Accepting of a stranger
This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a stranger to approach it
and speak to the handler in a natural, everyday situation. The evaluator
walks up to the dog and handler and greets the handler in a friendly
manner, ignoring the dog. The evaluator and handler shake hands and
exchange pleasantries. The dog must show no sign of resentment or
shyness, and must not break position or try to go to the evaluator.
Politeness
This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to
touch it while it is out with its handler. With the dog sitting at the
handler's side, to begin the exercise, the evaluator pets the dog on the
head and body. The handler may talk to his or her dog throughout the
exercise. The dog may stand in place as it is petted. The dog must not
show shyness or resentment.
Appearance/Grooming
This practical test demonstrates that the dog will welcome being groomed
and examined and will permit someone, such as a veterinarian, groomer or
friend of the owner, to do so. It also demonstrates the owner's care,
concern and sense of responsibility. The evaluator inspects the dog to
determine if it is clean and groomed. The dog must appear to be in
healthy condition (i.e., proper weight, clean, healthy and alert). The
handler should supply the comb or brush commonly used on the dog. The
evaluator then softly combs or brushes the dog, and in a natural manner,
lightly examines the ears and gently picks up each front foot. It is not
necessary for the dog to hold a specific position during the
examination, and the handler may talk to the dog, praise it and give
encouragement throughout.
Controlled Walking
This test demonstrates that the handler is in control of the dog. The
dog may be on either side of the handler. The dog's position should
leave no doubt that the dog is attentive to the handler and is
responding to the handler's movements and changes of direction. The dog
need not be perfectly aligned with the handler and need not sit when the
handler stops. The evaluator may use a pre-plotted course or may direct
the handler/dog team by issuing instructions or commands. In either
case, there should be a right turn, left turn, and an about turn with at
least one stop in between and another at the end. The handler may talk
to the dog along the way, praise the dog, or give commands in a normal
tone of voice. The handler may sit the dog at the halts if desired.
Walking in a crowd
This test demonstrates that the dog can move about politely in
pedestrian traffic and is under control in public places. The dog and
handler walk around and pass close to several people (at least three).
The dog may show some interest in the strangers but should continue to
walk with the handler, without evidence of over-exuberance, shyness or
resentment. The handler may talk to the dog and encourage or praise the
dog throughout the test. The dog should not jump on people in the crowd
or strain on the leash.
Sit/Stay and Down/Stay
This test demonstrates that the dog has training, will respond to the
handler's commands to sit and down and will remain in the place
commanded by the handler (sit or down position, whichever the handler
prefers). The dog must do sit AND down on command, then the owner
chooses the position for leaving the dog in the stay. Prior to this
test, the dog's leash is replaced with a line 20 feet long. The handler
may take a reasonable amount of time and use more than one command to
get the dog to sit and then down. The evaluator must determine if the
dog has responded to the handler's commands. The handler may not force
the dog into position but may touch the dog to offer gentle guidance.
When instructed by the evaluator, the handler tells the dog to stay and
walks forward the length of the line, turns and returns to the dog at a
natural pace. The dog must remain in the place in which it was left (it
may change position) until the evaluator instructs the handler to
release the dog. The dog may be released from the front or the side.
Recall
This test demonstrates that the dog will come when called by the
handler. The handler will walk 10 feet from the dog, turn to face the
dog, and call the dog. The handler may use encouragement to get the dog
to come. Handlers may choose to tell dogs to "stay" or "wait" or they
may simply walk away, giving no instructions to the dog.
Reaction to another dog
This test demonstrates that the dog can behave politely around other
dogs. Two handlers and their dogs approach each other from a distance of
about 20 feet, stop, shake hands and exchange pleasantries, and continue
on for about 10 feet. The dogs should show no more than casual interest
in each other. Neither dog should go to the other dog or its handler.
Distraction Reaction
This test demonstrates that the dog is confident at all times when faced
with common distracting situations. The evaluator will select and
present two distractions. Examples of distractions include dropping a
chair, rolling a crate dolly past the dog, having a jogger run in front
of the dog, or dropping a crutch or cane. The dog may express natural
interest and curiosity and/or may appear slightly startled but should
not panic, try to run away, show aggressiveness, or bark. The handler
may talk to the dog and encourage or praise it throughout the exercise.
Separation (Supervised)
This test demonstrates that a dog can be left with a trusted person, if
necessary, and will maintain training and good manners. Evaluators are
encouraged to say something like, "Would you like me to watch your dog?"
and then take hold of the dog's leash. The owner will go out of sight
for three minutes. The dog does not have to stay in position but should
not continually bark, whine, or pace unnecessarily, or show anything
stronger than mild agitation or nervousness. Evaluators may talk to the
dog but should not engage in excessive talking, petting, or management
attempts.
Information provided by the American Kennel Club.
