TEST 1 - ACCEPTING A FRIENDLY STRANGER
The evaluator will walk toward the handler and dog and greet the handler in a friendly manner, shake hands with the handler and ignore the dog. The evaluator is assessing that the handler is in control of the dog and that the dog is not threatened by the approach of a stranger.
TEST 2 - POLITELY ACCEPTS PETTING
The evaluator will request permission to pet the dog and will then proceed to pet the dog on the head and shoulders. The evaluator is assessing whether the dog remains calm while a stranger pets it.
TEST 3 - APPEARANCE AND GROOMING
The evaluator will ask for the grooming tool before the test begins. The evaluator will inspect the dog to determine if it is clean, groomed, appears in good health and in good weight. The evaluator will lightly examine the ears, teeth, eyes and each front foot of the dog and softly comb or brush it on the body. The evaluator will then walk behind the handler and dog, returning to face the team. The evaluator is testing for shyness and/or resentment.
TEST 4 - OUT FOR A WALK
At the beginning of the test, the evaluator will indicate to the handler the area in which they are to walk. The handler will walk in a straight line, demonstrating at least one right and left turn as well as a 180-degree turn. The evaluator will be assessing the dog’s ability to walk quietly near the handler without pulling the leash taut. The evaluator will note that the dog responds to the handler’s changes of direction.
TEST 5 - WALKING THROUGH A CROWD
The evaluator will instruct the handler to walk with the dog (on either the handler’s left or right side) through and by a group of several people (at least 5). The evaluator is assessing the dog’s ability to maintain a position close to the handler without being unduly stressed or becoming unruly, as well as the handler’s ability to control the dog.
TEST 6 - SIT/DOWN ON COMMAND AND STAY (LONG LINE)
The evaluator will provide the handler with a 6-meter (20’) line, which the handler should attach to the dog’s collar prior to the commencement of the test. The short leash should be removed once the long line is attached. The evaluator will instruct the handler to place the dog in either a sit or a down position, command the dog to stay, and walk to the end of the long line. The handler will then turn to face the dog and promptly return to the dog. The evaluator is testing for the dog’s response to basic commands.
TEST 7 - COME WHEN CALLED (LONG LINE)
The long line remains attached to the dog’s collar. The evaluator will stand near the dog and instruct the handler to position the dog in either a sit, down or a stand position. The handler will command the dog to “stay or wait” and then will walk a distance of 3 meters (8-10’), before turning and calling the dog. When called, the dog must come close enough for the handler to touch it. The evaluator is checking whether the dog will remain where left and will respond quickly to the handler’s command to come.
TEST 8 - PRAISE/INTERACTION
The evaluator will instruct the handler to command the dog to “Come”, and then to commence a play session with the dog. After about 10 seconds of play, the evaluator will then instruct the handler to calm the dog. The evaluator is assessing both the handler’s control of the dog and the dog’s ability to respond quickly to the handler’s command to settle.
TEST 9 - REACTION TO PASSING DOG
The test is set up using another handler/dog team that are not be evaluated. This team is placed 6 meters (20’) from the handler and dog being tested. The handlers and their dogs will approach on another, stop, shake hands, briefly chat and continue on past each other for approximately 2 meters (6’). The dog being tested should exhibit no more than casual interest. The evaluator is assessing behaviour on the part of the dog and the handler’s control of the dog.
TEST 10 - REACTION TO DISTRACTIONS
The evaluator will instruct the handler to begin walking with this dog on a loose leash beside him. Several people will walk by in any direction using one or more distractions. The distractions will not be an attempt to frighten the dog, but rather something the dog encounters in everyday life. Such as baby strollers, walkers, canes, someone carrying a ladder, etc. The evaluator is observing the dog’s reaction to the distractions as well as the dog’s response to the handler’s commands.
TEST 11 - SUPERVISED ISOLATION
The handler will walk with the dog to a designated person (assistant evaluator), and hand over the leash. The handler may command the dog to sit or lie down and wait/stay. Then the handler will leave the area and go to a pre-designated location, out of sight of the dog. The handler will wait 3 minutes until called to return by the assistant evaluator. The evaluator is observing the dog’s ability to maintain good manners when left alone with another person. The dog may show some mild stress, but should not bark, pace or pant excessively. Neither should the dog attempt to climb up on the assistant, nor pull away. (If the dog should become excessively agitated, the evaluator will call the handler back before the time required, and the dog will be judged “Not Ready.”)
TEST 12 - WALKING THROUGH A DOOR/GATE
The handler will command the dog to sit and wait. The handler will then walk through the opening (door/gate). Once through, then handler will instruct the dog to walk through the opening and return to the handler’s side. Alternatively, if the opening is large enough for the two of them to pass through simultaneously, then the handler may instruct the dog to maintain a steady position beside the handler as they walk through the opening together. The evaluator is assessing the dog’s ability to respond to commands from the handler as well as the handler’s ability to control the dog in a restricted area.
