Posted by SandhillsABchick
on June 26, 2009, 12:57 am, in reply to "How would you test..."
216.218.71.90
I think certain tests should be done before you get the dog. Really, I would look for a stable minded dog that can go anywhere and be around anyone. In other words, a dog with good nerve and is under control. He doesn't have to like everyone but must be stable enough to be around people, other dogs, etc and be under control. If he cant pass this test, shouldn't be doing pp work. Period! If you are looking for a pp dog and aren't looking to compete then a solid grip and such sint really what you are looking for so I wouldn't really even think about the quality of his bite so long as he does it and can hold it.
Since you ask about a dog over a year old I would guess that it has already been started in bitework and OB. But even if it were a raw dog I think stablilty, good nerve,and ability to be controled are key. You can try him on a leash with a stranger approaching in a non-threatening manner. Have them ask you the time or whatever. How does the dog act? Does he watch the guy closely but remain calm or does he jump up and try and get the man? If he goes after the man or acts nervious, does he recover quickly? If he pays close attention to the man but doesn't react, that's a good sign. If he acts up but recovers quickly; that can be worked on. If he turns on or gets overly stressed but can't settle down, might want to find another dog. Ok, if you get the result that you are looking for after this test move on to the following: have a stranger approach in a semi-threatening manner but not directly at the dog. Like someone stomping by, pissed off about something. Judge dogs reaction. Does he watch this stange acting person and stand his ground? Does her fire up? Backdown or not care? If he starts to fire up can he be kept in check since this isn't really a direct threat? If you like what you see here, then have the stranger approach and threaten you and the dog? Does the dog come out to meet this threat? Can you control him? Does he lose his mind? I think ballance is key; a pp dog should have enough nerve to meet a challenge but enough self-control and intelligence to not only put up a display, back it up with a bite if needed, but to return to normal (or at least a lessened state of stress) when the fight/threat is over. You've gotta be able to trust a pp dog around people, other dogs, stange places, etc. so, that is why I think ballance is key. I am not in expert at all. This is just what I have observed and experienced. Others may give you different answers. there are many ways to test a new dog; some ways better than others. Many a good dog has been ruined by early testing in the wrong manner. This is where starting with a good nerved, ballanced dog helps a bunch. Hope this helps.
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