GUIDELINES FOR HANDLERS

•   Do not hurry the dog through test, it is not a timed test to see who gets through the fastest.  Dogs must be kept on a loose lead throughout the test.

•   Neutral Stranger.  This test is to simulate a typical street situation.  The stranger will carry on a conversation with you, but will not make overtures to the dog.

•   Friendly Stranger.  The stranger will make overtures to the dog and will touch the dog and handler as well.

•   Can-Rattling.  After the rattling begins, the dog is allowed to approach the blind to investigate the source of the noise.  DO NOT ALLOW male dogs to urinate on the blind.  As the dog comes around the blind to discover the source of the noise and investigate the can, the dog is given 20 seconds to make a close inspection.  DOG MAY BE ENCOURAGED by handler, using phrases like "what's that?" or "find it."

•   Gun Test.  Upon completion of the can-rattling test, move approximately 15' beyond the next assistant who will shoot the gun.  The spot will be marked on the course.  Handler and dog will then stop facing away from the shooter.  The handler stands with dog in either a standing or sitting position (no commands are to be given to the dog).  When the gun is fired, if dog turns and/or moves toward the sound, handler may also turn.  The dog may be encouraged as in the can-rattling test.

•   Umbrella Test.  Handler and dog proceed toward the assistant sitting in a low chair directly in the dog's path, but facing 90 degrees to the side.  When the dog is 9' from the tip of the umbrella, the assistant will raise it; and when dog is about 3' (no closer) from the tip of the umbrella, it will be opened directly toward the dog.  The open umbrella is then lowered and rested on the ground while the assistant retains the handle in their hand.  The dog is allowed to move forward (with encouragement if necessary) to investigate the umbrella.

•   Footing Test.  Handler and dog approach a strip of polyethylene approximately 15' long and 4' wide.  With the dog on a loose lead, they proceed directly along the length of this change of footing.  Handler and dog proceed across at least 10' wide aisle of normal footing and then proceed directly across an exercise pen laid flat on the ground.  They move along the length of the pen not the width.

•   Self Protective/Aggressive Reaction.

       A.   Handler and dog proceed downwind toward the hidden Tester and stop at a place marked and designated by the evaluator.  The tester will stagger across the dog's path.  DOG MAY BE ENCOURAGED HERE AND ALL THROUGH THE REST OF THIS TEST.

       B.   Tester will then turn toward the dog and handler and slowly advance.  If the dog exhibits a positive reaction, continue with Part C.  HANDLER WILL REMAIN STATIONARY.

       C.  The tester then becomes threatening.  When positive reaction is forthcoming, the Tester should back off in a furtive manner.  NO CONTACT IS TO BE MADE BETWEEN DOG AND TESTER.

FOR ALL PARTS OF THIS EXERCISE, THE HANDLER MUST NOT ALLOW THE DOG TO ADVANCE BEYOND LEASH LENGTH OF THE HANDLER'S STOPPING POINT.  Pressure on dog's collar should not be in the form of a sudden jerk.