Performance Award of Merit Enhanced (PAM)

Details

Last Updated: 03 February 2023

ENHANCED PAM PROGRAM

The Performance Award of Merit is given to dogs and handlers that are competing and earning titles in multiple events, showing the incredible Versatility and Intelligence of the German Shepherd Dog in their ability to excel at high levels in all events.

To be eligible for this award a dog must have completed titles in AT LEAST three (3) different performance areas including:  Agility, Herding, GSDCA SV Program Working Dog Titles (IGP titles or IPO titles earned prior to 1/1/2019), Obedience and/or Rally, Tracking and/or Scent Work.

Because of the similarities in the exercises, training, and/or skills, some SPORTS are combined into one “PERFORMANCE AREA”.  All Agility classes are one performance area. All Herding classes are one performance area. Because of the similarities of the IGP Tracking and Obedience to the AKC Tracking and Obedience, the lowest acceptable title for IGP is the IGP1 title (the IPO1 title if earned before 1/1/2019).  IGP titles and FH tracking titles must be earned from GSDCA club trials.  Obedience and Rally are separate sports, but are one performance area. A Rally title does not meet the criteria as to be considered the most Advanced level title for the PAM.  Scent Work and Tracking are separate sports but one performance area. 

For each level of PAM Awards, the dog must be titled in AT LEAST three different performance areas and have the minimum titles for the applicable PAM level in each of those performance areas. The additional points needed for the enhanced PAM levels can be earned either (a) from titles in one or more of the three required performance areas higher than the minimum required titles OR (b) from titles in a fourth (or more) sports, OR (c) a combination of the two (higher than required titles and titles in additional sports).  Titles in additional sports beyond the three required performance areas can be earned in any additional sport even if it is from the same performance AREA as another title.  However, the dog can only earn points for ONE title per listed sport.  The maximum points that can be earned in each SPORT are five.  A dog must be eligible for a PAM before being eligible for the enhanced PAM levels.  Rally is not accepted as the sole L3 title for the PAM.  

Titles not listed in the chart below will not be accepted for the PAM.

As of January 2022, the PAM Award Year will run concurrently with the calendar year.  Titles must be completed by December 31, 2022 and the application form must be completed and returned by February 1, 2023 for the PAM 2022 award.  

The owner of the dog must be a GSDCA member in good standing (BEFORE) the requirements for this award are completed.

For more information, contact PAM Chairperson:                       

Julie Degen
10361 Heddings Rd
Catlett, VA 20119
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For more information about the PAM program, click here.