UBSDA Character Test

Character Test for Belgian Shepherd Dogs

Frequently Asked Questions

How old does my dog need to be to participate?

Any Belgian Shepherd over the age of 12 months may participate in the Simple Character Test (Tests 1 and 2). It is recommmended that dogs be 18 months of age to participate in the Full Character Test (Tests 1, 2, and 3) but that is at the owner's discretion.

What sort of equipment do I need for the test?

We recommend a flat collar that your dog cannot back out of for test 3 along with a comfortable 6 foot lead. Any "daily wear" collar is fine for tests 1 and 2, as long as the dog cannot back out of the collar. Slip collars, martingales, and flat collars are all acceptable. Pinch or electric collars are not.

The evaluators will have a heavy flat collar and long line available for test 3 if necessary. If there's any question about whether you can restrain your dog during test three, the evaluation team reserves the right to provide a backup leash handler to assist you. Handlers shoud feel free to request this backup, as well.

How long does the test take from start to finish?

The test will generally run two to seven minutes per dog, depending on how quickly the dog responds to the invitation to play tug.

I'm not sure my dog will tug with a stranger. Can I tug with my dog?

A dog cannot pass test three if they will not tug with the evaluator without assistance. If the dog must be "started" tugging by the handler, this part of the test is forfeited. We do, however, encourage the handler to help their dog if it's clear they are uncertain about tugging with a stranger. Our evaluators work hard to help your dog succeed on this portion of the test, and will always try to end a test on a positive note whether the dog passes or not.

I'm not sure my dog will tug on your equipment. Can I provide my own toy?

In order to maintain consistency and ensure safety for dogs and evaluators, the evaluators provide all equipment used for test 3. There will be a variety of items ranging from fabric or fleece tugs to linen or leather tugs, and the evaluator will ask you for suggestions of your dogs preferred tug toys before starting.

My dog has no protection training. Should I even enter?

Protection training is not a requirement or even a suggestion in order to participate in the Full Character Test. The test was designed specifically for those dogs whose owners do not use protection sports as an evaluation tool in their dogs or breeding program.

My dog has XYZ protection training. Can he participate in the Character Test?

We ask that any dog with previous training in sport or personal protection indicate that on the entry form, so that the evaluators can choose the appropriate equipment for test 3. If your dog is not "equipment sure" we ask that you discuss this with the evaluation team before you begin the test. If the evaluation team determines that your dog cannot be safely tested, your entry fee will be refunded.

What should I expect in test 3?

The test description is quite accurate. After you complete test 2, the handler and an evaluator will make sure your dog is wearing an appropriate (non-tightening) collar and that you have a lead of sufficient length (6-10'). If you don't, or if you want a backup leash handler, the handler will put the supplied collar and leash on the dog and "become a post." This means that the handler will assume a stance that allows them to balance and remain in the same spot while restraining their dog. This is important to the evaluator with the tug, because they will tease the dog with the tug and may make the dog miss the toy in order to gauge and increase interest.

When the dog shows a strong interest, the evaluator will let the dog grip the tug while continuing to hold onto the tug. If the dog continues to grip, the evaluator will tug with the dog and stroke its head several times with their other hand. The evaluator may also test the dog's commitment to the tug by raising the hand in a mild threat (See photos).

My dog failed test 2. Can I retest?

Yes. All results are published, so a successful pass on the SCT or FCT will supercede but not erase the previous result.

My dog did not tug on test 3 but I think he will now. Can I retest?

Yes. Since all results are published, a successful pass on the FCT will supercede but not erase a previous result.