OBEDIENCE CONTROL TEST
This test is to determine if the Search Dog is capable of performing off lead obedience exercises. The test is designed to test the dogs ability and proficiency and the handlers total control over his/her dog.
This test must be passed prior to other certifications being issued.
The Search Dog team will be tested in the following three (3) phases:
1. Heeling phase
2. Walking phase
3. Distance phase
Each phase may be tested in any order and will be judged on a pass/fail basis. All phases will be done under direction of the Evaluator. No cruel or abusive corrections will be displayed at any time. If such is observed the Evaluator will note same and forward to OHIO FEDERATION OF K9 SEARCH TEAMS Headquarters for file information.
HEELING PHASE
The heeling phase of this test will consist of the following exercises:
1. Normal pace
2. Fast pace or double time
3. Slow pace or half step
4. A minimum of two (2) right turns; two (2) left turns; two (2) about turns.
Each leg of the above must be a minimum of thirty (30) feet long. The different phases may be conducted on any leg. On one leg of the course, the team must heel through a group of stationary people, group minimum of three (3).
WALKING PHASE
The handler and dog will begin from the "Finish" position and walk forward together. At a point designated by the Evaluator, the handler will place their dog in a stay position, (sit, down, stand), and continue walking. This is to be done without breaking stride. At a point designated by the Evaluator, the handler, while continuing to walk away from his/her dog, will command his/her dog to heel. The Evaluator will instruct the team to "About Turn" and then to walk forward. At a point designated by the Evaluator, the handler will stay his/her dog, (sit, down, stand), and without breaking stride, will continue walking. At a point designated by the Evaluator, the handler will turn and retrieve his/her dog and return to place of origin. Revision 1: December 14, 2003 Page 10 of 26
DISTANCE PHASE
At a point designated by the Evaluator, the handler will leave his/her dog in a "Stay". At a distance of no less than fifty (50) feet, nor more than seventy five (75) feet the handler will be directed to turn and face his/her dog. At the direction of the Evaluator the handler will complete the following commands:
"Sit and Down" (by VOICE)
"Sit and Down" (by HAND)
Choice and order of command or signals will be at the direction of the Evaluator. The Evaluator will then instruct the handler to recall his/her dog by hand or by voice. At a point prior to reaching the handler, the Evaluator MAY direct the handler to stop his/her dog by voice or by signal. (Note: Stopping the dog may be either by a down, sit or stand command). Upon completion of the "Stop", the Evaluator will direct the handler to recall his/her dog to the "Finish" (heel) position by voice or signal command.
All tests given the Dog Team will be on a pass/fail basis. The Evaluator will determine if the team will be certified upon the completion of the test. The handler and dog will be considered as a team and it is the team who will be certified. If the dog changes handlers, a new team exists and the team will need to be certified.
This certification will be valid for two (2) years from the date of issue once a specific dog/handler team passes the same Obedience Test the second time (i.e. on lead or off lead) the certification is valid for as long as the team is operational.
NOTE 1: If this test is being administered ONLY for certification under the OHIO FEDERATION OF K9 SEARCH TEAMS and not also Certification for NAPWDA (under the examination of a Master Trainer from NAPWDA), then the use of hand signals and drop on recall are not required.
NOTE 2: If this test is being administered ONLY for certification under the OHIO FEDERATION of K9 SEARCH TEAMS, then the following on-leash only provision will apply:
If a search dog works entirely on-leash in the field, then the off leash obedience testing does not apply, and the entire test may be taken on-leash with adjustments made by the Evaluator. In the field, this dog must be deployed on-leash only.
Standards Revision 12/14/03
