If it has no instinct, can it still do the sport?
It can, but it'll be harder and won't come as naturally. Instinct is what makes learning quick and fun for the dog. Without it, a lot of teams switch to another sport, and they're right to.
Aptitude and character tests
Instinct Tests
A short assessment with one question behind it: does your dog have the instinct its breed was made for? It takes a few minutes and tells you whether it's worth taking things further.
About the discipline
What instinct tests are
Instinct tests are short assessments run under controlled conditions. They check whether a dog shows the behaviour its breed was selected for: moving livestock, chasing prey, going into water or working with its nose.
The dog is put, safely, into the situation that fits its breed. That might be a few sheep in a pen, a lure that moves or a stretch of water. The assessor watches whether it reacts, and how.
The result won't tell you your dog is good or bad. It only tells you whether the natural inclination is there. That helps you pick the right sport and saves you years of training in the wrong direction.
How it works in practice
Types of instinct test
- herding instinct, with sheep or ducks
- chase instinct, with a moving lure
- water instinct, with a retrieve from open water
- scent instinct, on a short track
- tunnel instinct, for terriers
- the reaction is what's assessed, not the execution
A negative result doesn't write your dog off. Plenty of show lines have lost their working instinct, and those dogs still go on to shine in other sports.
Which dogs it suits
- dogs from working breeds, as a first steer
- owners who want to find out which activity would suit their dog
- breeders assessing a line
What you need
- nothing for you to bring
- the animals, lure or ground, which the organiser provides
- an assessor with experience in that discipline
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about Instinct Tests
From what age can a dog be tested?
Usually after six months, once behaviour has started to take shape. Test too early and the result isn't something you can rely on.
Is it stressful for the dog?
Not if it's run properly. The tests are short, the animals are used to dogs, and any sign of real discomfort ends the assessment.
From the same category
Related sports
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.
Companion Dog Tests
Tests for the family dog that check it can behave around people.
We do not run Instinct 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.