In each issue of K9Force Magazine, we ask GSSCC Head Judge Jim Chrisp how a particular IGP exercise will be assessed, or to give his perspective on various aspects of trials. For this K9Force Magazine issue we asked Jim to give his views on the role of the helper in a trial. This is his response.
The helper, or decoy, has very important yet difficult tasks. A helper needs to be athletic, have good nerves, knowledge and experience. He/she is the judge’s assistant, a helper can feel how the dog grips, the impact of the bites, and the look in the dog’s eyes during the protection routine.
In their role as judge assistant, a trial helper requires excellent knowledge of the rules and protection routines. I personally tried out for a national event and was successful because of my better knowledge of the routines. All helpers were similar in talent, but I outshone them in preparation.
Most helpers start their career in their own club learning from experienced individuals. Some helpers have the luxury of working regularly with high-level helpers, while others have to travel to develop their skills. As a judge, I have had the privilege of seeing some excellent dogs and performances. Helpers certainly play a big part in showcasing a dog’s abilities. If a helper is inexperienced or appears nervous, a judge should be supportive and assist where possible. All helpers have to start somewhere, just like judges had to judge their very first few trials.
During the trial, a helper must perform in a powerful yet safe manner. Safety for the dog and helper is paramount. When a helper is not ready and tries to work above their skill level, there is a risk of falling which may injure the dog or themselves. Whilst holding a self-confident disposition is important, it is not the helper’s job to chase dogs off the field. A helper’s responsibility is to test a dog and demonstrate the dog’s strengths and weaknesses. Even though helpers may provide input into assessments, it is the judge’s decision whether a dog passes or fails.
Prior to the start of the protection routines, a judge will gather the helper(s) around for a last check in. Protection equipment must be in excellent condition. The jacket, pants, stick, and sleeve must withstand the punishment the trial is about to inflict on them. If a dog injures itself on, let’s say, a tattered sleeve cover, the judge is ultimately responsible. A judge must also ensure that helpers are working within their certification level and that the routines are etched in their memory. For example, front part-only helpers cannot be catching dogs in the back half, even if they are familiar with the dog. This is why the GSSCC has a certification process for helpers.
Last but not least, I like to add the role of handlers in trials. Whilst helpers have a big part to play, I do believe that dog handlers are absolute key in a trial. Without their enthusiasm, many hours of training and perseverance, there would not be a trial. The group on the field in the obedience routines, track layers, trial manager, and helpers are all equally important. Therefore, in my final critiques at the completion of a trial, I always make sure to thank all of these people, including the food preparation and serving staff. All contribute to the success of a memorable trial event.
K9Force (2024, June). Ask The Judge: Helper Criteria Explained
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Last image courtesy of Sable Fox Photography
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