Pet Partner certification sample test
(used by Bright & Beautiful Therapy Dogs)

This sample certification analysis is typical of the demonstrated skills required in order for a pet to be approved for use as a Pet Partner. Each of the skills needed to complete the task must be demonstrated—to varying degrees for approval. The handler must be in control of the pet at all times, and, the pet must exhibit predictable responses and behaviors—even when another pet is introduced or when made slightly uncomfortable when touched roughly or bumped accidentally.

A. Initial Meeting
The dog is seated at the handler's left side. The evaluator approaches the dog and handler and stands facing the team from a distance of about 4 feet.

• The evaluator approaches and enthusiastically greets and touches (handshake, pat on the arm, etc) the handler.
• The evaluator asks the dog's name, loudly repeats the dog's name, and then circles the dog and handler.
• The evaluator inspects the dog, petting the dog and touches ears, mouth, paws and tail.
• The evaluator may hug the dog.

Note: This portion of the test is the ideal time for the evaluator to examine the dog for cleanliness, grooming, health, parasites and proper weight. The evaluator should nicely and diplomatically point out potential health problems, excessive weight, and other issues and make helpful suggestions.

B. Cane/Awkward Stranger
The dog is seated at the handler's side, the evaluator approaches with the cane moving erratically with hunched posture, while speaking in an odd voice. The evaluator pats the dog on the head and body and bumps the dog gently with the cane.

C. Socialization
Groups of people (2-5) stand in a gathering. If possible dogs (1-2) are present with the group of people.

• Medical equipment (wheelchair, walker, cane and crutches) is present during this test.
• The dog and handler walk together with a loose lead threading through the group of people.
• The dog may be on either side of the handler.
• The group of people mill around and quietly talk to one another.
• Creating their own heeling pattern, the dog and handler made right, about and left turns while meandering through the gathering of people.
• The dog and handler wander casually through the crowd three times.

D. Food Aggression Pass
The dog is seated next to the handler facing the evaluator. The evaluator drops a piece of food on the floor.

• If possible dogs (1-2) are present with the group of people.
• The evaluator instructs the handler to walk past the food with the dog at the handler's side.
• The handler and dog then turn and while walking back, pick up the piece of food.

E. Walker
While the dog is seated at the handler's side, the evaluator approaches noisily with the walker. The evaluator pats the dog on the head and body and bumps the dog gently with the walker.

F. Training Pass
The handler positions the dog to the left and faces the evaluator. This test is performed with the use of a 20' long line. The handler replaces the leash with the long line and drops the long line to the ground.

• Sit: The evaluator asks the handler to sit their dog. The handler may give more than one command and coax the dog into position. The handler must not force the dog down into a sit with their hand.
• Down: The evaluator asks the handler (lie) down their dog. The handler gives the dog the command to down. The handler may use more than one command. The handler must not force the dog into position with their hand.
• Stay: The evaluator asks the handler to tell the dog to stay (from either a sit or a down-handler preference). The handler gives the dog the command to stay, walks to the end of the long line and waits for the signal to return. The handler returns to the dog. The dog should remain in place while the handler returns to the dog at a normal pace. The handler may tell the dog to stay more than once and if necessary, back away from the dog telling the dog to stay repeatedly. The handler may take a fair period of time, give the dog more than one command to stay and reposition the dog a few times, if they break the stay.
• Come: The evaluator asks the handler to tell the dog to stay (from either a sit or a down-handler preference), walk out to the long line and after a signal from the evaluator, call their dog. The handler gives the dog the command to stay, walks to the long line, turns and after the signal, calls the dog to come. The handler may use more than one command.

G. Canine to Canine Interaction
Two handlers and their dogs approach each other from a distance of about 15 feet, stop speak to each other, turn and line up facing the same direction and walk forward for about 10 feet.

H. Crutches
While the dog is seated at the handler's side, the evaluator approaches with the crutches, as if disabled. The evaluator pats the dog roughly on the head and body and bumps the dog gently with a crutch.

I. Human to Canine Interaction: Stability
A group of people (2-5) stand in a gathering. If possible dogs (1-2) are present with the group of people.

• Medical equipment is not present during this portion of the test.
• The handler and dog team is exposed to the following diversions:
  • The dog and handler walk together with a loose lead threading through the group of people.
  • The dog may be on either side of the handler.
  • A metal bowl is dropped behind the dog and handler.
  • People are loudly laughing, talking and slapping each other on the back.
  • One of the evaluators runs.
  • An evaluator shouts loudly at another evaluator simulating an argument.
  • An umbrella is opened and closed.

J. Working with Other Therapy Dogs
An evaluator/test dog team approaches the handler and dog. The handler and dog are positioned with the dog seated at the handler's side. The evaluator/test dog positions themselves the same way, but facing the handler and dog situated about 5 feet apart. The two teams hold this position for 10 seconds.

The handler/dog team holds their position and the evaluator/test dog team swing around so they line up along side the team being tested (as if doing long sits). The teams hold this position for 10 seconds.

K. Wheelchair
The handler and dog approaches the wheelchair from a distance of about 5 feet. The handler leads the dog up to the wheelchair and encourages the dog to interact with the evaluator. The evaluator gently pets the dog and bumps the dog with the wheelchair.

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