What Does Your Dog Have To Do To Pass?

Part One - Accepting a Friendly Stranger:  In this part of the test your dog must remain calm and quiet as a friendly stranger approaches, shakes your hand and speaks to you. Passing requires your dog to remain at your side and not bark, growl, lunge, become overly excited or show shyness towards the stranger.

Part Two - Sit Politely for Petting:  For this part of the test the friendly stranger will approach and ask to pet your dog.  Your dog will be petted on the head and body, then the stranger will walk around you and your dog.  Your dog should remain in position and show no signs of shyness or aggression.

Part Three - Appearance/Grooming:  The purpose of this part of the test is to show that your dog can be safely and easily handled by a stranger, such as a vet or groomer.  The evaluator will lightly brush your dog then examine your dog’s ears and front feet.  Your dog should remain calm and under control during the examination showing no signs of aggression or shyness.

Part Four - Out for a Walk:  During this part of the test you will demonstrate that your dog will behave politely on lead.  You will be asked to walk forward, stop and make turns.  Your dog should remain close by you without pulling both while you are walking and while you are stopped.

Part Five - Walking Through A Crowd:  This test is to show that your dog can remain under control in a public place.  You and your dog will walk around and between at least three people.  Your dog must not pull you and should remain next to you.  Your dog may show some interest in the people, but should not become overly excited, aggressive, nervous or shy.

Part Six - Sit/Down/Stay:  For this part of the test you will first demonstrate that your dog will Sit and Down on cue, within a reasonable amount of time.  Then you will be asked to have your dog stay as you walk 20 feet away and back to your dog.  Your dog can change position but must stay in place.

Part Seven - Come When Called:  In this test you will walk ten feet away from your dog, then turn and call your dog.  Your dog must come straight to you.  You may back up, bend over, clap your hands, etc. to get your dog to come to you.

Part Eight - Reaction to another dog:  This tests shows your dog can be well-mannered in the presence of other dogs.  You and your dog will approach another dog and owner, stop and Sit your dog, shake hands, chat and continue on.  Your dog may show casual interest in the other dog but shouldn’t become overly excited, fearful or aggressive.

Part Nine - Reaction to Distractions:  This part of the test is to demonstrate that your dog will remain confident and well behaved when distractions are present.  The evaluator will set up common noise and visual distractions to test your dog.  Your dog may startle but should recover quickly and should not become panicked, fearful or aggressive.

Part Ten - Supervised Separation:  In this last part of the test your dog shows that he can behave when left alone and will continue to demonstrate good manners.  The evaluator or an assistant will hold your dog’s leash for three minutes while you are out of sight.  Your dog should not whine, pace, bark or act nervous.