ARSA National Championship
2023
Dates March 31 (starting at noon) – April 1
Venue Leesburg, VA 20147
Judge Marko Brucan, FCI judge and FCI Rescue Dog Commission Vice President
Related events:
Free seminar on the FCI/IRO rules, with Judge Brucan.
Alexandria Schutzhund Group RH Club Trial
Venue Leesburg, VA 20147
Judge Marko Brucan, FCI judge and FCI Rescue Dog Commission Vice President
Related events:
Free seminar on the FCI/IRO rules, with Judge Brucan.
Alexandria Schutzhund Group RH Club Trial
ARSA 2023 ChampionStanley Craddock, 63 yrs old; 10 year IPO, IGP competitor; USCA Performance Judge
4 years old; German Shepherd Dog Optima von der bosen Hohle, BH, AD, IGP1, FH2; call name: Prima |
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Why Stanley competes in RH -
As a USCA Performance Judge, I am one of 10 judges that are allowed to judge RH-V level events in tracking, area search, and mantrailing. I believe that to best evaluate RH teams I must myself have trained and competed in such activities, in addition to our apprenticeship requirements, just as judges are required to do so in all other USCA sponsored disciplines (Schutzhund, IPO, IGP, and conformation judging).
Additionally, I love the RH sport concept for my, all, retired or soon to be retired IGP dogs and dogs that the upper levels of bite sport seems to be less than a good fit. There is no reason to retire these dogs to “pet-dom” and boring backyard lives. RH provides the dog and handler a second working sport opportunity that is less physically stressful, mentally stimulating, and simply fun for both handler and dog. Likewise, there is nothing within the RH obedience and dexterity exercises that shouldn’t be trained during IGP training. It all adds to the dog’s obedience, dexterity, and fun with its human partner.
RH training challenge he has overcome -
My greatest challenge to training my dogs, “my girls”, in RH has been the lack of experienced RH handlers around where I live in Florida. Yes, there are plenty of SAR teams around, but not RH sport teams or participants. Like many activities in the world of dog sports, finding collaborative cross-over competitors can be difficult. Even in IGP clubs, the participation and support of the RH programs within both the AWDF and USCA clubs have been extremely limited, taking a backseat to Schutzhund, IPO, and IGP. This is something that I believe both ARSA and the RH division of USCA have been trying to rectify by build interest and support.
Another challenge to overcome has more to do with “other’s” negative attitudes towards the RH program. I have heard several times, “You know, that RH isn’t ‘real’ search and rescue.” Don’t let others deter you from pursuing this activity as fun you and your dog, and the relationship that it helps to build between you. And, if you want to pursue ‘real’ search and rescue, then work your way through all four levels of the RH program just like 146 organizations in 40 countries around the world do, using the IRO RH Mission Readiness program, it will set a world class foundation toward your goal.
Stanley's tips for people getting started in RH -
In regards to training, there are plenty of remote support by video, phone, and Facebook connections. I use all of these resources, but having face to face, immediate hands-on support is most beneficial for the various “what do I do now?” or “how do I respond to that behavior?” questions that come up. So whenever you can, get connected with a club or training group; attend an RH workshop; or collaborate with other individuals in your area to invite an experienced RH competitor to your place for a weekend of small-group training. I’m certain that the ARSA and USCA program have individuals that can help. You can connect with me through Facebook or email: stanley.craddock.usca@gmail.com
As a USCA Performance Judge, I am one of 10 judges that are allowed to judge RH-V level events in tracking, area search, and mantrailing. I believe that to best evaluate RH teams I must myself have trained and competed in such activities, in addition to our apprenticeship requirements, just as judges are required to do so in all other USCA sponsored disciplines (Schutzhund, IPO, IGP, and conformation judging).
Additionally, I love the RH sport concept for my, all, retired or soon to be retired IGP dogs and dogs that the upper levels of bite sport seems to be less than a good fit. There is no reason to retire these dogs to “pet-dom” and boring backyard lives. RH provides the dog and handler a second working sport opportunity that is less physically stressful, mentally stimulating, and simply fun for both handler and dog. Likewise, there is nothing within the RH obedience and dexterity exercises that shouldn’t be trained during IGP training. It all adds to the dog’s obedience, dexterity, and fun with its human partner.
RH training challenge he has overcome -
My greatest challenge to training my dogs, “my girls”, in RH has been the lack of experienced RH handlers around where I live in Florida. Yes, there are plenty of SAR teams around, but not RH sport teams or participants. Like many activities in the world of dog sports, finding collaborative cross-over competitors can be difficult. Even in IGP clubs, the participation and support of the RH programs within both the AWDF and USCA clubs have been extremely limited, taking a backseat to Schutzhund, IPO, and IGP. This is something that I believe both ARSA and the RH division of USCA have been trying to rectify by build interest and support.
Another challenge to overcome has more to do with “other’s” negative attitudes towards the RH program. I have heard several times, “You know, that RH isn’t ‘real’ search and rescue.” Don’t let others deter you from pursuing this activity as fun you and your dog, and the relationship that it helps to build between you. And, if you want to pursue ‘real’ search and rescue, then work your way through all four levels of the RH program just like 146 organizations in 40 countries around the world do, using the IRO RH Mission Readiness program, it will set a world class foundation toward your goal.
Stanley's tips for people getting started in RH -
In regards to training, there are plenty of remote support by video, phone, and Facebook connections. I use all of these resources, but having face to face, immediate hands-on support is most beneficial for the various “what do I do now?” or “how do I respond to that behavior?” questions that come up. So whenever you can, get connected with a club or training group; attend an RH workshop; or collaborate with other individuals in your area to invite an experienced RH competitor to your place for a weekend of small-group training. I’m certain that the ARSA and USCA program have individuals that can help. You can connect with me through Facebook or email: stanley.craddock.usca@gmail.com
ARSA Vice-Champion 2023
Heather Haudenshield – been training dogs in Sport and Search and Rescue since 1996.
Zoon – 8 yr old Dutch Shepherd, FR Brevet, RHFHV
Why Heather competes in RH – Having been involved in both Search and Rescue and Schutzhund/IPO/IPG (this dates me a bit) I love how RH combines the requirements of dog sport with functional search. I believe that Search and Rescue teams will find the competition style of the OB/Dexterity exercises will provide a platform for reliability in OB, the trained alert, the dogs hunt drive, strategy in search, and work ethic of the dog. While the sport teams will find the dexterity exercises and nose work an excellent way to see the balance and strength of the foundation in the dog, strong temperament, and a fun way to gain additional titles that can easily pair with other sport training. I believe the RH enhances all other titles and certifications a dog and handler can obtain.
RH training challenges she has overcome – Trialing in RH means you need People and Property!! People to be subjects and spotters during your OB and Dexterity training, and property large enough and with the types of terrain you need to train in. I have been fortunate enough to be a part of a club that supports selflessly in these areas.
Heather's tips for people getting started in RH – Get out there and try it! Don’t be afraid to reach out to people that are already involved or who are interested. You can find information out there on the ARSA website. Don’t be afraid to try the exercises, find people that are like minded and interested as well and get out their train and have fun with your dog!
Zoon – 8 yr old Dutch Shepherd, FR Brevet, RHFHV
Why Heather competes in RH – Having been involved in both Search and Rescue and Schutzhund/IPO/IPG (this dates me a bit) I love how RH combines the requirements of dog sport with functional search. I believe that Search and Rescue teams will find the competition style of the OB/Dexterity exercises will provide a platform for reliability in OB, the trained alert, the dogs hunt drive, strategy in search, and work ethic of the dog. While the sport teams will find the dexterity exercises and nose work an excellent way to see the balance and strength of the foundation in the dog, strong temperament, and a fun way to gain additional titles that can easily pair with other sport training. I believe the RH enhances all other titles and certifications a dog and handler can obtain.
RH training challenges she has overcome – Trialing in RH means you need People and Property!! People to be subjects and spotters during your OB and Dexterity training, and property large enough and with the types of terrain you need to train in. I have been fortunate enough to be a part of a club that supports selflessly in these areas.
Heather's tips for people getting started in RH – Get out there and try it! Don’t be afraid to reach out to people that are already involved or who are interested. You can find information out there on the ARSA website. Don’t be afraid to try the exercises, find people that are like minded and interested as well and get out their train and have fun with your dog!
