NAWBA Character Test

Welcome to the World's Oldest Club dedicated Exclusively to the Working Bouvier!

Approved April 1999

NAWBA Aptitude/Character/Courage Testing Procedures and Explanations

There are three levels of testing available under the auspices of NAWBA. The first level (Aptitude Test) tests a dog's readiness to defend its handler when threatened. It is also a good way to see if the dog has potential for protection training. The second level (Character Test) is more rigorous and requires a bite but remains a test of potential not of achievement. The third level (Courage Test) is a transitional level between testing for potential and actual titling.

The chart below indicates when each level will be required as a prerequisite for Select designation in NAWBA Conformation events. The dog must have passed the level required for each year of the phase-in period. That is, there is no grandfathering in. For example, a dog presented in a NAWBA conformation event in the year 2005 must qualify as having a title or having passed the Courage Test in order to earn the designation Select.

In all cases, the tests described below, are meant to act as an encouragement to further training and trialing. They are in no way to be construed as a substitute for a Schutzhund, IPO, Ring Sport or other title.

Ultimate oversight of and responsibility for these testing procedures is the responsibility of the NAWBA Board of Directors. Such oversight and responsibility may be delegated by the Board of Directors to a duly constituted committee.

Note that the previously enacted requirement of a BH for going select in conformation remains in effect.

Young dog at the beginning of the Aptitude Test - St. Louis 2007

Test/Title serves as prerequisite to earning the designation of Select	1999	2000, 2001 2002, 2003, 2004	2005 and on
Aptitude Test and BH Minimum age: 1 year	yes	no	no
Character Test and BH Minimum age: 18 months	yes	yes	no
Courage Test and BH Minimum age: 2 years	yes	yes	yes
SchH A or above IPO I or above FR Brevet or above KNPV PH I or above Dogs holding titles, involving protection work, other than those listed immediately above will be considered on an individual basis.	yes	yes	yes

A full description of each test level along with complete guidelines follows.

I. Purposes

A. Perform as an adjunct to breed judges' and onlookers' ability to ascertain if the Bouviers presented for breed judging without working titles demonstrate the minimum required character according to the Franco-Belgian Breed Standard.

B. Eliminate from the possibility of winning a conformation award, those Bouviers who do not demonstrate the minimum allowable character.

C. Gather qualitative and quantitative statistics regarding the results of such character tests.

D. Identify those dogs who have promise in the working arena and encourage their owners to pursue a working title or practical work.

E. Allow dogs not sufficiently prepared for titling to demonstrate minimum working potential at NAWBA events (see chart for requirements for earning the Select designation).

F. In its ultimate form (Courage Test),to ensure that the NAWBA Best of Breed and Select Winners, if not chosen from the working class, have the ability to perform a no-frills courage test at 30 yards with opposition including stick hits from the decoy (a Schutzhund drive or a Ring style face attack opposition).

II. Age Requirements and Procedural Progressions

A. Age and participation requirements.

1. Working Titles. Dogs who have obtained a working title in Schutzhund A or above, IPO I or above, French Ring Brevet or above, Belgian Ring IV or above, KNPV PH I or above, certified Police Apprehension or other recognized titles as they become approved by the NAWBA Board of Directors, are not required to participate in or pass any test level but may, at the owner's discretion, participate for public education and demonstration.

2. Aptitude Test. This requires that the dog be at least 12 months of age. All untitled dogs over one year of age and under two years of age are requested to take the Aptitude Test before attempting a more advanced level. The Aptitude Test is for information gathering and educational purposes. It serves as a prerequisite for earning a Select designation in 1999 only.

3. Character Test. This procedure is for dogs over 18 months of age. As of the year 2000, the successful completion of this test is required for any untitled dog (see chart above) 2 years of age or older to be awarded Select or better in NAWBA conformation judging.

4. Courage Test. This procedure is only for dogs of 2 years or more and will be required for any untitled dog (see chart above) to be awarded select in NAWBA conformation events as of the year 2005.

B. Procedures

1. Handlers will fill out an entry form with their name, address, telephone, dog's name (registered and call), age, sex, status of neutered or not, indication of previous training, testing or titling and a request for a Schutzhund style test or a Ring style test at the Character Test level and the Courage Test level.

2. Equipment for the test:

a. Handlers will have a sturdy 6 foot leash of leather or nylon and a collar that can be adjusted so as not to choke the dog.

b. Decoys will have available a clatter stick, a schlagstock, a rag, a puppy tube, a soft, non-bite bar sleeve, a Ring suit, and a trial sleeve.

c. A gun with suitable blanks as described herein.

d. At least 2 blinds or hiding places.

3. Physical setup for the Aptitude Test and the Character Test

a. Three distinct spots will be marked as stations for these 3-part tests.

b. A spot near the beginning of the test area will be provided where the entrant and dog can stand so that the dog cannot see the decoy enter the blind. Here also, the entrant can verbally confirm the dog's identity for the judge by announcing the name of the entrant and the dog. The judge is not required to touch or inspect the dog.

c. The first station must allow room for a group of 6 to 8 milling people.

d. The second station must allow for ample room around the dog and handler for use of a 6 foot leash and 25 feet from the handler's spot to a blind where the decoy can hide. There must also be sufficient room for the judge to observe the proceedings.

e. The third station will be out of doors and far enough from a building that echoing should not be a problem and will offer the pistol shooter a distance to fire blanks no larger than a .38 load and no smaller than a .22 short load at 45 to 50 feet from the dog.

f. There should be room for an audience far enough away so as not to disturb or distract the dog. The distance used at a Schutzhund trial is appropriate.

4. Procedures for the Aptitude Test

a. Presentation to the judge of handler and dog. This can be done by name or number. By name is more traditional in working sports.

b. The judge will tell the handler to walk the dog on a loose leash with no command (e.g., not on heel but just "out for a walk") through a group of 6 to 8 milling, talking people who may use normal hand motions as they speak to one another or the handler but may not touch the dog or make threatening or inviting movements toward the dog. The candidate walks through the group's approximate middle at least twice or as requested by the judge.

c. When indicated by the judge, the team will proceed without formal command (e.g., not on heel but just "out for a walk") and on a loose 6 foot sturdy leash and non-choking collar (dead ring or flat collar) to the point indicated by the judge. The handler must take a balanced standing position with a secure hold on the leash but not pulling on it or shortening it except to temporarily untangle a dog. Slight tension on the leash is permissible, but the judge may request that the leash be held completely slack.

d. The decoy will appear at a distance of about 8 meters or 25 feet and make threatening gestures with a stick. These gestures are to be made in an attitude that would make the prudent Bouvier alert for some further action. This is meant to be brief. Then the decoy, having gotten the dog's attention, will proceed quickly to a point about 9 feet from the dog and agitate and excite the dog for a period of no longer than 20 seconds, attempting to bring out and explore the motivation of the dog to protect, chase away or engage. Handlers may verbally encourage their dog but are cautioned that excessive verbal encouragement may distract the dog. No bite is necessary for the dog to pass this test, but if the dog bites, the decoy will immediately let the dog win the rag or puppy tug. After the 20 second period of time, or sooner, if the dog shows extreme fear or immediate and convincing aggression, the judge will indicate for the decoy to run away. Since the purpose for this test is not to precisely evaluate courage, but rather to get an idea of confidence and aptitude to protect, this test should be terminated in as positive a way as possible for the dog. It is desirable for the dog to leave the test more confident and motivated to protect than it was before.

e. After the decoy has run away, the handler and dog proceed on a loose leash to the next station where they will stand with no commands to the dog (exceptions will be made for cases, as in Search and Rescue dogs where a release command is necessary). When the judge indicates, the assistant, 45 to 50 feet away and in plain sight, will, without gesture and upon signal from the judge, fire a shot not in the direction of the dog, handler or anyone else. The judge may request a second shot.

5. The Character Test will be judged in the same fashion for stations 1 and 3 with the crowd and the gunshot, but station 2 will be done as follows. The handler and dog must not have seen the decoy enter the blind. They proceed on a loose, sturdy 6 foot leash to the station marker which is 25 feet from the blind. The handler is cautioned to take a very secure stance so as not to be pulled off balance by the dog. The decoy, making sure to make a noise with the stick so that the dog will see him/her coming, goes directly and quickly, but not at a dead run, nor at a lackluster pace, directly at the handler, all the while, threatening with the stick. If the dog bites immediately, the decoy will work the dog with active movement in the style requested by the handler for a period of 5 seconds. If the dog does not immediately bite, but acts as if it wants to engage the decoy, then the decoy will momentarily agitate at close range with the idea that the dog can figure out where or how to bite. The decoy will make threatening motions with the stick, but not touch the dog with the stick during the test (See the accompanying rules for the decoy's work). Handlers may verbally encourage their dog but are cautioned that excessive verbal encouragement may distract the dog. At the end of the test, the decoy will again run behind the blind having slipped the sleeve to the dog, or the dog having outed. Although it is expected for the dog to have some training or preparation to enter this part of the test, some who enter may not. The decoy must actually test the dog as described in the rules for the decoy, but will also endeavor to give the dog a win for a conclusion even if the dog did not bite. To pass this part of the test, the dog must bite the decoy immediately and hold the bite for 5 seconds, or may hesitate and, with momentary agitation, then bite the decoy securely and hold the bite for 5 seconds. If the dog releases the bite but immediately rebites and holds, then it will also pass.

6. The Courage Test may be given immediately after the Character Testing for each individual if numbers allow and space requirements are met, or it can be given after all the Character Tests have been completed, or at intervals after so many dogs have taken the Character Test. It will consist of a 30 meter attack with two stick hits on the dog appropriate to the rules of either Schutzhund, IPO or French Ring, as the handler requests when they register for the Courage Test. The decoy will follow the training procedure of either Ring or Schutzhund for the courage test, but in either case, there will be 2 stick hits and the appropriate attitude of opposition to test the dog within the framework of its training. This test is not for dogs with no training and therefore must not present a handicap towards the dog's current training. Handlers may verbally encourage their dog but are cautioned that excessive verbal encouragement may distract the dog.

In the Courage Test the dog must engage the decoy convincingly and bite for 7 seconds of opposition with two stick hits. If worked in Schutzhund style the dog will be driven in a way that corresponds to Schutzhund I level and if in Ring, the dog will be fought at a Ring I level.

At the end of the 7 seconds, the handler may verbally or physically out the dog, but the dog must come off within a reasonable time with or without help and must not threaten the owner. It is left to the judge(s) to decide if the out was reasonable or if the dog was dangerously out of control.

Upon occasion a dog may let go of the bite during the fight and, if it rebites immediately and holds firm, it will still pass. Style is not in question in the judging. Only the dog's ability to engage the man and then calm down sufficiently to be removed from the bite is at issue.

III. Judging

A. The Sociability Test of walking through the crowd is passed if the dog acts naturally without being either aggressive or nervous toward or because of the people. If the dog is nervous, but not dangerous, it will be adjourned and able to return at another testing event. If the dog is dangerously aggressive or fearfully panics, it is eliminated from further testing.

B. The Gunfire Test at 50 feet is passed under the following conditions: (1) The dog is indifferent, alert or excited to bark. (2) The dog is nervous, but doesn't try to flee and in this case, the judge will request a second shot and pass the dog if its attitude looks normal. If, upon the second shot, the dog is still nervous, but does not try to run away or escape, then it will be adjourned to be tested another day. If the dog panics or tries to escape or run away, it is eliminated from further testing.

C. The Aptitude Test Protection of Handler against a threatening person is considered passed if the dog reacts well by trying to bite, advancing forward, growling or barking, lunging or other forms of demonstration of desire to engage the man. No bite is offered or necessary. If the dog is indifferent, it is adjourned to return another day. If the dog is fearful and tries to escape, then it is eliminated from further testing.

D. The Character Test Defense of Handler is passed if the dog energetically defends the handler by biting immediately and holding for 5 seconds or by biting after a slight hesitation and holding for 5 seconds or if, upon being slightly agitated additionally (not prey runaway, but a more fighting drive or defensive style of agitation), then bites and holds for 5 seconds. A quick change of bite position is allowed.

The dog is adjourned if it does not try to bite after slight additional agitation or if it is indifferent. The dog fails and is eliminated from further testing if it is fearful.

E. The Courage Test is passed if (1) the dog goes directly down the field and engages the man forcefully and immediately and bites for 10 seconds and two stick hits, and then allows itself to be outed with not more than minor physical intervention; (2) the dog goes directly down the field and engages the man immediately and with confidence after having missed the first impact opportunity, but coming right back to the attack, and finishes as above, or, (3) the dog releases, but then immediately rebites and holds the bite for the remainder of the ten seconds and then proceeds as above for the out.

The dog is adjourned if it runs down the field and tries to bite but then does not stay on the bite for the 10 seconds but instead does stay with the decoy, barking and attempting to influence the decoy.

The dog is eliminated from further testing if it refuses to run down the field to the decoy or if it runs down the field but then runs away from the decoy and does not attempt to convincingly threaten or intimidate the decoy. Attempts to bite the owner when the owner tries to out the dog will also result in the dog being eliminated from further testing.

If the dog is eliminated from further testing, it may not return for another testing session without making special written application and accompanying the application with copies of a title in obedience or one of the protection sports, such as the BH. Each case will be analyzed according to the results of the initial test and other factors such as the dog's age, training prior to testing, and so forth. Decisions will be made no later than one month prior to that year's NAWBA championship by the Character Committee with a vote of at least a 2/3's majority.

F. The character testing process in its entirety will be conducted by two judges, elsewhere also referred to as testers. There may also be approved apprentices in attendance on the field.

If two approved testers are not available, the BOD may pass a resolution to allow one approved tester to evaluate a specified event. If one of the two scheduled testers for a regular event is not able to be present, and no other approved tester is available on site, then a simple majority of the BOD members available may pass an emergency resolution to allow the event to be conducted on an official basis with only the one available approved tester.

Both official testers must agree in their opinions for a dog to pass or fail. In the event the testers do not agree, then the dog will be adjourned and may enter to be retested without prejudice.

NAWBA will maintain a list of qualified testors/judges/evaluators (see below) . The specific judges to be chosen for a particular event is, however, the responsibility of the organization sponsoring the event. Effort should always be made to assure fairness and lack of conflict of interest in judging situations.

Who May Judge?

The NAWBA Character Evaluation Committee will submit a list of qualified judges/testors/evaluators to the Board for approval on a yearly basis. The date for such submission shall be March 1. The Board of Directors will finalize the list which will remain valid from April 1 to April 1 of each year. Final decisions as to the suitability of testers remains the responsibility of the Board of Directors.

There are several different categories of possible judges.

•Any approved Franco Belgian Bouvier tester will automatically be approved to judge the NAWBA character test.

•Recognized, licensed Schutzhund, Ring and/or KNPV judges will be approved to judge after completing a simple process. This will consist of reading materials supplied by NAWBA (see note below) explaining both the test and the variations of breed-typical Bouvier behavior at various stages of maturity along with completion of a brief worksheet/questionnaire. Candidate judges who return a satisfactorily completed worksheet/questionnaire will be approved on a probationary basis to officially judge a character test. The candidate judge's name will then be posted on the NAWBA web site and in one issue of the NAWBA Journal, and, within a period of not less than one month nor greater than three months after publication in the NAWBA Journal, the Character Evaluation Committee will vote on the person's status as full tester.

•Individuals who are not working sport judges who would like to apply to judge the character test will complete an application form (available from the Character Evaluation Committee) asking for information regarding their experience and expertise in the breed and in the training of Bouviers for working sports or police apprehension work. After approval of this application by the Character Evaluation Committee, candidate judges will enter a phase of apprenticeship during which they will be provided with the same materials and complete the same worksheet /questionnaire as described above for licensed working sport judges. Upon satisfactory completion of the worksheet/questionnaire, candidate judges will then apprentice in at least two official NAWBA character testing events during which they will independently evaluate the entrants using score sheets marked "Apprenticez'. Their evaluations and performance will be rated in writing and either approved or not approved by the two official testers present. It is required that the apprentice's evaluations be approved by 3 of the 4 certified testers over the course of 2 consecutive trials in which the apprentice participates. The apprentice's name will then be posted on the NAWBA web site and in one issue of the NAWBA Journal, and, within a period of not less than one month nor greater than three months after publication in the NAWBA Journal, the Character Evaluation Committee will vote on the person's status as full tester.

Note: Materials for study by prospective judges will be compiled by the Character Evaluation Committee and will be approved by the BOD. Testing materials and rating guidelines for evaluating apprentices will also be compiled by the Character Evaluation Committee and approved by the BOD.

Note also that testors/judges/evaluators may serve on the Character Evaluation Committee, but only on an ad hoc basis in regard to decisions as to testor/evaluator/judge candidancy. That is, testors/judges/evaluators may not vote on matters related to the approval of their own or others' status as testors/evaluators/judges.

IV. Work of the Decoy

Even more important than the work of the judges is the work of the decoys. It is their skill in being able to apply exactly the right type and degree of pressure at any judging level that will make an adequate test. A poor decoy may not explore the variety of drives and reactions of the dog or may apply more or less pressure than is desirable at a given level. Test decoys should be familiar with two different styles of work, Ring and Schutzhund. Alternatively, two decoys, one familiar with the style of work used in Schutzhund and one familiar with the style of work used in French Ring, will be chosen. Selection of decoys will be the responsibility of the NAWBA Board of Directors or a duly constituted committee.

A. Aptitude Test. The decoy will appear from behind the blind and from a distance of 8 meters minimum, make threatening gestures without at first approaching the dog. This is done in order to evaluate the dog's sense of suspicion and alertness and to see if the dog is confident, nervous or indifferent. Then the decoy advances towards the dog in a menacing but not overpowering display of a mix of the main drives. The decoy will use a stick in a manner consistent with the very green dog and not touch the dog with a hit. The decoy will entice the dog to bite but not actually give the bite. At this level all the dogs will be inexperienced and the pressure applied should be in keeping with their age and inexperience without however, creating a situation that is entirely playful and lacking in threat. For this reason it is important that the decoy set the stage well from a distance. If the decoy deems that a stronger threat is necessary close to the green dog, the threat should be directedat the dog's owner as in an attack on the handler. If the dog manages to bite, it is the decoy's job to drop the rag or tube right away and run away. If the dog doesn't manage a bite, the decoy awaits a signal from the judge to flee to the blind.

B. Character Test. In the Character Test, the decoy has to know ahead of time which style of test the entrant wants and the organization should already have been done so that the decoy can do any and all dogs who want full suit work at one time so as not to waste time and energy jumping in and out of a full suit. The decoy will be familiar with a Schutzhund attack out of the blind and attempt to do a slightly milder version of the same with less of a drive than a fight in a semi-circle, no stick hits and no very hard pressure. The handler will request that either a schlagstock or a clatter stick be used. The decoy should also be familiar with the Ring Sport defense of handler and learn to work at that level with a suit on. Ring requires less driving of the dog and more active fighting in the form of covering the dog slightly with the body, making somewhat jerky movements in the suit, and keeping the stick above the dog's back more than is the case in Schutzhund. If the decoy knows that the dog bites legs, then the decoy must allow this. The decoy familiar with both styles of bitework will be able to put or remove equivalent amounts of pressure on dogs trained in either system.

C. The Courage Test. Again, the decoy will have to understand how to do either style of attack, either courage test as in Schutzhund or Face (Frontal) Attack as in French Ring. It is conceivable that two separate decoys could be available at some events to provide the differing styles of work but attention would have to be paid to making the work equally challenging for each so complaints of inequity would not arise. In either case, the level of attack for the courage test should be approximately at the Schutzhund I and Ring I level and the decoy should run away for some distance before turning to face the dog.

V. Record Keeping

All evaluation sheets are to be kept by the NAWBA secretary with copies to the chair of the Character Committee for statistics keeping. Although not mandatory, it is encouraged to maintain a video record of all testing procedures both for the training of working trial judges and the future training of additional judges and decoys. Original score sheets should be kept for 10 years. A copy of the score sheet should be provided to the entrant and another to the judge.

VI. Summary and Later Provisions

The testing procedure is hoped to help raise the median level of the Bouvier's character by bringing breeders' and owners' attention to the necessity of maintaining correct character. Anyone who buys a Bouvier, after reading the breed standard, should expect no less, at maturity, than a dog who can complete the Character test level, and the more discriminating buyer, who wants the true potential of the working Bouvier, will want no less than the Courage Test level. We must not cheapen the process by becoming lax about criteria for passing. We should look to the future and try to utilize the great talent, knowledge and experience available among our own members to develop a rigorous process for becoming official testers so that a potential greater demand for such testing can be met. We must also work to interest working judges in becoming familiar with the Bouvier's behavior so that they can judge the tests at the lower levels. We should be prepared to review our testing process every five years in order to reach for higher goals. It is to be made clear that passing these tests is not the equivalent of a working title and that NAWBA literature concerning the tests should emphasize that the purpose of the testing process at these levels is to weed out gravely faulty and inadmissible characters while encouraging the appearance of good potential. These tests do not attempt to award the best and they cannot separate strong working dogs from minimal working dogs. The trial field is more appropriate for that. NAWBA members and others in Bouviers should be encouraged to avoid implying in their advertising that passing the tests described here is a sign of the ability to pass on working ability in a breeding. We must also keep politics and favoritism out of the testing arena by making the process as consistent, fair, objective and professional as possible.

Some of these statements are made in reference to potential abuses of the test procedure. Others are made to clarify what the tests can and cannot do (they eliminate the worst; they do not identify the best). If a "pass" on any of the tests described here allows people to begin advertising their stock as having working character, then that is a grave misuse of the tests and an insidious damage to the breed.