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YAY it's official! I passed the test and all the requirements to become an ADBA Safe Dog tester and I plan on having my first test be at the TX ADBA show in 2 weeks. I encourage all to get their dogs tested there are two parts Level 1 and Level 2 testing. I am certified to test Level 1 as of now and I plan on going out to UT to get my Level 2 certification this summer. The level one is very similar to the CGC but IMO a much better test of control. The ADBA is not so lenient on breaking stays and the over all character of the dog and I feel that is important. Here is the break down for both levels, and don;t forget the owners have a test too! The owners have a responsible owners test they have to take in addition!
Safe Dog Program
Safe Dog Program Basic / Advanced
Basic Level I:
The basic level I Safe Dog Program will consist of the Behavior and Training test and the education and post test on the principals of responsible dog ownership. Testing can be done by an ADBA Inc. Safe Dog tester, at a club event, sanctioned show, or venue sponsored by the tester.
Advanced Level II:
The advanced level II test will be comprised of the Temperament Evaluation, Behavior and Training test and the education and post test of the principals of responsible dog ownership. Testing will be done by an ADBA Inc Safe Dog tester/trainer at a club event or a venue sponsored by the tester/trainer.
Dogs can be Safe Dog Certified at the Basic Level I and then at a later date complete the Temperament evaluation to complete the Advanced Level II.
Safe Dog Program Basic Level I:
Level # I Part A: Behavior and Training Test:
The Behavior and training test will consist of nine subsets or exercises to evaluate the dog's behavior, showing respect for his handler as pack leader, steadiness and the handler's ability to control his dog.
Sub-test #1 thru #3 deals with the dog's tolerance of interaction with a neutral and friendly stranger (handler present).
Sub-test #4 thru #6 tests for simple obedience training
Sub-test #7 thru #9 tests for a handler's ability to control the dog experiencing distractions within the test area
The handler may use mild corrections, praise or encouragement during the test, but no treats or props may be used. Sub-tests are scored pass/fail. Dogs must pass all sub-tests to pass this part of the test. If a dog fails any sub-test of Part #1, the handler can elect to have his dog retested completing the entire Behavior and Training test again.
Level # I Part B: Responsible Ownership
The owners and or handlers of the dogs participating in the Safe Dog Program will be given a short presentation or the opportunity to view a short video on Basic Canine Psychology and Responsible Ownership. A written outline will accompany this instruction. After review and time to answer any questions, a true/false, multiple choice exam will be given to participants. We trust that everyone will be achieving a 100% score on this exam after participating in this section of the Safe Dog Program.
Safe Dog Program Advanced Level II:
Level # II Part A: Temperament Evaluation
The temperament portion of the test will be conducted by an ADBA certified tester/trainer that has the energy, knowledge and experience as a canine behaviorist/trainer. The dog's responses to the energy of the tester will enable an assessment of the dog's character, aggression level, intensity, stress level, socialization, recovery time and temperament as being sound or unsound. This portion of the test will be done in an isolated area without the owner of the dog present, so as to be able to determine the inborn temperament of the animal. The temperament evaluation is not done as a means of training or socialization. The tester is attempting to determine the dogs hard wiring of his brain and nervous system, by watching his response as the tester moves through the dog's no threat zone, to his threat zone, then to his dominating zone with suspicious then threatening energy. The instant that the dog backs down (evident by backing up, lying down or trying to flee); the tester will change his energy from threatening to NO threat. The response of the dog with a sound temperament will be a change in its behavior to approach or accept the tester within a short period of time. This is known as recovery time. It is this recovery time that helps the tester evaluate the dog's character, stress level (the level of stress that the dog can tolerate before the dog breaks down) and socialization. A dog that fails to recover, or has a prolonged recovery time would be determined to be unsound in temperament.
The temperament evaluation enables the tester to determine the dog’s ability to evaluate energy in his environment and respond appropriately. As one breeder coined it, “a dog with a good temperament has the natural intelligence to know friend from foe.”
If a dog's temperament is determined to be unsound by the tester at this evaluation, the dog should wait five months before retesting. It would be advisable to contact a canine behaviorist/trainer to structure a program to assist the dog and owner in possible rehabilitation or progression. It is important to understand that a dog is born with its temperament. It is not possible to change temperament. In some instances management of an unsound dog is possible with the right circumstances and willingness of the owner. It is never advisable to use a dog with an unsound temperament in a breeding program, as temperament can be genetically passed to a dog's offspring.
Level # II Part B: Behavior and Training Test
The Behavior and training test will consist of nine subsets or exercises to evaluate the dog's behavior, showing respect for his handler as pack leader, steadiness and the handler's ability to control his dog
Sub-test #1 thru #3 deals with the dog's tolerance of interaction with a neutral and friendly stranger (handler present).
Sub-test #4 thru #6 tests for simple obedience training
Sub-test #7 thru #9 tests for a handler's ability to control the dog experiencing distractions within the test area
The handler may use mild corrections, praise or encouragement during the test, but no treats or props may be used. Sub-tests are scored pass/fail. Dogs must pass all sub-tests to pass this part of the test. If a dog fails any sub-test of Part #1, the handler can elect to have his dog retested at a later time completing the entire Behavior and Training test again. It will not be required to complete the temperament evaluation if the dog successfully passed it the first time.
Level # II Part C: Responsible Ownership
The owners and or handlers of the dogs participating in the Safe Dog Program will be given a short presentation or the opportunity to view a short video on Basic Canine Psychology and Responsible Ownership. A written outline will accompany this instruction. After review and time to answer any questions, a true/false, multiple choice exam will be given. We trust that after participation in this section of the Safe Dog Program all participants will achieve a 100% score on this exam. The responsible ownership portion of the program can be presented to participants by a club officer or member while the trainer is conducting the Level # II Part A Temperament evaluation
Safe Dog Program
Safe Dog Program Basic / Advanced
Basic Level I:
The basic level I Safe Dog Program will consist of the Behavior and Training test and the education and post test on the principals of responsible dog ownership. Testing can be done by an ADBA Inc. Safe Dog tester, at a club event, sanctioned show, or venue sponsored by the tester.
Advanced Level II:
The advanced level II test will be comprised of the Temperament Evaluation, Behavior and Training test and the education and post test of the principals of responsible dog ownership. Testing will be done by an ADBA Inc Safe Dog tester/trainer at a club event or a venue sponsored by the tester/trainer.
Dogs can be Safe Dog Certified at the Basic Level I and then at a later date complete the Temperament evaluation to complete the Advanced Level II.
Safe Dog Program Basic Level I:
Level # I Part A: Behavior and Training Test:
The Behavior and training test will consist of nine subsets or exercises to evaluate the dog's behavior, showing respect for his handler as pack leader, steadiness and the handler's ability to control his dog.
Sub-test #1 thru #3 deals with the dog's tolerance of interaction with a neutral and friendly stranger (handler present).
Sub-test #4 thru #6 tests for simple obedience training
Sub-test #7 thru #9 tests for a handler's ability to control the dog experiencing distractions within the test area
The handler may use mild corrections, praise or encouragement during the test, but no treats or props may be used. Sub-tests are scored pass/fail. Dogs must pass all sub-tests to pass this part of the test. If a dog fails any sub-test of Part #1, the handler can elect to have his dog retested completing the entire Behavior and Training test again.
Level # I Part B: Responsible Ownership
The owners and or handlers of the dogs participating in the Safe Dog Program will be given a short presentation or the opportunity to view a short video on Basic Canine Psychology and Responsible Ownership. A written outline will accompany this instruction. After review and time to answer any questions, a true/false, multiple choice exam will be given to participants. We trust that everyone will be achieving a 100% score on this exam after participating in this section of the Safe Dog Program.
Safe Dog Program Advanced Level II:
Level # II Part A: Temperament Evaluation
The temperament portion of the test will be conducted by an ADBA certified tester/trainer that has the energy, knowledge and experience as a canine behaviorist/trainer. The dog's responses to the energy of the tester will enable an assessment of the dog's character, aggression level, intensity, stress level, socialization, recovery time and temperament as being sound or unsound. This portion of the test will be done in an isolated area without the owner of the dog present, so as to be able to determine the inborn temperament of the animal. The temperament evaluation is not done as a means of training or socialization. The tester is attempting to determine the dogs hard wiring of his brain and nervous system, by watching his response as the tester moves through the dog's no threat zone, to his threat zone, then to his dominating zone with suspicious then threatening energy. The instant that the dog backs down (evident by backing up, lying down or trying to flee); the tester will change his energy from threatening to NO threat. The response of the dog with a sound temperament will be a change in its behavior to approach or accept the tester within a short period of time. This is known as recovery time. It is this recovery time that helps the tester evaluate the dog's character, stress level (the level of stress that the dog can tolerate before the dog breaks down) and socialization. A dog that fails to recover, or has a prolonged recovery time would be determined to be unsound in temperament.
The temperament evaluation enables the tester to determine the dog’s ability to evaluate energy in his environment and respond appropriately. As one breeder coined it, “a dog with a good temperament has the natural intelligence to know friend from foe.”
If a dog's temperament is determined to be unsound by the tester at this evaluation, the dog should wait five months before retesting. It would be advisable to contact a canine behaviorist/trainer to structure a program to assist the dog and owner in possible rehabilitation or progression. It is important to understand that a dog is born with its temperament. It is not possible to change temperament. In some instances management of an unsound dog is possible with the right circumstances and willingness of the owner. It is never advisable to use a dog with an unsound temperament in a breeding program, as temperament can be genetically passed to a dog's offspring.
Level # II Part B: Behavior and Training Test
The Behavior and training test will consist of nine subsets or exercises to evaluate the dog's behavior, showing respect for his handler as pack leader, steadiness and the handler's ability to control his dog
Sub-test #1 thru #3 deals with the dog's tolerance of interaction with a neutral and friendly stranger (handler present).
Sub-test #4 thru #6 tests for simple obedience training
Sub-test #7 thru #9 tests for a handler's ability to control the dog experiencing distractions within the test area
The handler may use mild corrections, praise or encouragement during the test, but no treats or props may be used. Sub-tests are scored pass/fail. Dogs must pass all sub-tests to pass this part of the test. If a dog fails any sub-test of Part #1, the handler can elect to have his dog retested at a later time completing the entire Behavior and Training test again. It will not be required to complete the temperament evaluation if the dog successfully passed it the first time.
Level # II Part C: Responsible Ownership
The owners and or handlers of the dogs participating in the Safe Dog Program will be given a short presentation or the opportunity to view a short video on Basic Canine Psychology and Responsible Ownership. A written outline will accompany this instruction. After review and time to answer any questions, a true/false, multiple choice exam will be given. We trust that after participation in this section of the Safe Dog Program all participants will achieve a 100% score on this exam. The responsible ownership portion of the program can be presented to participants by a club officer or member while the trainer is conducting the Level # II Part A Temperament evaluation
Lissssssssssa... You jusT wON the .. DoOdIE AwARD!!!!! cause your the 
