SPECTATORS & GUESTS

     The event is free of charge for all spectators, and the event is open to all at 0900! A buffet-style lunch will be available for a donation of $5 to the "IRON DOG" event.

     There was "IRON DOG" and VPCA merchandise for purchase, and there was a large raffle for prizes, gift certificates, and other items. Spectators and family were encouraged to buy raffle tickets also! Tents with tables and chairs were set up near the main pavilion for eating and the awards presentation. It was strongly suggested that you brought a lawn chair or a blanket to move around as you watched other areas of the course. First Aid Services were provided. We also suggested binoculars to see the stations furthest from the main spectator area.

     All spectators were required to remain behind the fences and barricades to prevent injury. Parents were cautioned to watch children carefully, and we asked that children were not allowed to run around the event area. All spectators needed to speak to the Handlers before they approached the dogs, as these were Police/Military dogs in the competition and not pets. Some might have been friendly to people or children, but others may not have tolerated being petted or near people.

THE "IRON DOG" COURSE

Check in starts at 0800; Course opens at 0900.

COURSE EVENT STATIONS

• Area Search: Consisted of decoy hiding in a barn-like structure and must be found by K9 with a physical apprehension of the decoy in a full bite suit.
• Narcotic or Explosive Find: K9 must have alerted to the proper location of the hidden item.
• Lifts: K9 must have cleared the top of a three board fence by whatever means deemed by the Handler without using the gates or injuring the K9. Must have been in a controlled manner.
• Gun Battle with Cover/Concealment: Handler must have gotten an air soft pistol and eye protection from the Official. Handler must have shot & hit the target designated by the Official, while maintaining complete control of the K9.
• Muzzle Work: Handler must have put a muzzle on the K9 and crawled through a tunnel with the K9.
• Agility: Consisted of several small jumps and a tunnel.
• Distracter Area: K9 must have remained attentive while passing a field and a pond with animals and various agression equipment present.
• Apprehension: When instructed by the Official, the Handler had the K9 apprehend a decoy wearing a full bite suit.
• Vehicle Narcotic/Explosive Find: K9 must have alerted to proper location of the hidden item.
• Finish: Once the Handler and K9 have completed all stations they had to run into a specified area and command the dog into a sit or down command for completion of the course.

     There was a Field Official at each of the above stations. You may not have proceeded to the next station until the Official directed you to continue. All disputes during the course were resolved by the "IRON DOG" Judge, if resolutions could be made by the Field Officials.
     There was a complete walk-through of the entire course with explanations of each station prior to the beginning of the course. It was highly encouraged for ALL participants to join the walk-through to gain a familiarity with the course, regardless of past course attendances. The "IRON DOG" Judge explained each station along with the requirements for each.

     The Registration Fee was $25 for VPCA Members and $50 for non-members. This included: participation in the course, an "IRON DOG Competition" T-shirt, and a buffet-style lunch.

     Awards were given in various areas and for the "IRON DOG" once all teams have completed the course. Deadline for registration was April 30, 2012. Registration was limited to the first 50 teams. Checks were to be made payable to: V.P.C.A.

     Mail checks and registration forms to:

If you have questions regarding competition information or registration, contact Beth Healy at (540) 422-8626.

"IRON DOG"
COMPETITION RULES

     In order to participate in the VPCA "IRON DOG" Competition, all contestants must have been currently certified as a K9 Team AND must have been one of the following:

• sworn or retired law enforcement officers,
• active-duty or reserve military,
• other individuals approved by the "IRON DOG" Committee.

REQUIRED DUTY EQUIPMENT

• E-Collars and Pinch Collars are permitted
• Must wear duty boots
• Duty belt is not required
• Must have a Patrol muzzle (Groomer's muzzles NOT allowed)
• Must have a lead

DISQUALIFICATIONS

• Wearing of tennis shoes or running shoes
• Lack of proper control over K9
• Throwing K9 over lift stations
• K9 biting of anyone but the decoys
• No firearms or weapons allowed on the course at ANY time. The "IRON DOG" Staff will provide a non-lethal firearm for the firearm station. This shall be the only exception!

STATION PENALTIES
     For each station, the following list of penalties will be in effect:

• Area Search: 3-minute penalty assessed for not locating the hide.
• Narcotic or Explosive Find: 3-minute penalty for calling the wrong hide location.
• K9 Lift: There will be obstacles throughout the course, some the dog must be lifted over in a controlled manner. 3-minute penalty for using the gate, going under or around the lift, or not lifting the dog at all. Throwing or dropping the dog in an uncontrolled manner will constitute a disqualification for the station.
• Gun Battle with Cover/Concealment: 2 shots each at 2 targets from 10 yards, with both strong and weak hand. Must hit each target once or take 30-second penalty on each target. 3-minute penalty for not attempting the station.
• Muzzle Work: 1-minute to put muzzle on the dog before entering the station. If cannot complete in specified time, move to next station and get 3-minute penalty. If you get the muzzle on the dog and cannot get the dog through the tunnel within 1-minute, take a 2-minute penalty and move to next station.
• Agility: If you miss any jump or fail to complete any obstacle you will be penalized 1-minute per obstacle.
• Apprehension: 3-minute penalty for not engaging the decoy.
• Vehicle Narcotic/Explosive Find: 3-minute penalty for calling the inappropriate hide location.
• Finish Line: Dog must be in a neutral position, either a "sit" or a "down", for the watch to stop.
• All Stations: 3-minute penalty for failing to attempt any station.

     We are pleased to accept corporate Sponsors for the "IRON DOG" Competition. Please contact Beth Healy of the Fauquier County Sheriff's Office at (540) 422-8626 if your company would like to become an "IRON DOG" Sponsor, or if you would like to donate items for our "IRON DOG" Raffle.