K-9 Patriot

The K9 Patriot course is a great test in K9 behavior and mannerisms as well as testing the owner dog
relationship in training. The dog and owner are put through a series of tests and environments that will be judged
on behavior and attitude. All dogs and all breeds are encouraged to go through the AAPBA K9 Patriot Course.
Young and older owers are also encouraged to participate. This is not an obedience course instead a course
and visual test on how your dog reacts to people and distractions in social environments.

Dogs do not have to be AAPBA or AAPBA 2 registered to take the K9 Patriot Course.
Testing fee of 7 dollars must be paid to K9 Patriot evaluator/judge before oath and
testing begin.

The K9 Patriot Oath (To be read aloud by owner/handler. Owner signature required after reading.)
As a K9 Patriot dog owner, I agree from this day forward being an ambassador of the canine world, which
includes the responsibility of care for my dog's health and quality of life. To continue safely training and
competing my dog with the up most importance on good sportsmanship while encouraging and educating those
around me on the importance of becoming the true canine ambassador: The K9 Patriot.

After signing the K9 Patriot Oath, the owners and their dogs are ready to take the K-9 Patriot Test. The following
test and tasks have to be completed by the dog and owner:

Task 1: Welcoming a K-9 Patriot evaluator
This task demonstrates that the dog will accept a new person. The handler and dog will walk up to the evaluator
in a natural everyday situation as possible and greet the evaluator in a friendly manner, shake hands and engage
in a calm and natural conversation. Your dog must not appear to show any sign of aggression or shyness and
should appear comfortable and relaxed around the evaluator.

Task 2: Excepting evaluator's touch
This task demonstrates that the dog will allow to be touched by the evaluator while in the care of the handler.
With the dog sitting or standing at the handler's side, the evaluator will ask the handler if he/she can pet the dog.
The handler may reassure the dog vocally throughout the touching exercise. The dog must not show any
aggression or shyness.

Task 3:Comand and control exercise
This task demonstrates that the handler is in control and the dog obeys basic dog commands. The evaluator will
have a course set up with different stations or will give verbal commands for you to follow. The commands that
will be given will consist of a; left turn, right turn, stop/halt, sit, down, stay and come commands. During the stay
and come commands the evaluator will have you change to a 20-foot lead. When instructed by the evaluator, the
handler tells the dog to stay and walks forward the length of the line, turns and waits 30 seconds then gives the
command "come". This exercise should leave no doubt to the evaluator that the dog has been lightly trained and
responds to the handler's movement changes and commands. The dog does not have to be perfectly aligned with
the handler and is not required to sit when the handler stops. The handler will use his/her normal tone of voice to
coach, give commands and praise the dog along the way. The evaluator may have you repeat portions of this
exercise if needed at their own discretion.

Task 4: Reaction to every-day situations & distractions
This task demonstrates that the dog can move socially in a normal environment. In this task the dog and handler
will walk through but no closer then five feet by a couple of people positioned apart. After moving around the
people you are required to move around another dog and his owner and finally around another person while
distractive sounds or movements are made. The dog may show signs of curiosity and alertness to strangers
while still maintaining composure and focus. The dog should show no erratic, shy or protective behavior. The
handler can show physical love along with talking, praising and encouragement throughout the test. At any time
the dog should always appear confident and comfortable. During this task the dog should not jump, leap,
springing forward or show any dog aggression. The handler must not have to restrain the dog while being
tested.

Task 5: Supervised separation
This task will cover how a dog reacts when left with a trusted person, and how the dog maintains training and
good manners. Evaluators are encouraged to say something like, "May I watch your dog?" and then receive and
take hold of the dog's leash. The handler will go out of sight for 1 minute. 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. Evaluators may talk to the dog but will not engage in excessive reassurance.

Equipment Handler supplies
1 leash no longer then 4 feet in length
Well-fitting choker style collar made of leather, fabric, or chain

*Note pinch collars, head halters or body harnesses are not permitted along with food, treats or the use of toys, squeaky toys.

The evaluator supplies
A 20-foot lead
Station signs for command & control if signage is used
Arrange for extra assistance & animal needed for the test
K9 Patriot Test Score Sheet

Encouragement
Owners/handlers may use praise, positive reinforcement and encouragement throughout the test. The owner may pet the dog between exercises.

Test & retest requirements
All dogs must complete every aspect of all tasks. Failure to do so will resort in a "non-completion" score and you forfeit your 7-dollar test fee. You may
not re-take the test within seven (7) days of first test. Then you must reapply and pay your 7-dollar test fee again.

Immediate dismissal
Any owner that argues with K9 Patriot evaluator and has a dog that growls, snaps, bites, attacks, or attempts to attack a person or another dog is not a
K9 Patriot and will be dismissed from the test.