I have been working on a "Livestock Protection Dog Aptitude Test" for over a year now. This is a real attempt at formulating an aptitude test which would do for our breed what the "Herding Dog Aptitude Test" does for the herding breeds, allow urban and suburban breeders, those without access to sheep, to evaluate the temperament of their dogs for their historical job. I hadn't planned on publishing this yet; but, this seems like a good opportunity. I already know there are difficulties with it. It will be difficult to administer and is graded subjectively; but, I believe it could be given each year at the Specialty.
Any comments are welcome. It is still just a theory.
Required:
1. Flock of at least 5 adult sheep well acclimated to dogs.
2. Several lambs
2. Kuvasz
3. Bad Guy or, possibly, Fake Wolf (Border Collie or other herding dog)
4. Owner
5. 60 foot lead
6. Evaluator
There are 3 parts to the test. In order to be certified the dog must show non-aggression toward the sheep; an unwillingness to stray from the area; and, a protective attitude toward either the sheep, the owner, or the owner’s property.
First part:
Sheep are in 2 groups with lambs separated from adults, but flocked together and calm. Kuvasz and owner approach sheep. The objective is for the evaluator to judge the dog’s reaction to the sheep, particuarly the reaction to the lambs. If, an over-developed maternal instinct is the reason Kuvaszok guard; then, the dog should show significant interest (much sniffing, possibly cleaning) in the lambs. Showing aggression toward sheep is a reason for failure. If attacked by adult sheep, dog can defend himself; but, otherwise should never show aggression toward the sheep.
Enough time should be given (10 minutes? 30 minutes?) for the dog to get bored with the sheep. Dog should be kept on long lead, but allowed to go wherever he wants, owner should stay close to sheep. Evaluator has to decide, based on this limited testing, if dog wants to stay with owner and sheep or is more interested in straying.
Owner gets choice of 2d part of test or 3d part.
Second Part:
(I think the next part of the test should be “for extra credit only.” I don’t think the dog can truly be expected to guard sheep he just met; although, if he shows a lot of interest in the lambs he may well guard them from the Border Collie. Dog should be failed only if he shows cowardice.)
After stray determination period is over, Bad Guy should approach flock in a menacing manner. (Border Collie would merely be directed to herd sheep. And, it may be neccesary to have the dog separated from the sheep and Kuvasz by a fence.) Dog should place himself between flock/owner and Bad Guy, show alert (head up, tail up, legs stiff), and/or bark or growl. Dog should become more agitated the closer the Bad Guy comes. Owner should be allowed to encourage dog.
Bad Guy should not approach closer than 10 feet and then should retreat. Owner should allow the dog to follow to end of long lead. If the dog does not return on his own after Bad Guy is over 50 feet from dog (and still headed away); then, owner should recall dog. Failure to recall is grounds for failure.
Failure to alert, failure to get between threat and flock/owner, and any sign of temerity are grounds for failure.
Third Part:
Dog should protect either the owner or the owner’s property. Owner gets choice of where test takes place, within reason. For instance, the dog could be placed in the owner’s car and Bad Guy could approach car. Dog should protect the car.
Evaluation:
If the dog shows a lot of interest in the sheep, doesn’t show
aggression toward the sheep, doesn’t want to stray, and passes either
part 2 or 3; then he should be given the "Flock Guard Aptitude"
Certified award. If the dog does all the above and, actually guards
the sheep, the dog should be given a "Flock Guard Aptitude Excellent"
award.