POLICE SERVICE DOGS
The purpose of testing is to measure the dogs potential, not its training. Any time you are in doubt on whether to take a dog you just tested, we recommend you test it again on another day.
NEVER test a dog on its home turf.
I have used a variety of different tests over the years. At one time I used the PSP or Polizeischutzhundprufung test but the caliber of dogs that were available to me, usually did not pass the test. To begin with, the dog must wear a muzzle, that alone will inhibit dogs from performing or at least at their full potential. I'm not against the test because it expects a high standard.
On the first test is the only test the dog is not wearing a muzzle. The dog is staked out by itself on a 10-15 foot lead. A stranger, wearing a sleeve, approaches the dog in a threatening manner, the dog should engage the stranger when they are able to. During the fight the dog will be hit once with a flexible stick.
The second test is an apprehension, the dog is wearing a muzzle. Handler and dog onlead, are walking when the evaluator fires two shots. The dog team should continue walking and a stranger suddenly appears out of hiding and attacks the handler. During the fight, the stranger strikes the dog with a flexible stick. After a moment the evaluator will tell the handler to take control of his dog. No contact between the handler and the stranger are permitted.
The third test, in muzzle, is the courage test. A person threatens the dog from a distance of 50 yards and then runs off. The dog is sent after the person has run 40 yards, the handler remains in place. When the dog is halfway, the person turns and charges at the dog yelling. The person will continue running (just before contact is to be made the person will actually be backing up to avoid serious injury to the dog) until contact is made. The person will vigorously fight the dog.
The fourth test, in muzzle, the handler holds the dog the stranger starts to run away. When the person is 40 yards away the dog is sent and the handler remains at the point of release. The person continues to run even after the dog hit him.
In the fifth test, the handler is holding the dog when a person steps out from a position about 150 feet away. The person yells and attracts the dogs attention and then runs and hides a short distance away. As soon as the person is no longer in sight the dog is sent to locate the person who will remain completely motionless upon detection.
In the PSP test you are looking at the following reactions from the dog
TEST ONE
- How does the dog react when it first sees the stranger
- Does the dog engage the stranger with a solid bite on the sleeve
- Does the dog growl during the bite
- Does the dog continously regrip the sleeve during the bite
- Does the dog remain on the sleeve after being hite with the site
- Does the dog attempt to push with its front paws or back legs
- How are the dogs ears, tail, hackles during the fight
TEST TWO
- How does the dog react to the sound of gunfire, ears, tail
- How does the dog react when it first sees the stranger
- Does the dog immediately engage the attacker
- What part of the body does the dog hit
- Does the dog drop lower after a moment and fight the attackers ankle area
- Does the dog growl during the fight
- What does the dog when the stick is used
- Does the fight remain the same or less
TEST THREE
- How fast does the dog run to engage the attacker
- What does the dog just prior to engaging the attacker, slow down, go to the side
- What part of the body does the dog hit
- Does the dog continue to try and hit the attacker
- Does the dog drop lower and fight the attacker ankle, leg area
TEST FOUR
- How fast does the dog run to engage the person
- Where does the dog hit the person
- Does the dog continue to hit the person even though they continue running
- What does the dog do after 20 seconds and the person is still running
TEST FIVE
- How fast does the dog run to the last place the person was standing
- How does the dog search
- What does the dog do when they find the motionless person
- Does the dog stay with the person
- Is the dog concerned that the handler is not around
You can download a copy of the actual PSP test, Selecting Police Service Dogs or Handlers, courtesy of Wendell Nope by clicking here
Patrol Dog selection tests look to evaluate the following traits
- Courage
- Hardness
- Shyness
- Fight Drive
- Guard/Defense Drive
- Hunting Drive
- Air Scenting
- Prey Drive
- Loud noises - Gunfire
FIGHT DRIVE. is defined as the willingness to take the battle to the adversary, under any conditions. We are looking for an 'all-out' commitment from the dog, regardless of the odds. One the reason for a muzzle test is to ensure that the 'true-colors' of the dog are revealed, rather than being masked by artifical means and equipment. Some dogs initially engage an aggressor with a discliplined aim but when it appears their force is not winning the assault, their talent will wean. They came for a scrimmage and it turned into a battle, which is more then they bargained for. Even during bite work you would like to see a dog who pushes the agitator around the field, rather than vice a versa.
Whether you expand your testing any further, you might want to consider these
- Slick Floors
- Swinging bridge, playground obstacles
- Night time, dark alley, loud noises, people running
- Heeling through crowded mall, by busy traffic intersection, train station, airport, bus station,
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