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VSK/Police-DPO Rules & Regulations

LAW ENFORCEMENT TOP DOG EVENT

International VSK Rules
Open to all Dog Breeds

This TOP DOG EVENT is designed to provide an exhibition of Police Dogs performing their official functions, simulating reality as much as possible within the constraints of a stadium environment. The intent is that citizens get a chance to observe the K-9's in action, yet in an entertaining manner. Only bona fide government personnel with officially-assigned dogs may participate. As a courtesy to, and to honor their past service, retired K-9 personnel/dogs may also compete.

The Trial Rules utilized in this TOP DOG EVENT are consistent with the International Police Top Dog Regulations (Polizeidiensthund-Vielseitigkeit-Pruefung or "VSK"). The VSK Title may be awarded to each competitor completing the event with an 80% score.

Places may be awarded as follows:

The following is a text version of the proposed Trial Regulations for this event:

  1. Handler/Dog start at the 50-yard line and run together (Heel Position) once around the track (400 meters);
  2. Handler/Dog enter onto field at a designated point and run to the first of several obstacles placed between midfield and the goal-line;
  3. Handler/Dog negotiate a one meter hurdle and run to next obstacle;
  4. Handler/Dog negotiate an A-Frame obstacle and run to next obstacle;
  5. Handler/Dog negotiate a crawling obstacle (tube, etc.) and run to the goal-line;
  6. Handler/Dog assume a position at the rear of a simulated Tactical Team (SWAT-Type uniforms/gear) and Team advances to a position of cover (SchH Blind);
  7. Handler/Dog move to lead position on Team ... a simulated suspect (Helper in bitesuit) appears from the middle Blind, fires several shots, drops weapon, then flees to midfield;
  8. Handler deploys Dog, Handler follows, Dog chases over a measured distance (i.e., 50 meters) and engages fleeing suspect, Dog’s time/speed over the measured distance is determined by stopwatch/radar;
  9. While Dog is engaging, second Tactical Team approaches (from another SchH Blind) and covers suspect until Handler arrives.
  10. Handler calls Dog back to Heel position, ending scenario; and
  11. Handler/Dog heel together to a designated point in front of grandstand, salute the crowd, and await the score (also to receive applause from spectators).

Judging might be configured as follows:

  1. 400 meter sprint treated as a Heeling exercise - 15 pts
  2. One meter jump - 5 pts
  3. Climbing wall - 5 pts
  4. Crawl - 5 pts
  5. Tactical Advance, including reposition to front of Team - 10 pts
  6. Pursuit & engage - 30 pts
  7. Verbal Release & Finish - 30 pts
  8. Total - 100 pts
  9. NOTE: A Dog must be neutral to Tactical Teams to pass
  10. NOTE: A Dog must release its grip by the third command to pass
  11. NOTE: A Dog must pass #10 to receive a place or award

VSK Titles may be entered into Handler/Dog Scorebooks. Certificates with VSK Title may be issued to Handler/Dog w/o Scorebooks.

Minimum logistics for the above proposal are as follows:

  1. Competitor numbers, (Same as SchH Trial);
  2. Stopwatch for 400m sprint;
  3. One meter hurdle (same as SchH Trial);
  4. A-Frame (same as SchH Trial);
  5. Crawl obstacle (tube, etc.);
  6. Three officers in Tactical gear (goal line);
  7. Helper (SchH protective gear);
  8. Blank-gun and blank ammunition;
  9. Three officers in Tactical gear (capture phase);
  10. Bio on each Handler/Dog to be read during 60-90 seconds of 400 meter sprint;
  11. Narrator familiar with police functions to describe the different exercises in the scenario and their functionality;