BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG CLUB OF AMERICA
DRAFT TEST REGULATIONS
PURPOSE
The Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America Draft Tests are a series of
exercises designed to develop and demonstrate the natural abilities of purebred Bernese
Mountain Dogs in a working capacity involving hauling. The Bernese Mountain Dog has
historically functioned as a draft dog in various capacities, and performance of these
exercises is intended to demonstrate skills resulting from both inherent ability and
training which are applicable to realistic work situations. Efficiency in
accomplishment of tasks is essential. It is also desirable that the dog evidence
willingness and enjoyment of his work in a combination of controlled teamwork with his
handler and natural independence.
GUIDELINES
All American Kennel Club (AKC) Dog Show Rules and
Regulations, American Kennel Club Obedience Regulations, and the Constitution and By-laws
of the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America (BMDCA) shall apply to all persons and dogs
except as these BMDCA Draft Test Regulations direct otherwise. A copy of each of
these shall be at the site of the Draft Test and available to the judges, handlers, Draft
Test Committee and personnel. A copy of these BMDCA Draft Test Regulations must also
be at the Test site and available to the aforementioned persons. It is the responsibility
of each handler to be familiar with these materials prior to the Draft Test.
GENERAL REGULATIONS
Chapter 1
Administration
Section 1. Application to Hold a Draft Test
- BMDCA Approval: Written approval of the BMDCA Draft Work Committee (DWC) must be
obtained to hold a Draft Test at which dogs earn BMDCA draft titles. Only the BMDCA and
its recognized regional clubs may sponsor Draft Tests.
- Application: Application forms are available from the DWC Chairman. Applications shall
be sent to the DWC Chairman and must include:
- Name of the Draft Test sponsoring club.
- The date of the proposed Draft Test.
- The name and address of the selected site.
- Entry limits for each class.
- Name and address of the two (2) judges and their qualifications for judging a Bernese
Mountain Dog Draft Test.
- Name, address and phone number of the Draft Test Chairman and the Draft Test Secretary.
- Names of additional Draft Test Committee members.
- The certification that all BMDCA Draft Test Regulations will be followed.
- The guarantee that all equipment, personnel and other required provisions will be
available at the Draft Test.
- The signatures of the Draft Test Chairman and the Draft Test Secretary.
- A detailed map and description of the selected Draft Test site including the half mile
Freight Haul course. Photos and/or video of the Freight Haul course in
particular are recommended.
- A $20.00 administrative fee payable by check
to the BMDCA. This fee is waived for a Draft
Test held in conjunction with the BMDCA
National Specialty.
- Time of Application: Application to hold a Draft Test must be made at least six (6)
months prior to the date of the proposed Draft Test and must be accompanied by a self
addressed stamped postcard. The DWC Chairman will return the postcard upon receipt of the
application. Approval or rejection of the Draft Test Application by the DWC will be
communicated to the Draft Test Chairman in writing by the DWC Chairman within thirty (30)
days of receipt of the completed application.
- Draft Test Forms: The DWC will provide at the time of Draft Test approval:
- Judging Worksheets - to be filled out by each judge evaluating each team's performance
and given to the handler at the conclusion of judging.
- Data Worksheets - a concise means of recording statistics and information about each dog
and draft rig necessary for the Draft Test. The worksheets must be returned to the DWC as
part of the Draft Test Report.
- Judges Reports - to be filled out for each dog, signed by both Judges and the Draft Test
Secretary on the day of the Draft Test and returned to the DWC as part of the Draft Test
Report.
- Draft Test Final Report - to be filled out by the Draft Test Secretary and returned to
the DWC as part of the Draft Test Report.
- Apprentice and Provisional Judge Evaluation Reports - to be filled out by the approved
Judges officiating at the Draft Test and returned to the DWC within ten (10) days
following the Draft Test.
Section 2. The Draft Test Committee
- Members: The Draft Test Committee of the sponsoring club shall consist of a minimum of
three (3) people, one of whom shall be named Chairman. The Draft Test Committee Chairman
and Draft Test Secretary must be members in good standing of the BMDCA.
- Official BMDCA Representatives: The Draft Test Committee shall act as official
representatives of the BMDCA and must see to the enforcement of these Draft Test
Regulations. Any violations of these Draft Test Regulations must be reported by the Draft
Test Committee to the DWC in writing and included with the Draft Test Report.
- Draft Test Secretary: The Draft Test Committee shall appoint a Draft Test Secretary. The
Draft Test Secretary shall take all entries and contact each entry, after the closing
date, to verify their entry, the time of judging, address of the site and names of the
judges at least one week prior to the date of the Draft Test. At the Draft Test the
Secretary must have available for inspection:
- The BMDCA Draft Test Regulations.
- American Kennel Club Dog Show Rules and Regulations.
- American Kennel Club Obedience Regulations.
- The Constitution and By-laws of the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America.
- The complete entry forms of each exhibitor.
The Draft Test Secretary shall be responsible for sending all return-requested
materials to the Draft Work Committee Chairman within ten (10) days following the Draft
Test. These include:
- Judges' Reports.
- Data Worksheets.
- Two (2) marked catalogs.
- Reports on Test violations, excusing of a dog or team, etc.
- Complete entry forms.
- Draft Test Final Report.
- A diagram of the maneuvering course
No Dog belonging wholly or in part to the Draft Test Secretary or to any member of
their immediate family may enter in any Draft Test at which he/she officiates or is
scheduled to officiate.
Section 3. Duties of the Draft Test Committee
- Plotting the Freight Haul Course: The Draft Test Committee is responsible for plotting
the Distance Freight Haul course prior to application to hold the Draft Test. The Freight
Haul course should not be plotted by individuals who will compete at that Test. The judges
should walk the Freight Haul course prior to the Test and may make any changes they think
appropriate. Changes should be reported to the DWC.
- Premium List: The Draft Test Committee shall print a Premium List after receiving
approval to hold a Draft Test. This Premium List shall be made available to any Bernese
Mountain Dog owner interested in entering a dog in the Draft Test. Two (2) copies of the
Premium List shall be mailed to the DWC Chairman at the time of distribution to the
public. The Premium List shall contain the following:
- The statement "Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America Draft Test".
- A list of the officers and board of directors of the Test giving club with the address
of the secretary.
- A list of the members of the Draft Test Committee including the Chairman's address and
phone number.
- The name, address and phone number of the Draft Test Secretary.
- The names and addresses of the judges.
- The name of the Draft Test veterinarian and whether the veterinarian will be in
attendance or on call.
- The date, time and location of the Draft Test.
- A list of classes offered.
- The entry limit for each class.
- The closing date for the entry.
- A list of awards or prizes.
- The statement:
"Entrants are responsible for obtaining the BMDCA Draft Test Regulations and being
familiar with them."
- The name and address of the BMDCA Ways and Means, Marketing Chairman from whom the Draft
Test Regulations may be obtained.
- An AKC type entry form including the statement:
"I (we) acknowledge that the BMDCA Draft Test Regulations have been made available to
me (us), that I am (we are) familiar with their contents and that I (we) agree to abide by
these Regulations at this BMDCA Draft Test. I (we) understand that I (we) enter a dog at
this BMDCA Draft Test at my (our) own risk."
- A place on the entry form to check off if the entrant will bring his/her own freight
haul weights.
- Equipment and Supplies: In order to differentiate Draft Tests from obedience competition
the use of obedience equipment is not recommended. The Draft Test sponsoring club will
provide:
-
- BMDCA Draft Test Regulations
- AKC Dog Show Rules and Regulations
- AKC Obedience Regulations
- Constitution and By-Laws of the BMDCA
- Ropes and stakes or ring gates necessary to define a ring with minimum dimensions of 100
feet by 100 feet.
- A minimum of four (4) markers to define the maneuvering course. The markers should be
large enough to be clearly visible to both handlers and spectators.
- A removable obstacle, ideally an object which might be found in everyday carting
situations.
- A minimum of two (2) markers to define a narrow area. The markers must be no less than
two feet high, with a recommended height of three to four feet, and must be two to four
feet in length.
- A lightweight load - a blanket or quilt is recommended.
- A four foot stick or dowel, clearly marked one foot from one end, for measuring the
backing exercise.
- Weights for the freight load, preferably of known and labeled weight. A variety of
different weights should be available in sufficient quantity for all the dogs entered.
- A tape measure at least six (6) feet in length.
- A scale (such as a bathroom scale) which can weigh at least 150 pounds, for verifying
freight load weights. Provisions should be made for the scale to rest on a firm level
surface and for bulky weights to be accurately weighed.
- Two distractions, one primarily auditory and one primarily visual.
- A stop watch or watch to time stays.
- Markers for the Distance Freight Haul course.
- Exhibitor numbers and matching draft rig numbers.
- A catalog identifying each entered dog as in an AKC show catalog. For Open and Brace
Open the catalog should show the number of pounds the dog(s) must pull in the Distance
Freight Haul.
- A designated area near the ring for the draft equipment and freight weights of all
entrants. All such equipment and weights must remain in this area unless being used
in the Test.
Recommended:
- A system by which spectators may be silently informed as each team passes or fails each
exercise.
- A diagram of the maneuvering course clearly posted at ringside.
- Stewards: Six to eight stewards shall be provided to assist the judges. The judges are
in sole charge of the Draft Test area until their assignment is completed. Stewards may
act only on the judges' instructions.
- Veterinarian: The services of a veterinarian must be available during a Draft Test.
Ideally the veterinarian should be present at a Draft Test and walk the Freight Haul
course with the teams and judges. The veterinarian's professional opinion on the condition
of any dog should be given precedence in determining whether the dog should continue to
compete. If the veterinarian cannot be on site, the veterinary office must be within a
short drive. The Draft Test Regulations have been devised to present a minimum hazard to
dogs and handlers but Draft Test Committees are urged to take all reasonable precautions
to ensure the safety of all involved.
- Notification of Changes: If the Draft Test Committee is informed at any time prior to
the opening of its Draft Test that an advertised judge will not fulfill his/her engagement
to judge, then the Draft Test Committee shall substitute a judge. The substitute judge
must be approved by the DWC Chairman who shall be notified either by telephone or by mail.
The same shall apply to emergency changes of site or Draft Test officials. If the request
is made by telephone, a letter to the Draft Work Committee Chairman must follow with a
full explanation. The Draft Work Committee Chairman must then notify the rest of the Draft
Work Committee of the changes and the reasons they were requested.
- Prizes: Test sponsoring clubs are encouraged to offer ribbons and/or trophies for
passing teams.
- Limitation of Entries: The Draft Test Committee may limit entries. Novice Draft and Open
Draft must be offered. Brace Novice Draft and Brace Open Draft may be offered at the
option of the sponsoring club. If entries are limited the Draft Test Secretary must accept
all entries received prior to the closing date. A random drawing shall be held within 48
hours of the closing date to determine which entries shall participate in the Draft Test.
Dogs which have not earned the title offered in the entered class shall be given
preference over dogs which have earned the title but wish to continue to compete at that
level.
When the advertised limit has been drawn, all remaining entries, subject to the same
preferences, shall be assigned a position on an Alternate List corresponding to the order
in which they were drawn.
If the entry limit is not reached in one class the extra slots may be assigned to the
other class in order to maximize entries.
The Draft Test Secretary shall notify all entries of the results of the draw within 48
hours. Alternates may attend and compete if a team does not attend or is unable to
compete, leaving an entry slot empty.
- Final Jurisdiction: In all matters not related to the judging the Draft Test Committee
shall have final jurisdiction. All situations not clearly resolved by these Regulations
shall be resolved by reference to the AKC Dog Show Rules and Regulations and the AKC
Obedience Regulations.
Section 4. Discipline
Discipline for violations of these Regulations shall be under provisions of the BMDCA
Constitution and By-Laws. The Draft Work Committee shall consider past violations when
considering applications for Draft Tests by clubs which made those violations.
Chapter 2.
Judges and Judging Guidelines
Section 1. Judges
- Test Requirements: There shall be two judges, one of whom must be a BMDCA Draft Judge.
The other may be a BMDCA Draft Judge or a BMDCA Provisional Draft Judge. All judges
must be thoroughly familiar with the current AKC Obedience Regulations and the BMDCA Draft
Regulations. A list of all BMDCA Draft Judges and Provisional Draft Judges will be
maintained by the BMDCA Draft Work Committee (DWC) and will be available to any Club or
member upon request.
- Applying to Judge:
- Interested individuals must apply to the BMDCA Draft Work Committee for approval to
Apprentice Judge. The application must include the applicants experience with canine draft
work, preferably with Bernese Mountain Dogs; with Bernese Mountain Dogs in other working
roles; with the AKC Obedience Regulations; and with the BMDCA Draft Test Regulations. Upon
positive review of the application, the applicant will be approved to Apprentice Judge and
will receive notification from the DWC by mail.
- One Apprentice Judging assignment at a BMDCA Draft Test must be successfully completed.
- Both judges at that Test will submit Apprentice Judge Evaluation Reports to the DWC.
Upon positive review of the Evaluation Reports the applicant will be granted Provisional
Judge status and will receive notification from the DWC by mail.
- One Provisional Judging assignment at a BMDCA Draft Test must be successfully completed.
- The approved judge at that Test will submit a Provisional Judges Evaluation Report to
the DWC. Upon positive review of the Evaluation Report the Provisional
Judge will be granted BMDCA Draft Judge status and will receive notification from
the DWC by mail.
Section 2. Standardized Judging
Standardized judging is of great importance. Judges are not permitted to vary the
exercises but it is recognized that the Draft Tests are intended for performance on
natural terrain and may require minimal adaptation to fit the site available. Judges are
expected to walk with the dogs and handlers on the Distance Freight Haul. In no case,
however, should the judges add, delete or change any requirements of the Draft Tests.
Section 3. Pre-Judging Responsibilities
- Arrival: Judges should arrive at the Draft Test site at least one (1) hour prior to the
scheduled start of judging in order to have time to check draft equipment and Freight Haul
weight loads, plot a pattern for the maneuvering course and check the Freight Haul course.
- Explanation of Ring Procedure: Immediately prior to the start of judging the judges
should explain the ring procedure and patterns to all handlers and stewards.
Section 4. Judging Guidelines
- Pass/Fail: All judging is on a pass/fail basis.
- Decisions: Two judges evaluate the teams. Judges shall reach a mutual decision regarding
the passing or failing performance of each team. Judges' decisions are final in all cases.
Full discretionary power is given to the judges to withhold any or all prizes.
- Excusing a Dog: The judges must excuse any dog that attempts to attack any person in the
ring. The judges must excuse a dog that attacks another dog or that appears dangerous to
other dogs. The judges must excuse any dog that is lame or appearing to pull weight in
excess of its ability, any team whose equipment is inadequate or faulty, any handler who
willfully interferes with another team, or any handler who abuses his or her dog in the
ring. A judge marking a dog "excused" must state the reason in the Judge's
Report.
- Misbehavior: Any display of fear or nervousness by the dog, or any uncontrolled behavior
of a dog such as snapping, barking or running away from its handler, whether it occurs
before, during or between exercises, must be penalized according to the seriousness of the
misbehavior, and the judge may expel or excuse the dog from further competition in the
class. A dog that fouls the ring or on the freight haul course receives a failing mark in
that exercise.
- Group Exercises: A maximum of eight (8) Novice teams or five (5) Open teams or four (4)
Novice Brace teams or four (4) Open Brace teams may be judged together in the group
exercises. Novice and Novice Brace teams may be combined. Open and Open Brace teams may be
combined.
- Evaluations: Dogs shall be judged for willingness, ability, enthusiasm, naturalness as a
team, and smoothness of performance. Each exercise shall be judged on a pass/fail basis.
Upon completion of all exercises, each handler shall receive a written evaluation
from both judges of the team's performance in each exercise. Judges are encouraged to
discuss evaluations with the exhibitors.
- Test Reports: Judges must complete the Draft Test Reports which must be returned to the
DWC Chairman by the Draft Test Secretary.
- Problems: All judging situations not clearly resolved by these Regulations shall be
resolved by reference to the AKC Dog Show Rules and Regulations and the AKC Obedience
Regulations.
Chapter 3.
Eligibility and Conduct of Handlers and Dogs
Section 1. Entry Requirements
- Definitions: The term "DOG" applies to dogs of both sexes. The term
"BRACE" means a handler and two dogs. The term "TEAM" means a handler
and one or two dogs.
- Purebred BMDs: The Draft Test is open to purebred Bernese Mountain Dogs registered with
the AKC, United Kennel Club (UKC), States Kennel Club (SKC), Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) or
any other foreign registry, as well as eligible unregistered BMDs for which an ILP number
has been issued by the AKC.
- Age: The Draft Test may be entered by dogs two years old or older on the day of the
Draft Test.
- Bitches in Season: Bitches in season are not permitted to compete. Entry fees shall be
refunded upon receipt of a veterinary certificate stating an entered bitch is in season at
the time of the Draft Test.
- Dogs That May Not Compete: No dog belonging wholly or in part to a Draft Test judge,
Draft Test Secretary or to any member of their immediate family may enter in any Draft
Test at which such person officiates or is scheduled to officiate.
- Weight Certificates: Each Open or Open Brace handler shall send a veterinarian's
certificate(s) stating the dog's name and weight to the Test Secretary with the entry
form(s). This certificate must be dated within the 60 days prior to the Draft Test
date.
- Braces: The two dogs of a brace need not be owned by the same person or by the handler.
A separate entry form shall be filled out for each dog of the brace and then stapled
together.
Section 2. Handlers
- On Time: Teams should arrive at the Draft Test site at least one (1) hour prior to the
scheduled start of judging to allow time for the equipment check and Freight Haul weight
checks. Teams must be on time or forfeit the entry. Judges are not responsible for waiting
for any handler or dog.
- Multiple Commands: Multiple commands, signals and verbal praise may be used in all the
exercises of the Draft Test, except as specified. Between exercises verbal praise is
allowed but physical praise is discouraged and if excessive may cause failure.
- Food and Toys: A handler shall not carry or offer food or toys during the Draft Test
exercises.
- One Handler: Dogs shall be exhibited by the same handler for all exercises except that
if a handler has two or more entries, each entry must have a separate handler for the
group exercises when judged in the same group.
- Control Outside of Ring: All entered dogs must be on leash or crated when not competing.
- Training on the Grounds: Training on the Draft Test grounds is not permitted. Dogs,
entered or not entered, may be hitched to draft rigs to aid in unloading and transport of
equipment from vehicles to the competition area, as this is a typical and practical
application of draft work.
- Warm-up: Entered teams are allowed a warm-up as permitted in AKC obedience competition -
approximately 5 minutes, all on leash, not hitched to a draft rig - prior to the ring
exercises. Prior to the group exercises dogs may be hitched to their draft rigs and warmed
up on leash for an additional 5 minutes to verify and adjust the balance of the freight
load.
- Risk: The handler entering a dog in a Draft Test does so at his/her own risk and agrees
to abide by the BMDCA Draft Test Regulations.
Section 3. Equipment
- Handler's Responsibility: Handlers provide their own draft rigs, harnesses and tie-downs
or other means of securing a load in their particular draft rig for the Distance Freight
Haul and the Loading and Unloading Exercise. The same draft rig must be used for all
exercises. The condition of this equipment is the responsibility of the handler. Judges
may excuse a team from competition if the equipment is deemed inadequate or faulty.
Handlers may bring their own Distance Freight Haul loads if they wish. Except as
specified, the Practical Draft Work exercises are performed with an empty draft rig. Light
weight decorations are allowed on or in the draft rig, but the dog may not perform the
Practical Draft Work exercises while pulling the Freight Haul weight load. No person or
animal of any age may serve as a freight load.
- Draft Rigs: Since Bernese Mountain Dogs live in a variety of climates and perform draft
work in a variety of situations, any of the following draft rigs may be used: cart, wagon,
sled, toboggan or travois. Each of these must be equipped such that the draft rig cannot
run up on the dog when hauling downhill. The only acceptable brace hitch is one dog beside
the other, coupled or uncoupled.
- Collars and Leads: Dogs must wear well-fitting plain buckle or slip collars.
Leashes must be of fabric or leather and need be only of sufficient length to provide
adequate slack. In Brace Novice Draft the dogs may be individually leashed or coupled with
a single leash.
Chapter 4.
Competition Site and Spectators
Section 1. Site
- Ring: The ring for all exercises except the Distance Freight Haul shall be rectangular
and a minimum of 100 by 100 feet. The terrain should be flat. This ring shall be defined
by ring gates or ropes and stakes. The ring entrance shall be a minimum of six (6) feet
wide or twelve (12) inches wider than the widest measurement recorded during the Equipment
Check, whichever is the widest. Only members of the Draft Test Committee, Judges and
Stewards shall have unlimited access to this area. Handlers and dogs are permitted in the
area only when they are called for testing. Spectators are not allowed in this area at any
time.
- Freight Haul Course: The half mile Distance Freight Haul Course must be clearly marked
and should ideally include both uphill and downhill slopes and changes of terrain.
Section 2. Spectators
- Applause: Because Bernese Mountain Dogs working under natural conditions may often be in
places where there are a variety of everyday sounds, spectators are encouraged to applaud
and cheer for the performing dog. Spectators and dogs not entered are not to interfere
with the performance in any way. Judges' discretion is to be used to determine
interference.
- Dogs Not Entered: All dogs not entered in the Draft Test must be leashed or crated at
all times.
Chapter 5.
Procedures and Scheduling
Section 1. Equipment Check
Judges shall check all draft equipment to be used in the Draft Test prior to the start
of judging. The type of draft rig and the width of the draft rig at its widest point
or the width of the hitched dog(s), whichever is the widest, shall be recorded on the Data
Worksheet for easy reference during the Test. The judging schedule should allow time for
this. After the equipment check, no alterations or substitutions may be made to any of the
equipment without the approval of a judge.
Section 2. Freight Haul
- When to Verify Freight Haul Weights: The weight of Freight Haul loads should be verified
prior to the start of judging. The judging schedule should allow time for this. Weight
verifications may be made by Draft Test Committee members, stewards or judges but must be
supervised by at least one of the judges.
- Freight Weights: The weight of the draft rig is not part of the freight weight.
Novice Draft: All dogs must pull twenty (20) pounds.
Brace Novice Draft: All braces must pull forty (40) pounds.
Open Draft: Each dog must pull its own weight rounded down to the nearest multiple of ten.
A dog whose weight is an even multiple of ten will pull that weight exactly. See examples.
Brace Open Draft: Each brace must pull the combined weight of the two dogs rounded down to
the nearest multiple of ten. A brace whose combined weight is an even multiple of ten will
pull that weight exactly. See examples.
Dog Weight |
Freight Load |
60-69 |
60 |
| 70-79 |
70 |
| 80-89 |
80 |
| 90-99 |
90 |
| 100-109 |
100 |
| 110-119 |
110 |
| 120-129 |
120 |
| 130-139 |
130 |
| 140-149 |
140 |
| 150-159 |
150 |
| 160-169 |
160 |
| 170-179 |
170 |
| 180-189 |
180 |
| 190-199 |
190 |
| 200-209 |
200 |
| 210-219 |
210 |
| 220-229 |
220 |
| 230-239 |
230 |
| 240-249 |
240 |
| 250-259 |
250 |
| 260-269 |
260 |
All freight weights should be verified on a scale. The freight weight and a
description of the cargo should be recorded on the Data Worksheet for easy reference
during the Test. After the freight weight check no alterations or substitutions may be
made to the cargo without the approval of a judge.
- Scheduling: The Distance Freight Haul shall immediately follow the Group Stay exercise
and shall start with the teams still in the ring. Draft Test committees should bear this
in mind when laying out the ring location and Freight Haul course.
Section 3. Number of Dogs
The Draft Test Committee should plan for the judging of four to five teams per hour. This
figure includes time for the Group Stay and the Distance Freight Haul.
Chapter 6.
Qualifying Performances and Titles
Section 1. Qualifying Performances
- Pass/Fail: A dog must pass all the exercises in a class at one Draft Test to qualify and
earn a draft title.
- Other Criteria: The primary quality to be emphasized in Draft Tests is ability to
perform the assigned tasks. However, dogs are also to be judged for willingness and
smoothness of performance. A dog that effectively completes the task within a reasonable
time period and without physical assistance should be scored as passed if it has performed
willingly. A dog that does everything correctly but appears to be in fear of severe
correction from its handler shall be scored as failed.
Section 2. Titles
- Novice Draft Dog: Each dog with a passing performance in Novice Draft shall earn the
BMDCA title Novice Draft Dog, to be abbreviated NDD.
- Draft Dog: Each dog with a passing performance in Open Draft shall earn the BMDCA title
Draft Dog, to be abbreviated DD.
- Brace Novice Draft Dog: Each dog of a brace with a passing performance in Brace Novice
Draft shall earn the BMDCA title Brace Novice Draft Dog, to be abbreviated BNDD.
- Brace Draft Dog: Each dog of a brace with a passing performance in Brace Open Draft
shall earn the BMDCA title Brace Draft Dog, to be abbreviated BDD.
- Certificates: BMDCA draft title certificates will be mailed to the owners of passing
dogs following the receipt, and subject to the review, of the Draft Test Report by the
Draft Work Committee.
REGULATIONS FOR PERFORMANCE AND JUDGING
Chapter 1.
Classes
Section 1. Classes Defined
- There shall be two classes for individual dogs - Novice Draft and Open Draft
- Novice Draft: The Novice Draft class shall be for dogs which have not earned the Novice
Draft Dog title (NDD) or have earned the Novice Draft Dog title (NDD) but have not earned
the Draft Dog title (DD). All exercises except the recall, harnessing, hitching and group
stays are performed on leash, however, the leash must be visibly slack and is not to be
used to physically guide the dog during the exercises. Guiding, jerking and/or tight leash
will result in a failing performance. Dogs may be kept on leash when waiting in the ring
before and after the Group Stay and when in the ring to receive awards.
- Open Draft: The Open Draft class shall be for dogs which have earned either the Novice
Draft Dog title (NDD) or the Draft Dog title (DD). All exercises are performed off leash.
Dogs may be kept on leash when waiting in the ring before the Group Stay and when
in the ring to receive awards.
- There shall be two brace classes - Brace Novice Draft and Brace Open Draft
- Brace Novice Draft: Brace Novice Draft shall be for dogs which have individually earned
either their Novice Draft Dog (NDD) or Draft Dog (DD) title and may have earned their
Brace Novice Draft Dog (BNDD) title, but may not both have earned their Brace Draft Dog
(BDD) title. All exercises are the same as those of Novice Draft.
- Brace Open Draft: Brace Open Draft shall be for dogs which have individually earned the
Draft Dog (DD) title and the Brace Novice Draft Dog (BNDD) title. All exercises are the
same as those of Open Draft.
Chapter 2.
Draft Test Exercises
Section 1. Basic Control
Overview: Prior to hitching, the dog demonstrates an ability to respond to commands
from the handler. The dog is expected to heel and come when called.
- Heel
Novice Draft: Prior to the start of this exercise the draft rig and harness will be
brought into the ring and positioned by a steward. The dog enters the ring on leash.
Open Draft: Draft rig and harness remain outside the ring near the ring entrance. The
dog enters the ring off leash.
The dog is expected to heel within arms' length of the handler's side at all times. The
handler may not touch the dog but may command and encourage the dog to remain within arms'
reach at all times. It is desirable, but not required, for the dog to sit by the handler's
side at halts. One judge will call commands but both judges will score.
Judge's commands to the handler are: Are you ready?, forward, slow, fast, normal, right
turn, left turn, about turn, halt, exercise finished. Judges will determine the
heeling pattern and order of their commands.
Failing performance:
- Dog does not heel within arms' reach of handler at all times.
- No change of pace.
- Handler adapts to the pace of the dog.
- Handler physically guides or touches the dog.
- Guiding, jerking and/or tight leash.
- Recall
The recall is performed off leash for both Novice Draft and Open Draft classes and will be
30 to 50 feet in length. The dog must execute the sit/stay for the recall with a single
command and/or signal. Dog may stand or lie down but may not move from the place where
left before being called.
Novice Draft: The handler leaves the dog, proceeds to a position in the immediate
vicinity of the draft rig and faces the dog.
Open Draft: The handler leaves the dog and proceeds to the harness and hitch area. The
handler faces the dog.
The handler calls the dog. The dog is expected to respond to the first recall command.
Extra hand signals and verbal commands and praise are allowed after the dog has begun to
move. The dog is expected to come to the handler and stop near enough to be touched. It is
desirable, but not required, for the dog to sit upon reaching the handler.
Judge's commands to the handler are: Are you ready?, leave your dog, call your dog,
exercise finished.
Failing performance:
- Handler gives more than one stay command.
- Dog does not stay.
- Dog does not come on first command.
- Dog does not come to handler.
- Dog remains out of reach.
- Handler physically guides or touches the dog.
Section 2. Harness and Hitch
Overview: Dog demonstrates willingness to be harnessed and hitched to draft rig.
Novice Draft: Dog and handler position themselves directly in front of the draft rig.
The exercise starts with the dog and handler directly in front of the draft rig.
Open Draft: The dog and handler proceed to the harness and hitch location designated
by the judges. All handlers place their dog on a sit, stand or down stay. The handler
leaves the ring and brings the draft rig and harness into the ring and positions them
immediately behind the dog.
The handler harnesses the dog. The dog cooperates for harnessing. The handler hitches the
dog to the draft rig. The dog cooperates for hitching. When hitched, the handler indicates
readiness to proceed - in Novice Draft or Brace Novice Draft by putting the leash back on
the dog(s).
If the draft rig is a sled, toboggan or travois not designed for backing, the backing
exercise (described below in Practical Draft Work, Basic Command - Section 3a) shall be
performed prior to hitching, backing into position to be hitched.
Judge's commands to the handler are: Are you ready?, harness your dog, (back your dog),
hitch your dog, exercise finished.
Failing performance:
- Dog does not stay while draft rig is brought into ring (Open).
- Dog is uncooperative and/or resists harnessing.
- Dog is uncooperative and/or resists hitching.
- Dog is incorrectly harnessed or hitched.
Section 3.
Practical Draft Work Overview: The team demonstrates working ability. The team
encounters situations and distractions such as might be met under everyday conditions. The
handler may work beside, behind or in front of the dog, or any combination of these. The
key factor to be judged is the exhibition of teamwork as well as completion of the
exercises and willingness, ability, enthusiasm and smoothness of performance.
Judges may require the Practical Draft Work exercises to be performed in any order. The
different components of each exercise do not need to be performed consecutively. At the
beginning of these exercises the judge will ask "Are you ready?" and at the
conclusion the judge will state "Exercise finished."
Except as specified, the Practical Draft Work exercises are performed with an empty draft
rig.
- Basic Command
The team shall haul forward at a normal pace, slow down and move at a slow pace for a
minimum of ten feet and come to a halt. Novice Draft and Brace Novice Draft dogs shall
back up a distance of at least one foot. Open Draft and Brace Open Draft dogs shall back
up a distance of at least four feet. If the draft rig has a locking mechanism to
assist in backing, the handler must notify the judges and time will be allowed for locking
and unlocking the rig. If the draft rig is a sled, toboggan or travois not designed for
backing, the backing exercise is performed prior to hitching, backing into position to be
hitched. The direction of backing should be approximately straight. One minute shall be
allowed for the backing exercise and multiple attempts may be made.
Judge's commands to the handler are: Forward, slow, halt, back your dog.
Failing performance:
- No change of pace.
- No halt.
- Dog does not back up the required distance.
- Dog substantially changes direction while backing.
- Dog upsets draft rig.
- Handler physically guides or touches the dog and/or draft rig.
- Guiding, jerking and/or tight leash.
- Control With Distractions
While the team is working, two distractions, one primarily auditory and one primarily
visual, shall occur approximately 10 feet from the working dog. When the distraction
appears, the dog may stop what it is doing and/or watch but is not allowed to divert from
the course it is following or to move the draft rig if the rig is at that moment
stationary. The handler may speak to the dog with instructions concerning the distraction.
If the dog has stopped to watch the distraction, the handler is to encourage the dog to
proceed with the exercise. When the distraction has passed the handler is to instruct the
dog to continue the exercise it may have stopped.
Distractions are to be arranged at the discretion of the Test giving club and should be
distractions that might occur in everyday situations. Judges must approve the distractions
prior to the start of judging. Possible appropriate distractions are:
Auditory ringing bell radio car or bicycle horn banging pans crinkly food bag squeaky toys
musical instrument
Visual camera flash another animal on leash ball or toy being thrown person riding a
bicycle person on horseback
Stewards may perform distractions under direction of the judges or the judges may perform
the distractions themselves.
Failing performance:
- Dog changes direction in response to a distraction.
- Dog moves a stationary draft rig in response to a distraction.
- Dog chases distraction.
- Dog is fearful of distraction.
- Dog upsets draft rig.
- Handler physically guides or touches the dog and/or draft rig.
- Guiding, jerking and/or tight leash.
- Dog barks out of control or shows aggression.
- Dog refuses to resume the exercise it was performing after the distraction is gone.
- Dog gives a failing performance in reaction to a naturally occurring distraction, even
though the dog passes the official distractions.
- Loading and Unloading
The team shall halt. The dog must stay in a stand, sit or down position. The individual
dogs in brace may be left in different positions. After the dog has been told to stay a
steward or judge approaches. The steward or judge greets the handler, gives the handler a
lightweight load (a blanket or quilt is recommended because it can be adjusted to suit
different draft rigs) and then leaves. The handler secures the load in or on the draft
rig. The team then pulls the load to another part of the ring where they again halt. The
dog must again stay, as above. After the dog has been told to stay another steward or
judge approaches. The steward or judge greets the handler, greets and pats the dog and
then receives the load from the handler. If the load should shift the handler may stop to
reposition and secure the load.
Judge's commands to the handler are: Halt, load your cart, forward, halt, unload your
cart.
Failing performance:
- Dog does not halt on command.
- Dog does not stay.
- Dog does not cooperate for loading.
- Dog refuses to pull loaded draft rig.
- Load falls off of draft rig.
- Dog does not stay in position when greeted and patted
- Dog shows aggression or shyness when greeted and patted.
- Dog does not cooperate for unloading.
- Dog upsets draft rig.
- Handler physically guides or touches the dog and/or draft rig.
- Guiding, jerking and/or tight leash.
- Maneuvering
The team is required to perform:
a. Circular patterns to the right and left.
b. 90 degree turns to the right and left.
c. Movement through a narrow area that is 12 inches wider than the widest measurement
recorded for this team during the Equipment Check without touching the objects defining
the narrow area. The handler, dog and cart must all pass through the narrow area.
d. Removable obstacle - the dog waits while handler removes an obstacle such as a tree
branch or child's toy. The team then proceeds past the obstacle.
c. and d. may not be combined.
Judges will direct handlers as necessary through the maneuvers. Judge's commands to the
handler may include: Right turn, left turn, Right U turn, Left U turn, circle right,
circle left, weave, halt, remove the obstacle, forward.
Failing Performance:
- All maneuvers not executed.
- Any contact by the dog, handler or draft rig with the obstacle or the objects defining
the narrow area or any other part of the course.
- Dog does not wait while handler removes obstacle.
- Dog upsets draft rig.
- Handler physically guides or touches the dog and/or draft rig.
- Guiding, jerking and/or tight leash.
Section 4. Group Stay
Overview: The dogs demonstrate their ability to remain on a stay while hitched. This is
a group exercise.
Novice Draft and Brace Novice Draft: The stay is off leash, with the handler standing
across the ring from the dog.
Open Draft and Brace Open Draft: The stay is off leash, with the handler out of sight.
Dogs are hitched to their draft rigs which have been loaded for the Distance Freight Haul
and may be placed in a stand, sit or down position. Handler's armbands, weighted
with leashes, shall be placed behind the handler, beside the draft rig. The stay command
and/or signal is given once and no other commands or signals may be given during this
exercise. The stay is for three minutes. The handlers shall return directly to the dog's
side.
Judge's commands to the handlers are: Position your dogs for the stay, leave your dogs,
return to your dogs, exercise finished.
Failing performance:
- Handler gives more than one stay command.
- Dog changes position e.g. from a down to a sit or stand.
- Dog moves out of place.
- Dog barks or whines repeatedly.
Section 5. Distance Freight Haul
Overview: The teams traverse an outdoor course with the dogs hauling loaded draft rigs.
This is a group exercise.
Novice Draft: Each dog must pull twenty (20) pounds.
Brace Novice Draft: Each brace must pull forty (40) pounds.
Open Draft: Each dog must pull its own weight rounded down to the nearest multiple of
ten. A dog whose weight is an even multiple of ten will pull that weight exactly.
Brace Open Draft: Each brace must pull its combined weight rounded down to the nearest
multiple of ten. A brace whose weight is an even multiple of ten will pull that
weight exactly.
The handler is responsible for the proper loading of the draft rig. The handler loads the
draft rig with the pre-determined weight load for the dog. Stewards/volunteers may assist
under the handler's direction. Judges must confirm the proper freight load from the Data
Worksheet. A 1/2 mile distance course over the natural terrain of the area, ideally
including uphill and downhill slopes and changes of terrain, is traversed. The judges must
accompany the teams. The judges have the authority to stop the exercise if the load is too
great for the dog under the working conditions. The handler may physically
guide or touch the dog or cart in unusual trail conditions only with the approval of one
of the judges. Control is an important part of this exercise. Handlers should be prepared
to slow down, or stop and wait at the request of a judge or to remain part of a group. Any
narrow areas on the Freight Haul course, such as between trees or through gates, must be
as wide or wider than the widest measurement recorded during the Equipment Check plus
twelve inches. Committees should be aware of this when laying out Freight Haul courses and
judges should watch for this when inspecting the Freight Haul course prior to judging.
Failing Performance:
- Handler loads draft rig in a manner which causes it to become significantly unbalanced
when moving.
- Freight load exceeds the dog's capacity to pull comfortably and safely.
- Dog upsets draft rig.
- Handler physically guides or touches the dog and/or draft rig without judge approval.
- Dog refuses to move the loaded draft rig.
- Dog refuses to accompany handler.
- Team does not complete the course.
- Guiding, jerking and/or tight leash.
- Dog or draft rig collide with any object.
Copyright 1997 BMDCA, last update Septemver 24, 1999
Philip Shaffer, pshaffer@bmd.org
Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America