Your dog will probably pass the test if he:

Appearance and Grooming

Remains calm and allows a stranger to examine him

Allows the stranger to examine both ears, both front feet

Allows a stranger to gently brush him

Also keep in mind that:

You may talk to your dog throughout this test

You may tell your dog to stay before the person begins the examination

This test is designed to simulate a stranger or a veterinarian examining your dog

Ideally, the dog should remain sitting throughout the test

I do take into consideration that some dogs have been taught to stand during an examination. I will not fail a dog that merely stands up as the examination starts, so long as that dog then does not move throughout the rest of the test. The same goes for some long-coated breeds that require a lot of grooming, especially those dogs that have been regularly groomed for conformation showing. Many of them have been repeatedly required to lie down when the brushing starts. I will not fail a dog for merely lying down so long as the dog remains calm, still and does not inhibit my ability to groom him. The dog that rolls completely onto his back, exposing his belly and starts wiggling or thrashing his feet around will not pass this test.

You may provide your own brush for this test

Your dog will need additional training in this area before he can pass this test if he:

Shies away from the stranger

Attempts to hide behind the handler

Growls, snaps, barks, or otherwise exhibits a fear or self-defense response

Becomes overly-friendly or jumps up on the evaluator

Refuses to allow the evaluator to pick up or hold the front feet

Refuses to allow the evaluator to examine the ears

Refuses to allow the evaluator to lightly groom

Wiggles around to the point that it is difficult to pet, examine, and groom

Common errors made by the handler, causing the team to fail this exercise:

Physically holding the dog in place so that he is not having to control his own actions

Jerking on the leash or collar to make the dog stay in place

Giving harsh or loud verbal commands to stay before or during the test

So what exactly is this test like and what can I expect?

I will instruct you to sit your dog by your side

I will then approach your dog, examine the ears, head, body, and pick up each front foot

I will then show the brush to the dog and proceed to brush lightly down the dog's back and side

Have any other questions? E-mail me for answers.