North American Police Work Dog Association

Aggression Control Test

This test is to determine if the police work dog is capable of performing exercises encountered by the police handler and his/her dog under simulated situations encountered while working. The test is designed to test the dogs ability, proficiency and courage, and the handlers total control of his/her dog.

There are nine (9) phases of this test. The dog and handler will be tested in all phases. Each phase is tested on a pass/fail basis and must be before proceeding to the next phase.

Hidden, concealed protective gear will be worn by the suspect. This equipment is to be completely concealed by clothing so as to provide no visual cue to the dog as to it’s existence or location or a visible colored (other than jute color) full protective aggression suit may be used. In the event of any safety issue raised by the suspect, handler or master trainer, the master trainer has the discretion to mandate the use of protective aggression suit described above.

The type of lead used by the handler will be at his/her discretion, but will not be over six (6) feet long. Each phase shall be completed off lead unless specified otherwise.

Guns and ammunition will be .38 caliber and will be checked by a Master Trainer or their appointed steward prior to the phase.

Whenever possible, the suspect will be unknown to the dog. The suspects may be other handlers being tested or volunteers with the approval of the Master Trainer, or in some cases the Master Trainer themselves.

In the phases requiring the dog to physically apprehend the suspect, the dog must fully engage and hold/fight the suspect. Failure to engage or excessive, unneccessary mouthing and readjusting of the apprehension is grounds for failure.

In this phases requiring the dog to stop his pursuit and apprehension of the suspect, the handler may use any command or series of commands to control the dog. The handler will inform the Master Trainer in prior to testing as to the command sequence used. Failure of the dog to release and/or to respond to obedience commands in a timely manner is grounds for failure.

The handler must demonstrate sound tactics during all phases of the test. When a search of the suspect is called for the handler must demonstrate a safe approach, simulate handcuffing and thoroughly search the suspect for weapons.

Only the phase and exercises listed/described are required for successful completion of this test. The order of the phases and the exercises performed in each phase are as follows:

PHASE 1: TERMINATION OF CHASE

The dog will begin this phase from the heel position. The suspect will begin at a distance of approximatley 40 yards away from the team. At the direction of the Master Trainer, the suspect will run away from the team in any direction. The Master Trainer will inform the handler when to send their dog. The suspect will stop and surrender termination the pursuit when instruced by the Master Trainer.

The type of call off used is at the handlers discretion, but the Master Trainer be informed of the type to be used prior to the test. It may be one of the following:
1) Dog is recalled to the heel position.
2) Dog is commanded to the down, sit or stand position and the handler will join their dog.
3)Dog is command to the down, sit or stand position and then recalled by the handler to the heel position.

The importance of this test is that the suspect is ot mouthed, nipped or bitten by the dog regarless of the type of call off used. Non aggressive incidental contact made by the dog while attempting to respond to the call off is not faulty. This phase will be complete when the dog is in the heel position with the handler.

PHASE 2: SHORT CHASE WITH GUN FIRE

The dog will begin this phase from the heel position. The suspect carrying a .38 caliber weapon loaded with blanks will start approximately 30 yards away from the team and run away. The suspect will fire a minimum of two shots as directed by the Master Trainer. The handler sends his dog when the second shot is fired. The suspect must fire the last shot before the dog gets within five (5) yards of him/her. The dog will apprehend and hold the suspect. Upon the handlers arrival at the location of the dog and suspect and at the direction of the Master Trainer, the handler will order the suspect to drop the weapon and then command the dog to release and call off as described in phase one (1). This phase is complete when the dog is returned to the heel position with the handler.

PHASE 3: SHORT CHASE

The dog and handler in or next to a stationary vehicle will order the suspect approach to them. When the suspect refuses and after the handler issues the appropriate verbal warnings, the hander will command their dog to apprehend the suspect. The dog will pursue, apprehend and hold the suspect. Upon the handlers arrival at the location of the dog and suspect and at the direction of the Master Trainer, the handler will command the dog to release and call off as described in phase one (1). The handler then orders the suspect to an appropriate position, approaches the suspect and then simulates handcuffing the suspect. The suspect then simulates assaulting the handler. The dog will apprehend and hold the suspect. At the direction of the Master Trainer, the handler will command the dog to release and call off as described in phase one (1). The handler then orders the suspect to an appropriate position, approaches the suspect and then simulates handcuffing the suspect. The handler then searches the suspect for weapons. No assault of the handler is to take place this time. The handler will return to the K9 and assume on lead control ending the complete Aggression Control Test.

All tests given the K9 team will be on a pass/fail basis. The Master Trainer will determine if the team will be certified upon the completion of the test. The handler and dog will be considered as a team and it is the team who will be certified. If the dog changes handlers, a new team exists and the team will need to be certified. This certification will be valid for two (2) years from the date of issue as defined in the Certification Validity paragraph. A schedule of fees may be imposed on the team to pay for expenses for holding this test.

This section reviewed 10-24-98

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