Working Dog Suitability Test (WDST) http://acal-atan.com/
WORKING DOG SUITABILITY TEST IS FOR ALL BREEDS no Hip Score Required
WDST I
OBEDIENCE/TEMPERAMENT/PROTECTION
Start: On lead the dog will start at the handlers left side in a controlled manner, On the Judges signal begin Healing 15 paces,
make a left turn & Heal 10 paces, come to a stop, your dog should stop with you or sit.
**If the dog wonders around that is a fail.
On Judges signal: Begin to heal 10 paces, right turn and continue to HEAL 15 paces coming to a stop, your dog should stop with you or sit.
** If the dog wonders around that is a fail. No verbal commands No leash corrections
On Judges signal: Sit or down your dog
On Judges signal: Leave your dog & walk away 25 paces, turn & face your dog, This is a 2 minute down stay. After the 2 minutes the judge will command you to recall your dog. The dog should not break his stay.
**If he does that is a fail. The dog should also recall promptly and happily. ** If the dog can’t pass the obedience portion
there is no need to continue.
Introduction to stranger 1: Immediately following that, a stranger will approach the handler and he will have a brief conversation with you ignoring the dog. The purpose of this subtest is to evaluate the dog’s reaction to socialization and test the dog’s protective instinct.
**The dog should not show signs of aggressiveness or shyness.
Introduction to stranger 2: After that, another stranger will approach the dog, he will be friendly and this stranger will ask if he can pet your dog.
**The dog should remain friendly and happy to be petted not shy or aggressive.
Willingness to defend: Immediately following, you and the dog will walk towards a blind at approx. 10ft from the blind a decoy will jump out at you and your dog. The dog has to get in front of the owner and show he will defend but does not have to bite.
**He just has to show he will protect if the decoy gets too close. Hiding behind the owner is a fail trying to run away is a fail
The Confrontation: After 2 or 3 seconds the decoy will take off running for approx 30 or 40 paces, the dog will then be let
go. The dog has to immediately run the decoy down. When the dog gets approx 10 paces away from the decoy he will
turn to face the dog and confront him with a stick. The dog must bite and hold the sleeve while being worked for a 2
or 3 seconds. There will be no stick hits but he can be threatened with a stick. Once the judge gives the command you can go collect your dog. He does not have to out.
**Any hesitance in chasing the decoy down or not biting the decoy results in a fail. The dog must hold the bite the full 2 or 3 seconds, no rebites. Certificates will be given out for dogs that pass this test.
WORKING DOG SUITABILITY TEST IS FOR ALL BREEDS WDST II
OBEDIENCE/TEMPERAMENT/PROTECTION
WDST II Rules, Exercises, Desired Behaviors
Rules
The entire test is done off leash until the handler is instructed to put their leash on their dog. You and your dog enter the testing area and report into the judge. The judge will then check paper work with you. Your name, your dogs name, and your dogs age. The judge may aslo ask you if your dog has automatic finishes or comes to a front and then you give a finish command. This would also be the time to tell the judge of any other differences in your routine I.E. your dog heels on right side, different commands, etc… At this time the judge will instruct you to remove your leash. You may either strap your leash around your body or put your leash in your pocket. At no time can the leash be dangling or be used in a threatening manner towards the dog. The dogs general outlook and attitude will be taken in consideration when testing as well. A team has to haved passed the WDST 1 to be eligible to try the WDST 2. This test is made of per-determined
obediencepatterns and attacks on the team. It was designed to show the control and to show the natural behavior traits of the Cane Corso. THIS IS A PASS or FAIL TEST. You will however be critiqued on each exercise on how the team performed. The critique will include
Excellent, Very Good, Average, Fair, Poor for each exercise.
Exercise- Heeling
Start line. The team will walk to the start line that is clearly marked out.
The judge will signal to begin heeling.
1 command of heel may be given after every stop.
No commands to sit may be given at the stop.
Heel 10 paces forward
Make sharp left turn
Heel 5 paces
Stop with dog stopping at your heel or your dog may do a stop sit.
The judge will signal you again to begin heeling.
Heel 5 paces
Make a tight right turn
Heel 10 paces
Stop with dog stopping at your heel or your dog may stop and sit.
Desired Behavior- In all heeling exercises the dog should be attentive and very aware of what the handler is doing at all times.
If the dog is not attentive or wanders off from the handler at any time (more than 1 meter) the test will be over and you will fail.
The judge may give 1 warning to get control of your dog however it is at their discretion.
The handler looks forward and the dog looks at the handler.
The judge may allow you to continue to “practice” the routine however the test will be over at that time.
The judge may ask you to finish the test on leash however.
Exercise- Long Absence
On Judges signal LEAVE your dog at absence line
Walk to designated area out of dogs site and remain there for 2 minutes.
Clock does not start until you are out of sight not when you leave your dog.
The dog should not break his stay.
After 2 minutes the judge will have come out and recall your dog.
The dog should recall to the position you stated to the judge during your check in.
The dog should also recall promptly and happily.
Desired Behavior
Dog is given 1 command and performs command first time.
Dog may shift but may not move out of position given by handler.
If dog breaks position, this will result in a fail.
Dog should be comfortable when in position.
Dog recalls to position previously stated to judge.
If dog does not recall to that position it will not be a fail but will be reflected on general outlook of exercise.
Exercise- Friendly Strangers
Strangers- they should be opposite sex and should be average people not overtly large or overtly small people just average everyday people.
The judge will instruct you to a designated area.
2 strangers will come out and encounter you and your dog.
The first stranger will come up and shake your hand and pay no attention to your dog.
The second stranger will talk to you and then ask if he/she may pet your dog.
Desired behavior- your dog is accepting of both strangers but does not have to be friendly but tolerant of both.
Disqualifying behavior- your dog aggressively goes after or bites either stranger.
Defense Exercises Controlled Biting
(A maximum of 5 out commands for ALL of the defense exercises are allowed anything over 5 will result in a FAIL)
The dogs name and a release command is acceptable on all defense exercises.
You can request a suit or a sleeve for all exercises.
Exercise- Distance Defense
Judge will instruct handler to leave your dog in a sit or down.
Handler will walk towards a blind or hiding spot. No longer than 40 feet away.
When handler is parallel to the hiding spot the attacker(decoy) will attack the handler.
At this time the dog is allowed to engage the attacker.
No commands are allowed to be given to the dog.
Engaging attacker swiftly and with prejudice.
The attacker will then “catch” the dog, threaten the dog verbally and physically.
The attacker may try to get your dog off of the bite by driving the dog as well hitting the dog with a padded stick minimum 2 times maximum 5 times. The judge will tell the attacker to stop the threat.
The judge will then instruct the handler to “OUT” their dog.
The dog must out promptly and guard the attacker. A sit or down command may be given for the attackers safety.
The judge will then instruct the handler to come “pick up” the dog from guarding.
A heel command should be given when proceeding on to the next exercise.
Desired behavior- The dog recognizes the handler being attacked and engages the attacker with extreme prejudice.
Dog handles all pressure given by the attacker with no problems. The dog is told to out and the dog stops engaging the attacker however does not back away from the attacker at all but stays with barking but barking is not necessary.
The dog should never taking it eyes off of the attacker.
The handler then comes up and gives a heel command to the dog and the dog either backs up to the heel position or breaks away and comes back to a heel next to the handler.
Failure to engage or stay engaged on the attacker will result in a FAIL.
Any re-attacks will be judged on a case by case basis but may cause you to fail as well.
Dog leaves absence line to engage helper too soon, will be dealt with on a case by case basis but may result in a fail.
Exercise- Attack Out of Crowd
Handler will approach a crowd with minimum of 6 people with dog in heel position.
1 of the people in the crowd that will be slightly hidden amongst the crowd will have a bite suit on.
After walking by the group of people the team will be attacked from behind
The dog should engage the the attacker swiftly and promptly.
The attacker will pressure the dog with a rattle stick with a minimum of 2 hits and maximum of 5 hits.
The judge will then instruct the attacker to stop.
The judge will then tell the handler to “OUT” the dog.
The dog should “out” and then begin to guard the attacker.
The judge will then instruct the handler to go up and put the leash o their dog.
A sit command may be given to the dog when approaching to put the leash on for attacker safety.
Desired Behavior-
Team shows controlled heeling and indifference to the crowd with the attacker in it.
Dog engages attacker with extreme prejudice and is not responsive to the pressure applied.
Dog lets go of attacker when told.
Dog stays with attacker for guarding with barking but barking is not required.
Dog waits and accepts that he handler will come up and put leash on dog.
Failure to engage or stay engaged on the attacker will result in a FAIL.
Any re-attacks will be judged on a case by case basis but may cause you to fail as well.
Exercise-Finish Attack- flat collar required for this part of the test.
Team is heeling off of field on leash.
Team reaches designated area.
Attacker in chair appears to not be paying attention to team and then jumps up and attacks team verbally with stick.
Handler drops leash and allows dog to engage attacker.
Attacker threatens dog verbally and with stick but does not to need to hit the dog.
Judge instructs handler to go and pick up leash.
The dog is then given the out command and the dog must out the sleeve then pay attention to the attacker without showing major desire to only have sleeve.
A single command to heel, down, sit, or leave it may be given to gain control of the dog.
Judge will tell handler test is over and the team leaves the testing area.
Desired behavior-
The heeling is as good if not better than what it was without a leash.
Dog engages attacker with extreme prejudice.
The attacker yells at dog while biting and tries to make the dog come off.
The dog bites harder and deeper without coming off or even being effected by the threats.
The handler walks up and grabs the leash and the attacker slips the sleeve.
The dog lets go of sleeve and re-focuses their attention on the attacker with barking and showing defense.
This is not required but may affect an over all pass or fail.
After the control command is given dog performs command promptly and with no corrections or repeating.
Failure to engage or stay engaged on the attacker will result in a FAIL.
Any re-attacks will be judged on a case by case basis but may cause you to fail as well.
The test may be taken once at a 1 day event. In the case of a 2 day event the test may be given the second day if time allows.
WDST I
OBEDIENCE/TEMPERAMENT/PROTECTION
Start: On lead the dog will start at the handlers left side in a controlled manner, On the Judges signal begin Healing 15 paces,
make a left turn & Heal 10 paces, come to a stop, your dog should stop with you or sit.
**If the dog wonders around that is a fail.
On Judges signal: Begin to heal 10 paces, right turn and continue to HEAL 15 paces coming to a stop, your dog should stop with you or sit.
** If the dog wonders around that is a fail. No verbal commands No leash corrections
On Judges signal: Sit or down your dog
On Judges signal: Leave your dog & walk away 25 paces, turn & face your dog, This is a 2 minute down stay. After the 2 minutes the judge will command you to recall your dog. The dog should not break his stay.
**If he does that is a fail. The dog should also recall promptly and happily. ** If the dog can’t pass the obedience portion
there is no need to continue.
Introduction to stranger 1: Immediately following that, a stranger will approach the handler and he will have a brief conversation with you ignoring the dog. The purpose of this subtest is to evaluate the dog’s reaction to socialization and test the dog’s protective instinct.
**The dog should not show signs of aggressiveness or shyness.
Introduction to stranger 2: After that, another stranger will approach the dog, he will be friendly and this stranger will ask if he can pet your dog.
**The dog should remain friendly and happy to be petted not shy or aggressive.
Willingness to defend: Immediately following, you and the dog will walk towards a blind at approx. 10ft from the blind a decoy will jump out at you and your dog. The dog has to get in front of the owner and show he will defend but does not have to bite.
**He just has to show he will protect if the decoy gets too close. Hiding behind the owner is a fail trying to run away is a fail
The Confrontation: After 2 or 3 seconds the decoy will take off running for approx 30 or 40 paces, the dog will then be let
go. The dog has to immediately run the decoy down. When the dog gets approx 10 paces away from the decoy he will
turn to face the dog and confront him with a stick. The dog must bite and hold the sleeve while being worked for a 2
or 3 seconds. There will be no stick hits but he can be threatened with a stick. Once the judge gives the command you can go collect your dog. He does not have to out.
**Any hesitance in chasing the decoy down or not biting the decoy results in a fail. The dog must hold the bite the full 2 or 3 seconds, no rebites. Certificates will be given out for dogs that pass this test.
WORKING DOG SUITABILITY TEST IS FOR ALL BREEDS WDST II
OBEDIENCE/TEMPERAMENT/PROTECTION
WDST II Rules, Exercises, Desired Behaviors
Rules
The entire test is done off leash until the handler is instructed to put their leash on their dog. You and your dog enter the testing area and report into the judge. The judge will then check paper work with you. Your name, your dogs name, and your dogs age. The judge may aslo ask you if your dog has automatic finishes or comes to a front and then you give a finish command. This would also be the time to tell the judge of any other differences in your routine I.E. your dog heels on right side, different commands, etc… At this time the judge will instruct you to remove your leash. You may either strap your leash around your body or put your leash in your pocket. At no time can the leash be dangling or be used in a threatening manner towards the dog. The dogs general outlook and attitude will be taken in consideration when testing as well. A team has to haved passed the WDST 1 to be eligible to try the WDST 2. This test is made of per-determined
obediencepatterns and attacks on the team. It was designed to show the control and to show the natural behavior traits of the Cane Corso. THIS IS A PASS or FAIL TEST. You will however be critiqued on each exercise on how the team performed. The critique will include
Excellent, Very Good, Average, Fair, Poor for each exercise.
Exercise- Heeling
Start line. The team will walk to the start line that is clearly marked out.
The judge will signal to begin heeling.
1 command of heel may be given after every stop.
No commands to sit may be given at the stop.
Heel 10 paces forward
Make sharp left turn
Heel 5 paces
Stop with dog stopping at your heel or your dog may do a stop sit.
The judge will signal you again to begin heeling.
Heel 5 paces
Make a tight right turn
Heel 10 paces
Stop with dog stopping at your heel or your dog may stop and sit.
Desired Behavior- In all heeling exercises the dog should be attentive and very aware of what the handler is doing at all times.
If the dog is not attentive or wanders off from the handler at any time (more than 1 meter) the test will be over and you will fail.
The judge may give 1 warning to get control of your dog however it is at their discretion.
The handler looks forward and the dog looks at the handler.
The judge may allow you to continue to “practice” the routine however the test will be over at that time.
The judge may ask you to finish the test on leash however.
Exercise- Long Absence
On Judges signal LEAVE your dog at absence line
Walk to designated area out of dogs site and remain there for 2 minutes.
Clock does not start until you are out of sight not when you leave your dog.
The dog should not break his stay.
After 2 minutes the judge will have come out and recall your dog.
The dog should recall to the position you stated to the judge during your check in.
The dog should also recall promptly and happily.
Desired Behavior
Dog is given 1 command and performs command first time.
Dog may shift but may not move out of position given by handler.
If dog breaks position, this will result in a fail.
Dog should be comfortable when in position.
Dog recalls to position previously stated to judge.
If dog does not recall to that position it will not be a fail but will be reflected on general outlook of exercise.
Exercise- Friendly Strangers
Strangers- they should be opposite sex and should be average people not overtly large or overtly small people just average everyday people.
The judge will instruct you to a designated area.
2 strangers will come out and encounter you and your dog.
The first stranger will come up and shake your hand and pay no attention to your dog.
The second stranger will talk to you and then ask if he/she may pet your dog.
Desired behavior- your dog is accepting of both strangers but does not have to be friendly but tolerant of both.
Disqualifying behavior- your dog aggressively goes after or bites either stranger.
Defense Exercises Controlled Biting
(A maximum of 5 out commands for ALL of the defense exercises are allowed anything over 5 will result in a FAIL)
The dogs name and a release command is acceptable on all defense exercises.
You can request a suit or a sleeve for all exercises.
Exercise- Distance Defense
Judge will instruct handler to leave your dog in a sit or down.
Handler will walk towards a blind or hiding spot. No longer than 40 feet away.
When handler is parallel to the hiding spot the attacker(decoy) will attack the handler.
At this time the dog is allowed to engage the attacker.
No commands are allowed to be given to the dog.
Engaging attacker swiftly and with prejudice.
The attacker will then “catch” the dog, threaten the dog verbally and physically.
The attacker may try to get your dog off of the bite by driving the dog as well hitting the dog with a padded stick minimum 2 times maximum 5 times. The judge will tell the attacker to stop the threat.
The judge will then instruct the handler to “OUT” their dog.
The dog must out promptly and guard the attacker. A sit or down command may be given for the attackers safety.
The judge will then instruct the handler to come “pick up” the dog from guarding.
A heel command should be given when proceeding on to the next exercise.
Desired behavior- The dog recognizes the handler being attacked and engages the attacker with extreme prejudice.
Dog handles all pressure given by the attacker with no problems. The dog is told to out and the dog stops engaging the attacker however does not back away from the attacker at all but stays with barking but barking is not necessary.
The dog should never taking it eyes off of the attacker.
The handler then comes up and gives a heel command to the dog and the dog either backs up to the heel position or breaks away and comes back to a heel next to the handler.
Failure to engage or stay engaged on the attacker will result in a FAIL.
Any re-attacks will be judged on a case by case basis but may cause you to fail as well.
Dog leaves absence line to engage helper too soon, will be dealt with on a case by case basis but may result in a fail.
Exercise- Attack Out of Crowd
Handler will approach a crowd with minimum of 6 people with dog in heel position.
1 of the people in the crowd that will be slightly hidden amongst the crowd will have a bite suit on.
After walking by the group of people the team will be attacked from behind
The dog should engage the the attacker swiftly and promptly.
The attacker will pressure the dog with a rattle stick with a minimum of 2 hits and maximum of 5 hits.
The judge will then instruct the attacker to stop.
The judge will then tell the handler to “OUT” the dog.
The dog should “out” and then begin to guard the attacker.
The judge will then instruct the handler to go up and put the leash o their dog.
A sit command may be given to the dog when approaching to put the leash on for attacker safety.
Desired Behavior-
Team shows controlled heeling and indifference to the crowd with the attacker in it.
Dog engages attacker with extreme prejudice and is not responsive to the pressure applied.
Dog lets go of attacker when told.
Dog stays with attacker for guarding with barking but barking is not required.
Dog waits and accepts that he handler will come up and put leash on dog.
Failure to engage or stay engaged on the attacker will result in a FAIL.
Any re-attacks will be judged on a case by case basis but may cause you to fail as well.
Exercise-Finish Attack- flat collar required for this part of the test.
Team is heeling off of field on leash.
Team reaches designated area.
Attacker in chair appears to not be paying attention to team and then jumps up and attacks team verbally with stick.
Handler drops leash and allows dog to engage attacker.
Attacker threatens dog verbally and with stick but does not to need to hit the dog.
Judge instructs handler to go and pick up leash.
The dog is then given the out command and the dog must out the sleeve then pay attention to the attacker without showing major desire to only have sleeve.
A single command to heel, down, sit, or leave it may be given to gain control of the dog.
Judge will tell handler test is over and the team leaves the testing area.
Desired behavior-
The heeling is as good if not better than what it was without a leash.
Dog engages attacker with extreme prejudice.
The attacker yells at dog while biting and tries to make the dog come off.
The dog bites harder and deeper without coming off or even being effected by the threats.
The handler walks up and grabs the leash and the attacker slips the sleeve.
The dog lets go of sleeve and re-focuses their attention on the attacker with barking and showing defense.
This is not required but may affect an over all pass or fail.
After the control command is given dog performs command promptly and with no corrections or repeating.
Failure to engage or stay engaged on the attacker will result in a FAIL.
Any re-attacks will be judged on a case by case basis but may cause you to fail as well.
The test may be taken once at a 1 day event. In the case of a 2 day event the test may be given the second day if time allows.
