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TEST 1,2,3 - BEHAVIOR TOWARDS STRANGERS:
OBJECTIVE: To determine the dog's reaction to strangers in a non-threatening
situation.
1) Neutral Stranger A stranger to the dog approaches the handler, shakes hands and
ignores the dog for 10 seconds.
2) Friendly Stranger A stranger to the dog approaches happily and briskly and is
exuberantly friendly to the dog. Petting for 10 seconds.
3) Crowd Approximately 8 people come from many directions and walk toward the dog
and handler to create a circle around the team. The diameter of the circle not to be less
than 8 feet.
TEST 4,5 - REACTION TO ACOUSTIC STIMULI:
OBJECTIVE: To test the dog's reaction to two acoustic stimuli, and to measure the
dog's investigative behaviour. This test shows alertness and curiosity.
4) Hidden Clattering As the dog and handler approach the well-hidden assistant, the
assistant begins to rattle a galvanized metal bucket filled with marbles. The dog should
investigate otherwise the handler may encourage the dog.
5) Gun Test Dog and handler have their backs turned to the unnoticed and
well-hidden assistant. Team and assistant are 15 feet apart. The assistant fires 3 shots
into the air. If the dog turns towards the sound of the noise, the handler may follow up
to 10 feet.
TEST 6 - REACTION TO A VISUAL STIMULUS:
OBJECTIVE: To measure the dog's investigative behaviour and the startle-recovery time.
6) Umbrella Test The handler-dog team proceed toward the assistant who sits relaxed
and motionless in a lawn chair holding a large black, spring loaded umbrella in closed
position at a 90 degree angle to the path of the approaching team. When the dog is 5 feet
from the umbrella, the umbrella is suddenly released so that the umbrella will open at a
90 degree angle to the path of the dog. Umbrella is at once lowered to the ground. The dog
should investigate the umbrella within 15 seconds. Otherwise, the handler may encourage
dog to approach the umbrella.
TEST 7 - REACTION TO UNUSUAL FOOTING:
OBJECTIVE To measure the dog's reaction to unusual footing.
7) Grate Footing The handler-dog team both walk over a 15 ft x 4 ft length of 9
gauge chain-link fencing laid flat on the ground.
TEST 8,9 & 10 - SELF - PROTECTIVENESS/AGGRESSIVE REACTION:
OBJECTIVE To test the dog's capacity to focus a) on an unusual stimulus b) to
recognize a threat c) to react in the face of a threat.
8) Recognizes Stimuli As the team comes to within 30 ft. Of the well hidden
unfriendly stranger, the unfriendly stranger emerges from his hiding place making unusual
sounds and motions. The unfriendly stranger crosses the path of the team.
9) Recognizes Threat The unfriendly stranger turns towards the team raising his
riding crop, continues the unusual noises and motions and advances to a distance of 20 ft.
10) Dog is Threatened The unfriendly stranger then pounds his riding crop six times
on the ground as he advances to within 10 ft. Of the team. He waits 5 seconds then turns
and flees.
NOTE: 20 minutes prior to the test beginning, the Chief Tester gives an
introduction to the test and then walks with all test participants through all of the
course test stations, explaining step by step the stimuli that will be presented and the
various reactions a dog may show; how to handle your dog in a positive way; and what the
handler must aviod during the test. At that time any pertinent questions may be asked. All
dogs are on a 6 foot leash during the test.
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