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Dog Aggression/Behavior and Temperament Test: BT
KEVIN SHELDAHL
In order to participate in American Schutzhund, all dogs must first pass a dog aggression test. American Schutzhund is making an effort to weed out all dogs who display overt dog aggression.
After passing the dog aggression test, all dogs must attain a BT (Behavior/Temperament Test. ) The BT must be attained in order to advance forward and achieve titles and independent certifications in American Schutzhund
The BT is a two part test. The first, an obedience test. This test includes a sound sensitivity test (gun shots) and is judged on a 45 point “Pass Fail” scale. This part will test the dog’s behavior, temperament and soundness in basic obedience with control led routines.
Part 2 of the BT, is an evaluation of the dog’s character, temperament and environmental soundness. This is a temperament/environment evaluation. Should the dog fail any or even all of these environment evaluations, the dog/handler team will still be permitted to advance forward and try for future AS titles and independent certifications. However, to assist breeders, the outcome of all six environment evaluations will be recorded in the dog’s scorebook and cannot be repeated.
Environment Evaluations:
- Footing/Slippery Surface
- Movement in Tight Spaces
- Standing on an Unstable Surface
- Climbing
- Hunt Drive
- Suspicion and Recovery
Video References/ Trial Footage
Dog Aggression Test
BT Part 1
BT Part 2
[ Environment Evaluations ]
Example 1
Example 2
Phase A: Scent Work
JAN NIELSEN AND
TIM VAILLANCOURT
American Schutzhund has replaced footstep to footstep tracking with an Article Search at the AS1 level and Scent Detection evaluations at the AS2 and the AS3 levels.
At the AS2 and the AS3 levels, Phase A will test the dog’s workability to locate and indicate specific odors with speed, accuracy and intensity. This phase will evaluate the dog/handler team’s proficiency in detecting the odor of Hodgdon Pyrodex RS.
This test reflects the ability of the dog team to find a black powder substitute (Hodgdon Pyrodex RS) and is a mode of evaluating the trainability of the team in a detection capacity as part of the three-phase test of American Schutzhund.
Hodgdon Pyrodex RS is a very common substitute for black power and is available in most hunting/sporting good outlets. It can be ordered online and shipped. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s safety guidelines regarding use and storage. It’s recommended to replace this odor every 12 months.
Video References/ Trial Footage
AS1 Phase A:
Article Search
AS2 Phase A:
Scent Detection
AS3 Phase A:
Scent Detection
Phase B: Obedience
CARLA GRIFFITH
KATYLN SCHWARZWAELDER
In the American Schutzhund obedience phase, there are three categories being judged that will determine the overall performance.
- Drive
- Technique
- Coordination
it is the overall performance of the dog in each of the obedience exercises as well as the entire routine that is taken into consideration. Although, point deductions are listed, along with the overall points allotted, AS judges will first place a dog/handler team in an appropriate overall category. This is determined by the dog’s enthusiasm, focus, speed, power and the relationship to the handler, along with accuracy. Throughout a routine, points may be deducted for mistakes, conversely, points are also rewarded when dog/handler teams demonstrate the characteristics AS deems important. The totality of the performance determines the overall score. American Schutzhund feels it’s important to reward dogs that demonstrate power, speed, attitude, focus and harmony with the handler. We do not want small technical errors to outweigh demonstrated character.
ATTITUDE, SPEED AND DRIVE WILL ALWAYS TRUMP EXACTNESS. THIS DOES NOT MEAN THAT PRECISION IS NOT REQUIRED, ONLY THAT CORRECTLY EXECUTED
EXERCISES WILL ONLY RECEIVE FULL POINTS WHEN ACCOMPANIED BY SPEED, POWER AND OVERALL ATTITUDE
Video References/ Trial Footage
AS1 Phase B:
Please note this is an is older video. The retrieve over the hurdle/jump was added into the AS1 routine back in July of 2024. As per the rule book, the retrieve on flat is worth 15 points and the retrieve over the hurdle/jump is worth 15 points.
AS2 Phase B:
AS3 Phase B:
[ Video Pending ]
Phase C: Protection
JOERI VETH — DIRECTOR OF HELPERS
BEN LEPINSKI
The Phases of Protection Work:
The protection work is divided into three (3) phases, under which the most variable temperament and drive attributes will be discussed.
Search and hold exercises (including guarding)
Engagement with the Helper(fighting, pressure, grip, transition)
Controllability of the dog (obedience, optimal handler-dog relationship)
In addition to a pointed score for the protection routine, every dog will be given a courage, hardness and fighting instinct rating. This evaluation serves the purpose of describing two general aspects of a dog’s character trait that are demonstrated throughout the Phase C exercises. The first, “courage”, describes the dog’s willingness to engage the Helper during the exercises. The second, “hardness”, describes the dog’s strength in its defense against the Helper’s attacks and pressure. The purpose of this rating is to more carefully show a dog’s breeding suitability and character traits.
It is the responsibility of the judge to observe overall attributes of the dog. The overall picture should be one of intensity and self-confidence. The dog must show dominance in the hold and guard phase. Only when a dog demonstrates these characteristics along with a sense of physical and psychological strength can a 10 be awarded.