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.

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

a. 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.

b. Application: Application forms are available from the DWC Chairperson. Applications shall be sent to the DWC Chairperson and must include:

1. Name of the Draft Test sponsoring club.

2. The date of the proposed Draft Test.

3. The name and address of the selected site.

4. Entry limits for each class.

5. Name and address of the two (2) judges.

6. Name, address and phone number of the Draft Test Chairperson and the Draft Test Secretary.

7. Names of additional Draft Test Committee members.

8. The certification that all BMDCA Draft Test Regulations will be followed.

9. The guarantee that all equipment, personnel and other required provisions will be available at the Draft Test.

10. The signatures of the Draft Test Chairperson and the Draft Test Secretary.

11. 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.

12. 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

c. 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 Chairperson 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 Chairperson in writing by the DWC Chairperson within thirty (30) days of receipt of the completed application.

d. Draft Test Forms: The DWC will provide at the time of Draft Test approval:

a. Members: The Draft Test Committee of the sponsoring club shall consist of a minimum of three (3) people, one of whom shall be named Chairperson. The Draft Test Committee Chairperson and Draft Test Secretary must be members in good standing of the BMDCA.

b. 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.

c. Draft Test Secretary: The Draft Test Committee shall appoint a Draft Test Secretary. The Secretary shall accept all entries. Within four days after the closing date the Secretary shall notify each entrant of the status of their entry, and confirm the Test date, site, time of judging, and judges. At the Draft Test the Secretary must have available for inspection:

1. The BMDCA Draft Test Regulations.

2. American Kennel Club Dog Show Rules and Regulations.

3. American Kennel Club Obedience Regulations.

4. The Constitution and By-laws of the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America.

5. 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 Chairperson within ten (10) days following the Draft Test. These include:

1. Judges' Reports.

2. Data Worksheets.

3. Two (2) marked catalogs.

4. Reports on Test violations, excusing of a dog or team, etc.

5. Complete entry forms.

6. Draft Test Final Report.

7. Diagrams of the maneuvering course and freight haul course.

8. A report on move-ups, if any.

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.

a. Plotting the Freight Haul Course: The Draft Test Committee is responsible for plotting the 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.

b. 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 Chairperson at the time of distribution to the public. The Premium List shall contain the following:

1. The statement "Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America Draft Test".

2. A list of the officers and board of directors of the Test giving club with the address of the secretary.

3. A list of the members of the Draft Test Committee including the Chairperson's address and phone number.

4. The name, address and phone number of the Draft Test Secretary.

5. The names and addresses of the judges.

6. The name of the Draft Test veterinarian and whether the veterinarian will be in attendance or on call.

7. The date, time and location of the Draft Test.

8. A list of the classes offered

9. The entry limit for each class.

10. The closing date for the entry followed by the statement, ‘after which time entries cannot be accepted, cancelled or altered, except as specifically allowed in the current BMDCA Draft Test Regulations.’

11. A list of awards or prizes.

12. The statement:

"Entrants are responsible for obtaining the BMDCA Draft Test Regulations and being familiar with them."

13. The name and address of the BMDCA Ways and Means Marketing Chairperson from whom the Draft Test Regulations may be obtained.

14. 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."

15. A place on the entry form to check off if the entrant will bring their own freight haul weights.

c. 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:

1. a. BMDCA Draft Test Regulations

b. AKC Dog Show Rules and Regulations

c. AKC Obedience Regulations

d. Constitution and By-Laws of the BMDCA

2. Ropes and stakes or ring gates necessary to define a ring with a minimum of 10,000 square feet with no dimension less than 75 feet.

3. 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.

4. A gate or removable obstacle, ideally an object which might be found in everyday carting situations.

5. 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.

6. A lightweight load - a blanket or quilt is recommended.

7. A four foot stick or dowel, clearly marked one foot from one end, for measuring the backing exercise.

8. 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.

9. A tape measure at least six (6) feet in length.

10. 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.

11. Two distractions, one primarily auditory and one primarily visual.

12. A stop watch or watch to time stays and backing.

13. Markers for the Freight Haul course.

14. Exhibitor numbers and matching draft rig numbers.

15. A catalog identifying each entered dog as in an AKC show catalog. For Open classes the catalog should show the weight the dog(s) must pull in the Freight Haul.

16. 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:

1. A system by which spectators may be silently informed whether each team passed or failed each exercise.

2. A diagram of the maneuvering course clearly posted at ringside.

d. 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.

e. 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.

f. 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 their engagement to judge, then the Draft Test Committee shall substitute a judge. The substitute judge must be approved by the DWC Chairperson 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 Chairperson must follow with a full explanation. The Draft Work Committee Chairperson must then notify the rest of the Draft Work Committee of the changes and the reasons they were requested.

g. Prizes: Test sponsoring clubs are encouraged to offer ribbons and/or trophies for passing teams.

h. 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. Entrants are encouraged to notify the Draft Test Secretary if a dog has earned titles after entries have been made.

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.

i. Final Jurisdiction: During the planning and conducting of a Draft Test all matters not related to the judging shall be resolved by the Draft Test Committee by direct reference to these Regulations. 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. All unusual situations and their resolutions must be reported in the Draft Test Final Report. Violations of the Draft Test Regulations shall be addressed under Discipline (General Regulations Chapter 1 Section 4)

Any hosting club or person(s) participating in a BMDCA Draft Test and not in accordance with the current BMDCA Draft Test Regulations may be disciplined for a stated period of time or indefinitely. Discipline may include, but is not limited to, reprimand, forfeiture of draft titles and/or withholding all Draft Test privileges.

The BMDCA Draft Work Committee (DWC) shall promptly address all such alleged violations of the Draft Test Regulations and consider all evidence to determine the extent of discipline, if any. The decision of the DWC and the reasons for that decision will be sent to the BMDCA Board of Directors for their review. When the DWC and the Board have reached a mutual agreement, their joint decision will be sent to the club and/or individual(s) involved. The BMDCA Board of Directors shall have final authority in accordance with the BMDCA Constitution and By-Laws.

All alterations or additions to the BMDCA Draft Test Regulations shall occur through the following procedures.

1. The BMDCA Draft Work Committee (DWC) defines the project and the goals.
0. The DWC appoints DWC member(s) to direct the project, who may in turn select additional persons to be members of the Project Committee for a maximum of five members. The Project Committee reports to the DWC Chairperson.
1. The Project Committee drafts an outline of proposed alterations or additions, which may or may not be in regulation language.
2. RFC (Request for Comment) #1, containing the results of (3), is mailed by US mail to all BMDCA Draft Judges and Provisional Draft Judges requesting feedback and comments with a four week response time.
3. The Project Committee incorporates the comments and suggestions from RFC #1 into the project outline and prepares the complete proposal in regulation language.
4. RFC #2, containing the results of (5), is mailed by US mail to all BMDCA Draft Judges and Provisional Draft Judges requesting feedback and comments with a four week response time.
5. The Project Committee incorporates comments and suggestions from RFC #2 and submits the entire proposal to the next possible issue of the BMDCA Alpenhorn (RFC #3) for review and comment from the BMDCA membership, with a two month response time. At the same time the proposal is submitted to the BMDCA Board of Directors for preliminary approval, pending any changes resulting from RFC #3 in the Alpenhorn.
6. The Project Committee prepares the final version based on RFC #3 and submits it to the DWC for review. The DWC submits their final version to BMDCA Board of Directors for approval, followed by publication - either a reprint of the BMDCA Draft Regulations or an insert - and on the BMDCA web site. At the time of submission to the BMDCA Board, the DWC also submits its recommendation for a date when alterations/additions take effect.
7. The approved alterations or additions take effect on the date agreed upon by the DWC and the BMDCA Board and approved by the Board. Notification of this date will be published as soon as possible in the Alpenhorn.

  Chapter 2.

a. 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 Test 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.

b. Applying to Judge:

1. Interested individuals must apply to the BMDCA Draft Work Committee for approval to Apprentice Judge. The application must include the applicant’s 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.
0. One Apprentice Judging assignment at a BMDCA Draft Test must be successfully completed.
1. 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.
2. One Provisional Judging assignment at a BMDCA Draft Test must be successfully completed.
3. 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 by mail.

All BMDCA Draft Judges in attendance at a BMDCA Draft Test, whether judging, exhibiting, working, or spectating, shall conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner as befits every official representative of the BMDCA.

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 Freight Haul. In no case, however, should the judges add, delete or change any requirements of the Draft Tests.

a. 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.

b. Explanation of Ring Procedure: Immediately prior to the start of judging, the judges shall explain ring procedures, walk through the maneuvering course and walk the Freight Haul course with all stewards and interested handlers. Handlers are not required to attend, but the walk-through may or may not be repeated at the judges’ discretion.

a. Pass/Fail: All judging is on a pass/fail basis.

b. 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.

c. 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 their dog in the ring.

A judge marking a dog "excused" must state the reason in the Judge's Report.

d. 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 the freight haul course receives a failing mark in that exercise.

e. 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.

f. 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.

g. Test Reports: Judges must complete the Draft Test Reports which must be returned to the DWC Chairperson by the Draft Test Secretary.

h. 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.

a. Definitions: The term "dog" applies to dogs of both sexes as well as individual dogs and both dogs of a brace. The term "brace" means a handler and two dogs. The term "team" means a handler and one or two dogs.

b. Eligible BMDs: The Draft Test is open to 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 unregistered BMDs for which an ILP number has been issued by the AKC.

c. Age: The Draft Test may be entered by dogs two years old or older on the day of the Draft Test.

d. 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.

e. 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.

f. 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 60 days prior to the Draft Test date.

g. 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.

h. Medical Withdrawals: A handler may withdraw a dog from a Draft Test for medical reasons. Entry fees shall be refunded upon receipt of a signed veterinary certificate stating the reason for the medical withdrawal.

a. On Time: Teams must be present with their equipment for their scheduled Equipment Check and Freight Haul weight check or forfeit their entry. Judges are not responsible for waiting for any handler or dog.

b. 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.

c. Food and Toys: A handler shall not carry or offer food or toys during the Draft Test exercises.

d. One Handler: Dogs shall be exhibited by the same handler for all exercises except 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.

e. Control Outside of Ring: All entered dogs must be on leash or crated when not competing.

f. 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.

g. 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.

a. 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 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 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 may serve as a freight load.

b. 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.

c. 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.

a. Ring: The ring for all exercises except the Freight Haul shall be rectangular and a minimum of 10,000 square feet with no dimension less than 75 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.

b. Freight Haul Course: The half mile Freight Haul Course must be clearly marked and should ideally include both uphill and downhill slopes and changes of terrain.

a. 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.

b. Dogs Not Entered: All dogs not entered in the Draft Test must be leashed or crated at all times.

Judges shall check all draft equipment to be used in the Draft Test. The judging schedule shall allow time for this. 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. Collars and leads shall be checked at the same time for adherence to these Regulations (General Regulations Chapter 3 Section 3c). After the Equipment Check, no alterations or substitutions may be made to the equipment without the approval of a judge.

Multiple Equipment Checks may be held at the host club’s discretion, with the judges’ pre-approval. Each team will be assigned to a specific Equipment Check based on the judging schedule. The Test Secretary shall notify each exhibitor of the time of their Equipment Check when verifying their entry after the closing date.

a. When to Verify Freight Haul Weights: The weight of Freight Haul loads shall be verified prior to the start of judging. The judging schedule shall 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.

b. 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 table.

Brace Open Draft: Each brace must pull the sum of the weights the individual dogs must pull in Open Draft.

Dog Weight Freight Load

60 - 69 lbs. 60 lbs.

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

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.

c. Order of Group Exercises: The 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.

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 Freight Haul.

Move-ups to a more advanced class are allowed after the close of entries under the following conditions:

1. A dog may be moved up from one individual class to another or from one brace class to another, but not between individual and brace classes.
0. The weight certificate(s) must be included with the Novice entry with notification to the Test Secretary that a move-up is possible.
1. The freight weight must be printed in the catalog.
2. The Test Secretary must be notified of the move-up no later than 30 minutes prior to the first Equipment Check. The handler presents a test catalog to the Test Secretary. The Test Secretary marks, signs and dates the move-up in the catalog and on the original entry form, and gives the catalog to the handler.
3. Move-ups may affect class limit but not affect the Test limit.

   Chapter 6.

a. Pass/Fail: A dog must pass all the exercises in a class at one Draft Test to qualify and earn a draft title.

b. 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.

a. Novice Draft Dog: Each dog with a passing performance in Novice Draft shall earn the BMDCA title Novice Draft Dog (NDD).

b. Draft Dog: Each dog with a passing performance in Open Draft shall earn the BMDCA title Draft Dog (DD).

c. 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 (BNDD).

d. Brace Draft Dog: Each dog of a brace with a passing performance in Brace Open Draft shall earn the BMDCA title Brace Draft Dog (BDD).

e. 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.

Key words will always appear in bold.

a. Stay - dog remains in the location and position (sit, stand, or down) indicated by the handler. Minor movements such as adjusting of feet or rolling to the opposite hip are acceptable. "Stay" is the concept being judged, NOT the command. Handlers may use any command they wish.

b. Wait - dog remains in the same location but may shift its feet or change position (such as sit, stand, down, hip roll, etc.). "Wait" is the concept being judged, NOT the command. Handlers may use any command they wish.

c. Physically Guide - contact of any part of the handler’s body with the dog or draft rig with the intent of exerting control.

d. Slack/Loose Leash - a slack or loose leash has a visible U or J shape between the dog and handler.

e. Leash Guidance - a leash "guides" the dog as the slack is reduced. A tight or taut leash is only the most extreme example of leash guidance. Judges shall use common sense in evaluating whether the dog would have responded if the leash had not been there.

f. Slow - a pace distinctly different and slower than the pace immediately preceding, and followed by a return to the preceding pace or a halt.

g. Halt - on the judge’s command the handler must command the dog to stop. The dog should start to respond to the handler promptly and the dog and draft rig should stop within a short distance. "Halt" is the concept being judged, NOT the command. Handlers may use any commands they wish.

a. There shall be two classes for individual dogs - Novice Draft and Open Draft.

b. 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, Harness and Hitch, and Group Stay are performed on leash. No leash guidance is allowed. The leash must be visibly slack. Leash guidance or physically guiding the dog and/or draft rig, except as noted, 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.

c. 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. Physically guiding the dog and/or draft rig, except as noted, will result in a failing performance. Dogs may be kept on leash when waiting in the ring before the Group Stay and when in the ring to receive awards.

d. There shall be two brace classes - Brace Novice Draft and Brace Open Draft.

e. 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.

f. 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.

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 physically guide 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:

1. Dog does not heel within arms' reach of handler at all times.

2. No change of pace.

3. Handler adapts to the pace of the dog.

4. Handler physically guides the dog.

5. Leash guidance.

The recall is performed off leash and will be 30 to 50 feet in length. The dog must execute the sit/wait for the recall with a single command and/or signal.

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 directly to the handler and stop near enough for the handler to touch. 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:

Overview: Dog demonstrates willingness to be harnessed and hitched to draft rig.

The handler harnesses and hitches the dog. The dog cooperates for the harnessing and hitching. All dogs may receive gentle physical guidance. When hitched, the handler indicates readiness to proceed - in the Novice classes by putting the leash back on the dog.

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:

1. Dog does not wait while draft rig is brought into ring (Open).

2. Dog is uncooperative and/or resists harnessing.

3. Dog is uncooperative and/or resists hitching.

4. Dog is incorrectly harnessed or hitched.

5. Rough handling of dog

Harness and Hitch

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.

a. Basic Command

The Basic Commands are: a) Normal b) Slow c) Halt d) Back.

Normal pace and halts will occur multiple times throughout the Draft Test. The slow and back shall each be required only once, but may be used elsewhere in the Draft Test at the handler’s discretion. The Basic Commands may occur in any order and in any order relative to the other Practical Draft Work commands. The slow pace shall last for a minimum of ten feet. Novice dogs must back the draft rig a distance of at least one foot. Open dogs must back the draft rig a distance of at least four feet. The backing exercise begins when the handler acknowledges they are ready, the judge places the measuring stick, and gives the command ‘Back your dog.’ The measuring stick shall not be moved during the exercise. The direction of backing should be approximately straight. One minute shall be allowed for the backing exercise and multiple attempts may be made.

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 shall be performed prior to hitching by backing into position to be hitched.

Judge's commands, in any order, to the handler are: Forward, slow, normal, halt, back your dog.

Failing performance:

1. No slow.

2. No halt.

3. Dog does not back up the required distance.

4. Dog substantially changes direction while backing.

5. Dog upsets draft rig.

6. Handler physically guides the dog and/or draft rig.

7. Leash guidance..

Backing

Once the judge says ‘Back your dog,’ the exercise to back the required distance has begun. Should the dog move forward, it then has that distance plus the required distance to back. The backing exercise is not to be judged by dog movement (e.g. standing, sitting or any combination), but on the distance and direction of the draft rig’s movement.

Hovering during Backing

Excessive hovering to force the dog backwards may be failed based on "Other Criteria" Chapter 6 Section 1b "... scored as passed if it has performed willingly," and "a dog that . . . appears to be in fear of severe correction from its handler shall be scored as failed." A dog that must be intimidated into performing an exercise has not done so willingly.

Slow

If the handler is ahead of the dog, slows down and then finishes the exercise behind the dog, chances are good that only the handler has demonstrated a change of pace. The dog’s change of pace is what is being judged.

Slow, Brace

The team must change pace and stay on course. If one dog demonstrates change of pace while the other does not and the rig veers or turns to one side, the team must be failed for either no slow or lack of control.

Halts, Body Blocking

Given that handlers may work beside, behind or in front of the dog, a handler may step in front of a dog for a halt or other maneuvers. However, if the dog collides with the handler, attempts to go around the handler, or if the handler is forced to back up, the dog should be failed for lack of control or no halt.

b. 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 Draft Test Committee 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:

1. Dog changes direction in response to a distraction.

2. Dog moves a stationary draft rig in response to a distraction.

3. Dog chases distraction.

4. Dog is fearful of distraction.

5. Dog upsets draft rig.

6. Handler physically guides the dog and/or draft rig.

7. Leash guidance.

8. Dog barks out of control or shows aggression.

9. Dog refuses to resume the exercise it was performing after the distraction is gone.

10. Dog gives a failing performance in reaction to a naturally occurring distraction, even though the dog passes the official distractions.

c. 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 draft rig, forward, halt, unload your draft rig.

Failing performance:

1. Dog does not halt on command.

2. Dog does not stay.

3. Dog does not cooperate for loading.

4. Dog refuses to pull loaded draft rig.

5. Load falls off of draft rig.

6. Dog does not stay when greeted and patted

7. Dog shows aggression or shyness when greeted and patted.

8. Dog does not cooperate for unloading.

9. Dog upsets draft rig.

10. Handler physically guides the dog and/or draft rig.

11. Leash guidance.

d. 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 recorded dimension for this team without touching the objects defining the narrow area. The handler, dog and draft rig must all pass through the narrow area.

d. Removable obstacle - the dog waits while the handler opens a gate or removes an obstacle such as a tree branch or child's toy. The team then proceeds through the gate or past the obstacle. The handler may be required to close the gate or replace 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:

Overview: The dogs demonstrate their ability to remain on a stay while hitched. This is a group exercise.

Open Draft and Brace Open Draft: The stay is off leash with the handler out of sight.

Dogs are hitched to their loaded draft rigs and may be gently placed in a stand, sit or down. Draft rig shafts may be adjusted for the dog’s comfort. 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 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:

Overview: The teams traverse an outdoor course with the dogs hauling loaded draft rigs. This is a group exercise.

Brace Open Draft: Each brace must pull the sum of the weights the individual dogs must pull in Open Draft.

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 the dog and/or draft rig in unusual trail conditions only with the approval of a judge. 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 as 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: