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There are six obedience training programs to fit your need and budget. All courses include the obedience that is needed to start the basic communication to walk and control your dogs behavior in public and when guest are visiting. These 8 basic skills will open up a communication that require for you to communicate with your dog and lay the foundation for any future training or to become the Alpha of your pack. This includes but not limited to- the heel (walk at my side), left/right turn, left/right about turn, turn into your dog, auto sit (sitting at your side when you stop walking), sit on command, sit/stay, down/stay, recall (come to me from a distance), gate/door crashing and place command. These 8 basic commands are offered in all basic obedience courses at a minimal along with a free one week follow up in your home. None of these courses have any hidden fees or boarding fees. But why, pay for a 8 week course when this can be done in my home in 2-3 weeks. Why go to group training for 8 weeks to learn these simple basics.
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT WHEN SHOPPING FOR THE RIGHT DOG TRAINER!
Most "competitors" use words like Basic obedience, Intermediate obedience and Advanced obedience or maybe you have heard of these camps called BOOT CAMPS. On average each class is about 8 weeks long and you have to pay one time, two times or three times for training. It can take up to 6 months or longer to get your dog to advance obedience. WHY DO COMPETITORS DO THIS? It's just a slower way to pay out large amount of money over a course of time and you are still left with doing all the work. You meet in a group once a week and pay a person to show you how to do your homework for about an hour and then you are back on your own for another week. What if, during that week you were messing up or doing it wrong, now on week 3 you are so confused and messed up that you can't move forward in training because you were teaching your dog wrong all week. The instructor is not going to stop the class for you, right?
All you are paying for is to be in a group for about 8 weeks (1st lesson is wasted on orientation usually), then stand with your dog in a group of other unruly, aggressive dogs along with other distractions that could be stressing your dog out and then listen to an instructor for about an hour on that weeks lesson then he/she gives you a homework assignment for 6 days and you are back on your own until you see him/her next week for more instructions for another hour and so on... You are responsible to train your own dog 30 minutes a day 5-6 days a week. How do I know? Because I use to be one of those instructors.
In my unique 2 week or 3 week course I am blowing the competitors away with my training program. I took the competitors version of Basic and Intermediate training and smashed it into one 2 week or 3 week course (details below). At the end of my 3 week course, your dog will know how to do all the below basic obedience commands PLUS non-verbal commands, hand commands and have the dog on the recall run down my right side around my back and auto sit on my left. NOT ONLY am I doing this on a 6-foot leash but also on a 30-foot leash. This is all done in my 2-3 week training programs. Think about it. You and your dog can be trained in the 2 week or the 3 week course which includes the competitors versions of basic and intermediate course with a introduction to advanced training as soon as 3 weeks.
Why do all the work in 15 weeks when I can do it for you in 3 weeks?
All commands are offered in English, Spanish, Dutch, German and French.
Puppy Lesson - Because your dog is young, fragile and in the inoculation period, we come to your home so your puppy does not come into contact with other puppies or dog that may be carrying an illness or has yet has all of it's shots, You honestly only need one visit and no need to get talked into more then that and be charged more
(depending on location, mileage fees may apply)
We want to come to your home so we can make recommendations for house breaking and problem solving based upon your living standards (home, condo or apartment) and to cover all the basics your puppy needs until age 4 months of age. You will be giving a wealth of information on the "Do's & Dont's" of puppy training. This is very important to achieve as your dog begins to learn good and bad habits until he is of age for basic obedience (normally 4 months old. This is a critical time for your puppy to learn positive/negative reinforcements, love, respect as well as beginning to learn who the pack leader is. This course will help you have a better understanding through human training and a better relationship through puppy training to prevent behaviors like, separation anxiety, aggression, submissive wetting, shyness, aggressive play biting, etc.
We will teach you how to do the following but not limited to the following:
In our home (2) week training - Designed for the owners that just want simple control of their dog and be able to have basic obedience on a 6 foot leash as well as manners inside the home. The below list gives a description but not limited to a list of what your dog will be trained while in the (2) week program. Please keep in mind like all other basic training programs this is the basic foundation to training your dog. This program also includes, walks and play times. This training is free boarding while training. This program also offers a free in-home lesson after your training to make sure your transition back to the owner went smoothly and to assist you in your home with any problems or needs that you may need to keep your training consistent and correct while in your home.
1. Three auto non-verbal commands introduction. Hand signals are only used as the basic foundation "temp crutch" to help increase your goal of all three commands to become non-verbal commands.
3. Sit on command with hand command.
4. Sit on command while facing your dog and hand/verbal release command.
5. Sit and stay- While at my side, coming to the end of your leash and circling your dog and then returning to the dogs side.
6. Down on command.
7. Down and stay- While at my side, coming to the end of your leash and circling your dog and then returning to the dogs side.
8. Recall- Dog returns to my side when called with distractions.
9. Gate/door crashing.
10. Place command.
11. Feeding time with the sit, wait and visual respect before being released to eat.
In our home (3) week training - This program is designed for the more serious and challenging dog owners. This program is designed to prepare for intermediate and advanced training in the future. The training includes and prepares the dog for non-verbal commands, hand signals only and/or verbal commands only. The program consist of the same instructions and training as the above (2) week training program but is extended to (3) weeks of training and completed on the 6 foot leash as well as the 30 foot leash to prepare the dog for the next phrase of training which is usually off leash obedience or giving the dogs commands while in motion, off leash, non-verbal commands, etc. This training is free boarding while training. This program also offers a free in-home lesson after your training to make sure your transition back to the owner went smoothly and to assist you in your home with any problems or needs that you may need to keep your training consistent and correct while in your home. Your dog will try to go back to it's old ways once back home. It's up to you to prevent that.
1. Three auto non-verbal commands introduction. Hand signals are only used as the basic foundation "temp crutch which later will not be used as you continue to train after camp" to help increase your goal of all three commands to become non-verbal commands.
3. Sit on command with hand command.
4. Sit on command while facing your dog and hand/verbal release command.
5. Sit and stay- While at my side, coming to the end of your leash (up to 30 feet) and circling your dog and then returning to the dogs side. Distractions may take place depending on your dogs advancement in training.
6. Down on command along with hand command.
7. Down and stay- While at my side, coming to the end of your leash (up to 30 feet) and circling your dog and then returning to the dogs side.
8. Recall- Dog returns to my side and auto sits (up to 30 feet) when called with distractions.
9. Gate/door crashing.
10. Place command.
11. Feeding time with the sit, wait and visual respect before being released to eat.
The Advanced Obedience Class is designed for those who have successfully completed our Basic obedience course. This class emphasizes on building increased control of off-leash work, hand signals and agility training. Held in four-week sessions, each week builds on the prior week’s activities. Dog and handler must complete our Basic Obedience classes or be evaluated by a K-9 Trainer before graduating to this level if they received training from another facility.
1. All non-verbal commands and hand signals only.
2. Off leash/ pull tab left turn, right turn, left about turn, right about turn and turn into your dog commands.
3. Sit on command only hand command.
4. Sit on command while in motion with hand command
5. Down on command while in motion with hand command
6. Sit, Down and Stay hand commands
7. Down on command along with hand command.
8. Down and stay- While at my side, coming to the end of your leash (up to 30 feet) and circling your dog and then returning to the dogs side.
9. Recall- Dog returns to my side and auto sits (up to 30 feet) when called with distractions.
10. Gate/door crashing off leash/pull tab.
11. Place command off leash.
12. Feeding time with the down off leash, wait and visual respect before being released to eat.
Group Lessons - **(Please be advised this course is only offered through the city of Moreno Valley. I am their only trainer that is licensed and contracted with the city to perform these classes)** This program is designed for the more serious and challenging dog owners. This program is designed to prepare for intermediate and advanced training in the future. The training prepares the dog for non-verbal commands, hand signals only and/or verbal commands only. The program consist of the same instructions and training as the below boot camp training program but is extended to (8) weeks of training and completed on the 6 foot leash and the 30 foot leash to prepare the dog for the next phrase of training which is usually off leash obedience or giving the dogs commands while in motion. This course is trained on the 6 foot and the 30 foot leash.
1. Three auto non-verbal commands introduction. Hand signals are only used as the basic foundation "temp crutch which later will not be used as you continue to train after camp" to help increase your goal of all three commands to become non-verbal commands.
3. Sit on command with hand command.
4. Sit on command while facing your dog and hand/verbal release command.
5. Sit and stay- While at my side, coming to the end of your leash (up to 30 feet) and circling your dog and then returning to the dogs side. Distractions may take place depending on your dogs advancement in training.
6. Down on command along with hand command.
7. Down and stay- While at my side, coming to the end of your leash (up to 30 feet) and circling your dog and then returning to the dogs side.
8. Recall- Dog returns to my side and auto sits (up to 30 feet) when called with distractions.
9. Gate/door crashing.
10. Place command.
11. Feeding time with the sit, wait and visual respect before being released to eat.
Training/Testing: Canine Good Citizen Test $40
Test 1: Accepting a friendly stranger
This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to approach it and speak to the handler in a natural, everyday situation. The evaluator walks up to the dog and handler and greets the handler in a friendly manner, ignoring the dog. The evaluator and handler shake hands and exchange pleasantries. The dog must show no sign of resentment or shyness.
Test 2: Sitting politely for petting
This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to touch it while it is out with its handler. With the dog sitting at the handler's side, to begin the exercise, the evaluator pets the dog on the head and body. The handler may talk to his or her dog throughout the exercise. The dog may stand in place as it is petted. The dog must not show shyness or resentment.
Test 3: Appearance and grooming
This practical test demonstrates that the dog will welcome being groomed and examined and will permit someone, such as a veterinarian, groomer or friend of the owner, to do so. It also demonstrates the owner's care, concern and sense of responsibility. The evaluator inspects the dog to determine if it is clean and groomed. The dog must appear to be in healthy condition (i.e., proper weight, clean, healthy and alert). The handler should supply the comb or brush commonly used on the dog. The evaluator then softly combs or brushes the dog, and in a natural manner, lightly examines the ears and gently picks up each front foot. It is not necessary for the dog to hold a specific position during the examination, and the handler may talk to the dog, praise it and give encouragement throughout.
Test 4: Out for a walk (walking on a loose lead)
This test demonstrates that the handler is in control of the dog. The dog may be on either side of the handler. The dog's position should leave no doubt that the dog is attentive to the handler and is responding to the handler's movements and changes of direction. The dog need not be perfectly aligned with the handler and need not sit when the handler stops. The evaluator may use a pre-plotted course or may direct the handler/dog team by issuing instructions or commands. In either case, there should be a right turn, left turn, and an about turn with at least one stop in between and another at the end. The handler may talk to the dog along the way, praise the dog, or give commands in a normal tone of voice. The handler may sit the dog at the halts if desired.
Test 5: Walking through a crowd
This test demonstrates that the dog can move about politely in pedestrian traffic and is under control in public places. The dog and handler walk around and pass close to several people (at least three). The dog may show some interest in the strangers but should continue to walk with the handler, without evidence of over-exuberance, shyness or resentment. The handler may talk to the dog and encourage or praise the dog throughout the test. The dog should not jump on people in the crowd or strain on the leash.
Test 6: Sit and down on command and staying in place
This test demonstrates that the dog has training, will respond to the handler's commands to sit and down and will remain in the place commanded by the handler (sit or down position, whichever the handler prefers). The dog must do sit AND down on command, then the owner chooses the position for leaving the dog in the stay. Prior to this test, the dog's leash is replaced with a line 20 feet long. The handler may take a reasonable amount of time and use more than one command to get the dog to sit and then down. The evaluator must determine if the dog has responded to the handler's commands. The handler may not force the dog into position but may touch the dog to offer gentle guidance. When instructed by the evaluator, the handler tells the dog to stay and walks forward the length of the line, turns and returns to the dog at a natural pace. The dog must remain in the place in which it was left (it may change position) until the evaluator instructs the handler to release the dog. The dog may be released from the front or the side.
Test 7: Coming when called
This test demonstrates that the dog will come when called by the handler. The handler will walk 10 feet from the dog, turn to face the dog, and call the dog. The handler may use encouragement to get the dog to come. Handlers may choose to tell dogs to "stay" or "wait" or they may simply walk away, giving no instructions to the dog.
Test 8: Reaction to another dog
This test demonstrates that the dog can behave politely around other dogs. Two handlers and their dogs approach each other from a distance of about 20 feet, stop, shake hands and exchange pleasantries, and continue on for about 10 feet. The dogs should show no more than casual interest in each other. Neither dog should go to the other dog or its handler.
Test 9: Reaction to distraction
This test demonstrates that the dog is confident at all times when faced with common distracting situations. The evaluator will select and present two distractions. Examples of distractions include dropping a chair, rolling a crate dolly past the dog, having a jogger run in front of the dog, or dropping a crutch or cane. The dog may express natural interest and curiosity and/or may appear slightly startled but should not panic, try to run away, show aggressiveness, or bark. The handler may talk to the dog and encourage or praise it throughout the exercise.
Test 10: Supervised separation
This test demonstrates that a dog can be left with a trusted person, if necessary, and will maintain training and good manners. Evaluators are encouraged to say something like, "Would you like me to watch your dog?" and then take hold of the dog's leash. The owner will go out of sight for three minutes. The dog does not have to stay in position but should not continually bark, whine, or pace unnecessarily, or show anything stronger than mild agitation or nervousness. Evaluators may talk to the dog but should not engage in excessive talking, petting, or management attempts (e.g, "there, there, it's alright").
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT WHEN SHOPPING FOR THE RIGHT DOG TRAINER!
Most "competitors" use words like Basic obedience, Intermediate obedience and Advanced obedience or maybe you have heard of these camps called BOOT CAMPS. On average each class is about 8 weeks long and you have to pay one time, two times or three times for training. It can take up to 6 months or longer to get your dog to advance obedience. WHY DO COMPETITORS DO THIS? It's just a slower way to pay out large amount of money over a course of time and you are still left with doing all the work. You meet in a group once a week and pay a person to show you how to do your homework for about an hour and then you are back on your own for another week. What if, during that week you were messing up or doing it wrong, now on week 3 you are so confused and messed up that you can't move forward in training because you were teaching your dog wrong all week. The instructor is not going to stop the class for you, right?
All you are paying for is to be in a group for about 8 weeks (1st lesson is wasted on orientation usually), then stand with your dog in a group of other unruly, aggressive dogs along with other distractions that could be stressing your dog out and then listen to an instructor for about an hour on that weeks lesson then he/she gives you a homework assignment for 6 days and you are back on your own until you see him/her next week for more instructions for another hour and so on... You are responsible to train your own dog 30 minutes a day 5-6 days a week. How do I know? Because I use to be one of those instructors.
In my unique 2 week or 3 week course I am blowing the competitors away with my training program. I took the competitors version of Basic and Intermediate training and smashed it into one 2 week or 3 week course (details below). At the end of my 3 week course, your dog will know how to do all the below basic obedience commands PLUS non-verbal commands, hand commands and have the dog on the recall run down my right side around my back and auto sit on my left. NOT ONLY am I doing this on a 6-foot leash but also on a 30-foot leash. This is all done in my 2-3 week training programs. Think about it. You and your dog can be trained in the 2 week or the 3 week course which includes the competitors versions of basic and intermediate course with a introduction to advanced training as soon as 3 weeks.
Why do all the work in 15 weeks when I can do it for you in 3 weeks?
All commands are offered in English, Spanish, Dutch, German and French.
Puppy Lesson - Because your dog is young, fragile and in the inoculation period, we come to your home so your puppy does not come into contact with other puppies or dog that may be carrying an illness or has yet has all of it's shots, You honestly only need one visit and no need to get talked into more then that and be charged more
(depending on location, mileage fees may apply)
We want to come to your home so we can make recommendations for house breaking and problem solving based upon your living standards (home, condo or apartment) and to cover all the basics your puppy needs until age 4 months of age. You will be giving a wealth of information on the "Do's & Dont's" of puppy training. This is very important to achieve as your dog begins to learn good and bad habits until he is of age for basic obedience (normally 4 months old. This is a critical time for your puppy to learn positive/negative reinforcements, love, respect as well as beginning to learn who the pack leader is. This course will help you have a better understanding through human training and a better relationship through puppy training to prevent behaviors like, separation anxiety, aggression, submissive wetting, shyness, aggressive play biting, etc.
We will teach you how to do the following but not limited to the following:
- An introduction to simple cues, such as “sit,” “come” and “stay”- Trained in a positive, lovable and respectable manner to prevent bad habits and a fear of learning between dog and owner.
- Place command- To begin showing him that he can still enjoy the environment around him and play with toys until he calms down when he gets hyper when guest come over.
- Crate training- This will help to prevent separation anxiety and other bad habits to form through my methods and tools of preventative training.
- Learn basic manners- This is a huge help as this will cover, how to potty train your dog to a designated area outside, prevent ankle biting, sit & stay for his meal, preventing jumping up on you, the bed or your couch, Etc.
- Practice socialization with people and other dogs- This a big deal because we don't want your puppy to grow up afraid of everything if it is raised in a backyard or inside a home only. Through my session, you will be taught how to get your dog out and about and how to be a great mentor or spiritual guide to your puppy as you introduce your pup to new and exciting adventures together.
- Work on loose-leash walking- I will show you how to stop your dog from forging ahead and how to prevent pulling of the leash.
- I will give you lots of tricks, trades, personal experience training methods and tools for your tool box so you and your dog from age 8 weeks until age 4-6 months a smooth and non-frustrated experience when they are ready for a basic obedience course of your choice.
- Because the puppy is young and in the inoculation period we send a trainer to your home for the introductory puppy lesson. This keeps the puppy from coming into contact with other dogs that could be incubating disease and also has the benefit of allowing the trainer to see the home and make recommendations for house breaking and problem solving based upon the home situation (apartment, condo, home etc) and to cover basics of puppy pre-school.
In our home (2) week training - Designed for the owners that just want simple control of their dog and be able to have basic obedience on a 6 foot leash as well as manners inside the home. The below list gives a description but not limited to a list of what your dog will be trained while in the (2) week program. Please keep in mind like all other basic training programs this is the basic foundation to training your dog. This program also includes, walks and play times. This training is free boarding while training. This program also offers a free in-home lesson after your training to make sure your transition back to the owner went smoothly and to assist you in your home with any problems or needs that you may need to keep your training consistent and correct while in your home.
1. Three auto non-verbal commands introduction. Hand signals are only used as the basic foundation "temp crutch" to help increase your goal of all three commands to become non-verbal commands.
- A. Heel at my side with hand signals.
- B. Auto-sit- when you stop walking your dog will auto-sit at your side.
- C. Sit stay and down stay in place with hand signals.
3. Sit on command with hand command.
4. Sit on command while facing your dog and hand/verbal release command.
5. Sit and stay- While at my side, coming to the end of your leash and circling your dog and then returning to the dogs side.
6. Down on command.
7. Down and stay- While at my side, coming to the end of your leash and circling your dog and then returning to the dogs side.
8. Recall- Dog returns to my side when called with distractions.
9. Gate/door crashing.
10. Place command.
11. Feeding time with the sit, wait and visual respect before being released to eat.
In our home (3) week training - This program is designed for the more serious and challenging dog owners. This program is designed to prepare for intermediate and advanced training in the future. The training includes and prepares the dog for non-verbal commands, hand signals only and/or verbal commands only. The program consist of the same instructions and training as the above (2) week training program but is extended to (3) weeks of training and completed on the 6 foot leash as well as the 30 foot leash to prepare the dog for the next phrase of training which is usually off leash obedience or giving the dogs commands while in motion, off leash, non-verbal commands, etc. This training is free boarding while training. This program also offers a free in-home lesson after your training to make sure your transition back to the owner went smoothly and to assist you in your home with any problems or needs that you may need to keep your training consistent and correct while in your home. Your dog will try to go back to it's old ways once back home. It's up to you to prevent that.
1. Three auto non-verbal commands introduction. Hand signals are only used as the basic foundation "temp crutch which later will not be used as you continue to train after camp" to help increase your goal of all three commands to become non-verbal commands.
- A. Heel at my side with hand signals.
- B. Auto-sit- when you stop walking your dog will auto-sit at your side.
- C. Sit stay and down stay in place with hand signals.
3. Sit on command with hand command.
4. Sit on command while facing your dog and hand/verbal release command.
5. Sit and stay- While at my side, coming to the end of your leash (up to 30 feet) and circling your dog and then returning to the dogs side. Distractions may take place depending on your dogs advancement in training.
6. Down on command along with hand command.
7. Down and stay- While at my side, coming to the end of your leash (up to 30 feet) and circling your dog and then returning to the dogs side.
8. Recall- Dog returns to my side and auto sits (up to 30 feet) when called with distractions.
9. Gate/door crashing.
10. Place command.
11. Feeding time with the sit, wait and visual respect before being released to eat.
The Advanced Obedience Class is designed for those who have successfully completed our Basic obedience course. This class emphasizes on building increased control of off-leash work, hand signals and agility training. Held in four-week sessions, each week builds on the prior week’s activities. Dog and handler must complete our Basic Obedience classes or be evaluated by a K-9 Trainer before graduating to this level if they received training from another facility.
1. All non-verbal commands and hand signals only.
2. Off leash/ pull tab left turn, right turn, left about turn, right about turn and turn into your dog commands.
3. Sit on command only hand command.
4. Sit on command while in motion with hand command
5. Down on command while in motion with hand command
6. Sit, Down and Stay hand commands
7. Down on command along with hand command.
8. Down and stay- While at my side, coming to the end of your leash (up to 30 feet) and circling your dog and then returning to the dogs side.
9. Recall- Dog returns to my side and auto sits (up to 30 feet) when called with distractions.
10. Gate/door crashing off leash/pull tab.
11. Place command off leash.
12. Feeding time with the down off leash, wait and visual respect before being released to eat.
Group Lessons - **(Please be advised this course is only offered through the city of Moreno Valley. I am their only trainer that is licensed and contracted with the city to perform these classes)** This program is designed for the more serious and challenging dog owners. This program is designed to prepare for intermediate and advanced training in the future. The training prepares the dog for non-verbal commands, hand signals only and/or verbal commands only. The program consist of the same instructions and training as the below boot camp training program but is extended to (8) weeks of training and completed on the 6 foot leash and the 30 foot leash to prepare the dog for the next phrase of training which is usually off leash obedience or giving the dogs commands while in motion. This course is trained on the 6 foot and the 30 foot leash.
1. Three auto non-verbal commands introduction. Hand signals are only used as the basic foundation "temp crutch which later will not be used as you continue to train after camp" to help increase your goal of all three commands to become non-verbal commands.
- A. Heel at my side with hand signals.
- B. Auto-sit- when you stop walking your dog will auto-sit at your side.
- C. Sit stay and down stay in place with hand signals.
3. Sit on command with hand command.
4. Sit on command while facing your dog and hand/verbal release command.
5. Sit and stay- While at my side, coming to the end of your leash (up to 30 feet) and circling your dog and then returning to the dogs side. Distractions may take place depending on your dogs advancement in training.
6. Down on command along with hand command.
7. Down and stay- While at my side, coming to the end of your leash (up to 30 feet) and circling your dog and then returning to the dogs side.
8. Recall- Dog returns to my side and auto sits (up to 30 feet) when called with distractions.
9. Gate/door crashing.
10. Place command.
11. Feeding time with the sit, wait and visual respect before being released to eat.
Training/Testing: Canine Good Citizen Test $40
Test 1: Accepting a friendly stranger
This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to approach it and speak to the handler in a natural, everyday situation. The evaluator walks up to the dog and handler and greets the handler in a friendly manner, ignoring the dog. The evaluator and handler shake hands and exchange pleasantries. The dog must show no sign of resentment or shyness.
Test 2: Sitting politely for petting
This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to touch it while it is out with its handler. With the dog sitting at the handler's side, to begin the exercise, the evaluator pets the dog on the head and body. The handler may talk to his or her dog throughout the exercise. The dog may stand in place as it is petted. The dog must not show shyness or resentment.
Test 3: Appearance and grooming
This practical test demonstrates that the dog will welcome being groomed and examined and will permit someone, such as a veterinarian, groomer or friend of the owner, to do so. It also demonstrates the owner's care, concern and sense of responsibility. The evaluator inspects the dog to determine if it is clean and groomed. The dog must appear to be in healthy condition (i.e., proper weight, clean, healthy and alert). The handler should supply the comb or brush commonly used on the dog. The evaluator then softly combs or brushes the dog, and in a natural manner, lightly examines the ears and gently picks up each front foot. It is not necessary for the dog to hold a specific position during the examination, and the handler may talk to the dog, praise it and give encouragement throughout.
Test 4: Out for a walk (walking on a loose lead)
This test demonstrates that the handler is in control of the dog. The dog may be on either side of the handler. The dog's position should leave no doubt that the dog is attentive to the handler and is responding to the handler's movements and changes of direction. The dog need not be perfectly aligned with the handler and need not sit when the handler stops. The evaluator may use a pre-plotted course or may direct the handler/dog team by issuing instructions or commands. In either case, there should be a right turn, left turn, and an about turn with at least one stop in between and another at the end. The handler may talk to the dog along the way, praise the dog, or give commands in a normal tone of voice. The handler may sit the dog at the halts if desired.
Test 5: Walking through a crowd
This test demonstrates that the dog can move about politely in pedestrian traffic and is under control in public places. The dog and handler walk around and pass close to several people (at least three). The dog may show some interest in the strangers but should continue to walk with the handler, without evidence of over-exuberance, shyness or resentment. The handler may talk to the dog and encourage or praise the dog throughout the test. The dog should not jump on people in the crowd or strain on the leash.
Test 6: Sit and down on command and staying in place
This test demonstrates that the dog has training, will respond to the handler's commands to sit and down and will remain in the place commanded by the handler (sit or down position, whichever the handler prefers). The dog must do sit AND down on command, then the owner chooses the position for leaving the dog in the stay. Prior to this test, the dog's leash is replaced with a line 20 feet long. The handler may take a reasonable amount of time and use more than one command to get the dog to sit and then down. The evaluator must determine if the dog has responded to the handler's commands. The handler may not force the dog into position but may touch the dog to offer gentle guidance. When instructed by the evaluator, the handler tells the dog to stay and walks forward the length of the line, turns and returns to the dog at a natural pace. The dog must remain in the place in which it was left (it may change position) until the evaluator instructs the handler to release the dog. The dog may be released from the front or the side.
Test 7: Coming when called
This test demonstrates that the dog will come when called by the handler. The handler will walk 10 feet from the dog, turn to face the dog, and call the dog. The handler may use encouragement to get the dog to come. Handlers may choose to tell dogs to "stay" or "wait" or they may simply walk away, giving no instructions to the dog.
Test 8: Reaction to another dog
This test demonstrates that the dog can behave politely around other dogs. Two handlers and their dogs approach each other from a distance of about 20 feet, stop, shake hands and exchange pleasantries, and continue on for about 10 feet. The dogs should show no more than casual interest in each other. Neither dog should go to the other dog or its handler.
Test 9: Reaction to distraction
This test demonstrates that the dog is confident at all times when faced with common distracting situations. The evaluator will select and present two distractions. Examples of distractions include dropping a chair, rolling a crate dolly past the dog, having a jogger run in front of the dog, or dropping a crutch or cane. The dog may express natural interest and curiosity and/or may appear slightly startled but should not panic, try to run away, show aggressiveness, or bark. The handler may talk to the dog and encourage or praise it throughout the exercise.
Test 10: Supervised separation
This test demonstrates that a dog can be left with a trusted person, if necessary, and will maintain training and good manners. Evaluators are encouraged to say something like, "Would you like me to watch your dog?" and then take hold of the dog's leash. The owner will go out of sight for three minutes. The dog does not have to stay in position but should not continually bark, whine, or pace unnecessarily, or show anything stronger than mild agitation or nervousness. Evaluators may talk to the dog but should not engage in excessive talking, petting, or management attempts (e.g, "there, there, it's alright").
