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Table of Contents

PDA Level 1 Puppy Assessments Markers 5

Level 1 Puppy: 4 – 9 months of age ........................................................................................................... 6

Feedback – general rules observed ........................................................................................................... 7

Exercise 1 – Sit at front and side, then take collar 8

Exercise 2 – Give take exchange 9

Exercise 3 – Leave it 10

Exercise 4 – Loose leash walking 11

Exercise 5 – Social interaction 12

Exercise 6 – Wait to be fed 13

Exercise 7 – Recall 14

Exercise 8 – Handling 15

Exercise 9 – Go to place 16

PDA Level 2 Assessment Markers 17

Level 2 – Any dog over the age of 6 months ............................................................................................ 18

Feedback – general rules observed ......................................................................................................... 19

Exercise 1 – Car manners 20

Exercise 2 – Entrance manners 21



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Exercise 4 – Loose leash walking with social interaction 23



Exercise 7 – Emergency stop 26


Exercise 9 – Stay or settle 28

Exercise 10 – Being alone 29

PDA Level 3Assessment Markers 30

Level 3 – Any dog over the age of 6 months ............................................................................................ 31


Exercise 1 – Entrance Manners 33


Exercise 3 – Street walk 35





Exercise 8 – Settle 41


PDA Level 4Assessment Markers 43

Level 4 – Any dog over the age of 12 months .......................................................................................... 44

Feedback – General Rules Observed ....................................................................................................... 45


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Exercise 1 – Back up at entrance 46




Exercise 5 – End of walk pack up 50


PDA Level 5 Championship Assessment Markers 53

Level 5 Championship – Any dog aged 12 months or more .................................................................... 54



Optional exercises – select any two of the following: ............................................................................. 58

Exercise 2 – Veterinary examination 59

Exercise 3 – Visual/Spoken cue discrimination 60

Example curricula for group classes 65

PDA Program Level 1 Puppy .................................................................................................................... 65

PDA Program Level 2................................................................................................................................ 68



PDA Program Level 5 Championship........................................................................................................ 76


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PDA Level 1 Puppy Assessments Markers


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PDA Level 1 Assessment Level 1 Puppy: 4 – 9 months of age

Prerequisites Check that the Guardian has:

passed the online open book quiz

paid the assessment fee

provided a completed Health Care Form and

copies of current vaccination status or titre

levels

Please note:

A puppy that growls, snaps or bites will not

qualify

A puppy that demonstrates signs of stress,

e.g. displacement behaviours will not qualify

A Guardian who uses any aversive techniques

in working with their puppy during the

assessment will not qualify

At no time must a puppy be lured to perform

a behaviour

Aim This assessment examines a puppy’s training and education as well as the success of the Guardian to have taught the

puppy basic good manners appropriate to the home and the training class.

Assessment requirements Undertake assessments in a safe environment for the puppy and Guardian

Puppy takes any reinforcer offered gently.

Puppy remains on a leash at all times

Guardian should not use the leash to encourage or discourage a puppy at any time

Assessor may change the sequence of the exercises if necessary to suit the situation. However, all exercises must

be undertaken

Assessor can complete the assessment one-on-one or in a class environment.

Optional – get ready The assessor may allow five minutes for the Guardian and puppy to familiarize themselves with the assessment area.


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PDA Level 1 Assessment Feedback – general rules observed

1. The puppy did not growl, snap or bite at any time.

2. The puppy demonstrated . . . . . . . . . .

3. The Guardian maintained force-free handling techniques and appropriate reinforcement at all times.

4. If the puppy toileted during the assessment, the Guardian responded appropriately by having a suitable bag for collection of feces.

Confirmed

No stress

Minor stress

Major stress

Confirmed

Confirmed

If minor or major stress, please comment about how it happened:


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PDA Level 1 Assessment Exercise 1 – Sit at front and side, then take collar

Rules Guardian to remain within touching distance of the

puppy.

The puppy should not be manipulated into position with

either hands or leash

Puppy sits within two seconds

Guardian releases the puppy after a three-second sit

Where possible the exercise is to be conducted in a low

distraction area

Minor movements from the puppy are acceptable

Assessment steps Puppy sits once in front and once at the side of the Guardian when cued. The sit does not need to be in the

‘heel’ position but predominantly at the side of the guardian.

Sit and collar take is carried out twice –once at front and once at side

Guardian bridges and reinforces puppy after each sit and collar take

Guardian can use any type of cue, visual or spoken and if used together must be synchronous

No food is to be present in the cuing hand

Puppy sits on the first cue and allows a collar take on each attempt

When puppy is sitting, the Guardian laces their fingers on the collar by taking the collar under the chin rather

than over the top of the puppy’s head

Puppy remains in place for 3 seconds and is then released by the Guardian

On one occasion the puppy is asked to ‘look’ or ‘watch’ and must hold eye contact for 2 seconds.

Achieved Almost There Not Yet Able Puppy sat on first cue and within two seconds of cue each time

Puppy sat on 2nd cue or took longer than 2 seconds.

Puppy did not respond to any cues or leash was used to manipulate puppy

Puppy took reinforcer gently Puppy was a little rough taking reinforcer. Puppy snatched reinforcer

Guardian was able to take collar each time Major movements by puppy when Guardian reached for collar

Puppy evaded Guardian’s hand reaching for collar

Puppy waited 3 seconds until released each time Puppy broke before being released Puppy unsettled and distracted

Puppy held 2 seconds of eye contact during the performance of the exercise

Puppy held 2 seconds of eye contact but required 2 cues during the performance of the exercise

Puppy could not hold 2 seconds of eye contact during the performance of the exercise

Score Score

Score


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PDA Level 1 Assessment Exercise 2 – Give take exchange

Rules Puppy is accepting of the give or take exchange

Guardian supplies the toy or food valuable to the

puppy e.g. high value food such as pig’s ear, veal tails,

or bully stick

Toy should be one that the Guardian knows the

puppy will engage with

Assessment steps Guardian may use a toy or food. If food is used, it needs to be long enough so that the Guardian can hold the end to

exchange for another food item of equal value

Guardian:

Engages the puppy with the item

Requests the puppy to give up the item

Takes the item and bridges and reinforces with a high value treat to end the exercise.

Achieved Almost There Not Yet Able

Puppy engaged with item within 5 seconds Puppy took 5 to 10 seconds to engage with item Puppy took more than 10 seconds to engage with

the item or ignored the item

Puppy exchanged item within 5 seconds Puppy took 5 to 10 seconds to exchange the item Puppy took more than 10 seconds to exchange the

item or would not exchange

Guardian’s choice of items was appropriate Guardian’s choice of item was doubtful Guardian’s choice of item was inappropriate

Guardian bridged and reinforced appropriately Guardian a little slow in bridging and reinforcing Guardian did not bridge or reinforce

Score Score Score


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PDA Level 1 Assessment Exercise 3 – Leave it

Rules The cue to leave the object should be given as soon as

the dog becomes aware of the object.

The cue to ‘leave it’ should be given once only.

Cue should be given in normal voice tone.

Assessment steps Guardian:

Presents an inanimate object by hand, close to the puppy’s nose, e.g. keys, sunglasses, pen, sock.

Cues puppy to ‘leave’ the object.

When the puppy leaves the object, the Guardian bridges and reinforces.

Achieved Almost There Not Yet Able Puppy left object on first cue Puppy left object at second cue Puppy did not leave object or mouthed it

Guardian cued at appropriate time Guardian cued late but still successful with puppy Guardian cued or bridged or reinforced too late

Guardian bridged and reinforced at the right time Guardian slow in bridging and reinforcing Guardian manipulated puppy with leash to leave

item

Guardian’s verbal cue was appropriate Guardian used a gruff voice to cue Guardian used a harsh tone

Score Score Score


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PDA Level 1 Assessment Exercise 4 – Loose leash walking

Rules Puppy does not need to be in the heel position

Leash remains loose allowing a once-only tightening of

the leash

Exercise conducted in a low distracting environment

Assessment steps Puppy walks on a loose leash with Guardian for 15 metres (50 feet) towards a known person.

Markers will indicate the distance

Place the known person 2 metres (6 feet) away from the end marker

At the end of the 15m the Guardian cues the puppy to sit, drop or stand or the puppy stops automatically, Guardian

bridges and reinforces for appropriate behaviour defined as:

• No pulling towards the known person

• Performing a sit, drop or stand as requested or automatically

Achieved Almost There Not Yet Able Puppy walked on loose leash for 15 metres towards

the known person with either no tightening or one

tightening of the leash

Puppy walked on a loose leash with the leash

tightening twice

Puppy showed very little ability to walk on loose

leash or jumped on the known person

Puppy responded to first cue to sit, drop or stand or

stopped automatically when the Guardian stopped

Puppy responded on second cue to sit, drop or

stand

Puppy took more than two cues to sit, drop or

stand, or simply refused the cue, or Guardian

manipulated puppy into position

Guardian bridged and reinforced appropriately Guardian’s timing of bridge and reinforcement was

not timely

Guardian did not bridge or reinforce the puppy at all

Puppy did not pull towards the person Puppy pulled slightly towards the known person

before responding to sit, drop or stand cue

Puppy pulled towards the known person

disregarding the cues

Score Score Score


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PDA Level 1 Assessment Exercise 5 – Social interaction

Rules Guardian is not to use the leash to move the puppy on

Assessor to assign puppy classmates appropriately

Puppy is to display polite greeting to the other puppy

Guardian is to have knowledge of how to move a puppy

away on cue

Assessment steps Each puppy demonstrates a polite greeting between one another

Greeting is to be no longer than two seconds and then the puppy moves on

Each handler should wear a hat or sunglasses, or carry a shopping bag, or carry a takeaway coffee cup or similar, or

an open umbrella


Puppy greeted the other puppy politely Puppy greeted other puppy politely but was over-

excited

Puppy pulled towards the other dog or jumped on

other puppy or handler

Puppy showed no fear or anxiety Puppy seemed a little anxious at greeting Puppy overly excited or showed signs of stress at

greeting

Guardian moved the puppy on after two seconds Puppy required more than one cue to move on Puppy would not move on

Guardian bridged and reinforced appropriately Guardian’s timing of bridge and reinforcement was

not timely

Guardian did not bridge or reinforce the puppy at

all

Score Score Score


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PDA Level 1 Assessment Exercise 6 – Wait to be fed

Rules

Guardian may cue the puppy to sit, drop or stand or

may immediately ask for a wait/stay

The food in the bowl must be bland (i.e. kibble)

The bowl must be placed 1 metre (3 feet) away from

the puppy

After the puppy is released to eat, the Guardian will

drop a higher quality reinforcer into the bowl (i.e.

chicken)

The puppy must remain calm. He can ignore the

dropped food by not lifting his head from the bowl or

can look at the guardian, acknowledging the

contribution and then return to eating

An alternative to a bowl can be used, e.g. a Kong.

Whatever is used, the Guardian must be able to pick it

up.

Assessment steps

Guardian:

May cue the puppy to sit, drop or stand or may immediately ask for a wait/stay

Places bowl 1 metre (3 feet) away from puppy

After three seconds releases the puppy to eat from the bowl

While puppy is eating, Guardian drops a higher quality food into the bowl

Achieved Almost There Not Yet Able Puppy responded to sit or drop on first cue or did so automatically

Puppy responded to sit or drop on second cue Puppy needed more than 2 cues to respond or did not respond to any cue

Puppy responded to first cue to wait/stay Guardian gave 2 or 3 cues to wait before the bowl could be put in place

Guardian repeated the wait cue often or had to manipulate the puppy to stop eagerness to be fed

Puppy remained calm and relaxed until cued to eat Puppy changed alternatively from drop to sit or sit to drop while waiting for the bowl to be lowered

Puppy broke position with eagerness to get to the bowl before it was lowered

Puppy calm as food dropped into bowl Puppy uneasy with food being dropped into bowl Puppy showed resource guarding issues over food being dropped into bowl

Score Score Score


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PDA Level 1 Assessment Exercise 7 – Recall

Rules Puppy returns straight to the Guardian without deviation

Guardian may use an incentive for the puppy to return

to them, e.g. toy, food, or running away from the puppy

Assessment steps Use a 5 metre (16 feet) light line

A known person may hold the line at the puppy’s collar or harness while the Guardian moves to the end of the line 5

metres away

There is no need to give the puppy a formal stay but the puppy must not move to follow the Guardian

The known person may talk to the puppy to encourage the puppy to remain in place

Guardian calls the puppy and the puppy is immediately released allowing the puppy to return to the Guardian

Puppy may sit in front of the Guardian

Guardian reaches for puppy’s collar under the chin or at the side of the dog before reinforcing the recall

Achieved Almost There Not Yet Able Puppy accepted the Guardian’s departure Puppy was minimally anxious on Guardian’s

departure

Puppy did not accept Guardian’s departure and

attempted to move towards Guardian

Puppy returned to Guardian without deviation Puppy meandered back to Guardian or stopped and

sniffed

Puppy didn’t return to Guardian or Guardian had

to retrieve puppy

Guardian was able to take the puppy’s collar under

the chin

Puppy demonstrated some anxious behaviour

when Guardian took collar.

Guardian reached for collar over puppy’s head or

puppy refused collar grab

Guardian reinforced the recall after reaching for

collar

Guardian reinforced recall before reaching for

collar

Guardian did not reinforce the puppy

Score Score Score


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PDA Level 1 Assessment Exercise 8 – Handling

Rules Light touch only is acceptable

Puppy shows behaviour indicating acceptance of

handling

Inappropriate lip licking, yawning or other stress

indicators are not acceptable

Growling, mouthing, biting, evading hands or trying to

get away are not acceptable

Exercise is conducted on leash or in a safe environment

Assessment steps The Guardian touches each of the following body parts for a minimum of two seconds:

both ears

tail

four feet

mouth and flews

strokes along the puppy’s back


Guardian was able to touch all areas of the puppy for a minimum of 2 seconds per body part

Guardian was unable to touch some parts of the puppy for 2 seconds or more

Guardian could only touch some areas of the body

Puppy was relaxed while being handled Puppy was not relaxed while being touched Puppy stressed, or fidgeted, or evaded being touched

Puppy did not mouth, bite or evade the Guardian Puppy mouthed Guardian’s hands Puppy growled or attempted to move away

Score Score Score


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PDA Level 1 Assessment Exercise 9 – Go to place

Rules If using a crate, the door should be open

Puppy should be relaxed at all times

Guardian remains within 1 metre (3 feet) of the place

When using a mat or bed, the majority of the puppy’s

body should be on it

Timing begins when the Guardian cues the puppy to wait

or stay

If using a crate, the puppy should remain politely in the

crate while the door is open and not leave until cued

If using a mat or bed, the puppy must remain in position

until cued to release

Assessment steps Guardian stands next to the place and cues the puppy to go to it

Puppy goes to place and remains in chosen position i.e. sit, drop or stand

Puppy may be cued to sit or drop or may remain standing

Puppy may be reinforced for going to place

Guardian may cue the puppy to stay

Puppy remains in place for 10 seconds and then is released by the Guardian

Achieved Almost There Not Yet Able Puppy went to place on 1st cue Puppy went to place on 2nd cue Puppy did not respond to any cue to go to place

Puppy moved into position on 1st cue or

automatically

Puppy moved into position after 2nd or 3rd cue Puppy failed to move into position after many cues

or was manipulated onto place

Puppy remained in place for 10 seconds Puppy sat or stood before 10 second release Puppy left place before being released

Puppy remained relaxed and/or happy Puppy uneasy Puppy apprehensive or worried

Score Score Score


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PDA Level 2 Assessment Markers


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PDA Level 2 Assessment Level 2 – Any dog over the age of 6 months


passed the online open book quiz.


provided a completed Health Care Form and

copies of current vaccination status or titre levels

If using Level 2 as entry level (i.e. if Puppy level has not been undertaken), the dog must demonstrate to the assessor a qualifying performance of the following exercises from the PDA Puppy Level before commencing the Level 2 Assessment

Level 1, Exercise 1 – Sit front and side and take

collar

Level 1, Exercise 9 – Go to place

Aim This assessment examines a Level 2 dog’s training and education as well as the success of the Guardian to have taught

the dog good manners for the home and in the training class

Assessment requirements Undertake assessments in a safe environment for the dog and Guardian

Dog remains on a leash at all times or exercises may be undertaken off the leash if the assessment area is deemed

by the Assessor to be safe for dogs and handlers

Guardian should not use the leash to encourage or discourage a dog at any time

Dog takes any reinforcer offered gently.

Assessor may change the sequence of the exercises if necessary to suit the situation. However, all exercises must be

undertaken

Assessor can complete the assessment one-on-one or in a class environment

Please note: • A dog that growls, snaps or bites will not qualify.

• A dog that demonstrates signs of stress, e.g. displacement behaviours will not qualify.

• A Guardian who uses any aversive techniques in working their dog during the assessment will not qualify.

• At no time must a dog be lured to perform a behaviour

Optional – get ready The assessor may allow 5 minutes for the Guardian and dog to familiarise themselves with the assessment area.


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1. The dog did not growl, snap or bite at any time.

2. The dog demonstrated . . . . . . . . ..


4. If the dog toileted during the assessment, the Guardian responded appropriately by having a suitable bag for collection of feces.

Confirmed

No stress

Minor stress

Major stress

Confirmed

Confirmed



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PDA Level 2 Assessment Exercise 1 – Car manners

Rules The exercise must be undertaken in a safe off-street

environment

The dog must be calm in the car and on entering and

exiting the car

Leash must remain on the dog for safety when out of the

car

The dog can sit or stand once outside the car but the

leash should not become tight

Assessment steps Before starting the exercise, the Guardian must cue and hold eye contact with the dog for 3 seconds.

Guardian and dog approach the car. Guardian cues dog to sit or stand or dog stops automatically and then wait

Guardian opens the door while the dog remains in position until invited into the car. If necessary, the Guardian

can lift the dog into the car or the dog can use a ramp

Once the dog is inside the car, the Guardian removes the leash and closes the door

The dog remains calmly in the car for 10 seconds

The Guardian opens the door and attaches the leash to the dog. The dog must remain in the car until invited to

exit. The Guardian must not block the dog from escaping

After the leash is attached to the dog, the handler must wait 5 seconds before inviting the dog to exit the car

Guardian may ask the dog to sit/stand/stay close on exiting the car. The leash should not become tight on exit


Dog held eye contact for 3 seconds on first cue Dog held eye contact for three seconds but required 2 cues

Dog did not hold eye contact for three seconds

Dog sits or stands on first request or automatically

Dog sat or stood on second request Dog would not sit or stand or took three or more requests to do so

Dog remains in position until invited or lifted into car

Dog anticipated getting into the car by breaking position hence tightening the leash

Dog jumped into the car before being requested and/or leash became tight

Dog remains calmly in the car for 10 seconds Dog showed mild anxiety when left in the car Dog jumped around the car or demonstrated signs of stress when left in the car

The Guardian opens the door and the dog remains calm while the leash is attached.

Guardian had to ask the dog to sit to have leash attached

Guardian manipulated the dog by pushing the dog back in order to attach leash

Dog waits calmly for 5 seconds until released from the car

Guardian had to remind the dog to remain in place for the five seconds

Guardian body blocked the dog from leaving the car or dog left car uninvited

Dog leaves the car and the leash remains loose

Dog exited the car calmly but the leash became

tight

Dog was excited and pulled towards other people, dogs or smells on getting out of car

Score Score Score


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PDA Level 2 Assessment Exercise 2 – Entrance manners

Rules Dog should only move through the entrance on cue

Dog may sit, drop, or stand while the Guardian closes

the door to the entrance

Leash must remain loose at all times

At no time should the Guardian body-block the dog in

order to prevent the dog from going through the

entrance

Assessment steps Dog is to wait at the entrance in either a sit, drop or stand

Guardian cues the dog to stay or wait

On releasing the dog to go through the entrance, the Guardian can choose one of the following options:

• moving through the entrance together

• asking the dog to go first and then follow the dog

• moving through first and requesting the dog to follow

• Dog should remain in position with leash loose whilst gate or door is closed

Achieved Almost There Not Yet Able Dog sat, dropped or stood on first request or

automatically Dog sat, dropped or stood on 2nd request

Dog took multiple requests to sit, drop or stand or

did not respond at all

Dog waited until released to walk through the

entrance

Guardian gave second cue to stay or wait before

releasing the dog Dog not able to stay or wait until released

Dog remained in position while Guardian closed the

door to the entrance

Dog tended to barge through the entrance on

release

Dog barged through the entrance or pulled to pass

through the gate or door

Leash was loose at all times

Leash tightened at some point during the exercise

but focus was easily returned when the Guardian

requested

Guardian body blocked or physically corrected the

dog for breaking position and leash was constantly

tight

Score Score Score


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Rules The Guardian may choose from different objects offered

by the assessor

One object must be an inanimate object, e.g.

a toy, whilst the other will be a food item

Guardian must cue dog in a calm voice

See Exercise Set-Ups at the end of the Guide

Assessment steps Part 1

The Guardian and dog walk between 2 cones placed 5 metres (16 feet) apart. Lying on the ground at 2 metres (6

feet) to the right or left of the path walked is an obvious inanimate object (not food) set up as a distraction.

When walking past the object, the Guardian can calmly cue the dog to leave the object if required.

When the dog leaves the object, the Guardian bridges and reinforces the dog’s action appropriately. If a spoken cue

is not needed, then it is the Guardian’s choice whether or not to reinforce at the end of the exercise

Part 2

Guardian presents food to the dog in a closed hand and calmly cues the dog to leave it

When the dog leaves the food, the Guardian appropriately bridges and reinforces (from the other hand) the dog’s

action


Cue delivery was calm at all times Cue delivery was slightly harsh or forceful Cue delivery was loud and/or harsh

Dog left the inanimate object on first cue if required

Dog required 2 cues to leave object Dog required more than 2 cues to leave the object

Dog left the food on the 1st cue if required Dog required 2 cues to leave food Dog required 3 or more cues to leave food or Guardian manipulated dog away from food

Guardian bridged and reinforced appropriately on each occasion

Guardian bridging and reinforcement was mistimed Guardian did not bridge or reinforce appropriately

Score Score Score


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PDA Level 2 Assessment Exercise 4 – Loose leash walking with social interaction

Rules It is not required that the dog be at ‘heel’ but a loose

leash is required

Dog can walk either side of Guardian

Dog must sit, drop or stand when cued or automatically

Dog must keep 4 paws on the ground

Guardian can give instructions to the other person as to

how to approach the dog

See Exercise Set-ups at the end of the Guide

Assessment steps Guardian walks the dog 20 metres (65 feet) on a loose leash.

Guardian stops the dog within 1 metre (3 feet) of the other person and cues the dog to sit, drop or stand or the dog

can do so automatically.

With the dog in position, the other person asks if they may pet the dog.

Guardian can answer yes or no.

• If yes:

the Guardian may tell the person where to pet the dog

the dog should remain in position with four paws on the ground when being petted.

Achieved Almost There Not Yet Able Dog walked on a loose leash at all times Leash tightened once Leash tightened on more than 1 occasion

Dog took up position on first cue or automatically Dog took up position on second cue Dog took up position after multiple cues or did not

sit at all

Dog remained in position with all 4 paws on the

ground when being petted Dog demonstrated some reluctance to being petted

Guardian had to restrain dog from jumping on

person

Dog accepted being petted or Guardian denied

petting Dog required re-cueing before petting

Dog showed fear or anxiety at approach of the

other person

Score Score Score


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Rules Guardian must cue the dog to sit, drop or stand or the

dog can take up position automatically

Guardian must ask the dog to wait or stay

The food in the bowl must be bland

(e.g. kibble)

The bowl must be placed 1 metre (3 feet) away from the

dog

After the dog is released to eat, the Guardian will put

their hand into the bowl to add a higher quality food

(e.g. chicken)

The dog must remain calm. He can ignore the hand

putting food into the bowl or can look at the guardian,

acknowledging the contribution and then return to

eating. An alternative to a bowl can be used, e.g. a Kong.


up

Assessment steps Guardian cues the dog to sit, drop or stand or the dog can take up position automatically and then the Guardian

cues the dog to wait

Guardian places a food bowl 1 metre (3 feet) from the dog

Guardian releases the dog after 5 seconds to eat from the bowl

While the dog is eating, the Guardian places their hand into the bowl to deliver higher quality food

Achieved Almost There Not Yet Able Dog responded on first cue to take up position or does so automatically

Dog responded on second cue to take up position Dog took more than 3 cues to take up position

Dog waited 5 seconds to be released Guardian had to repeat request to wait more than once

Dog did not wait as cued or Guardian used physical correction to stop dog gaining access to food

Dog allows the approach of the hand to the bowl Dog demonstrated minor concern at the approach of the hand to the bowl

Dog snapped or growled, froze, or accelerated eating speed as the hand approached the bowl

Score Score Score


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Rules Guardian uses a 10 metre (32 foot) light line or leash

Guardian may use treats, toys, or welcoming body

language to encourage the dog’s return

Guardian may move away from the dog as the dog is

called to encourage the dog’s return

Dog must return directly to the Guardian

Guardian must take the collar under the chin or at the

side of the neck

Assessment steps The assistant, assessor, or instructor holds the dog’s leash as the Guardian moves away

The Guardian does not have to give a formal cue to ask the dog to stay

The assistant can talk to the dog

When 10 metres (32 feet) away, the Guardian calls the dog and the assistant releases the dog’s leash

When the dog returns to the Guardian, the Guardian may ask the dog to sit but this is not compulsory

The Guardian must be able to take the dog’s collar under the chin or at the side of the head

Achieved Almost There Not Yet Able Dog responded on first cue to return to Guardian Dog responded after 2 cues to return to Guardian Dog took 3 or more cues to return to Guardian

Dog returned directly to the Guardian Dog became slightly distracted on recall but

recalled to Guardian Dog deviated from recall or did not return

Dog allowed the collar to be taken under the chin

or at the side of the head Guardian reached over dog’s head to take the collar Guardian unable to take collar

Score Score Score


26

PDA Level 2 Assessment Exercise 7 – Emergency stop

Rules Leash must be loose at all times

Guardian can only give 1 cue to stop

Dog must stop within 2-5 seconds

Dog must stay in place until recalled or the Guardian’s

return

Dog must allow the collar to be taken under the chin or

to the side of the head

Assessment steps Guardian lets the dog wander on a 2 metre (6 foot) leash

When asked by the assessor, the Guardian cues the dog to stop

Guardian cues a recall or walks to where the dog has stopped

Guardian takes the dog’s collar under the chin or to the side of the dog’s head

Achieved Almost There Not Yet Able Dog walked on a loose leash at all times Dog pulled on leash once while wandering Dog’s leash was tight on more than 1 occasion

Dog stopped within 2-5 seconds Dog stopped within 5-7 seconds Dog took longer than 7 seconds to stop

Dog returned to the Guardian on first cue or

remained in place as Guardian approached

Dog took 2 cues to recall or moved slightly towards

Guardian

Dog did not return to the Guardian or moved away

on Guardian’s approach

Dog allowed the collar to be taken Guardian reached over dog’s head to take collar Guardian could not take the collar

Score Score Score


27


Rules Dog remains calm and does not try to avoid handling (i.e.

growling, biting or moving away)

Dog may investigate the Guardian but must not mouth

or otherwise object

Guardian allowed to talk to the dog whilst dog is being

handled

Dog body parts can be handled in any order

Two to three seconds must be spent on each body part

Assessment steps Guardians to handle the following body parts:

• Both ears by lifting each pinna and running finger around the outer ear canal

• Tail by running hand full length of the tail and lifting the tail to view the anus

• Flews should be able to be lifted to view the teeth

• Stroke along the dog’s back and then down each leg

• Four feet – each foot should be lifted and fingers run around the pads and between the toes

Achieved Almost There Not Yet Able Guardian was able to touch all areas of the dog for

a minimum of 2 seconds

Guardian was able to touch all areas of the dog but

for under 2 seconds Guardian could only touch some areas of the body

Dog was relaxed while being handled Dog fidgeted a little while being touched Dog stressed, or fidgeted, or evaded being

touched.

Dog did not mouth or attempt to move away Dog mouthed the Guardian’s hands Dog growled or attempted to move away

Score Score Score


28

PDA Level 2 Assessment Exercise 9 – Stay or settle

Rules Dog can only be cued once to stay or settle

Guardian can choose to sit or stand near the dog

Guardian must not move in excess of 1 metre (3 feet)

away from the dog

Dog to be released at the end of 30 seconds

Assessment steps Guardian may choose to do a formal stay or to do a settle in place

The settle must be in the down position and the dog must hold that position until released

If using stay, the stay may be in the sit, drop or stand position and the dog must hold that position until released

If using a settle, the dog should settle within 10 seconds of being cued from which time the 30 seconds is timed

Dog may roll or shift from hip to hip but must remain settled in the down position

Once settled the dog must remain in position for 30 seconds until released

The dog is permitted to be given a chew or a chew toy during this settle exercise


Dog responded to first cue to go into position Dog took 2 cues to respond to position cue Dog took 3 or more cues to move into position or

did not position at all

Dog settled and stayed in position for 30 seconds Dog took 2 cues to stay or settle Dog took 3 or more cues to stay or settle or did not

settle at all

When released dog remained in position or moved

with Guardian

Dog broke the stay after 25 seconds but before 30

seconds Dog broke stay between 0 and 25 seconds

Score Score Score


29

PDA Level 2 Assessment Exercise 10 – Being alone

Rules Dog is not cued to stay

Guardian must return immediately should the dog show

signs of undue stress (i.e. barking, pulling towards the

Guardian)

Guardian must stay out of sight for 15 seconds

Assessment steps Guardian passes the leash to the assistant

Not a formal stay but words such as “back soon” or similar may be given

Guardian removes themselves from the dog’s sight for 15 seconds

Assistant can talk to the dog and also offer treats in the absence of the Guardian (with the Guardian’s consent)

The dog can show interest in where the Guardian has gone, but not pull to go with Guardian

On the Guardian’s return, the dog can show pleasure but must not jump up on the Guardian or stop the Guardian

returning to the original starting point


Dog remained calm in absence of Guardian Dog showed intense interest in where the Guardian

had gone but not stressed Dog was anxious when left by Guardian

Guardian was able to stay out of sight for

15 seconds

Guardian was able to be out of sight but only for 10

to 15 seconds

Guardian could not leave the dog or could be

absent for only 5 to 10 seconds

Dog did not jump on the Guardian or impede the

departure or return Dog pulled towards Guardian on Guardian’s return Dog jumped on Guardian or impeded return

Score Score Score


30

PDA Level 3Assessment Markers


31



successfully completed Level 2


provided a completed Veterinary Form and copies

of current vaccination status or titre levels

Please note:

A dog that growls, snaps or bites will not qualify

A dog demonstrating signs of stress e.g.

displacement behaviours will not qualify

A Guardian who uses any aversive techniques in

working their dog during the assessment will not

qualify

At no time must a dog be lured to perform a

behaviour

Aim To provide dog Guardians with more advanced knowledge of force-free dog training and Guardian responsibility. The

foundation skills assessed in Level 2 are extended and built upon and put into real life situations


Dog takes any offered reinforcer gently.

Dog remains on a leash at all times unless specifically required to undertake an exercise or if the assessment area is

deemed by the Assessor to e safe for dogs and their handlers


Assessor may change the sequence of the exercises if necessary to suit the situation. However, all exercises must be

undertaken

Assessor can complete the assessment one-on-one or in a class environment

Optional – get ready The assessor may allow five minutes for the Guardian and dog to familiarise themselves with the assessment area.


32



2. The dog demonstrated . . . . . . . . ..



Confirmed

No stress

Minor stress

Major stress

Confirmed

Confirmed



33

PDA Level 3 Assessment Exercise 1 – Entrance Manners

Rules Guardian may cue dog to sit, drop or stand or dog may

stop automatically as Guardian stops at the entrance

Guardian may cue stay or wait

Dog may sit, drop, or stand while the Guardian opens

the gate or door

Leash must remain loose at all times

Dog must remain in position until asked to go through

the entrance

Dog is to remain calm in the presence of the distractions

Assessment steps

• Guardian cues the dog to sit, drop or stand at the entrance or alternatively the dog may stop

automatically

• The Guardian may give the dog the cue to stay or wait

• Dog must stay in this position, remaining calm during the distractions and while the Guardian opens the

entrance

• Guardian can choose to move though the entrance by:

o moving through the entrance together o asking the dog to go first and then follow the dog o moving through first and requesting the dog follow

• Distractions at the entrance must comprise TWO of the following:

o a person walking by within 3 metres (10 feet) of the dog and Guardian o something being dropped o someone opening an umbrella o any additional distraction at the assessor’s discretion

Achieved Almost There Not Yet Able Dog sat, dropped or stood on first cue or automatically

Dog sat, dropped or stood on second request Dog took multiple requests to sit, drop or stand or did not respond at all

Dog responded to 1st cue to stay/wait at entrance Dog required two cues to stay/wait at entrance Dog not able to stay/wait at the entrance Dog ignored distractions (may look and then look away without cue)

Dog was cued once to ignore distraction Dog was unable to ignore distractions

Dog was calm throughout exercise Dog was slightly anxious or concerned about any aspect of the exercise

Dog was anxious or distracted during exercise

Leash was loose at all times Leash tightened once during the exercise Leash tightened more than once during the exercise

Score Score Score


34


Rules Leash to remain loose at all times

When passing the bucket, the dog should be between

the bucket and the Guardian

Leave cue must be given gently and calmly

Leash not to be used to discourage dog from

approaching the bucket item

Bucket should be appropriate to the size of the dog

Dog may be reinforced for leaving the bucket item on

each occasion

See diagram in Exercise Set-Ups at end of Guide

Assessment steps • Place two markers 10 meters (32 feet) apart

• Place an upturned bucket or container midway between the 2 markers, 1 meter (3 feet) to left or right of the midline. Place a toy on the upturned bucket or container

• Guardian walks dog between the two markers and past the upturned bucket or container with the dog closest to the bucket

• If necessary, the Guardian calmly cues the dog to leave the object

• If cued and the dog leaves the object, the Guardian bridges and reinforces the dog’s action

• When the Guardian reaches the far marker, the toy on the upturned bucket or container is swapped for human food, e.g. muffin, cookie, sausage, or cake

• Guardian walks dog between the two markers and past the upturned bucket or container

• If necessary, the Guardian calmly cues the dog to leave the food

• If cued and the dog leaves the food, the Guardian bridges and reinforces the dog’s action

Achieved Almost There Not Yet Able Each cue delivery was calm at all times Cue delivery was slightly harsh or forceful Cue delivery was loud or was harsh Leash was loose at all times Leash became tight once Leash became tight on more than one occasion Dog left the object on first cue or of his own accord Dog left the object on second cue Dog required more than 2 cues to leave object Dog left the food on the first cue or on his own accord

Dog left the food on 2nd cue Dog took 3 or more cues to leave the food

Guardian bridged and reinforced at the appropriate time at each occasion

Bridging and reinforcement was mistimed at least once

Guardian did not bridge or reinforce at all

Score Score Score


35

PDA Level 3 Assessment Exercise 3 – Street walk

Rules • The street must be quiet and around the familiar

training area

• Two known people are required, one with a known dog and one without

• The tester dog must be pre-approved by the assessor as being suitable for this task

• The known person is requested to initially not interact with the Guardian’s dog

• Guardian demonstrates appropriate dog handling at all times

• Guardian chooses to pass the known dog or allows a brief (one to two second) greeting of the known dog to confirm management skills

• Dog must remain calm and relaxed

• Leash must remain loose

Assessment steps • After approximately 30 meters (100 feet) the Guardian and dog approach a person who is walking along the

street in the opposite direction.

• Guardian stops to talk to the person in the street for one minute

• Dog is asked to sit, stand or down (or may take up position himself) near Guardian and settle. The dog should not pester the person or the Guardian

• The dog should remain in position during the one minute

• After one minute, the person asks if they can pet the dog

• Guardian may choose yes or no to this request

• If Guardian says yes, then dog is petted and should accept petting

• The person then moves on

• After another 30 meters (100 feet) a person with a known dog approaches on the same side of the street

• Dogs should be able to pass by each other without incident

• The dogs may briefly (two seconds) greet each other and then move on to the remainder of the walk, i.e. another 40 meters (130 feet)


36


Leash was loose all the time Dog’s leash tightened once Dog’s leash tightened more than once or Guardian used leash to prevent dog from jumping

Dog did not pull towards or jump on first known person.

Dog pulled slightly towards first person Dog pulled towards and jumped on first person

Dog responded appropriately to cue to position and to settle

Dog required 2 cues to position or settle Dog required more than 2 cues to position or settle

Dog remained in place for one minute Dog broke position once Dog broke position on more than one occasion or would not settle at all

Dog accepted petting if agreed to by Guardian Dog showed concern if petted Dog avoided petting if agreed to by Guardian

Dog did not pull towards or jump on second know person and/or their dog

Dog pulled slightly towards second person and/or their dog

Dog pulled towards and jumped on second person and/or their dog

Dog successfully passed by other dog on one cue Dog required 2 cues to move on past other dog Dog required more than 2 cues to move on past other dog

If allowed to greet other dog, Guardian’s dog was able to move away within one to two seconds and on one cue

If allowed to greet other dog, Guardian’s dog required 2 cues to move away and/or took 3 to 5 seconds to move away

If allowed to greet other dog, Guardian’s dog required 3 or more cues to move away or 5 to 10 seconds to move away

Score Score Score


37


Rules Guardian must cue the dog to sit, drop or stand or dog

may take up position automatically

The first food in the bowl must be bland

(e.g. kibble)

The bowl must be placed one metre (3 feet) away from

the dog

After the dog is released to eat, the Guardian will pick up

the bowl and add a higher quality food (e.g. chicken)

Dog must show no concern about the loss of the bowl or

its return to the floor

Dog must not impede the removal or replacement of the

bowl

An alternative to a bowl can be used, e.g. a Kong.


up.

Assessment steps Guardian cues the dog to wait or stay in in position

Guardian places the food bowl 1 metre (3 feet) away from the dog

Guardian releases the dog after 10 seconds to eat from the bowl

While the dog is eating, the Guardian removes the bowl, places some higher quality food into the bowl and returns

the bowl to the dog


Dog responded on first cue to wait or stay Dog required 2 cues to wait or stay Dog took 3 or more cues to wait or stay or did not

respond to cue at all

Dog waited the 10 seconds to be released to eat the

food

Dog waited less than 10 but more than 5 seconds

before eating food Dog waited less than 5 seconds before eating food

Dog showed no concern about the bowl being

removed or replaced, nor did the dog impede the

bowl's removal or replacement

Dog showed minor concern about the bowl being

removed or replaced and/or slightly impeded the

bowl's removal or replacement

Dog snapped or growled or demonstrated faster

eating or freezing when bowl was removed or totally

impeded the bowl's removal or replacement

Score Score Score


38


Rules • Dog must leave distraction group readily with

Guardian (within 1 to 2 seconds)

• At point of starting recall, dog’s collar may initially be held by a known person or the Guardian can choose to leave the dog in a ‘stay’

• Guardian may offer spoken and/or physical (by moving) encouragement to the dog

• Set up a distraction group of 3 people and 3 leashed dogs to stand 15 meters (50 feet) from the start line but not in the path of the dog’s recall. The dog needs to pass by the group without distraction.

• Dog must return in a direct line to the Guardian

• Guardian must be able to attach the leash at the end of the recall

Assessment steps Guardian moves away from distraction group to recall area.

Guardian asks the dog to ‘stay’ or uses a known person to hold the dog’s collar (leash is not attached)

The known person can talk to the dog as the Guardian moves away

Guardian moves 15m (50 feet) away to the marker

When the Guardian calls the dog, the known person immediately lets go of the collar if held

Dog returns to the Guardian, demonstrating no interest in the distraction group and sits or stands in front of the

Guardian

Guardian takes the dog’s collar under the chin and attaches the leash

See exercise Set-Ups at the back of the Guide


Dog left group with Guardian on first cue Dog required 2 cues to leave group. Dog did not go with Guardian or pulled back towards group

Dog responded on first cue to return to Guardian Dog responded on second cue to return to Guardian.

Dog took more than 3 cues to return to Guardian

Dog returned directly to the Guardian Dog deviated slightly on recall but came to Guardian on a subsequent cue

Dog deviated from recall or did not return

Guardian was easily able to take the dog’s collar and attach the leash

Guardian was able to take the dog’s collar but unable to attach the leash

Guardian was unable to take the dog’s collar or attach the leash


39


Rules Dog must stop within 2-5 seconds

Dog must remain in position until recalled or the

Guardian returns to the dog and takes the collar

Collar to be taken under the chin or to the side of the

head NOT over the top of the head

Leash must remain loose

Assessment steps Dog is allowed to wander on a 5 metre (16 foot) leash

When asked by the assessor, the Guardian will cue the dog to stop

Guardian recalls the dog and take the dog’s collar or goes to the dog and takes the dog’s collar under the chin or to

the side of the dog’s head


Dog stopped on first cue Dog took 2 cues to stop Dog stopped within 3 steps or did not stop at all

Dog stopped within 2-5 seconds Dog stopped within 5-7 seconds Dog took took longer than 7 seconds to stop

Leash remained loose at all times Leash tightened once Leash tightened more than once or Guardian

used the leash to stop the dog

Dog remained in place until recalled or until

Guardian returned to the dog

Dog required 2 cues to recall or moved away

slightly as the Guardian returned

Dog required 3 or more cues to recall or moved

away substantially at Guardian’s approach

Guardian was able to take the dog’s collar Guardian required a second attempt to take the

dog’s collar

Dog showed anxiety or avoidance during the

exercise

Score Score

Score


40


Rules The dog will be handled lightly all over, except the head,

by an unknown person

Dog may show interest in the person handling him but

will remain calm and will not try to avoid handling (i.e.

no growling, biting or moving away)

Handling exercise to be stopped if dog shows signs of

anxiety/fear (backing away from unknown person, whale

eye, growling and/or displacement behaviours)

Guardian and/or the unknown person may talk to the

dog while dog is handled

Dog body parts can be handled in any order

Approximate touch time 2 to 3 seconds per body part

Assessment steps The unknown person handling the dog should be able to:

Look at (but not touch) the teeth by lifting the flews

Turn over the pinna to look in the ear canal or for pointy-eared dogs be able to handle the full length of the pinna

Pick up 2 feet, one after the other, to check pads

Run a hand down the back of the dog to the end of the tail

Run a hand down 2 legs of the dog

Carry out these steps in any order or in any order requested by the Guardian

Achieved Almost There Not Yet Able Unknown person successfully handled all dog parts as nominated pausing for 2 to 3 seconds on each part

Unknown person handled all dog parts but was only able to pause for 1 second per part

Unknown person could not examine any body parts or dog showed signs of stress during the examination causing examination to cease

Dog showed no concern and remained calm throughout

Dog fidgeted but allowed handling Dog actively moved away from the person handling the dog

Score Score Score


41

PDA Level 3 Assessment Exercise 8 – Settle

Rules Guardian must ask the dog to go to place. With a crate,

the door must be closed

Dog to settle in a sit or down position and stay calm until

released

Dog can watch the Guardian but must not leave the

place

Dog can reposition from side to side but should remain

in the sit or down position

A toy or a chew may be used

Assessment steps Guardian cues the dog to go to place and cues the dog to settle

Dog settles in place calmly. The Guardian may give the dog a toy or chew to settle

Once the dog is settled, Guardian moves and sits or stands 2 metres (6 feet) away from the place. The assessor walks

over to the Guardian and spends 1 minute asking the Guardian about the rules and regulations of dog laws within

the local area

During the 1 minute while the dog is settled in place, a known person walks past at a distance of 3 metres (10 feet)

as a distraction


Dog went to place on 1st cue Dog required 2 cues to go to place Dog required more than 2 cues to go to place or

Guardian had to lead dog to place

Dog settled in place on cue or automatically Dog required 2 cues to settle Dog required more than 2 cues to settle or did not

respond

Dog remained calmly in place for one minute Dog appeared somewhat unsettled and shifted

several times Dog broke from position

Dog did not break when known person walked by Dog stood when known person walked by and had

to be cued to settle again

Dog left place or approached know person walking

by

Guardian was familiar with local rules and

regulations

Guardian was unable to answer 1 question

regarding the local rules and regulations

Guardian had limited knowledge of local rules and

regulations

Score Score Score


42


Rules Dog must remain on the leash

Dog must remain calm but may look in the direction of

the Guardian’s departure and return


Assessment steps Guardian gives the leash to a known person

Guardian leaves the dog with the known person and disappears out of the dog’s sight for 30 seconds

The known person may talk to the dog in the absence of the Guardian. Treats may also be used if agreed by the

Guardian

The dog may show interest in where the Guardian has gone

If the dog shows signs of anxiety, the assessor will call the Guardian to return to the dog and the exercise will cease

On the Guardian’s return, the dog may show pleasure but must not jump up on the Guardian or impede the

Guardian’s return


Dog remained calm while the Guardian was out of

sight

Dog showed intense interest in where the Guardian

had gone

Dog showed anxiety in the absence of the

Guardian

Guardian was able to remain out of sight for thirty

seconds

Guardian had to return before elapse of thirty

seconds

Dog pulled towards Guardian as the Guardian

departed

On the Guardian’s return, the dog did not jump up

or impede return

On Guardian’s return, the dog pulled towards the

Guardian but did not jump up or impede the return

Dog jumped up on and/or impeded the Guardian’s

return

Score Score Score


43

PDA Level 4Assessment Markers


44





provided a completed Veterinary Form and copies of

current vaccination status or titre levels

Please note:

• A dog that growls, snaps or bites will not qualify

• A dog demonstrating signs of stress e.g.

displacement behaviours will not qualify

• A Guardian who uses any aversive techniques in

working their dog during the assessment will not

qualify

• At no time must a dog be lured to perform a

behaviour

Aim To produce a Guardian and dog team who demonstrate their ability to undertake increasingly more complex real

life skills in real life situations


Dog takes any reinforcer offered gently.


Assessor may change the sequence of the exercises if necessary to suit the situation. However, all exercises must

be undertaken

• Suggestion: Level 4 can, if necessary, be assessed over two sessions i.e. session one is the street walk and the

other exercises on another day

Optional – get ready The assessor may allow 5 minutes for the Guardian and dog to familiarise themselves with the assessment area.


45

PDA Level 4 Assessment Feedback – General Rules Observed


2. The dog demonstrated . . . . . . . . . .


4. If the puppy toileted during the assessment, the Guardian responded appropriately by having a suitable bag for collection of feces.

Confirmed

No stress

Minor stress

Major stress

Confirmed

Confirmed



46

PDA Level 4 Assessment Exercise 1 – Back up at entrance

Rules One cue only to back up

Cue can be visual or spoken

Guardian may walk non-threateningly towards dog a

maximum of three steps as a cue

Dog can be in front or at the side of the Guardian

Assessment steps At the entrance the dog is cued to back up (to move away) from the entrance

Distance for back up is 1 one metre (three feet)


Dog backed up with 1 cue Dog required 2 cues to back up Dog required 3 or more cues to back up

Dog backed up the required distance Dog did not back up required distance Dog failed to back up

Score Score Score


47


Rules

• The street walk will be at an unfamiliar populated venue, e.g. street cafe area, football ground during a game, etc.

• The dog must leave anything found on the ground as requested

• The dog must sit once and drop once as requested during the walk

• Cues may only be given once for each behavior

• Dog must demonstrate polite dog/person and dog/dog manners at all times

• Leash must remain loose at all times

Assessment steps

Commence street walk by walking a minimum of 100 meters (330 feet) along a main street that has outdoor café areas and/or a sports ground while there are people around or along a populated beach, at a community event/festival or at a sporting event. Wherever possible a genuine testing place should be used. However, if circumstances require it, a set up scenario may replace the genuine scenario but every effort must be taken by the Assessor to achieve reality. During the street walk the following behaviors should be requested by the Guardian and graded by the assessor:

• Ask the dog to leave any food on the ground – once only

• Ask the dog to sit once and to drop once while on the walk

• Guardian and dog will meet another Guardian and dog coming in the other direction down the street

• The Guardians will stop to chat for one minute

• Dog must demonstrate calm dog/person and dog/dog skills during the approach of the oncoming Guardian and dog

• Dog must demonstrate calm dog/person and dog/dog skills during the one-minute chat in the street • Dog must demonstrate calm dog/person and dog/dog skills on departure


Leash was loose all the time Leash became tight once Leash tightened on more than one occasion

Dog left food on first cue Dog required 2 cues to leave food Dog did not leave food or took more than two cues to leave food

Dog greeted or ignored the other person/ dog appropriately

Dog broke towards other person/dog but could be called back to position with one cue

Dog broke towards other person/dog and could not be called back to position

Dog complied with sit/drop cues Dog missed one of the cues to sit or drop Dog missed more than 1 cue to sit or drop

Dog remained in place for one minute Dog broke once from position during one minute Dog broke position on more than 1 occasion during the one-minute conversation

Score Score Score


48


Rules The recall should be performed off-leash

Guardian may use treats, toys or welcoming body

language to encourage the dog’s return

Dog must return directly to the Guardian

Guardian must be able to attach the leash

The group of people/dogs should consist of 2 people and

1 dog (off-leash)


Assessment steps The dog will be permitted to play and mingle with a group of known people and a dog

The Guardian will move away in any direction from the group to a distance of 20 metres (65 feet). The Guardian will

call the dog

The dog should return within two calls and allow the Guardian to attach the leash

Achieved Almost There Not Yet Able Dog responded on first or second cue to return to

Guardian Dog responded within 3 cues to return to Guardian Dog took 4 or more cues to return to Guardian

Dog returned directly to the Guardian Dog deviated slightly on recall but came to

Guardian on a third cue Dog deviated from recall or did not return

Dog allowed leash to be attached Dog slightly resisted the leash attachment Dog did not accept the leash attachment

Score Score Score


49


Rules Dog must stop within 3 seconds

Dog must remain in position until recalled or the

Guardian returns to the dog and takes the collar under

the chin or to the side of the head NOT over the top of

the head

Leash must remain loose

Assessment steps Dog is allowed to wander on a 10 metre (32 feet) leash

Guardian will cue the dog to stop at their own discretion

Guardian recalls the dog from the stop position or returns to the dog and takes the dog’s collar under the chin or to

the side of the dog’s head


Dog stopped on 1st cue Dog took 2 cues to stop Dog took 3 or more cues to stop or did not stop

Dog stopped within 3 seconds Dog stopped within 5 seconds Dog took more than 5 seconds to stop

Leash remained loose at all times Leash tightened once Leash tightened more than once and/or Guardian

used the leash to stop dog from moving

Dog remained in place until recalled or Guardian

returned

Dog required 2 cues to recall or stay while Guardian

returned

Dog required 3 or more cues to recall or did not

wait for Guardian’s return

Guardian was able to take the dog’s collar Guardian required a second attempt to take the

dog’s collar Dog showed anxiety or avoidance of collar take

Score Score Score


50

PDA Level 4 Assessment Exercise 5 – End of walk pack up Rules

• Acceptable walking position is 1/2m (2 feet)

either side of Guardian’s body

• Ensure the exercise is conducted in a safe,

secure area with no other cars nearby

• Equipment to pack into the car will be pre-

arranged in the set up

• It is permitted for the Guardian to lift a dog into

the car or to use a ramp if necessary

• Dog to remain in the car until completion of

pack up

• If at any stage during the exercise the dog is

showing clear distress signs, then the exercise

should be terminated


Assessment steps

• Walk the dog off leash 1/2 a metre (2 feet) either side of the guardian's body for a distance of 20 metres

(65 feet) from a marker to another marker placed 5 metres (16 feet) from the Guardian’s car (or car

provided for the exercise)

• Request dog to stay/wait

• Call dog to the car and ask the dog to get into the car from a distance of 5 metres (16 feet) and settle on

the seat or in the back of a wagon.

• If the dog is on the seat then the door will be closed and the pack up will be in the car trunk or back

hatch

• If the dog is in the hatch then the pack up may be on the back seat

• Guardian will collect goods that are to be placed in the car

• Two trips will be necessary

• Goods will be placed 5 metres (16 feet) away from the car

• Dog to remain calm in the car during this procedure


Dog successfully walked off leash for 20 metres

(65 feet)

Dog moved from acceptable walking position on

one occasion during the walk and/or required

one cue back to position

Dog was unsuccessful at completing the 20

metre (65 feet) walk

Dog stayed while Guardian walked to vehicle Dog had to be re-set once while Guardian walked

to vehicle

Dog had to be re-set on more than one occasion

during walk to vehicle

Dog came on first call to the vehicle Dog required 2 calls to the vehicle Dog required three+ calls to the vehicle

Dog entered the vehicle without resistance (this

includes no struggling if lifted and no refusal if

using a ramp)

Dog showed minimal resistance or 1 refusal to

get into the vehicle

Dog showed solid resistance or refused to get

into the vehicle

Dog remained calm when the door was closed Dog showed minimal discomfort when the door

was closed Dog reacted fearfully when door was closed


51

Dog remained calm while vehicle was packed

Dog was pacing or unsettled during vehicle

packing

Dog showed clear distress signs during packing.

Exercise terminated

Score Score Score


52


Rules Dog must remain on the leash

Dog must remain calm but may look in the direction of

the Guardian as they leave and return

The assessor shall ensure that the dog is visible to the

assessor at all times. Any sign of stress in the dog will

result in the exercise being terminated


Assessment steps Guardian gives the leash to a known person

Known person walks dog away from Guardian a distance of no more than 15 metres (32 feet) to a place where the

dog cannot see the Guardian

If agreed by the Guardian, treats may be used as known person walks the dog away

The dog and known person will be out of sight of the Guardian for 30 seconds

If the dog shows signs of anxiety, the assessor will call the person with the dog to return the dog to the Guardian and

the exercise will cease

On the dog's return to the Guardian at the conclusion of the exercise, the dog may show pleasure but must not pull

towards or jump up on the Guardian

Achieved Almost There Not Yet Able Dog remained calm while walking away from the

Guardian

Dog showed intense interest in his departure from

the Guardian

Dog showed anxiety on departure from the

Guardian

Dog successfully remained out of sight of the

Guardian for 30 seconds

Dog successfully remained out of sight of the

Guardian for 20 t0 25 seconds Dog was unsuccessful with Guardian out of sight

On the dog's return to the Guardian, the dog did

not pull towards or jump up on the Guardian

On dog's return to the Guardian, the dog pulled

towards the Guardian but did not jump up

On the dog’s return to the Guardian, the dog

pulled towards the Guardian and jumped up

Score Score Score


53

PDA Level 5 Championship Assessment Markers


54

PDA Level 5 Assessment Level 5 Championship – Any dog aged 12 months or more




provided a completed Veterinary Form and

copies of current vaccination status or titre

levels

Please note:

• A dog that growls, snaps or bites will not

qualify

• A dog demonstrating signs of stress (e.g.

displacement behaviours) will not qualify

• A Guardian who uses any aversive

techniques in working their dog during the

assessment will not qualify

• At no time must a dog be lured to perform

a behaviour

Aim To enable Guardians to demonstrate their ability to work with their dog as a team in “real life” circumstances with

typical distractions

Championship level is an extension of Level 4. Dogs at this level aim to work easily off leash, with many of the

foundation core and essential skills now automatic behaviours.

Assessment requirements • The dog’s behaviour in a real life scenario should be exemplary

• The Guardian will demonstrate to the assessor that they are aware of local rules, regulations and laws in a setting

such as a café, beach or public event

Optional – get ready Not applicable in this assessment


55

Level 5 Assessment Feedback – general rules observed


2. The dog demonstrated . . . . . . . . . .



Confirmed

No stress

Minor stress

Major stress

Confirmed

Confirmed



56


Rules The 5 compulsory exercises and 2 optional exercises

must be carried out during real life scenarios

The safety of dog, Guardian, Assessor and any assistants

is paramount

It is also necessary to be socially aware of those in the

vicinity not involved in the assessment

The Guardian must be aware that there are local laws

relevant to the environment in which the assessment is

taking place, e.g. faeces must be picked up whilst at the

beach, etc. The assessor will not prompt this but should

the Guardian fail to demonstrate such knowledge the

team cannot qualify

Assessment steps The following exercises are compulsory:

Car manners

Entrance manners

Loose leash walking (minimum 100 metres) 330 feet

Leave it – must be human food

Settle

Recall from distraction

Being alone (one minute)

Social interaction (dog with people, dog with dog)

Two of the following optional exercises must also be undertaken:

Wait to be fed

Sit for polite greeting/four on the floor

Handling

Back up

Give/take

Emergency stop

At all times, the Guardian and dog must stay within the local rules, regulations and laws of the assessment area


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Car manners were appropriate Dog moved towards the door of the car before

leash was attached. Dog refused car entry

Guardian demonstrates that they understand the

local rules and regulations of the setting in which

the assessment is made

Guardian was unsure about one local law regarding

the assessment setting

The Guardian was unsure or did not know about

more than one law regarding the assessment

setting

Entrance manners were appropriate Dog had to be re-cued once to stay at entrance Dog had to be re-cued on 2 or more occasions at

entrance

Loose leash walking 100% of the time Leash tightened on 1 occasion Leash tightened on more than 1 occasion

Dog leaves human food on first request Dog takes 2 requests to leave the food Dog takes 3 or more requests to leave the food or

does not leave the food

Dog settles on first request Dog takes 2 requests to settle Dog takes 3 or more requests to settle or does not

settle

Dog recalls from distraction on 1 or 2 calls Dog takes 2 or 3 requests to come away from

distraction

Dog takes more than 3 requests to come away

from distractions or does not come away from

distractions

Dog was calm and relaxed when Guardian leaves

the dog Dog appeared unsettled at Guardian’s departure

Dog barked, whined or was very unsettled at

Guardian’s departure

Dog’s interaction with at least 1 other dog was

appropriate

Dog was slightly nervous or slightly pushy with the

other dog

Dog was unable to interact with the other dog or

acted totally inappropriately


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Optional exercises – select any two of the following:

The dog waited appropriately to be fed (at least ten

seconds before eating proffered food)

Dog waited less than 10 seconds but more than 8

seconds before eating food Dog did not wait to eat the food

The dog sat on cue or remained with 4 paws on the

ground when greeted by a stranger

Dog got up from sit or “air jumped” (i.e. jumped but

did not put paws on stranger) Dog jumped on stranger

The dog was comfortable being handled by a

stranger on the chest and back

The dog showed minor signs of being

uncomfortable with the handling Dog did not allow handling

The dog was able to back up from the entrance a

minimum distance of 1metres (3 feet) on a single

cue

The dog backed up but less than 1 metres

(3 feet) The dog did not back up

The dog was able to take an item and give it up

again with no hesitation. Dog showed minor reluctance to exchange object. Dog would not exchange object

The dog was able to successfully perform the

emergency stop as previously described in Level 4 The dog missed one element of the emergency stop

The dog missed more than one element of the

emergency stop or did not stop

Score Score Score


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PDA Level 5 Assessment Exercise 2 – Veterinary examination

Rules • Dog must be fully compliant with a veterinary

examination by a veterinary technician/nurse or vet

• Guardian must successfully demonstrate appropriate medication delivery and/or skin check as requested by the assessor

• Dog must allow grooming of the nominated body parts by the Guardian

Assessment steps A veterinarian, vet technician or vet nurse will examine the following body parts of the dog:

• eyes

• ears

• teeth

• feet

• tail The assessor will then ask the Guardian to demonstrate two of the following (assessor’s choice)

• Administering a tablet to the dog

• How to deliver oral medication to the dog with a syringe

• How to administer ear medication

• How to administer eye medication

• How to check the dog’s skin Dog then allows Guardian to groom the following body parts:

• back

• tail

• feet

• under the lower jaw

Achieved Almost There Not Yet Able Dog allows veterinary examination of all body parts Dog allows veterinary examination of all but 1 body

part Dog does not allow 2 or more body parts to be

examined

Guardian correctly demonstrates 2 of the required husbandry activities

Guardian demonstrates only 1 of the required husbandry activities

Guardian is unable to demonstrate any of the required husbandry activities

Dog allows grooming of all nominated body parts Dog allows grooming of all but 1 body part Dog does not allow 2 or more body parts to be groomed or did not allow grooming

Score Score Score


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PDA Level 5 Assessment Exercise 3 – Visual/Spoken cue discrimination

Rules Dog must be under stimulus control at all times

Dog must demonstrate the ability to sit, drop and stand

on both visual and spoken cues

This must be commenced with Guardian 1 metre (3 feet)

away from the dog

If whilst changing position the 1 metre (3 feet) distance

decreases, this is acceptable

Assessment steps At the Guardians discretion the dog will be asked to sit, drop and stand firstly on spoken cue

The Guardian will then ask the dog to sit, drop and stand on visual cue

The order of these behaviours can be left to the Guardian


Dog sat, dropped and stood on 1 spoken cue for

each behaviour The dog missed 1 spoken cue The dog missed more than 1 spoken cue

Dog sat, dropped and stood on 1 visual cue for each

behaviour The dog missed 1 visual cue The dog missed more than 1 visual cue

Score Score Score


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Exercise setups


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Level 2 Exercise Setups


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Example curricula for group classes With thanks to the Training Team at Canine Behavioural School Inc. (CBS), Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

Each of these suggested programs are examples only.

These examples contain primarily PDA exercises; in reality other exercises can also be included to compliment this basic outline.

PDA Program Level 1 Puppy Date Week Teaching description

1 Beginners talk – Dog free lesson. Use this session for introduction to force-free training, your training facility’s rules and regulations and any other information you feel relevant to training with you. Introduce the concept of the PDA Program. CBS also teaches the following basics using candy as reinforcers and having people practice with each other. Homework is always assigned.

Homework:

1. Find out about breed – what job was dog bred to do?

2. Condition the bridge

3. Condition the name

4. Gain attention – ‘Fido, look’ or ‘Fido, watch’ (then bridge-reward)

5. Lure to sit (then bridge-reward)

PDA

Sit side &

front, take

collar

2 Revision: what job was your dog bred to do? Also condition bridge and dog’s name, look/watch (aim for two seconds), sit

1. Fade the lure and reward from other hand – five repetitions but only 2/5 lured

2. Teach sit hand signal – convert luring hand to sit hand signal

3. Target – simple hand target that will later be used for loose leash walking (LLW), go to place, recall

4. Sit at side – move dog into side position using target and use sit hand signal – need to try to avoid default sit in front. Also have Guardian take the collar and hold for 3 seconds

5. Pay the check in – bridge and reinforce every time the dog looks at Guardian in a 30 second timed exercise

6. Education: Environmental enrichment

PDA

Give/take/

exchange

Loose leash

walking (LLW)

3 Revision: target to move dog to side. Also “Fido, look, sit, bridge, reward” – not lured

1. Go to place – target to mat then bridge and reward. Aim for auto sit/drop (once taught) & dog remains in place for 10 seconds until released. “Place” = mat, bed, crate, etc.

2. Drop

3. LLW – Method 1 and 2 (food on nose, pay as you go along, bringing hand up and away as dog improves and/or ‘Be a Tree’) – 10m of good


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Date Week Teaching description

Go to place LLW

4. Give/take exchange – use chew/bully stick or toy, reinforce release with same or higher value treat

5. Education: Discuss bite inhibition and ‘soft mouths’. Also, how to prevent resource guarding (identify dogs already showing signs of resource guarding – discuss how to manage and the possibility of a private consultation if required)

PDA

Begin recall

Leave it

Handling

4 Revision: LLW, sit front and side, give/take/exchange, go to place, drop (combine go to place and drop)

1. Stay – aiming for 10-30 seconds – sit and drop stay (Methods: Pay the Stay, Bungy Stay) 2. Sit for polite greeting 3. LLW with recall and collar touch – to cone and back 4. Leave It – inanimate object from hand only 5. Stand at side and/or front 6. Handling/massage – Guardian should be able to handle ears, tail, feet, mouth, along the dog’s back (minimum two seconds on each part).

Handling is for veterinary/husbandry purposes and also massage for relaxation (add how to check skin)

PDA

LLW towards

known person

5 Consolidation week – consolidate and test out the already taught behaviours. If suitable play some consolidation games. Consolidate

handling and dwell on those things that your class requires

Can combine some exercises:

1. ‘Fido, look/watch’ then LLW to cone and recall back

2. Go to place (with sit or drop) then stay for 10-30 seconds

3. Puppy push-ups (sit, drop and stand – front or side)

Also:

4. LLW 15 metres (50 feet) towards a known person then sit, drop or stand

5. Education: Body language – calming signals, hugging, play bows, greeting a dog

6. Discuss fading the food, getting good hand signals and timing of bridge. Also, fading the bridge for exercises that the dog is doing well and remind about random reinforcement (if using)


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PDA

Wait to be fed

6 Revision: anything not covered in last week’s consolidation week

1. Settle in place (aiming for one minute – not a stay, just settle i.e. dropped in place with chew) 2. Recall on long line with collar touch (between Guardians/instructor & Guardian) 3. Vet exam – loose headlock hold and under tummy 4. Wait to be fed – wait three seconds with bowl one meter (three feet) away, whilst dog is eating Guardian drops higher quality food into

bowl 5. Trick training – aim to present trick/s or trick/s ‘in progress’ in final week 6. Education: Building a bond using tricks and having fun, being consistent, alternative reinforcers i.e. toys, life rewards

PDA

Social

interaction

Discuss PDA

registration &

online quiz

Vet check

forms

7 Revision - as necessary, based on needs of the class

1. LLW with turns (non-military) and sit at side

2. Recall on long line

3. Social interaction – instructor to pair up dogs and Guardians for polite, two second greeting then move on with cue ‘let’s go’

**instructor to identify if any dogs not suitable for greeting, and their Guardians can reinforce stay and look instead

4. Education: Social maturity and the effects of ongoing socialisation

5. Direct clients to PDA website for online registration and quiz. Remind about vet check forms also

PDA

Practice

assessment

8 Consolidation week – This is an opportunity to have a practice assessment run. If class is already competent – run the assessment this week,

allowing those who aren’t quite ready, or have not completed registration, an opportunity next week

Dwell on those things that your class requires

1. If instructor is not an assessor, assessment should have been organised for Week 9

2. Discuss ongoing training and registration for your next group class and the next PDA level

PDA

Assessment

9 Assessment week

If the group instructor is an assessor, then some exercises can be assessed during group sessions

If an assessor is brought in to assess the group, ensure enough time is allowed for the entire group to be appropriately assessed.


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PDA Program Level 2 Level 2 is an entry level into the PDA Program.

If Level 1 not undertaken then the basic exercises of Sit Side & Front/Take Collar and Go to Place must be undertaken

and competent before being assessed for Level 2


PDA

Entrance manners Stay/settle

1 Revision: LLW – aiming for 20m, sit at side, go to place

1. Targeting –teach “Say Hi” as a target exercise

2. Discuss PPG PDA Level 2 Assessment – give handout

3. Stand side & front revision for those who did Level 1 but new exercise if this is entry level

4. Stay with one metre (three feet) distance in sit or drop – Guardian can be sitting or standing (not settle)

5. Wait at the entrance – as per Assessment Marker PDA Level 2 Exercise 2 Entrance Manners

PDA

Recall

Wait to be fed

Handling

2 Revision: wait at the entrance, system of fives (still do five repetitions but only 2/5 lured for new learning)

1. Recall – ask dog to sit in front and take dog’s collar under the chin – 10 metre (32 feet) recall

2. Give/take/exchange

3. Drop at side

4. Wait to be fed (five seconds) – food bowl placed one metre (three feet) from dog. Dog is released from wait after five seconds, and then a higher value treat is placed by hand into bowl when dog is eating. Instructor to watch for signs of resource guarding. The food is not dropped but purposefully placed into bowl

5. Handling as per PPG PDA Level 2 Exercise 8 Assessment Marker add how to give oral medication via syringe and tablet


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PDA

LLW with

social

interaction

Leave it

Settle/Stay

3 Revision: wait to be fed, drop at side, stand at side and front

1. LLW with attention – aim for two seconds of attention

2. LLW with social interaction – as per the PPG Level 2 Exercise 4 Assessment Marker

3. Settle - aiming for 30 seconds on the mat with chew or toy if necessary (not a ‘stay’)

4. Leave it – two parts - from ground two metres away (e.g. keys, pen, sunglasses) and food from closed hand. Practice at home should be with everyday objects and food

5. Tricks – targeted trick for end of term

PDA

Being alone

Car manners

Emergency

stop

Recall

4 Revision: say hi/sit for greeting, stay with distance, settle, LLW with social interaction

1. Being alone – instructor/assistant holds dog while Guardian goes out of sight for 15 seconds. Treats can be offered to the dog (watch dog’s body language)

2. Car manners – discuss applying the same principle as door manners for car manners

3. Emergency stop as per PPG PDA Level 2 Exercise 7 Assessment Marker

4. Recall 10m recall. On long leash. Assistant can hold dog collar. Guardian calls and requests sit when dog approaches. When sitting, take collar under chin

5 Consolidation week – consolidate and test out the already taught behaviours. If suitable play some consolidation games. Practice

car manners if cars not yet used

Dwell on those things that your class requires

Can combine some exercises:

1. LLW with attention around cones leaving items/food bowls on the ground

2. LLW with social interaction

3. Stay/settle with distance

Also:

4. Discuss fading the food, getting good hand signals, timing of bridge. Also, fading the bridge for exercises that the dog is doing well and remind about random reinforcement if using


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6 1. Systematically work through the exercises as listed in the assessment markers for Level 2 – ensure Guardians understand what is required in detail

2. Car manners

3. Door manners

4. Leave it


2. LLW with social interaction

3. Wait to be fed

4. Recall

5. Ensure registration is complete for this level on PPG website. For Level 2 entry ensure vet certificate and open book quiz have been completed


2. Emergency stop

3. Handling

4. Stay/settle

5. Being alone

6. If Instructor is not an assessor, assessment should have been organised for Week 9


9 Assessment week

If the group instructor is an assessor, then some exercises can be assessed during group sessions

If an assessor is brought in to assess the group, ensure enough time is allowed for the entire group to be appropriately assessed.


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PDA Program Level 3 Date Week Teaching description

PDA

Leave it

Emergency

Stop

1 Revision: LLW with attention, Give, Level 2 Emergency stop (two metres/six feet)

1. Extended target – target stick to gain distance and movement

2. Discuss PPG PDA Level 3 Assessment – give handout

3. Leave it objects (toy and food) + elevated on upturned bucket (or similar)

4. Emergency stop – dogs to wander approximately 5m from Guardian (on long leash) then asked to ‘stop’. Guardian then goes to dog or recalls dog and takes dog’s collar

PDA

Wait at

entrance

Pass another

dog Wait to

be fed

Settle

2 Revision: puppy push ups, sit, stand or drop for polite greeting

1. Wait at the entrance - with distractions at entrance such as:

o a person walking by within three metres (10 feet) of the dog and Guardian o something being dropped o someone opening an umbrella - slowly o any additional distraction at the instructor’s discretion

2. Passing other dogs – LLW with attention and also two-second meet and greet by dogs and move on

3. Wait to be fed (10 seconds) – food bowl placed 1m from dog. Dog is released from wait after 10 seconds. Guardian then picks up bowl and adds higher quality food and replaces bowl. Instructor to watch for signs of resource guarding.

4. Settle - aiming for 1 minute on the mat with chew/toy if necessary with Guardian two metres away and known person walking past at three metres (10 feet) as distraction

PDA

Handling

Recall

Local dog

laws

Being alone

3 Revision: settle, wait to be fed

1. Handling: Unknown person to handle as per PPG PDA Level 3 Exercise 7 – add how to give ear and eye drops

2. Recall from a crowd – as per description PPG PDA Level 3 Exercise 5 (set up diagram available)

3. Close and no leash walking – use long leashes (drop and pick up) and targeting short distances

4. Being alone - build to one minute with Guardian out of sight as per PPG Level 3 Exercise 9

5. Education: Local dog laws – Instructor responsible for list of local jurisdiction dog laws


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PDA

Street Walk

4 Revision: close and no leash walking

1. Have some fun with shaping, tricks, targeting or anything that takes your fancy

2. Street walk – LLW with cues, look sit, drop and the following scenarios:

• After 30m a person approaches from opposite direction and talks to the Guardian for one minute (dog to sit, stand or

drop)

• After the above, person asks if can pet the dog. Yes or no and person moves on

• After another 30m a person with dog approaches from opposite direction, on the same side of the street and passes by

(dogs can have two second greeting)

5 Consolidation week – consolidate and test out the already taught behaviours

Dwell on those things that your class requires. Advance already taught exercises

1. Wait at the gate/door – with distraction (e.g. person walking within 3m, toy on ground, item dropped on ground)

LLW and leave it – objects/food on the ground including upturned bucket with toy/treat on top

2. Recall with more distance and distraction

3. Handling – unknown person to perform handling as per exercise attached – incorporate also holds for eye drops and ear drops

4. Education: discuss stimulus control and the need to carry out work under that control

PDA

Concentrate

on street walk

6 Revision: anything not covered in last week’s consolidation week

1. Having fun with tricks – more complicated tricks e.g. ‘bang’

2. Street walk

3. Settle


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7 Systematically work through the exercises as listed in the assessment markers for Level 3 – ensure Guardians understand what is required in detail

1. Wait at entrance

2. Leave it

3. Street walk

4. Wait to be fed

5. Ensure registration is complete for this level on PPG website. For Level 3 entry ensure vet certificate is current


2. Recall

3. Handling

4. Emergency stop

5. Handling

6. Being alone

7. If Instructor is not an assessor, assessment should have been organised for Week 9


9 Assessment week

If the group instructor is an assessor, then some exercises can be assessed during the group sessions

If an assessor is brought in to assess the group, ensure enough time is allowed for the entire group to be appropriately assessed


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PDA Program Level 4 Date Week Teaching description

PDA

Back up at

entrance

1 Revision: selection of Level 3 exercises to assess current standards

1. Discuss PDA Program Level Four requirements – emphasis on street work – give information handout

2. Back up at entrance – suggest different ways this can be taught

3. Handling – ensure handling skills are solid, including skin check, oral medication via syringe or tablet, ear and eye drop holds

4. Leave it – practice all levels of leave it that have been taught so far

PDA

Street walk

2 100m street walk before undertaking the following exercises. This street should be busy (i.e. cafe etc.). See Level 4 Exercise 2 for full details During the street walk the following behaviors should be requested by the Guardian:

• Ask the dog to leave any food on the ground – once only

• Ask the dog to sit three times and to drop three times while on the walk

• Guardian and dog will meet another dog and Guardian coming in the other direction down the street

• The Guardians will stop to chat for one minute

• Dog must demonstrate calm dog/person and dog/dog skills during the approach of the oncoming dog and Guardian

• Dog must demonstrate calm dog/person and dog/dog skills during the one-minute chat in the street

• Dog must demonstrate calm dog/person and dog/dog skills on departure Practice can be in and around training venue but arrangements to meet in other appropriate areas should be made with the students on another week Ask students to bring their dog’s grooming gear for next week’s class

PDA

Recall

Emergency

Stop

Being alone

3 Revision: back up at entrance, handling, settle/stay

1. Emergency stop – increased criteria

2. Recall – from a group as per Level 4 Exercise 3

3. Being alone – as per Level 4 Exercise 6 – dog removed from Guardian – short distance and build duration

4. Grooming – discuss appropriate grooming for various coat lengths and types. Students should be able to groom their own dogs and the dogs should accept grooming in readiness for Championship


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PDA

End of walk

pack up

4 Revision: car manners, entrance manners, handling

1. End of walk pack up as per Level 4 Exercise 5. Ensure safety in car park

2. Street walk exercises without the street walk

3. Being alone

5 Consolidation week

At this level the students should know what exercises they need to work on. Work through their exercises and then have some

fun with the students. Do some shaping, play some games that incorporate the exercises both past and present

6 Street walk, including all required elements – arrange this in an appropriate place, not necessarily at the training facility


1. Back up at entrance

2. Street walk

3. Recall

Ensure registration is complete for this level on PPG website. For Level 4 entry ensure vet certificate is current


1. Emergency stop

2. End of walk pack up

3. Being alone

If Instructor is not an assessor, assessment should have been organised for Week 9

9 Assessment week

If the group instructor is an assessor, then some exercises can be assessed during the group sessions

If an assessor is brought in to assess the group, ensure enough time is allowed for the entire group to be appropriately assessed


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PDA Program Level 5 Championship

Championship is a level where most of the vast array of exercises have been undertaken and may only need polishing.

It is suggested that Championship level be taught as required and that the group (or single individual) works with the instructor to polish the exercises that might have been neglected

for a while as well as working on the visual and spoken cue discrimination.

As the example curricula are just that, examples, other exercises may be included to pad out the class. This is very personal to the group level and if you have been working with

someone for some time then there should be guidance from you as to how to improve current behaviours in order to ensure that the Championship level is achieved in a worthwhile

manner.

This level is not just about getting the Championship but about demonstrating that the dog and Guardian who have attained this level are responsible community members and that

they are true Pet Dog Ambassadors in every sense of the word.

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