J.A. from Michigan writes; AKC's rule on dog fighting is different than some others, "scratch for aggression" Vs "scratch for fighting". Please define what will get a dog scratched for aggression and what will not in the AKC Coonhound events.
Dear J.A. From day one at the new AKC Coonhound Department we have intended to take a hard line on dog aggression and to remove loop holes in the rules which allow aggressive dogs to compete. We realize there will be times dogs inadvertently bump into one another while hunting and treeing, but in these cases dogs should immediately return their focus to hunting, trailing and treeing raccoons. Let's look at the rule.
Section 17. Dog/Handler will be Scratched from Cast.
A. Aggression: Any dog showing obvious aggression toward another dog during hunting time will be scratched. When dog(s) are scratched for aggression it MUST be noted on the back of the scorecard and reported to the Hunt Director and AKC. Handlers will not be permitted to withdraw to prevent their dog from being scratched for aggression without already having handled the dog. No dog may be scratched for aggression while on the leash or confined in a dog box. Dogs that are scratched for fighting three times in a one year period from the first offense will not be permitted to participate in AKC Coonhound events for a period of one year from the date of the third offense.
To further clarify a Non-Hunting Judge's responsibility as it relates to aggression, please note the following from AKC's Guide to Better Judging, section V. B. “If judge determines there is trouble at a tree, he should take all cast members to the tree. If this hinders the judge’s ability to catch the offender, he may ask the Guide to be in charge of the hunters, and then go into the tree alone.”
Dog(s) will be scratched for aggression when judge determines the following:
- dog(s) to be fighting
- dog(s) taking possession of or guarding a tree or place of refuge
- dog(s) to be growling with hackles raised
- dog(s) to be lunging, chasing, pursuing or going after other dog(s)
- dog(s) to be nipping or biting other dog(s)
- male dogs attempting to "ride" other male dogs
Dog(s) will not be scratched for aggression in the following situations:
- in a dog box
- under control of the handler, on leash
- unintentional bumping and/or resulting face barking while dog(s)' focus remains on treeing
- after hunting time has been completed
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