USA HELPER PROGRAM

Helper Program: Where We Are, and Where Are We Going?

By: Al Milner
(Written in 1998)

Let me bring everyone up to date on the helper program. Currently we have distributed over 400 Helper Books and are getting support from the USA judges in the evaluation process. The General Board approved at the October 1997 meeting that the helper book is mandatory paper work for all USA trials, so make sure that your club has one. In the event that for some reason you do not have one, then we will handle it the same way we handle someone who does not have a score book. That is, put up a check for $50.00 and send it to the office. Once the book is sent, you will receive the balance of your money. The only problem with this procedure is that the home office is not yet printing the books. They have assured me however that they will be printing them soon, thereby taking this responsibility off Gary Park, the chairman of the Committee. Our committee hopes that we will be able to keep any monies generated by the selling of helper books to use for seminars or helper related activities. However, at this point, I’m not sure we will be able to keep these funds earmarked for our programs. At this time the helper book seems to be accepted and is beginning to take hold. For this we thank all those regional directors and members who have supported the program and its implementation.

The first helper seminar is scheduled to be the Wednesday before this year's National. We are going to deal with trial work only at this seminar, and would ask that as many clubs as possible take advantage of this free seminar. The committee members will be hosting the seminar, but we are also seeking help from helpers who have worked national events in the past. The judges will be involved, such as Willie Pope and Mark Przybylski who have worked many trials. Also some members of the Handlers Committee will be asked for their input. The seminars are for helpers of all levels to exchange information and to promote correct and safe work for our dogs. In the future, any club wishing to host a seminar may call any one of the Helper Committee members to help put on the seminar. You are only required to pay their travel expenses.

In the last issue there where some questions asked about trial procedure; I would like to answer them now.

What should you do if the dog bites the helper?

The helper should defend himself.

What should you do if the dog can not be held steady while trying to lock up for the dog to out?

The helper should use both hands to secure himself. Hold the sleeve close to his body but make sure the stick is held in a non-threatening position to not further stimulate the dog. This question has allot to do with mechanics that we can address in the seminar.

What should the helper do if during the drive, the dog gets in front of the helper and is out of the pocket?

This question again deals with helper mechanics that we can address in our seminars, but in response to the question, the helper should lift up on the arm to take the momentum away from the dog. Or you can change direction to get the dog back in the pocket. These kinds of questions are exactly what our seminars will be dealing with.

What should the helper do if the dog comes off the sleeve during the trial?

The helper must continue through the dog until the judge instructs him to stop.

Is the helper supposed to help the dog get the title?

The helpers job is neither to help the dog nor to drive the dog away, but to display strong, consistent work for all dogs.

These were some very good questions! We encourage more members to participate in this process.

In closing, I would like all the members to know that the Helper Committee is all about training dogs. We are here to help our new members learn correct technique, and to give us a place where we can exchange our knowledge. That is the purpose of a club -- to give us a place where people of common interest get together for the fun of training dogs.

Look forward to seeing you at the nationals.

Yours in Sport,
Albert Milner