1.    Socialising with an unknown dog

•    Aim:  The dog should show controllability in the proximity of other dogs over shyness and aggressiveness are not acceptable behaviours.

•    How to test:  The dog should be approached by another leashed dog, then both handlers should let the dogs greet each other, and then move forward together for at least ten steps after which both handlers can move towards separate directions.  For test purposes the dog that helps in this exercise should be a calm submissive dog and ideally of opposite sex than the one being tested.  It is always at the discretion of the judge to choose dogs but handler can address any issue before the exercise begins.

•    Expected Outcome:  Dog should calmly greet the newcomer then move forward with owner accompanied with the new handler and dog by their side.

•    Points management:  2 points are lost each time the handler corrects the dog not to be shy/aggressive.  This correction can only be carried out twice. If this is failed test could be repeated at a later date. Three points are lost if dog is unruly during walk.

2.    Controlled walk

•    Aim:  It’s always a pleasure to go for a walk with your dog without being pulled or without having to pull your dog around.  A controlled walk shows respect and trust from the dog towards his owner.

•    How to test: Dog should be kept on leash throughout this exercise while together with his owner they walk in a square shape with a minimum of 10 steps on each side.  The dog should follow the owner’s lead without pulling whilst staying on one side of the handler.  The owner should alternate between Normal – Slow – Fast – Normal pace.

•    Expected Outcome:  Dog should walk besides owner without staying much behind or pulling in front.  The dog should not change direction or side and should keep up with the instructions put forward.

•    Points management:  2 points will be deducted each time the dog tries to change direction or pulls towards a different location.  2 points will be deducted each time the dog changes side whilst walking. Also 2 points will be deducted if the dog keeps much of a distance from him owner.

3.    Down/Stay for 5 seconds with concluding recall to owner

•    Aim:  Here the dog is tested on two fold, first on the ability to wait in a given position and secondly the rejoin handler when called.

•    How to test:   Handler walks the dog on leash to a point indicated by the examiner.  At this point the dog is placed on down position, leash is removed and handler moves forward 8 steps and then turns to face the dog. After 10 seconds dog is called to join owner. The dog may sit in front or turn on heel immediately.

•    Expected Outcome:  In none of the situations we are seeking an excellent polished finish as this will be tackled in T3. The aim here is to establish the foundations of obedience, control and a good solid relationship between handler and dog.

•    Points management:  1 point will be deducted if the dog doesn’t go down immediately. If the dog stands up without any instruction further 2 points will be deducted. For every recall command given, to which the dog doesn’t obey, 2.5 points will be deducted each time.