Courtesy of TDI some organizations may very.
AKC CGC TEST® / PLUS ADDED TDI REQUIREMENTS
* TDI Requirements are displayed in red italics
Test 1: Accepting a Friendly Stranger
This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly
stranger to approach it and speak to the handler in a natural,
everyday situation. The Evaluator and handler shake hands
and exchange pleasantries. The dog must show no sign of
resentment or shyness, and must not break position or try
to go to the Evaluator.
The dog must be tested around medical equipment (such
as a wheelchair, crutches, cane, walker, or other devices
which would ordinarily be found in a facility) to judge
the dog’s reactions to common health care equipment. At
the discretion of the Evaluator, this part of the test
may be included in any of the following tests: 2,3,5 or
9
Test 2: Sitting Politely for Petting
This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly
stranger to touch it while it is out with its handler.
The dog should sit at the handler’s side as the Evaluator
approaches and begins to pet the dog on the head and
body only. The dog may stand in place to accept petting.
The dog must not show shyness or resentment.
Test 3: Appearance and Grooming
This practical test demonstrates that the dog will welcome
being groomed and examined and will permit a stranger,
such as a veterinarian, groomer or friend of the owner,
to do so. It also demonstrates the owner’s care, concern
and sense of responsibility. The Evaluator inspects the
dog, then combs or brushes the dog, and lightly examines
the ears and each front foot.
Test 4: Out For a Walk
(Walking on a Loose Leash)
This test demonstrates that the handler is in control of
the dog. The dog can be on either side of the handler,
whichever the handler prefers. There must be a left turn,
a right turn and an about turn, with at least one stop
in between and another at the end. The dog need not be
perfectly aligned with the handler and need not sit when
the handler stops.
Test 5: Walking Through a Crowd
This test demonstrates that the dog can move about politely
in pedestrian traffic and is under control in public
places. The dog and handler walk around and pass close
to several people (at least three). The dog may show
some interest in the strangers, without appearing overexuberant,
shy or resentful. The handler may talk to the dog and
encourage or praise the dog throughout the test. The
dog should not be straining at the leash.
Test 6: Sit and Down on Command/Staying in Place
This test demonstrates that the dog has training, will
respond to the handler’s command to sit and down, and
will remain in the place commanded by the handler (sit
or down position, whichever the handler prefers). The
handler may take a reasonable amount of time and use
more than one command to make the dog sit and then down.
When instructed by the Evaluator, the handler tells the
dog to stay and walks forward the length of a 20-foot
line. The dog must remain in place, but may change positions.
Test 7: Coming when Called
This test demonstrates that the dog will come when called
by the handler. The handler will walk 10 feet from the
dog, turn to face the dog, and call the dog. The handler
may use encouragement to get the dog to come. Handlers
may choose to tell the dog to “stay” or “wait,” or they
may simply walk away, giving no instructions to the dog
as the Evaluator provides mild distraction (e.g., petting).
Test 8: Reaction to Another Dog
This test demonstrates that the dog can behave politely
around other dogs. Two handlers and their dogs approach
each other from a distance of about 10 yards, stop, shake
hands and exchange pleasantries, and continue on for
about 5 yards. The dogs should show no more than a casual
interest in each other.
Test 9: Reactions to Distractions
This test demonstrates that the dog is confident at all
times when faced with common distracting situations,
such as the dropping of a large book or a jogger running
in front of the dog. The dog may express a natural interest
and curiosity and/or appear slightly startled, but should
not panic, try to run away, show aggressiveness or bark.
Leave-It: The handler with the dog on a loose leash walks
past food on the ground (placed within a distance of three
feet) and, upon command, the dog should ignore the food.
(Please note: TDI does not permit the use of food/treats
during actual therapy dog visits.)
Acclimation to Infirmities: This test demonstrates the
dog’s confidence when exposed to people walking with an
uneven gait, shuffling, breathing heavily, coughing, wheezing
or other distractions which may be encountered in a facility.
Test 10: Supervised Separation
This test demonstrates that a dog can be left with a trusted
person, if necessary, and will maintain its training
and good manners. Evaluators are encouraged to say something
like, “Would you like me to watch your dog?” and then
take hold of the dog’s leash. The owner will go out of
sight for three minutes. The dog does not have to stay
in position but should not continually bark, whine, or
pace unnecessarily, or show anything stronger than mild
agitation or nervousness.
Test 11: Say Hello
The TDI Certified Evaluator will test the willingness of
each dog to visit a person and that the dog can be made
readily accessible for petting (i.e., small dogs can
be placed on a person’s lap or can be held, medium and
larger dogs can sit on a chair or stand close to the
patient to be easily reached.)
The dog must be able to work well around all types of
populations, including children. The dog's behavior around
children must be evaluated during testing. It is important
that during the testing the potential therapy dog and the
children are not in direct contact. This means the dog
can only be observed for a reaction toward playing, running
or in general children present at the testing site. Any
negative reaction by the dog will result in automatic failure.
Negative reaction means a dog showing signs of aggression.
Additional Rules for TDI Testing
1. Dogs must be tested on a plain buckle collar or harness.
Training collars, training harnesses, halties, or any
other corrective devices are not permitted during testing
or visiting as a TDI registered Therapy Dog.
2. Greyhounds are not required to sit for tdi testing. |