The test consists of ten exercises all of which the dog must pass successfully to earn a certificate
from the AKC.
Item 1: Accepting a Friendly Stranger
This exercise shows that the dog will allow a friendly stranger
to approach and speak to his owner without being aggressive,
fearful, or jumping on the stranger.
Item 2: Sitting Politely for Petting
In this exercise the evaluator approaches the dog and pets him
on the head and body and this shows that the dog will allow strangers to pet him while out in public.
Item 3: Appearance and Grooming
This exercise shows that the dog will allow someone other than his owner (such as a veterinarian or
groomer) to handle and groom him. The evaluator will gently brush the dog, lift and examine each
front paw, and look inside the dog's ears.
Item 4: Out for a Walk
This exercise demonstrates the dog can walk politely on leash without pulling or straining. The owner
and dog will make several turns and stops throughout the course.
Item 5: Walking through a Crowd
During this exercise, the owner and dog walk through a "crowd" of at least 3 people and possibly
another well-behaved dog. The dog can show some interest in the strangers but cannot show
aggression, fear, or jump on anyone. This shows that even in a public setting, the dog maintains his
good manners.
Item 6: Sit and Down on Command / Staying in Place
This exercise demonstrates the dog's training and his ability to respond to his owner. The owner asks
the dog to sit and then lie down. Then the owner asks the dog to stay, walks 20' away, and returns at
a normal pace. These exercises are done with the dog on a 20' leash. The owner may use multiple
commands and/or hand signals to get the dog to sit and lie down.
Item 7: Coming when Called
"Come" is one of the most important cues a dog can learn! This exercise demonstrates the dog's
training to come when called. The owner can ask the dog to stay or the evaluator may distract him
while the owner walks away and calls his dog to come from a distance of 10'.
Item 8: Reaction to Another Dog
In this exercise, the owner and dog are approached by another handler and her dog from a distance of
15'. They approach each other and the handlers shake hands while the dogs remain calm and do not
attempt to go to each other. This test demonstrates the dog's ability to maintain good manners even
around other canines.
Item 9: Reaction to Distractions
This exercise shows that the dog is confident at all times, even when faced with a "challenge" or
distracting situation. The evaluator will choose two distractions such as dropping a metal food bowl
or folding chair near the dog, having a jogger sprint in front of the dog, having a person using a walker
or wheelchair go past the dog, or a sudden opening/closing of a door. The dog may appear slightly
startled or curious but not scared.
Item 10: Supervised Separation
In this exercise, the owner hands the dog's leash to the evaluator and disappears from sight for 3
minutes. This exercise shows that the dog will remain calm and maintain his good manners while in
the care of someone else.
© 2006 Pawsitive Results Dog Training
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