exercise, during the Heeling portion, if the Dog enacts
a premature Pursuit, all points for the Heeling are forfeited.
WPO TRACKING SCORESHEET
Dog _________________________ Handler ______________________ Date ____________
Dept _________________________________________ State _________________________
Diagram of the Track
Exercise - MAX - PTS - Remarks, Comments
Leg #1 - 16 - -
Evid #1 - 6 - -
Turn #1 - 4 - -
Leg #2 - 16 - -
Evid #2 - 6 - -
Turn #2 - 4 - -
Leg #3 - 16 - -
Evid #3 - 6 - -
Turn #3 - 4 - -
Leg #4 - 16 - -
Evid #4 - 6 - -
Total - 100 - -
WPO Judge _________________________ Signature ________________________________
WPO OBEDIENCE SCORESHEET
Dog _________________________ Handler ______________________ Date ____________
Dept _________________________________________ State _________________________
Exercise - MAX - PTS -
Long Down - 5 - -
Heeling Normal- 4 - -
Sit - 2 - -
Stand - 2 - -
Down - 2 - -
Heeling Fast - 4 - -
Sit - 2 - -
Stand - 2 - -
Down - 2 - -
Group - 5 - -
Gunfire - P/F - -
Stand - 6 - -
Down - 4 - -
Sit - 8 - -
Pickup - 2 - -
Down-Motion - 4 - -
Recall - 4 - -
Finish - 2 - -
Jump - 4 - -
Stand - 4 - -
Pickup - 2 - -
Jump - 3 - -
Jump - 3 - -
Retrieve - 8 - -
Finish - 2 - -
Climb - 4 - -
Stand - 4 - -
Climb - 4 - -
Finish - 2 - -
- - -
- - -
Total - 100 - -
WPO Judge _________________________ Signature ________________________________
WPO APPREHENSION SCORESHEET
Dog _________________________ Handler ______________________ Date ____________
Dept _________________________________________ State _________________________
Exercise - MAX - PTS -
Suspect Search - 6 - -
Detain - 5 - -
Indicate - 4 - -
Release - 2 - -
Frisk - 2 - -
Dismiss - 1 - -
Surveillance - 3 - -
Pursuit - 4 - -
Detain - 8 - -
Indicate - 4 - -
Release - 4 - -
Frisk - 2 - -
Transport - 5 - -
Handler Defense- 15 - -
Release - 5 - -
Frisk - 2 - -
Remand - 2 - -
Heel - 5 - -
Pursuit - 4 - -
Recapture - 10 - -
Release - 5 - -
Transport - 2 - -
- - -
- - -
Total - 100 - -
WPO Judge _________________________ Signature ________________________________
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