NO FOOD OR TREATS ARE ALLOWED FOR THE ENTIRE TEST

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Test 1: Accepting a Friendly Stranger

This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to approach it and speak to the handler in a natural, everyday situation. The dog must show not show any resentment or shyness

Test 2: Sitting Politely for Petting

The dog should allow a friendly stranger to touch it while it is out with its handler.  The dog should stay in position as it is petted. The dog must not show shyness or resentment

Test 3: Appearance and Grooming

While being groomed (brushed) and examined by a groomer, veterinarian, or a friend, the dog should accept all actions. Must not show any resistance.  The evaluator then softly combs or brushes the dog and gently picks up each front paw.  The handler may talk and praise the dog and give encouragement throughout.

Test 4: Out for a Walk (walking with a loose leash)

The handler must have control of the dog on the leash. Walking on either side of the handler is acceptable. The dog shall be attentive and responding to the handler’s movements while changing directions. The Evaluator will direct the handler using a pre-plotted course with a right turn, a stop, left turn, a stop, and turn around to stop back in position.  The dog does not need to sit when the handler stops unless the handler gives the command. The handler may talk, praise, or give commands to the dog in a normal tone of voice.

Test 5: Walking Through a Crowd

The dog shall move politely, with no jumping, in pedestrian traffic and public places. The dog and handler will walk around and pass with close proximity to a minimum of  three people. The dog may show some interest in the strangers, while continuing to walk with the handler without showing 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 pull on the leash.

Test 6: Sit and Down Stay on Command

While using a 20 foot lead, the dog should respond to the handler’s commands of sit and down while remaining in the stay position. The handler may not force the dog into position but may gently touch the dog to offer guidance. Handler's may take a reasonable amount of time for this part of the test. The evaluator will then determine if the dog has responded to the handler’s commands. When instructed by the evaluator, the handler tells the dog to stay while walking away form the dog to the total length of the leash, turns around, and returns to the dog where it is in the stay position. The dog must remain in the stay position until the evaluator instructs the handler to release the dog. The dog may be released from the front or the side.

Test 7: Coming when Called (Recall)

The handler will put the dog in a stay position (or can simply walk away with no instruction) and walk 10 feet away from the dog, turn to face the dog, and then 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.

Test 8: Reaction to Another Dog

The dog must 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 not approach dog or its handler.

Test 9: Reaction to Distraction

The dog should show confidence at all times with distracting situations. The Evaluator will select and present two distractions. Examples of distractions can be, but not limited too, 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.

Test 10: Supervised Separation

The dog should demonstrate that it can be left with a person and will maintain their training with good manners. Evaluators are encouraged to say something like, “Would you like me to watch your dog?” and then hold 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, 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 (e.g, “there, there, it’s alright”).