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Public Access Test - 1 Day

MSDI - SERVICE DOG – PUBLIC ACCESS TEST

TEST OBJECTIVES

PURPOSE: The purpose of the Public Access Test (PAT) is to ensure that dogs who have public access are stable, well behaved, and unobtrusive to the public. It is to ensure that the client has control over the dog and the team is not a public hazard. This test is NOT intended as a substitute for the skill/task test that should be given by the program. It is to be used in addition to those skill/task tests. It is expected that the test will be adhered to as closely as possible. If modifications are necessary, they should be noted in the space provided at the end of the test.

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DISMISSAL: Any dog that displays any aggressive behavior (growling, bing, raising hackles, showing teeth, etc.) will be eliminated from the test. Any dog that eliminates in a building or shows uncontrollable behavior will be eliminated from the test.

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BOTTOM LINE: The boom line of this test is that the dog demonstrates that he/she is safe to be in public and that the person demonstrates that he/she has control of the dog always.

TESTING EQUIPMENT: All testing shall be done with equipment
appropriate to the needs and abilities of the team. All dogs shall be on leash always except in the vehicle at which me it is optional.

Note: This test is to take place in a public se ng such as a mall where
there are a lot of people and natural distractions. The individual will
handle the dog and can use any reasonable/humane equipment
necessary to ensure his/her control over the dog. The evaluator will
explain the test thoroughly before the actual testing, during which he/she will follow discreetly to observe when not directly interacting with the individual on a test related matter. The only things an evaluator needs are a clip board, an assistant, another dog, a plate with food, and access to a shopping cart.

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The following is also documented during the test.

  • Dogs history (i.e. Rescue, shelter, donation, breeder, etc.)

  • Handlers experience, aptitude and potential.

  • Final Assessment will be one of the following: oDismissed oNeeds oImprovement oMeets Standards oExceeds Standards

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PUBLIC ACCESS TEST

TESTING REQUIREMENT

1. Reacting to other dogs

  • The dog remains in control while a strange dog approaches.

  • The dog remains under control and focused and does not need repeated

  • The dog is calm around other dogs.

2. Reacting to strangers stroking

  • The dog remains in control while a stranger approaches.

  • The dog remains under control around another stranger and another dog.

  • The dog remains under control and focused and does not need repeated corrections.

  • The dog is calm around strangers.

3. Reacting to Crowds

  • The dog remains in control while a stranger approaches.

  • The dog remains under control and focused on the individual and does not need repeated corrections.

  • The dog is calm around strangers.

  • The dog readily adjusts to speed changes.

4. Walking on a loose leash

  • Dog remains in relative heel position • Dog does not strain or forge.

  • The dog stays within the prescribed distance of the individual.

  • The dog ignores the public and remained focused on the individual.

  • The dog readily turns corners.

  • The dog does not have to be tugged or jerked to change direction.

  • The dog readily maneuvers through out quarters.

5. Entry though a doorway

  • The dog waits quietly at the door until commanded to enter.

  • The dog waits on the inside until able to return to the heel position.

6. Sit / Down on command and staying place

  • The dog responds promptly to the command to sit/down.

  • The dog maintains the sit/down-stay while being pet by a stranger.

  • The dog remains unobtrusive and out of the way as much as possible.

  • The dog maintains the proper behavior, ignoring food and being quiet.

7. Coming when called

  • The dog responds readily to the recall command and does not stray away, seek attention form others or trudge slowly.

  • The dog remains under control and focused on the individual.

  • The dog comes within the prescribed distance of the individual

  • The dog comes directly to the individual.

8. Reaction to loud noise

  • If the dog jumps, turns or shows quick startle response, this is fine.

  • The dog does not show fear, aggression or continue to be affected by the
    loud noise.

  • The dog maintains its composure during the noise distraction.

9. Reaction to Shopping Carts

  • The dog remained composed while the shopping cart passed and did not shy away, show signs of fear, etc.

  • The Shopping cart should be pushed normally and reasonable, not dramatically.

  • The dog remained under control around food, not trying to get food and not needing repeated corrections.

10. Reaction to scents

  • The dog remains under control around scents, not trying to get food and not needing repeated corrections.

  • The dog maintains proper behavior, ignoring scents and being quiet.

11. Reacting to food

  • The dog remains under control around food not trying to get food and not needing repeated corrections.

  • The dog maintains proper behavior, ignoring food and being quiet.

12. General behavior

  • When the dog does well the person praises the dog.

  • The dog is relaxed, confident and friendly

  • The person keeps the dog under control

13. Dogs History (i.e. Rescue, Shelter, Donation, Breeder, etc.)

14. Applicants Experience, Aptitude and Potential as a Handler

15. Assessors Comments

16. Final Grade

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