Changes to working trials and Bloodhound trials regulations

The Kennel Club has recently approved the following changes to the regulations for working trials and Bloodhound trials which will come into effect on 1 January 2020.

The below regulation has been amended to ensure that protected stewards are adequately protected and that dogs are trained to bite on the right arm, in the interests of safety.

Amendment to Regulation I(C)1. Method of Handling

TO:

Although implicit obedience is necessary, dogs and handlers must operate in as free and natural a manner as possible; persistent barking, whining, etc. in any exercise other than location of person or speak on command should be penalised. The handler must not have food or a toy on their person whilst the dog is being tested.In any exercise where the dog is required to bite a protected steward (protected consistent with safety), it must be on the right arm. Any indiscriminate biting must be severely penalised.

(Insertion in bold)

(Effective 1 January 2020)

The below regulation has been amended to ensure that a hound makes a natural identification to the satisfaction of the judge, without interference or encouragement from the handler.

Regulation I(D)1. Bloodhound Working Trial Certificates.

TO:

A Kennel Club Bloodhound Working Trial Certificate may be awarded to a Bloodhound winning a Senior Stake without assistance at a Championship Bloodhound Trial if it has clearly identified the runner to the satisfaction of the Judge or Judges. A hound will be considered to have made a satisfactory identification if it is seen to approach and clearly select the runner from a group of three people at the end of the line. Handlers who choose to work/hunt their hounds leashed must drop their leash within 300 yards of the line up, so that a natural identification takes place that is free from any handler interference.Judges may award a Certificate of Merit in all stakes to any hound not being placed which has given a good performance.

(Insertion in bold)
(Effective 1 January 2020)