BST Basic
Foundation Breed Specific Test
About This Test
The IABBR Basic BST focuses on and evaluates temperament, such as stability, shyness, aggressiveness, as well as the dog's natural working instinct for protectiveness towards its handler and/or self-preservation in the face of a threat.
During this test, the dog will experience noise stimulation and a threatening situation is encountered, calling into play the dog's ability to distinguish between non-threatening situations and those calling for watchful and protective reactions.
The handler is not allowed to talk to the dog, or give corrections except in parts where commands are necessary. Dogs will be given either a pass or fail at the end of the test. Dogs that fail must wait a minimum of three months to retake the test. Dogs that pass will be posted a certificate.
Immediate Failure
A dog shows any of the following:
- •Panic without recovery
- •Extreme shyness or very skittish behaviour
- •Strong avoidance
- •Complete inability to be controlled
Part 1: Protection/Aggressive Instinct
This set of tests determines the dog's ability to recognize an unusual situation, its confidence level, its protective instincts, and its capacity to realize when the situation becomes a threat.
1. Non-Threatening Approach
Handler stops at a designated spot. A strangely dressed stranger crosses the path 15 meters in front of the dog and handler. Judge evaluates the dog's alertness to an unusual situation.
2. Threatening Advance
The stranger advances in a fast and assertive manner 5 meters forward in a threatening manner. Judge evaluates the dog's ability to recognize when an unusual situation has turned into provocation, its reaction, and confidence level.
3. Close Aggressive Approach
The stranger advances within 18 feet of the dog and handler in an aggressive manner. Dog must show some sign of protective instinct—willingness to stand ground and defend. Dog may not cower, flee or panic. Judge evaluates protective instincts and confidence level.
Part 2: Reaction to Auditory Stimulation
This evaluates the dog's reaction to noise stimulation, its confidence, and investigative nature.
Gunshots
The handler will walk the dog and stop at a designated spot. A person at least 15 meters away will then fire a starter pistol once.
During this part, a dog can bark and be aggressive. If a dog goes into flight mode, they must recover from the gunshot or they will fail. Judge evaluates the dog's reaction, startle response, and recovery time.