AWMA Magazine

Congratulations to Marion Franke & Brittany - Beauty du Chateau Schonwalde SchH3/FH - on their 2005 Pacific NW Regional FH Championship with a score of 96 points.

Part 2

By Les Flores

It appears that in recent trials the judges have seen several helpers give a wrong presentation causing the dogs to get a grip or a grip that is under or below the bite bar.

Fail-Safe Ways For The Helper To Catch a Dog

Fail-Safe is a technique that allows the helper and dog to achieve optimum performance in protection work. This work takes advantage of the least point of resistance to the dog at the time of impact. It is based on the position of the feet, the arm presentation and the most advantageous sleeve angle of the bite bar shown to the dog so that the catch may be made without incident. This technique is used when performing the attack out of the back transport and the courage test. If you are a helper that does breed surveys, it is also used when coming out of the blind for the attack on handler.

As the helper approaches the dog, several things happen prior to, during and after contact takes place. Prior to contact, a left armed helper must stand with the right foot slightly in front, knees slightly bent to absorb the impact, and the sleeve pre-positioned at the angle appropriate for the dog to make contact. The sleeve angle must be slightly up at the end and with the elbow held away from the body. The sleeve must not touch the helper’s body but should be approximately four to five inches away. The helper’s foot position allows the dog to commit to the sleeve side and, by having the sleeve slightly away from the body, creates a Fail-Safe area for the dog. As the dog is coming to the grip, the bite bar should be at the same angle as the dog as he approaches. This is accomplished by placing the end of the sleeve slightly higher than the elbow. The space between the helper’s body and the sleeve creates a cushion when the dog hits, prompting the helper to give in and turn. Instinctively, the dog will move to the least point of resistance which assist the helper to catch with a fluid motion, move the dog to the proper side and begin the drive.

Eight out of ten dogs will bite the center of the sleeve with this presentation. However, there are always exceptions. Some dogs will attempt to move the helper away from the drive. These dogs will either hit the end or the elbow side of the sleeve or they may submarine and hit the protection arm at a lower angle than the center punch dog.

By performing the four steps of the Fail Safe maneuver, it will not matter where the dog hits the arm. Each of the described position pieces, when put together, will assist the helper to work the dog into the correct drive.

Suppose a dog hits the helper on the non-sleeve side. By using the Fail-Safe position technique, even when the inertia moves the man in the opposite direction, the helper is still able to move with the dog as it strikes the sleeve. The four to five inch cushion space from the helper’s body provides the opportunity to pivot and suck the charging dog. This avoids a collision that can have dire consequences for both the helper and the dog. The same technique may be used for a dog that submarines. By lowering the angle of the bite bar, the dog will have an opportunity for a full-mouthed grip. A word of caution: It is the angle of the bite bar that is lowered, not the sleeve.

After the dog strikes the arm, the helper must follow through. The drive should come easily with the correct positioning of the arm and angle of the bite bar. The helper may smoothly move the dog into the pocket and begin the drive without problems.

There are times, however, when things do not go as planned. This can create some interesting situations since, as trial helpers, we must still complete the work for the judge to properly evaluate the dog. What is a helper to do when things get messy in a trial?

In an ideal situation, the sleeve is in the correct position, the angle of the bite bar is presented for a full grip in the center of the arm and the Fail-Safe positioning is now performed without thinking. As the dog strikes the arm and the inertia takes the man and the dog to the least point of resistance the helper may start the drive without problems.

Two things can happen during this scenario. One, as soon as the dog hits, the momentum will carry the helper in to the drive. In this case, the dog will move the man 180 to 360 degrees, depending in how strong and fast the dog hits. This is the easiest way to accomplish the drive. Or two, as soon as the dog hits and the impact is absorbed correctly, a helper may set the dog on the ground, wait a fraction of a second until the dog gathers itself and pushes upward. This would allow the helper to use the dog’s pause to bend his knees for added strength and the upward movement to begin the drive.

Let us assume for a moment that the helper turns for the attack out of the back transport. The dog hits on the opposite of where the helper intended to take the dog. Keep in mind, that what we are showing the dog is a target for the least point of resistance. However, the dog may choose to take the helper in another direction. If this happens, the helper must absorb the hit to avoid injury and then place the dog in the pocket to conduct the proper drive. Depending on the power of the dog and his inertia, the helper has an option. If the dog hits the end of the sleeve, the helper may move his upper body as well as his leg out of the way to avoid the collision. The helper may set the dog down and then use the dog’s movement upward to proceed with the drive. This technique also applies on the courage test and the attack on handler when the helper steps out of the blind in the breed survey protection phase.

Another variable to consider is the height of the sleeve when presented to the dog just prior to the strike. This position is most prominent in the courage test exercise of the protection routine. The higher the sleeve is from the ground, the easier it is for the strong, fast dog to be flown by the helper on the follow through. This can also cause poor grips and has been known to lead to unfortunate injuries for the dog. Although the spectators at VPG/IPO trials always like to see a fast, powerful dog be caught this way, it is unsafe for both the dog and the helper. The potential consequences are far too great for such a short-live thrill and should be diligently avoided.

To avoid this type of catch, the helper may use the Fail-Safe technique. As the dog strikes the sleeve, the helper’s elbow is in a lower position than his hand. If he then uses the momentum of the dog to move the sleeve in a downward arc, this will prevent the dog from flying.

Drives: Running, Skip or Mixed

As for the drive itself, there are several types to consider. Some helpers prefer the running drive, others the skip drive and some are more comfortable performing a combination of both. The best drive is the one that will show the judge the dog’s grip, reaction to the stick hits and ability to withstand the pressure posed by the helper. Arguments regarding one technique over another are as diverse as dogs themselves.

A problem in the Schutzhund world is that some helpers are only taught the high elbowed running drive, because it places more pressure on the dog. This conclusion is obtained because the dog’s front feet are off the ground and he is challenged at his weakest point. In contrast, some organizations want helpers to perform the skip drive because this places the helper over the dog applying pressure not only with the stick hits but with the helper’s body as well. Of course there are rebuttals in each ideology. Which approach is better is not the focus of this article. Both techniques have their own unique merits and weaknesses.

Problem Solving

First let us focus on the ideal drive. Suppose the dog’s grip is in the center of the sleeve, the helper moves the dog in the pocket, the stick hits are taken without a problem, the dog stops when the helper stops and he outs cleanly. Not much to learn here.

In many instances, there are helpers who are physically powerful. They are able to manhandle the dog in the drive and make it look smooth. However, there are helpers that do not have the upper body strength to accomplish such drive. These helpers must resort to technique rather than brute force.

A situation where technique would be important is when a dog grips the end of the sleeve. In order to start a correct drive, the helper must change his center of balance in order to bring the dog into the pocket. In this instance, bringing the elbow high in the drive will work. By changing the balance to the front, the helper is able to center the dog in the pocket and then use his legs for the drive.

Another example of technique over brawn is a dog that grips the elbow side of the sleeve. Of course, the elbow high technique would not work here because the center of balance would be in favor of the dog, not the helper. The helper must bring the sleeve close and tight and curl the arm in to the center of his body. Although the dog may attempt to pull away from the helper while performing the drive, this technique puts the helper in control.

Helper trial rules define that the helper, after driving the dog, must face the handler; the stick must be hidden from view and he must stand in a non-threatening passive stance. Additionally, the sleeve must be relaxed and rested in a diagonal angle.

What this is describing is that the helper’s stance and presence should be the same as it was in the blind during the hold and bark. Many helpers try to interpret their own variations of this rule. However, rules are rules and they must be followed. As was stated earlier, techniques change from helper to helper but the end result should be the same.

These are but some of the techniques that are used by helpers to get out of trouble. Most of this is taught in helper seminars through out the country.

Les Flores
18726 Deerfield Ln SW
Rochester, WA 98579
360-539-5320

(Les Flores has been selected as the back half helper at several Regional Championships in the Pacific Northwest and the Northwestern Region for the past 10 years. He was also selected as the back half helper of the H.O.T. Tournament in Washington State. Les has written several articles regarding helper work and some of his ideas are being used in some regions in Germany. Les has given over 100 seminars about trial helper work in USA and Canada and has certified over 120 helpers.)

By Tami Stephenson

This year’s Malinois Championship, hosted by the Atlanta Working Dog Club, proved to be an event full of high competition, exciting performances, and it’s shares of trials and tribulations. The lovely stadium field presented an excellent back drop on which our judges Nathaniel Roque/USA (tracking), Frank Mensing/ Canada (obedience), and Louis Quadroni/Switzerland (protection) could officiate. The judging was strict, and every point earned was well deserved.

Helpers Clark Niemitalo/front half (USA) and Kim Hechler/back half (Germany) were selected to work the trial, and proved to be safe and effective. As usual, there was strong controversy given the style of reattack by the back half helper, Kim Hechler, however most of the dogs were unaffected by this different style of work. The president has selected and appointed a new helper committee consisting of Les Flores, Nathaniel Roque, Ivan Balabanov and Mike Baker. It is with the utmost confidence that this newly appointed chairman of the helper committee, Les Flores, will step into the roll previously held by Joey Leigh, and establish a working helpers program for the AWMA.

On behalf of AWMA, I would like to extend my congratulations to this year’s AWMA National Champion, Mike Morgan and his handler owned and trained dog, Bacchus v Drachenherz (Boy vom Hölzleswald x Baghira vom Falkenstock) with a score of 95-92-87. Bacchus turned in a lovely heeling performance, earning High Obedience at the end.

It should be noted that the championship title was nearly earned by long time supporter and founding member Ivan Balabanov and his homebred malinois Qenny ot Vitosha. Qenny and Ivan turned in a stellar performance scoring 96-96-95 until it was discovered that he made a costly error in having a toy on his self during the tracking phase, resulting in a disqualification from the trial. Let this be a reminder to all of us as handlers to please remember and respect the established rules set forth by the FCI. This error ultimately led to knocking Ivan’s first place performance out of the position of National Champion. The disqualification was decided by the presiding tracking judge, and fully accepted by Ivan Balabanov as he realized his lapse in judgement.

Our Vice Champion this year, Cele Danner and Zozzo v Tessinij’s (Clip vom Roten Falken x Tiny van de Berlex-Hoeve), turned in a respectable performance of 90-91-92, earning themselves the second position on this year’s world team to Hungary. Cele and Zozzo had only months to prepare for this championship together, and proved that they are a valuable asset to our team. Cele, training director for Southern Illinois Police and SchH Club and AWDF Treasurer, has been involved in the sport for several years, and we are excited to welcome her to the malinois world!

Ronnie Weiss and Zohra v Tessinij’s tied with Cele and Zozzo earning a score of 97-85-91, ultimately finishing in third place determined by the protection score, and high scoring female dog. Zohra is owned by Krystin Hildebrandt and presented by Ronnie Weiss. It is interesting to note that our second and third place performances were earned by littermates! Good job Ronnie.

Joe Moldovon and Argo pulled in a strong fourth place finish with a 271 and high tracking score of 98. It is unfortunate that this team is unable to represent us in Hungary due to registration recognition, but we would like to acknowledge their welcome participation in our championships. Other notable performances include Greg Doud and Flare (High Protection with 93 pts.).

The IPO II National Championship went to AWMA President Glenn Stephenson and Q’Ichiro Ot Vitosha. Ichi turned in a powerful protection performance, and is a littermate to Qenny Ot Vitosha (Turcodos vd Duvetorre x Sandy Van de Haantjeshoek). Bob Miller and Yukon du Belle Pratique also turned in nice B & C performances, but unfortunately had a "mali moment" on the track. We look forward to seeing Yukon and Bob next year as IPO III competitors and expect good things from this team.

Founding board member and membership chairperson Anne Camper and Beqka D’Ile du Chien (Aros D’Ile Du Chien x Dite Ot Vitosha) traveled all the way from MT to compete, earning the IPO I Championship title. Congratulations to Anne and Beqka!

We wish to thank the hosting club for their time and effort in pulling off the event, and hope to minimize many of the areas of concern encountered at this year’s championship. As a young and growing organization it is normal to encounter problems, and we wish to thank those who take on the challenge of hosting a trial. In an effort to make next year’s championship even better, we have implemented a National Championship and World Team committee at this year’s General Board meeting consisting of Tami Stephenson, Dana Miller, Sabine Ernsting and Melissa Mason. This committee, chaired by Sabine Ernsting, will be responsible for recommending guidelines and procedures for hosting the nationals, in addition to more clearly defining the existing criteria. It is our hope that this will help future events run more smoothly.

Check the AWMA website for the final team selection to the World Championship (FMBB) trial to be held in Hungary in May ‘06. This national trial was one portion of the team selection process. While the first four team positions are selected from the national championship standings, there are still two (plus one alternate) positions to be earned via the point system. The team will be announced early ‘06 when the deadline for world championship declarations is announced.

In conclusion, the AWMA is looking forward to next year’s championship trial to be held in West Virginia, hosted by the Podium Belgian Shepherd Working Dog Club. The website for the trial will be up and running well in advance of next year’s championship trial.

Hello again…

My intentions are for this on-line magazine to come out quarterly. The schedule is that the first issue came out in June, this second issue coming out in August, and then the third issue will come out towards the end of October. Then we will be on a normal three month schedule beginning in January.

Before each issue comes out I will send out an email to notify everyone that it has been posted. If you have not received an email like this from me and you would like to be on that list please send me your email address.

I would also like to encourage people to send me any ideas of stories or information that they would like to see in the magazine. I am currently looking for someone to write a story about malinois doing other working sports such as agility, or ring. I hope everyone is having a great summer!

Best Regards,
Desireé Shaw
dezireeshaw@yahoo.com