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.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter 1.
Administration
Chapter 2.
Judges and Judging Guidelines
Chapter 3.
Eligibility and Conduct of Handlers and Dogs
Chapter 4.
Competition Site and Spectators
Chapter 5.
Procedures and Scheduling
Chapter 6.
Qualifying Performances and Titles
Chapter 1.
Key Words
Chapter 2.
Classes
Chapter 3.
Draft Test Exercises
Basic Control
Harness and Hitch
Practical Draft Work
Group Stay
Distance Freight Haul
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:
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. The DWC Chairperson
shall communicate approval or rejection of the Draft Test Application by the DWC to the
Draft Test Chairperson in writing 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:
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:
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. Individuals who will compete at that Test should not
plot the Freight Haul course. The judges should walk the Freight Haul course prior to the
Test and 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 anyone 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:
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:
Recommended:
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. If entries exceeding
the limit are received in a particular class, a random drawing shall be held to determine
which entries shall participate in that class.
In order to maximize entries, the remaining slots of any unfilled classes may be randomly
allocated across the filled classes. Bernese Mountain dogs shall be given preference over
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs, which shall be given preference over all other breeds. Dogs
that have not earned the title offered in the entered class shall be given preference over
dogs of that breed that have earned the title but wish to continue to work at that level.
Entrants shall notify the Draft Test Secretary if a dog has earned a title in the entered
class, including if the title is earned after the entry has been submitted.
When the advertised limit has been drawn, all remaining entries, subject to the same
preferences, shall be assigned to an Alternate List in the order in which they were drawn.
Alternates may compete if a slot becomes available because a team is absent, unable to
compete, or has already earned the title in that class and has elected not to
“Move-up”
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.
2. 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.
3. The Project Committee drafts an outline of proposed alterations or additions, which may
or may not be in regulation language.
4. RFC (Request for Comment) #1, containing the results of (3), is communicated to all
BMDCA Draft Judges and Provisional Draft Judges requesting feedback and comments with a
four week response time.
5. The Project Committee incorporates the comments and suggestions from RFC #1 into the
project outline and prepares the complete proposal in regulation language.
6. RFC #2, containing the results of (5), is communicated to all BMDCA Draft Judges and
Provisional Draft Judges requesting feedback and comments with a four-week response time.
7. The Project Committee incorporates comments and suggestions from RFC #2 and submits the
entire proposal to a BMDCA publication for review and comment (RFC #3) 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.
8. 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 and subsequent electronic and/or printed publication(s). The latter may be either
a new edition of the BMDCA Draft Regulations or an insert. At the time of submission to
the BMDCA Board, the DWC also submits its recommendation for a date when
alterations/additions take effect.
9. 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 shall be
communicated to the BMDCA membership as soon as possible.
a. Test Requirements: There shall be two judges, one of whom must be an Approved BMDCA Draft Judge. The other may be either an Approved BMDCA Draft Judge or a Provisional BMDCA Draft Judge. All judges must be thoroughly familiar with the current AKC Obedience Regulations and the BMDCA Draft Test Regulations. The DWC shall maintain a list of all BMDCA Draft Judges; Approved, Provisional and Apprentice; which shall be available to any Club or member upon request.
Judging applicants must fulfill specific pre-application requirements (Section 2A), submit an application (Section 2B) and complete Apprentice (Section 2C) and Provisional (Section 2D) judging assignments. All applications, evaluations and reports will be reviewed and evaluated for approval by the DWC Judges Committee comprised of two or more DWC members.
A. Pre-Application Requirements
B. Applying to Judge
A BMDCA Draft Judge application must be obtained from the DWC Chairperson. The completed
application shall be mailed to the DWC Chairperson and shall include three parts:
1. A written application containing:
a) Name
b) Address
c) Telephone number
d) Email address, if any
e) A list of draft titles earned by the applicant, to include the date and the club or
regulations under which they were earned, e.g. BMDCA, Newfoundland Club of America,
American Rottweiler Club, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club of America, etc.
f) A summary of the applicant's draft experience, e.g. chair; secretary; steward;
conducting workshops, seminars or classes; etc. to include dates, host clubs and other
relevant information
g) A list of obedience titles earned by the applicant, to include the date and registry
h) A summary of obedience experience in addition to titles earned
i) A summary of other experience relevant to draft judging skills
2. An open book test (Section 2F) on the BMDCA Draft Test Regulations and AKC Obedience
Regulations. In order to progress to Apprentice status 85% or more of the answers must be
correct. Applicants receiving less than 85% correct answers shall be asked to reapply in
no less than one year. In both cases, incorrect answers shall be discussed one on one with
a DWC member, as this is an educational process.
3. A separate sheet, requiring signature and date, with the following statement:
“I understand and will respect, uphold, and be subject to the requirements of the
BMDCA Draft Test Regulations.”
These signed documents shall be kept on file by the DWC for all Draft Judges.
The DWC Chairperson shall send immediate acknowledgement of receipt of the application.
Within four (4) weeks after receipt the DWC Chairperson shall notify the applicant, in
writing, either of their approval as an Apprentice Judge or of the need for further
preparation and reapplication.
C. Apprentice Judges
An Apprentice Judge must:
1. Complete an Apprentice assignment at a BMDCA Draft Test with two Approved BMDCA Draft
Judges. The Apprentice is responsible for arranging this assignment with both the judges
and the host club, and obtaining approval of said assignment from the Draft Work Committee
Chairperson. All expenses of this Apprentice assignment are the responsibility of the
Apprentice Judge. As the judging schedule allows, the Apprentice shall evaluate and
discuss each team with the Approved Judges, as well as observe and discuss all other
aspects of judging a Draft Test; to include Maneuvering and Freight Haul course layouts,
Equipment Checks, briefings, course walk-throughs, and paperwork.
2. Design and submit a maneuvering course layout to the judges, at least two weeks prior
to the test, for evaluation and discussion.
3. If conditions and schedules permit, Apprentice Judges are encouraged to call a
maneuvering pattern for one or more teams during non-judging hours. The Judges shall
evaluate the Apprentice's performance and include their observations in their reports.
Similar practice judging is encouraged at Draft Matches. If an approved BMDCA Draft Judge
is present and observing, they are requested to send an evaluation of the Apprentice's
performance to the DWC Chairperson. The Apprentice is requested to send a Judge's Report
on the Draft Match to the DWC Chairperson.
4. Observe the judging of a minimum of eight (8) Novice and three (3) Open teams. Multiple
Apprentice assignments may be necessary to meet this requirement.
5. Receive positive evaluations, from both judges, of their knowledge, attitude, focus,
ring presence, communication skills, organization, efficiency, and physical ability to
judge. The judges shall send their evaluations to the DWC Chairperson within ten (10) days
of the Draft Test. Their evaluation shall also include the Apprentice's maneuvering course
layout and their critique thereof. Evaluations shall be kept on file with the DWC
Chairperson and applicants may request copies of their own evaluations.
6. Within ten (10) days of the Apprentice assignment submit a Judge's Report (Section 6G,
Test Reports) to the DWC Chairperson for evaluation and approval, and send copies of this
Judge's Report to each of the Test Judges.
7. Within four (4) weeks of completion of the Apprentice requirements, the DWC Chairperson
shall notify the Apprentice Judge, in writing, of approval as a Provisional Judge or of
the need for further Apprentice experience.
D. Provisional Judges
Provisional Judges must:
1. Complete a Provisional judging assignment with an Approved BMDCA Draft Judge. This
Draft Judge shall not be one of the judges with whom this individual has Apprentice
judged. The Provisional Judge shall have equal responsibility in judging and shall
actively participate in all aspects of judging, to include Maneuvering Course layout and
Freight Haul evaluation, Equipment Checks, briefings and course walk-throughs, paperwork,
and calling commands for a minimum of half the teams at the Test.
2. Design and submit two maneuvering course layouts to the Approved Judge, at least two
weeks prior to the test, for evaluation, discussion and possible use at the Test.
3. Receive a positive evaluation from the Approved Judge, of their knowledge, attitude,
focus, ring presence, communication skills, organization, efficiency, and physical ability
to judge. The judge shall send the evaluation to the DWC Chairperson within ten (10) days
of the Draft Test. The evaluation shall also include the Provisional Judge's two
maneuvering courses and the Judge's critique thereof. Evaluations shall be kept on file
with the DWC Chairperson and applicants may request copies of their own evaluation.
4. Within ten (10) days of the Provisional assignment submit a Judge's Report (Section 6G,
Test Reports) of the Provisional assignment to the DWC Chairperson for evaluation and
approval.
5. Judge a minimum of eight (8) Novice and three (3) Open teams. Multiple Provisional
assignments may be necessary to meet this requirement.
6. Within four (4) weeks of completion of the Provisional requirements, the DWC
Chairperson shall notify the Provisional Judge, in writing, of approval as a BMDCA Draft
Judge or of the need for further Provisional experience.
E. Approved Judges
One year following approval, and every three years thereafter, the Judge must complete an
open book test covering the BMDCA Draft Test Regulations and the AKC Obedience
Regulations.
All Judges approved prior to 2002 shall:
a) retain their Approved BMDCA Draft Judge status
b) prior to their next assignment, sign and date the following statement:
“I understand and will respect, uphold, and be subject to the requirements of the
BMDCA Draft Test Regulations.”
These signed documents shall be kept on file by the DWC for all Draft Judges.
c) complete an open book test covering the BMDCA Draft Test Regulations and the AKC
Obedience Regulations every three years, on a rotating basis to be scheduled by the DWC.
F. Continuing Education: Open Book Test
The open book test required by applicants and Approved BMDCA Draft Judges shall consist of
objective multiple choice, yes/no, and short essay questions. Incorrectly answered
questions shall be returned to a Judge for further consideration and resubmission, after
which incorrect answers shall be discussed one on one with a DWC member. The goal is
education and promoting standardized judging.
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, shall 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.
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:
1. The day of the test the judges must complete and sign the Draft Test Judge's Report
which the Draft Test Secretary must return to the DWC Chairperson.
2. Each Judge must submit a Draft Judge's Report to the DWC Chairperson and the Draft Test
Chair within ten (10) days after each Test at which they officiate. Judge's Reports shall
include:
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 of the same breed. The term
“team” means a handler and one or two dogs.
b. Eligible Dogs: National Specialty and Regional Specialty Draft Tests
are open only 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 Bernese Mountain Dogs for which an ILP number has been issued by the
AKC.
All other Draft Tests are open to Bernese Mountain Dogs and Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs,
and, at the discretion of the host club, any other 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 dogs for which an ILP number has been issued by
the AKC.
Bernese Mountain Dogs shall always have first entry priority, followed by Greater Swiss
Mountain Dogs, followed by other breeds.
c. Age: Only dogs two years old or older on the day of the Draft Test may
enter the 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.
h. 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.
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. 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. Lightweight 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 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. Ring gates or ropes and stakes
shall define this ring. 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,
or sixty (60) pounds, whichever is greater. 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 |
| - 69 lbs. | 60 lbs. (minimum) |
| 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.
2. The weight certificate(s) must be included with the Novice entry with notification to
the Test Secretary that a move-up is possible.
3. The freight weight must be printed in the catalog.
4. 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.
5. Move-ups may affect class limit but not affect the Test limit.
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.
h. Hover - bending of the handler’s upper body directly over the
dog.
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 that 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 that 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 that 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 that 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.
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.
a. 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 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,”
and “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.
b. Recall
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.
Novice Draft: The handler leaves the dog, proceeds to a position close to 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, 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:
1. Handler gives more than one wait command.
2. Dog does not wait.
3. Dog does not come on first command.
4. Dog does not come directly to handler.
5. Dog remains out of reach.
6. Handler physically guides the dog.
Overview: Dog demonstrates willingness to
be harnessed and hitched to draft rig.
Novice Draft: Dog and handler position themselves close to the draft rig.
The leash is removed.
Open Draft: The dog and handler proceed to the harness and hitch location
designated by the judges. The dog must wait while the handler leaves the ring and brings
the draft rig and harness into the ring and positions them close to the dog.
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
Example:
Harness and Hitch
The position of the team relative to the draft rig for the Harness and Hitch is a set-up point, not a position to be judged. The exercise may not begin until the team is close to the draft rig. The judge may ask the team to narrow the gap without penalty to the team.
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 judge will ask the handler if they are ready for the backing exercise and then place
the measuring stick. The backing exercise begins when the judge 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.
Examples:
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 Chapter 6 Section 1b Other Criteria, “ ... 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:
1. All maneuvers not executed.
2. 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.
3. Dog does not wait while handler removes obstacle.
4. Dog upsets draft rig.
5. Handler physically guides the dog and/or draft rig.
6. Leash guidance.
7. Handler, dog, and draft rig do not pass through the narrow area.
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 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:
1. Handler gives more than one stay command.
2. Dog changes position e.g. from a down to a sit or stand.
3. Dog moves out of place.
4. Dog barks or whines repeatedly.
5. Rough placement of dog.
6. Dog is incorrectly harnessed or hitched
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, or sixty (60) pounds, whichever is greater..
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 half-mile course is traversed over the natural terrain of the area, ideally
including uphill and downhill slopes and changes of terrain. 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. Only with the approval of a judge may the handler physically
guide the dog and/or draft rig in unusual trail conditions. 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:
1. Handler loads draft rig in a manner that causes it to become significantly unbalanced
when moving.
2. Freight load exceeds the dog's capacity to pull comfortably and safely.
3. Dog upsets draft rig.
4. Handler physically guides the dog and/or draft rig without judge
approval.
5. Dog refuses to move the loaded draft rig.
6. Dog refuses to accompany handler.
7. Team does not complete the course.
8. Leash guidance.
9. Dog or draft rig collide with any object.
10. Dog is incorrectly harnessed or hitched.