The United States American Bulldog Club Protection Dog titles are designed to evaluate an American Bulldog’s working temperament and ability to protect their owner while remaining a safe and stable member of the community.  USABC Protection Dog 1 title has both an obedience and protection phase.  The USABC Protection Dog 2 and 3 titles do not have a separate obedience phase for two reasons.  One reason is that the dog has already demonstrated within the PD-1 title that they are able to remain under the control of their handler and that they are safe members of the community.  The second reason is that there is quite a bit of off-lead control required in the PD-2 and PD-3 titles and this also demonstrates the dog’s willingness to obey his/her handler in high drive, intense situations.

Dogs must be minimally 18 months of age to try for the Protection Dog title.  Handler’s wishing to attempt any Protection Dog title should bring with them to the trial a photocopy of the dog’s registration papers, their AWDF scorebook (or applicable scorebook dated prior to January 1, 2004) and whatever fee the hosting club requires to trial.  The dog’s scorebook shall be presented to the hosting club’s Secretary at the beginning of the trial.  The USABC does not require pre-registration for any of their tests, however, the hosting club may require pre-registration so please be sure to contact the hosting club before the trial date.

Our Protection Dog 1-3 titles may be taken using either a suit or a sleeve at the handler’s discretion.  If a handler elects to trial using a sleeve and the dog attempts to take a bite anywhere but the sleeve, it may be considered grounds for disqualification from this and any future PD trialing, at the discretion of the USABC Board of Directors.

All dogs testing for the Protection Dog titles shall wear either a fur saver or a choke chain with the leash attached to the dead ring.  Corrections given during the trial will result in point deductions.  Excessive corrections will result in disqualification.  All exercises shall begin with the dog in the basic position (sitting at left of handler’s knee facing in the same direction as handler).

The handler should look for the judge’s signal to begin at the start of the trial and at the beginning of each exercise of the test.  All tests begin and end with the handler and dog reporting to the judge, stating their names and the title they are commencing or ending.

Dogs may not test more than once on any given day.

The Protection Dog 2 title has a total of 200 points and requires 140 points to pass.
The Protection Dog One title is a pre-requisite to trialing for the Protection Dog Two title.

As in any USABC working title a maximum of three out commands are allowed per exercise. A failure to out in any of the three gripping exercises will result in failure. Dogs that fail to engage the helper, come off the grip without immediately re-engaging, or leave the helper during the guard portions of the exercise will not pass the test.
 

Each individual exercise begins and ends with the basic position (dog in a sit at left knee of handler facing forward).   It is the responsibility of the handler to inform the judge of whether dog will be recalled or picked up at the eligible portions of the exercises.
 

Dogs shall automatically sit at all halts while remaining at handlers left side, its shoulder even with the handler’s knee. When approaching the judge, leash should be held in left hand and be SLACK AT ALL TIMES.  Corrections may be deemed grounds for disqualification.

All tests begin and end with the handler reporting in to the judge, stating his/her name and the name of the dog and stating which title they are commencing or finishing.  Upon reporting in to the judge, handler shall remove dog’s leash and place leash over their shoulder or in their pocket.  Dog must remain in a controlled heel during all exercises.
The helper may be outfitted with a sleeve or full-body suit, depending on the individual dog's training.

There will be 3 blinds set up on field for the Protection Dog trial.  The dog must execute a blind search, either directed or undirected.  If the handler chooses to direct the blind search, the dog must search the blind it is being directed to.  The dog must search minimally 2 of the 3 blinds.
 

EXERCISE 1 - Blind Search

The dog and handler team will enter the field at a predetermined entrance. Handler will send the dog at the judge's signal to search. The dog may only begin the search after the handler's command.  Using a hand signal, the handler may direct the dog’s search.  The handler may not move from the spot from which they started the exercise until authorized by judge.  If the dog does not find the helper within 1 minute, the exercise will be terminated. Once the dog makes the find he/she must steadily guard within 2 feet from helper.  At this point the judge will allow handler to approach the blind.  Handler must stop at a distance no closer than 10 feet behind the dog. The helper will then attempt his first escape. Without being commanded, the dog must engage the helper.  After the grip, the helper will drive the dog out of the blind for no less than 10 paces.   At 10 paces, the helper will lock up.  Upon signal from the judge, handler outs the dog.  A total of three (3) out commands are allowed.  If the dog refuses to out after first and second commands, handler may, upon judge’s instructions, approach the dog to give the final out command.  Each additional out command (after the first command) will constitute a 3 point deduction.  Handler may not touch the dog while issuing the out command.  Following the out, the dog shall guard the helper for a period of five (5) seconds without re-gripping.  During that time the dog must stay intensely focused on the helper.  Barking is not required.
After a period of 5 seconds of steady guard, the helper will re-attack.  The dog must engage the decoy /helper.  The helper will drive the dog giving 2 (firm) hits with a padded stick. When the helper locks up again, the dog is to be commanded to out following same out guidelines as above. Dog could either be recalled or commanded to guard.  Upon judge’s signal, the dog will then be picked up by handler. This will end the first exercise.
At this point judge dismisses helper number one.

EXERCISE 2 - Courage Test under Gun Fire

Upon judge’s signal, the handler and dog will heel to a predetermined spot on the field where they will be confronted by a second helper. The helper will threaten the handler and then run a distance of no less than 30 yards away from team. The decoy/handler will turn back toward the team.  Upon judge’s signal, the handler will command the dog to attack.  While running toward the dog in a threatening manner, the helper will fire one shot when the dog is at a distance of twelve yards, another at seven yards and the last after the dog commits to the bite.  Dog should run toward helper immediately, without hesitation, and show full commitment to the grip.  The helper must absorb the shock of impact and must not jam the dog.  The helper will lock up and upon the judge’s signal, the handler outs the dog.  The dog may either be recalled or commanded to guard.  Upon judge’s signal, the handler will pick up the dog.
At this point, judge dismisses helper two.

EXERCISE 3 - Attack out of the Blind

Upon judge’s signal, the handler and dog will approach a predetermined blind on the field.  When they reach a point approximately 12 feet from the blind, the judge will instruct the helper (number one) to come out of the blind and attack the handler. The dog should engage helper and must continue to grip while being driven a minimum of 7 paces.  The helper shall administer 2 (firm) clatter stick hits.  The helper will lock up and upon the judge’s signal, the handler outs the dog.  The dog may either be recalled or commanded to guard.  Upon judge’s signal, the handler will pick up the dog.
Protection Dog 2 trial concludes.