WENDELL NOPE
Selecting Handlers
Selecting Service Dogs


Selecting Service Dog Handlers

The selection of a Handler for a Service Dog Unit is, perhaps, the most critical decision to be made. Numerous factors determine the proper selection.

Logistical Ability to Keep the Dog

The officer being considered as a Service Dog Handler must be able to maintain the dog at his/her residence, if Departmental policy dictates. Considerations should be (1)logistics to house/kennel the dog reasonably, (2)logistics to exercise/care for the dog off-duty, including disposal of waste, (3)attitude of family members, and (4)attitude of neighbors.

Motivation to be a Service Dog Handler

The officer being considered as a Service Dog Handler must have an appropriate motivation to be a Service Dog Handler. Proper motivations include (1)desire to be in a specialty field, (2)desire to be more effective in law enforcement, (3)fascinated by dogs' abilities, and (4)enjoy working with dogs. Special caution must be placed on officers who have an excessive amount of excitement towards dogs; such persons are known as "dog-lovers" in the Service Dog community. These persons have occasionally exhibited inhibitions when deploying a dog in situations wherein the dog may sustain an injury. In other words, they have a greater tendency to balk when the dog might get hurt.

Work ethic

The officer being considered as a Service Dog Handler must have a tremendously positive work ethic. S/he must be self-motivated, not require close supervision, a self-starter, able to work independently, and be a willing subordinate. In addition, an officer must be able to maintain this work ethic without constant praise from superiors or peers.

Use of Force Complaints

The officer being considered as a Service Dog Handler must have as clean a record as possible, regarding Use of Force Complaints. Police Service Dogs are instruments which may exhibit force when called upon. No hint of impropriety should be present within an individual handling such an instrument. Professionally, the Handler must be objective when assessing a deployment, and legally, the Handler must be circumspect. Service Dog Handlers are involved in litigation more often than line officers, and are subject to more frequent legal criticism.


Patrol Dog Selection

The selection of a potential Patrol Dog is of paramount importance. In general, the disposition of the patrol Dog should be consistent with the human counterpart - social to law-abiding citizens yet willing to physically engage hostile perpetrators.

Patrol Dog Field Selection Test

This test is most beneficial when conducted at the initial examination of a dog to be considered as a Patrol Dog candidate. It begins with simple exercises and progresses to more difficult. This gives the dog time to develop its drive intensity during the course of the examination. It should be conducted at a location unfamiliar to the dog. Additionally, it may be performed with a muzzled or an unmuzzled dog. If the dog is muzzled, the perpetrator should wear normal clothing that gives no unusual stimulation to the dog If the dog is unmuzzled, the perpetrator should wear protective clothing with as little visual stimulation as possible.

Field Biting Test (always performed unmuzzled)

The dog is tied out on a 10-12 foot chain or cable and the Handler goes completely out of sight. After several minutes a person approaches the dog showing hostile behavior. When directed by the evaluator, the person moves within the dog's perimeter. If the dog bites, the person should shake the dog roughly from side to side. After another few moments, he/she should strike the dog with a flexible stick on the less sensitive parts of the body. Care should be taken not to injure the dog - only inflict pain. The person continues to shake the dog until the evaluator tells the Handler to pick up the dog. The dog is then evaluated according to:

1. Does the dog show interest in combat?
2. Is it secure without the Handler present?
3. Are its ears forward or laid back?
4. Is its tail up and wagging or down and stiff?
5. Does the dog engage in strong combat?
6. Does it "Fight" or merely "Bite?"
7. Are its eyes open or closed?
8. Does it growl or whine during combat?
9. Are its ears forward or laid back?
10. Is its tail up and wagging or down and stiff?
11. What happens when it is struck with the stick?
12. Does it disregard the pain or cease combat?
13. Does it growl or whine?
14. Does it fight harder?
15. Are its ears forward or laid back?
16. Is its tail up and wagging or down and stiff?

Field Handler Defense and Gun Sureness Test

The Handler is instructed to walk a certain direction with the dog on leash. The evaluator will have someone fire several shots (blanks) from a gun as the dog is moving away, at a distance of 50 feet. The shots must be unusually loud. The Handler then continues to walk in the direction stated when a person suddenly charges out from a hiding place to attack the Handler. The person fights with the dog if contact is made. After a few moments of combat the person will strike the dog with a flexible stick on the less sensitive parts of its body. Care is taken not to injure the dog - only to inflict pain. After striking the dog the person continues fighting until the evaluator tells the Handler to pick up the dog. No contact between the Handler and attacker is permitted during the entire encounter. The dog is evaluated according to:

1. What is the dog's behavior when the shots are fired?
2. Is it calm or spooked?
3. Is it merely startled or does it mentally break down?
4. Does it show aggression or genuine fear?
5. When the hostile person jumps out does the dog engage instantly or flee?
6. Does it avoid the person or pause, then engage?
7. When the dog is struck, what is its response?
8. Does it maintain combat or flee?
9. Does it fight harder or less?
10. Does it back off momentarily and fight again?
11. Does it avoid being struck?
12. Does the dog show an overall willingness to endure pain to continue combat?

Field Courage Test

A person stimulates the dog at a distance of about 50 feet. The Handler is instructed to hold the dog while the person runs away at a moderate speed. The Handler may encourage the dog at this time. The evaluator instructs the Handler to send the dog when the person is about 40 yards away and the Handler remains in place. When the dog is about halfway, the person will turn and charge the dog. S/he will yell such things as, "Go Home - Get Back - No - Down." Also, threatening gestures such as when throwing, etc. will be made. This is an attempt to discourage the dog from engaging. The person should continue to charge the dog until contact is made. Then the person will fight with the dog, striking with hands, pulling fur, pinching, kicking, and pushing away. Care should be taken not to injure the dog. The dog is evaluated according to:

1. How fast does the dog run to catch the person?
2. Is it top speed?
3. What does the dog do as it approaches the charging, threatening person?
4. Does it leap forward or slow down?
5. Does it avoid direct contact completely?
6. What part of the body does the dog contact first?
7. What part thereafter?
8. Does the dog show optimal combat behavior, showing intensity to subdue the person?

Field Pursuit Test

The Handler is instructed to hold the dog as the person again runs away at a moderate speed. The Handler may encourage the dog at this point. When the person is about 40 yards away the Handler will send the dog and then remain in place. The person continues to run away even after the dog makes contact. No further stimulation is given and the person ignores the dog. The dog is evaluated according to:

1. How fast does the dog run to catch the person?
2. Is it an "All-Out" effort?
3. What part of the body does the dog contact first?
4. What part thereafter? Does the dog run past the person and engage from the front?
5. Does the dog continue to engage after about 20 seconds, when it realizes it is not affecting the person?

Field Hunting and Holding Test

At a spot designated by the evaluator, the Handler holds the dog. Shortly, a person emerges from a location about 75 yards in front and begins making threatening gestures. The person then turns and runs out of sight, hiding in a place about 30 yards from where s/he appeared. The person will now be completely still. The Handler may encourage the dog as the person runs away. As soon as the person is out of sight, the Handler sends the dog. The dog is evaluated according to:

1. How fast does it run from the Handler towards the last place the person was seen?
2. Is it "All-Out?"
3. Once the dog arrives in the vicinity of the person's disappearance, how does it begin searching?
4. Does it use its eyes, ears, nose, or a combination of these?
5. Which sense is dominant?
6. Does the dog have intensity as it searches?
7. Does it have difficulty locating the person?
8. Is it distracted or lose interest?
9. Does it stop to urinate, etc.?"
10. After finding the person, what does the dog do?
11. Does it stay with the person?
12. Does it Detain or Engage?
13. Is it unconcerned about the Handler's absence?
14. Does it attempt to intimidate the person into combat or merely "Bark & Hold" without genuine combat drive?
15. How much drive is the dog REALLY exhibiting?

Patrol Dog Final Selection Test

This test is most beneficial when conducted after the Field Selection Test. A dog showing appropriate potential in the Field may be taken for a probationary period. Some "Orientation" training may be conducted during this probation. Then, when a final decision is to be made, the Final Selection Test should be given. It begins with difficult exercises and goes to simpler. This tests the dog's abilities in such a way that the Handler/Instructor/Agency may project how successful the dog will be in a formal training program. It should be conducted at a location unfamiliar to the dog. Additionally, it may be performed with a muzzled or an unmuzzled dog. If the dog is muzzled, the perpetrator should wear normal clothing that gives no unusual stimulation to the dog. If the dog is unmuzzled, the perpetrator should wear protective clothing with as little visual stimulation as possible.

Final Hunting and Holding Test

At a spot designated by the evaluator, the Handler holds the dog. Shortly, a person emerges from a location about 75 yards in front and begins making threatening gestures. The person then turns and runs out of sight, hiding in a place about 30 yards from where he/she appeared. The person will now be completely still. The Handler may encourage the dog as the person runs away. As soon as the person is out of sight, the Handler sends the dog. The dog is evaluated according to:

1. How fast does it run from the Handler towards the last place the person was seen?
2. Is it "All-Out?"
3. Once the dog arrives in the vicinity of the person's disappearance, how does it begin searching?
4. Does it use its eyes, ears, nose, or a combination of these?
5. Which sense is dominant?
6. Does the dog exhibit intensity as it searches?
7. Does it have difficulty locating the person?
8. Is it distracted or lose interest?
9. Does it stop to urinate, etc.?"
10. After finding the person, what does the dog do?
11. Does it stay with the person?
12. Does it Detain or Engage?
13. Is it unconcerned about the Handler's absence?
14. Does it attempt to intimidate the person into combat or merely "Bark & Hold" without genuine combat drive?
15. How much drive is the dog REALLY exhibiting?

Final Pursuit Test

The Handler is instructed to hold the dog as the person again runs away at a moderate speed. The Handler may encourage the dog at this point. When the person is about 40 yards away the Handler will send the dog and then remain in place. The person continues to run away even after the dog makes contact. No further stimulation is given and the person ignores the dog. The dog is evaluated according to:

1. How fast does the dog run to catch the person?
2. Is it an "All-Out" effort?
3. What part of the body does the dog contact first?
4. What part thereafter?
5. Does the dog run past the person and engage from the front?
6. Does the dog continue to engage after about 20 seconds, when it realizes it is not affecting the person?

Final Courage Test

A person stimulates the dog at a distance of about 50 feet. The Handler is instructed to hold the dog while the person runs away at a moderate speed. The Handler may encourage the dog at this time. The evaluator instructs the Handler to send the dog when the person is about 40 yards away and the Handler remains in place. When the dog is about halfway, the person will turn and charge the dog. S/he will yell such things as, "Go Home - Get Back - No - Down." Also, threatening gestures such as when throwing, etc. will be made. This is an attempt to discourage the dog from engaging. The person should continue to charge the dog until contact is made. Then the person will fight with the dog, striking with hands, pulling fur, pinching, kicking, and pushing away. Care should be taken not to injure the dog. The dog is evaluated according to:

1. How fast does the dog run to catch the person?
2. Is it top speed?
3. What does the dog do as it approaches the charging, threatening person?
4. Does it leap forward or slow down?
5. Does it avoid direct contact completely?
6. What part of the body does the dog contact first?
7. What part thereafter?
8. Does the dog show optimal combat behavior, showing intensity to subdue the person?

Final Handler Defense and Gun Sureness Test

The Handler is instructed to walk a certain direction with the dog on leash. The evaluator will have someone fire several shots (blanks) from a gun as the dog is moving away, at a distance of 50 feet. The shots must be unusually loud. The Handler then continues to walk in the direction stated when a person suddenly charges out from a hiding place to attack the Handler. The person fights with the dog if contact is made. After a few moments of combat the person will strike the dog with a flexible stick on the less sensitive parts of its body. Care is taken not to injure the dog - only to inflict pain. After striking the dog the person continues fighting until the evaluator tells the Handler to pick up the dog. No contact between the Handler and attacker is permitted during the entire encounter. The dog is evaluated according to:

1. What is the dog's behavior when the shots are fired?
2. Is it calm or spooked?
3. Is it merely startled or does it mentally break down?
4. Does it show aggression or genuine fear?
5. When the hostile person jumps out does the dog engage instantly or flee?
6. Does it avoid the person or pause, then engage?
7. When the dog is struck, what is its response?
8. Does it maintain combat or flee?
9. Does it fight harder or less?
10. Does it back off momentarily and fight again?
11. Does it avoid being struck?
12. Does the dog show an overall willingness to endure pain to continue combat?

Final Biting Test (always performed unmuzzled)

The dog is tied out on a 10-12 foot chain or cable and the Handler goes completely out of sight. After several minutes a person approaches the dog showing hostile behavior. When directed by the evaluator, the person moves within the dog's perimeter. If the dog bites, the person should shake the dog roughly from side to side. After another few moments, he/she should strike the dog with a flexible stick on the less sensitive parts of the body. Care should be taken not to injure the dog - only inflict pain. The person continues to shake the dog until the evaluator tells the Handler to pick up the dog. The dog is then evaluated according to:

1. Does the dog show interest in combat?
2. Is it secure without the Handler present?
3. Are its ears forward or laid back?
4. Is its tail up and wagging or down and stiff?
5. Does the dog engage in strong combat?
6. Does it "Fight" or merely "Bite?"
7. Are its eyes open or closed?
8. Does it growl or whine during combat?
9. Are its ears forward or laid back?
10. Is its tail up and wagging or down and stiff?
11. What happens when it is struck with the stick?
12. Does it disregard the pain or cease combat?
13. Does it growl or whine?
14. Does it fight harder?
15. Are its ears forward or laid back?
16. Is its tail up and wagging or down and stiff?


PATROL DOG SELECTION TEST GRADE SHEET

Dog _______________________ Field Test _____ Final Test _____ Date_______________

Biting Test

Focus on Person...Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient

Initial Impact....Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient

Pain Compliance...Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient

Combat............Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient

Pain Tolerance....Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient

Refocus on Person.Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient

Overall Performance...Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient

Handler Defense/Gunfire

Control.........................Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient
Gunfire.........................Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient
Defense.........................Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient
Initial Impact...............Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient
Pain Compliance.........Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient
Combat.........................Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient
Pain Tolerance.............Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient
Refocus.........................Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient
Overall Performance...Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient

Courage Test

Focus on Person..........Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient
Pursuit.........................Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient
Initial Impact...............Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient
Pain Compliance..........Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient
Combat.........................Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient
Refocus on Person.......Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient
Overall Performance...Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient

Pursuit Test

Focus on Person...........Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient
Pursuit..........................Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient
Initial Impact...............Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient
Pain Compliance.........Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient
Combat.........................Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient
Mental Intimidation....Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient
Refocus on Person.......Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient
Overall Performance...Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient

Hunting/Holding Test

Focus on Person...Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient
Pursuit...Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient
Hunting...Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient
Holding...Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient
Mental Intimidation....Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient
Refocus on Person.......Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient
Overall Performance...Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient

Mental Stability

Slick Floors..................Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient
Umbrella......................Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient
Tight Quarters.............Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient
Darkness......................Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient
Disposition...................Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient

Suitable for Training....Yes...No

Evaluator__________________________________Signature_________________________


Detector Dog Selection Test

This test is most beneficial when conducted at the initial examination of a dog to be considered as a Detector Dog candidate. It reveals the level of working drives, any undesirable qualities, and potential trainability. It is best performed in a location strange to the dog, however, this point is not critical. Objects are used to test the dog's potential. These items should be made of different materials, such as plastic, rubber, wood or textile. If possible, conduct the exercises on a hill or in a ravine, to produce fatigue as soon as possible. The conflict between fatigue and working drives is important to assess.

Test for Prey-Retrieve-Hunting Drives

The Handler should stimulate the dog with one of the objects and throw it 30-40 yards uphill. S/he should immediately release the dog and encourage it to get the object. The dog is evaluated according to:

1. Does the dog show intense interest in the object as it is stimulated?
2. Does it run at top speed to the spot where the object landed?
3. Does it search for the object with its eyes or its nose?
4. Does the dog pounce immediately on the object when it finds it?
5. What does the dog do after getting the object in its mouth?
6. Does it stay off on its own, crushing or chewing or destroying the object?
7. Does it run back to the Handler and give it up willingly?
8. Does it run back to the Handler but refuse to give it up willingly?

The Handler should stimulate the dog with a second object and throw it 30-40 yards uphill. Now, hold the dog's collar for several seconds, release it, and encourage it to get the object. The dog is evaluated according to:

1. Does the dog show intense interest in the object as it is stimulated?
2. What does it do as it is restrained?
3. Does it watch intensely or jump about wildly?
4. Does it lose interest?
5. Does it run at top speed to the spot where the object landed?
6. Does it search for the object with its eyes or its nose?
7. Does the dog pounce immediately on the object when it finds it?
8. What does the dog do after getting the object in its mouth?
9. Does it stay off on its own, crushing or chewing or destroying the object?
10. Does it run back to the Handler and give it up willingly?
11. Does it run back to the Handler but refuse to give it up willingly?

The Handler should stimulate the dog with a third object, go and hide it 30-40 yards uphill, return and take the dog about 10 paces in the opposite direction, and return to the original point. Now, release the dog and encourage it to get the object. The dog is evaluated according to:

1. Does the dog show intense interest in the object as it is stimulated?
2. What does it do as it is restrained?
3. Does it watch intensely or jump about wildly?
4. Does it lose interest when it is moved in the opposite direction?
5. Does it go off task?
6. Does it run at top speed to the spot where the object landed?
7. Does it search for the object with its eyes or its nose?
8. Does the dog pounce immediately on the object when it finds it?
9. What does the dog do after getting the object in its mouth?
10. Does it stay off on its own, crushing or chewing or destroying the object?
11. Does it run back to the Handler and give it up willingly?
12. Does it run back to the Handler but refuse to give it up willingly?

Test for Handler-Object Distractibility

The Handler should stimulate the dog with the fourth object. Then, the dog is restrained as the Handler takes the object 50 yards uphill and hides it. Upon return, the Handler should release the dog and encourage it to get the object. As the dog runs toward the location, the Handler should begin to walk away in the opposite direction. After a considerable distance the Handler may halt. The dog is evaluated according to:

1. Does the dog show intense interest in the object as it is stimulated?
2. What does it do as the Handler goes to hide the object?
3. Does it watch intensely or jump about wildly?
4. Does it lose interest over the time period the Handler is gone?
5. Does it go off task?
6. Does it run at top speed to the spot where the object landed?
7. Does the dog pounce immediately on the object when it finds it?
8. What does the dog do after getting the object in its mouth?
9. Does it stay off on its own, crushing or chewing or destroying the object?
10. Does it run back to the Handler and give it up willingly?
11. Does it run back to the Handler but refuse to give it up willingly?

Test for Food - Water Distractibility

Prior to initiating this test, food should be strategically placed in one spot and water in another. Neither should be clearly visible. They are best positioned opposite of each other, perhaps 50 yards apart. In a ravine, they are best placed on opposite sides. Now, the Handler should bring the dog to the midpoint and stimulate it with an object. The Handler should toss the object just beyond the food. It should come to rest very nearby but beyond the food. This is important. When the object is properly in place, the Handler should release the dog and encourage it to get the object. The dog is evaluated according to:

1. Does the dog show intense interest in the object as it is stimulated?
2. Does it run at top speed to the spot where the object landed?
3. Does the dog pounce immediately on the object when it finds it?
4. Is it distracted by the food?
5. Does it go off task?
6. If so, is it temporary or completely?

Now, the Handler should bring the dog back to the midpoint and stimulate it with another object. The Handler should toss the object just beyond the water. It should come to rest very nearby but beyond the water. This is important. When the object is properly in place, the Handler should release the dog and encourage it to get the object. The dog is evaluated
according to:
1. Does the dog show intense interest in the object as it is stimulated?
2. Does it run at top speed to the spot where the object landed?
3. Does the dog pounce immediately on the object when it finds it? 4. Is it distracted by the water?
5. Does it go off task?
6. If so, is it temporary or completely?

Test for Mental/Physical Endurance

Prior to initiating this test, a spot should be designated to place an object where it will not be physically accessible to the dog. The object should be clearly visible, yet secure, when placed. Now, the Handler should bring the dog about 30 yards from the site. S/he should stimulate the dog with the object and then go put it in place. The dog should be restrained at the starting point as this is done. Once the object is in place, the Handler should return to the dog. Now, the Handler should release the dog and encourage it to get the object. The Handler should remain in place. The dog is evaluated according to:

1. Does the dog show intense interest in the object as it is stimulated?
2. Does it run at top speed to the spot where the object is placed?
3. Does the dog focus immediately on the object when it finds it?
4. What does it do when it discovers the object is inaccessible?
5. Does it focus intently on the object?
6. Does it try to get to it by digging, scratching, or biting?
7. Does it bark?
8. Does it run back and forth, seemingly frustrated?
9. What happens after two minutes?
10. Does it lose interest?
11. Does it go off task?
12. If so, is it temporary or completely?

The Handler may go to the dog after about two minutes.

Test for Mental Stability

This test is designed to evaluate the mental stability or condition of the dog. It consists of a variety of psychological exercises which reveal strengths and weaknesses.

The Handler should take the dog into a building with slippery floors. The dog's demeanor should be scrutinized as it moves about. The Handler should also stimulate the dog with an object. The dog is evaluated according to:

1. Does the dog's demeanor change when it goes onto the slick floor?
2. Does it become uneasy?
3. Does it become afraid?
4. Does it hug the wall?
5. Do its toes become splayed or does it knuckle-up, trying to dig its nails into the floor?
6. Does its fear lessen when stimulated with the object?

The Handler should take the dog to an open area in which blank gunfire from a .38 caliber firearm may be discharged. The dog should be held on leash as several blank gunshots are fired at 15-second intervals. The dog is evaluated according to:

1. Does the dog's demeanor change when it hears the gunshots?
2. Is its reaction neutral, aggressive, or fearful?
3. Is it Gun-sure, Gun-sensitive, or Gun-shy?
The Handler should take the dog around a group of strangers, immediately after the gunshots. The strangers should move near the dog - if it is safe - and brush against, rub, and touch the dog. The dog is evaluated according to:

1. Does the dog accept and act friendly toward the strangers?
2. Does it act neutral?
3. Does it act aggressive?
4. Does it act fearful?

The Handler should walk with the dog toward a stranger who is holding a spring-loaded umbrella. As they approach the stranger, s/he opens umbrella in the dog's face. The dog is evaluated according to:

1. What does the dog do when the umbrella springs open close to its face?
2. Does it act curious and investigate?
3. Does it act neutral?
4. Does it act aggressive?
5. Does is act fearful?


DETECTOR DOG SELECTION TEST

Dog ________________________________________ Date __________________________

Test for Prey/Retrieve/Hunting Drives

Focus on objects...........Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient
Pursuits........................Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient
Hunting Drive..............Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient
Prey/Retrieve Drive.....Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient
Distractibility...............Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient
Physical Endurance.....Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient
Overall Performance...Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient

Test for Handler/Object Distractibility

Focus on Object...........Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient
Pursuit..........................Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient
Focus on Location.......Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient
Prey/Retrieve Drive.....Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient
Distractibility...............Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient
Feral Tendency............Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient
Sensory Threshold.......Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient
Indication Behavior.....Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient
Overall Performance...Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient

Test for Water/Food Distractibility

Focus on Objects.........Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient
Pursuits........................Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient
Hunting Drive..............Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient
Prey/Retrieve Drive.....Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient
Distraction Water........Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient
Distraction Food..........Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient
Overall Performance...Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient

Test for Mental/Physical Endurance

Focus on Object...........Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient
Pursuit..........................Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient
Mental Endurance.......Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient
Physical Endurance.....Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient
Feral Tendency............Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient
Time of Exercise..........Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient
Indication Behavior.....Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient
Overall Performance...Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient

Test for Mental Stability

Slippery Floor.............Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient
Gunshots......................Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient
Tight Spaces................Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient
Darkness......................Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient
Social Behavior...........Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient
Overall Performance...Superior...Commendable...Typical...Suitable...Improvement...Deficient

Suitable Training...Yes...No

Evaluator ________________________________ Signature __________________________




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