How To: Breed Specific Task (BST)

[silverfish]

In addition to the standard conformation pose, entries for premier shows must include a merged image depicting the Breed Specific Task or 'BST'.

As with PKC conformation shows, the same judge must never see the same pose or BST image more than once. Take care not to accidentally enter multiple shows with the same pictures or you will be reprimanded for reuse and repeat offenders may face serious consequences.

The American Akita Premier accepts a number of tasks that can also be used to enter the Utility Premier (run by Salem of Carpe Diem). Points from both these shows count towards your pet's Premier title. This gives you the option of entering both shows at the same time when both are open, reducing the need to take new task pictures.

For those struggling with BSTs, below I take each possible task in turn and attempt to give you an idea of how to get a good entry picture.

I will make an effort to include examples from all files. Remember that more 'realistic' files have more movement limitations and this can affect the success of entries.

Please keep in mind that this advice reflects only my personal preferences so while following this closely will help you place in my show, it may not help your entries in other premiers.

[silverfish]

The Sit



In the sit the dog must be sitting square, facing the camera. The eyes should be focused on the camera. Symmetry is crucial but the extent to which it is achievable varies by breed file. I am aware of these discrepancies and won't count them against you. The mouth can be open or closed, tongue in or out.

This task is a down trick and can be achieved by first positioning the dog so that its whole body is facing forward and perpendicular to the camera and then wiggling a treat below the dog until it performs this action. Sometimes it is necessary to switch to a different treat since dogs are more likely to perform certain tricks for certain treats and this is an individual difference that needs to be discovered by trial and error. Reward the dog by petting it after it does the required trick to increase the chance that it'll do it again next time you wiggle that specific treat below it.

[silverfish]

The Down



The down requires the dog to be facing forward, lying down square with eyes on the camera. All four feet should be on the ground. Mouth can be open or closed, tongue in or out. As with the sit, symmetry matters but the ability of breed files to achieve this varies. This will be taken into account.

Like the sit, the down is a trick that dogs will sometimes perform when treats are wiggled below them. Position the dog first and then try using the treat. It may take several attempts and/or require that you switch treat types. Reward by petting if you want to increase the likelihood the dog performs the same trick next time.

[silverfish]

The Trot



The dog can be moving in either direction but should be parallel to the camera and as aligned as possible. The eyes should either be focused on the camera or the direction of movement and the head can either be in profile or facing the camera. The characteristic M-formation of the legs is the most important part of this task. The more extreme the better. Differences in the ability of files to do this task are taken into account and will not work against you. Make sure the eyes are relaxed.

Achieving this action is quite simple. Just call the dog by double clicking a few centimeters to the left or right and the dog should move. Adjust distance to alter speed; further is faster. Aligning the dog before you call it will help snap the required photo.

[silverfish]

The Recall or Run



This is one of the more difficult tasks and credit will be given to those who do it well. The dog may be running in either direction, parallel to the screen. Head must be in profile, the more aligned the better. Eyes can either be focused on the direction of movement or the camera. The leg positioning is important: legs should either be as far outstretched as possible or as collected as possible. Again, the specific file's structure is taken into account so that more realistic files do not suffer. Be sure to check that the expression is calm.

This action can be achieved by placing or holding an object to the side of the petz door before calling out your dog. Adjust the distance of the object or your hand holding the object to increase the pace (further is faster). Alternatively, just hold a toy and encourage the dog to run after it. Sometimes dogs will insist on looking at the camera in this context so use your discretion to capture the perfect shot.