Philosophy
Through the walking group, the public can expand their knowledge and enhance their understanding, through positive experiences with well socialized Rottweilers with the added aim to break down the discrimination and ignorance associated with misunderstood breeds, incorporating a strong anti BSL message.
The Rottweilers
interacting with the public will be required to pass a suitability test every
two years by an accredited dog trainer or behaviorist to be accepted as a
R.E.A.C.T service dog and they will be identified with a green service cape and
handlers will wear an ID lanyard.
Dogs attending walks that have not been accessed will be identified by a patched bandanna 'In training' badge.
If you have a
Rottweilers suitable to participate in these walks and educations days please
contact us at react@vonderzenn.com
ASSESSMENT GUIDELINES
PLEASE NOTE: Dogs must
not present for the Assessment Test with a metal correction chain
There is no doubt that dogs used in
a public education setting requires high levels of sociability and reliability.
They must also poses a genuine love for people and the temperament to be a
'working' dog. A dog that is inherently shy or fearful is likely to become
stressed in a busy and bustling environment day in and day
out.
Selection of dogs for public
education, therefore, must take into account a dog's innate personality and
temperament. After identifying that a dog has the basic make-up to be a good
'therapy dog' however, training will become the building blocks that ensure your
dog is reliable. Through training, your dog can be socialised to those
circumstances he will encounter in the public, such as wheelchairs or screaming
children! Your dog will need to respond reliably to obedience commands in the
face of these distractions and must be stable enough to manage the occasional
uncertainty that this type of work will no doubt bring.
When considering what skills your
dog may require, ask yourself what he is likely to face in his 'work'. How is he
likely to respond if someone accidentally hurts him? Or if he gets a fright? a
measure of the temperament may be a temperament test. These tests are not
required for registration with most Australian organisations, however if you are
not confident your dog can reach this most basic level of training, it is
strongly recommended that you invest time and effort in training prior to
starting any public education work.
1. ACCEPTING A FRIENDLY STRANGER
This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a stranger to approach it and speak to the handler in a natural, everyday situation.
Evaluator approaches and shakes hands with the handler and acknowledges the dog.
2. SITTING POLITELY FOR PATTING
This exercise is to ensure the dog will be easily accessible and does not jump around or move about while being patted.
The evaluator will be seated during this exercise and the dog should not show any signs of exhuberance or aggressiveness. The dog will welcome being touched on the head, ears and back.
3. GROOMING
Dog must be clean, which includes brushing or combing through the coat. Dog will be assessed for cleanliness, tendency to slobber (appropriate remedy must be attended to by handler), and toenail length. It is suggested the handler should bring a brush so the evaluator can brush the dog’s coat.
4. SIT AND STAY
This test is to show the dog listens to and obeys the handler. The dog should respond to the command to sit and will remain in place while the owner walks to the end of a lead.
5. REACTION TO ANOTHER DOG
To ensure the dog will behave politely around other dogs. Two handlers and their dogs approach, shake hands, exchange pleasantries and continue on. Dogs should show no more than a casual interest in each other. The ability of the owner to handle the dog in this situation is also observed.
6. BEING HANDLED BY A STRANGER
To ensure the dog will maintain its good manners when handled by a person other than its owner.
7. ACCEPTING FOOD
Whilst being evaluated for point 6 above, the evaluator will offer the dog food, which should be taken carefully by the dog.
8. BEHAVING IN A CROWD OF PEOPLE
This exercise will entail walking your dog amongst several people who are standing and talking.
9. OVERALL BEHAVIOUR IN TESTING AREA
A certificate may be withheld if a significant incident is observed in the immediate testing area.
10. REACTION TO DISTRACTIONS
This area of the test will take place on the first walk into a public venue, when the dog will be observed for acceptance of wheelchairs, trolleys, traffic, slippery floors and the general environment.
SUMMARY
1. A pass in the first 9 points of the Evaluation will result in the dog being awarded an Interim approval.
2. A pass in the 10th point of the Evaluation will result in the dog being awarded a Certificate of Achievement an able to wear a service care.
Rules to be observed by handlers when visiting public places, and where appropriate, these points should be adhered to at all times
1. Dog must be on a lead at all times and MUST NOT PULL ON THE LEAD.
2. Dog must be in complete control of handler at all times.
3. Dogs’ toenails must always be clipped and without rough edges which can injure frail skin.
4. Dog should not be a “barker.” The occasional infrequent bark may be acceptable, but consistent barking is not.
5 The dog must always be under close control and especially so If children are present.
6. The handler takes full responsibility and is personally liable for the dog and its actions while in public.
7. A dropping bag must be taken to all events.
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Copyright © 2008 R.E.A.C.T. 2008