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Test of Character (TOC)

The following regulation is the official test of character for Dobermann in Greece, without wich no dog can be nominated Greek Champion and receive the Suitability for Breeding.
This test can be executed only by recognized judges of Dobermann character or, if necessary by working judges, after the permission of the Dobermann Club of Greece. The results shall be notified to the Kennel Club of Greece.
For the participation the minimum age are the 14 months and the dog must have a tattoo.
The decision of the judge never can be disputed and the qualifications are "allowed", "disallowed","held back".
Dogs to be re-examinated can participate only once more to this test and only after a delay of six months.
The test consists in three parts, which must be consecutives for each dog, which means that the full test must be complished before the begining of the test of the next dog.

INDIFFERENCE FOR ARMLESS CITIZENS AND GUNSHOT TESTING
The dog is conducted to a place, by leash, with a simple collar (not allowed leather collars, collars with pins e.t.c.) and without pression from his handler. Handler is not allowed to give obedience orders. The judge can define any scenario he wants and shall instruct the "group of armless citizens" what to do. The entire test shall be a simulation of ordinary circumstances, that dog could have already encountred, living in a urban context or should easely arise during a walk. Dog must never show exceeding fear or aggressiveness.
During above said exercise it is particularly important not to show any threat towards the dog. It shall strictly be used to evaluate the dog's self-confidence, fearlessness, temperament, obedience and threshold of stimulation. Aggressive and scared dogs shall be deflected from the test.
After this, the judge orders the handler and his dog to walk again. Two gunshots shall be discharged from a distance of about 15 paces, using 6mm ammunition. Gun-shy dogs are unsuitable for breeding; gun-sensitivity is to be strictly distinguished from gun-shyness. 

PICKET TEST
Dog is tied to a picket with a 5 meters line and the handler goes to a place where the dog can not see him. After a delay of 15 minutes, the judge goes near the dog and tests his behavior and his reactions under the conditions he decides. Aggressive and scared dogs shall be deflected from the test.
After the end of the second part, orders the handler and his dog to go out of sight. At the direction of the judge a helper, wearing a protective suit, shall proceed to a natural or artificial hiding place.

EVALUATION OF THE NATIVE INSTINCTS FOR DEFENCE
The judge will direct the handler to walk his dog into a specific direction, where the handler is hidden. The dog shall be on leash. At the order of the judge, the helper will come out of the hiding place and attack the handler from the front, noising and menacing with a stick. The dog should reacte immediatly showing his protective instincts and protect his handler stoping the helper by biting and holding firmly the sleeve. The helper starts threatening the dog only after he has engaged in the fight. During the fight the dog will be threatened verbally and physically, but does not receive any stick-hits.
Upon order from the judge, the helper stops the attack. The handler comes close to his dog and taking him from the collar orders him to leave the helper.
The helper now turns away, and starts running. At the order of the judge, the handler who was still holding the dog by his collar, leaves the dog to chase the helper. The helper flees first, but at the order of the judge turns and attacks the dog, when he has gotten as close as approximately 10 to 15 steps. The dog must bite and hold firmly the defence-sleeve. The helper tries to threaten the dog again, however even here there shall be no stick-hits used. The handler may, at his discretion encourage the dog verbally. Upon order from the judge, the helper shall stop the attack and remain firm. The handler, only after order of the judge, shall return to the dog, place him back on leash, and report back to the judge. It is not required the dog to let the bite by a simple vocal command of the handler.
 But is impermissible to draw away from the helper, before the handler places him back on leash.
In case the dog demonstrates fear or draws away from the helper runing near his handler for protection, or in case he does not leave the defence-sleeve regardless of any effort of his handler, the test shall be estimated as unsuccessful.
Notes
It is very important that the helper wears a protective suit consisting of pants and jacket.  The stick used for threatening, shall not be too bendable. 
The hiding place shall definitely be variable so that no pattern training of local club dogs can be done. Cars, corners or recesses of walls or tree/shrub groups can be selected for this purpose. 
The helper can only work upon order from the judge, in other words, the attack and the end-position are determined by the judge. 
The first attack will always be done towards the front of the handler, not the dog. If the dog engages in the fight, the helper will turn to the dog and threaten him verbally and physically. The stick can be used only as a threat, but never to actually hit the dog. 
It is not required the dog to let the bite by a simple vocal command of the handler.

THERE ARE THREE POSSIBLE CLASSIFICATIONS
Pass Can only be awarded to a dog which gives a completely sure and correct impression in the static as well as the fighting periods of the test or shows only some protective and fighting drives. Held-Back Dogs must be rated "Held-Back" if there is sufficient doubt about the dog's behavior as it relates to soundness of temperament and breed-suitability. A dog so rated may not be shown to another judge, until the expiration of a 6 month waiting period. A dog can only be rated "Held-Back" one time. 
Unsuitable for Breeding  Shy, nervous and timid dogs can not be rated suitable for breeding.

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