What is the equivalent in Romania?
The closest recognised exam in Romania is TSAC, the sociability and aptitude test. Internationally, BH plays a similar role but adds a technical section.
Aptitude and character tests
Companion Dog Tests
These are exams for the ordinary family dog. They check simple things: it walks beside you, keeps calm near other dogs, doesn't jump up at passers-by and can be left alone for a few minutes. For everyday life with a dog, that covers most of what you need.
About the discipline
What Companion Dog Tests are
This heading covers the companion dog exams, which go by a different name in almost every country. They all check the same thing: whether the dog can live among other people without bothering anyone.
The exercises are simple and practical. The dog walks on a loose lead, does the basic positions and comes when called. It stays calm with other dogs about, accepts being handled and behaves itself in public places.
If you've finished a basic training course and competition doesn't interest you, one of these exams makes a good next goal. In Romania the closest recognised equivalent is TSAC.
How it works in practice
What is usually checked
- walking on lead without the lead being tight all the time
- the basic positions: sit, down, stay
- recall from a distance
- staying calm with other dogs around
- walking past pedestrians and cyclists
- letting a stranger handle it
- staying alone, tied up, for a few minutes
Which dogs it suits
- family dogs that have done a basic training course
- teams with no interest in competing
- owners who want an objective check on where they've got to
What you need
- your usual collar or harness and a fixed lead
- the dog's health record
- rewards, if the rules allow them
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about Companion Dog Tests
Do I need to have done a course?
Not officially, but without some basic obedience it's hard to pass. Most people who turn up have already finished a basic training course.
What is it useful for?
You get objective proof that you can manage your dog in public. In some countries it also makes it easier to get into public places or to rent a home with a dog.
Which dogs suit these tests?
Any healthy family dog with basic training. The tests are kept technically easy on purpose, because they're about everyday manners and leave precision to other exams. A calm crossbreed will often pass more easily than a high-drive working dog that has never learned to switch off.
From the same category
Related sports
Instinct Tests
Short tests that show whether a dog has a natural knack for herding, hunting or water work.
APWA-ICofA
A personality and welfare assessment carried out by an ethologist.
Temperament Test
An assessment of how stable a dog is and how it copes with the unexpected.
Character Test
A test that describes a dog's character and behaviour across several traits.
We do not run Companion Dog Tests
This page is informational. We work in mantrailing, search and rescue and preparation for the TSAC and BH exams - but if you want an honest opinion on what would suit your dog, write to us anytime.