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Companion dog test: important basis for sport and utility dogs

Companion dog test

The dog is regarded as man's best friend. But as much as most dog owners might agree on this point, the motives for buying a dog are different. 


While some simply wish for a reliable companion for everyday life, others may expect their dog to guard house and yard or to shine through achievements in dog sports.


Depending on the future purpose of use, it may therefore be necessary for your four-legged friend to pass a so-called companion dog test, in which he must prove in particular his obedience and impeccable behaviour in public.


How the companion dog test runs and which requirements you have to fulfil for participation, you will learn in the following. In addition, we will explain why it is particularly important for companion dogs and sports dogs to be fed according to their needs.

Sense and purpose of the companion dog examination

The purpose of the companion dog test is primarily to test the everyday suitability of the four-legged friend. Within the scope of the test, the obedience, social compatibility, impartiality and road safety of your dog are tested.


The companion dog test is in principle a kind of basic training on which further tests are based. In addition, it is a prerequisite in many dog sports, such as obedience and agility, to be allowed to participate in competitions.

Requirements for the participation in the companion dog examination

If you would like to take a companion dog test with your dog, you must meet a number of requirements. First of all, your four-legged friend must be at least 15 months old. In addition, you must be a member of an association affiliated with the VDH and the identity of your dog must be proven by a microchip or tattoo.


In addition, you must prove that you have mastered all the important basics in handling your dog by passing a competence test before taking the companion dog examination. Only then can you and your four-legged friend participate in the actual examination.

The following members of the VDH (German Kennel Club) are eligible to take the companion dog examination:

  • Dobermann club e.V.
  • German Malinois Club e.V.
  • Boxer Club e.V.
  • General German Rottweiler Club (ADRK) e.V.
  • German Dog Sports Association (dhv) e.V.
  • German Bouvier Club of 1977 e.V.
  • German Association of Utility Dog Sports Clubs (DVG) e.V.
  • Club for Terriers e.V.
  • Pinscher Schnauzer Club e.V.
  • International Boxer Club e.V.
  • German Shepherd Dog Association RSV2000 e.V.
  • Breed breeding club for Hovawart dogs e.V.
  • Association for German Shepherd Dogs (SV) e.V.

Proof of expertise and impartiality test

Proof of expertise and impartiality test

The companion dog test is carried out according to fixed rules and begins with the aforementioned certificate of competence. If you have already had to provide this elsewhere, this part is omitted. Because it is sufficient to pass the expertise test once.


The point is that you have to show, mainly by answering multiple-choice questions, whether you have the theoretical knowledge for keeping a dog and whether you are familiar, for example, with the behaviour of the animal and legal regulations. The knowledge test is considered passed if you have been able to answer at least 70 percent of all questions correctly. 


Your dog must then pass an impartiality test. This character test is about your four-legged friend behaving peacefully towards humans and other dogs of the same species. Dogs that react anxiously or aggressively to contact with the examiner are disqualified and are not allowed to take part in the actual companion dog test.

Procedure and contents of the companion dog test

The actual companion dog test consists of two parts. The first part of the examination takes place on a training ground, while the second part must be completed in public. The use of aids such as toys or dog treats is prohibited during the companion dog test, as is the use of a spiked collar. 

Companion dog test part 1: the subordination

In the first part of the companion dog test, your four-legged friend must show on the training ground that he walks beside you with or without a leash and listens to you without any problems. For the subordination part there is a fixed scheme. 

In this part of the companion dog test your dog must go through the following exercises:

  • The leash handling
  • Free following without a leash
  • The sitting exercise
  • Deposition in conjunction with approach
  • Laying down under distraction

Companion dog test Part 2: Test in traffic

If your quadruped has managed the first part, the next step is to present itself outside the training area. The main purpose of this part of the companion dog test is to ensure that your dog listens to you under real conditions and does not pose a danger to other road users.

This part of the Companion Dog Test consists of the following exercises:

  • Meeting a group of people
  • Meeting with cyclists
  • Encounter with cars
  • Encounter with inline skaters or joggers
  • Encounter with conspecifics
  • Behaviour towards animals and when leaving the leashed dog alone in public for a short time

The right motivation when training for the companion dog test

Of course you must prepare your dog for the companion dog test by practising. After all, no quadruped is naturally capable of lying down, for example, just because you suddenly ask him to do so.


When training, always take care not to put too much pressure on your dog and don't forget to praise him extensively even if he has only achieved a small amount of success. In this way, he will enjoy the training and he will understand much more quickly what you expect from him.


Of course, small treats as a motivational aid should not be missing during training. For this purpose we recommend that you rely on healthy dog snacks such as our cereal-free soft snacks. Thanks to natural ingredients and a high meat content, these tasty treats are ideal as a species-appropriate and healthy reward for dogs.

Accompanying dog testing and a diet that meets the needs of the dog

Physically active four-legged friends such as service or sports dogs have special nutritional needs. Among other things, they have an increased energy requirement which they have to cover with food.


We recommend feeding physically active dogs with Bellfor Premium PUR Aktiv. This gluten-free dry food contains only natural ingredients and has a particularly high meat and fish content. 


In addition, it provides your active four-legged friend with easily digestible carbohydrates from corn and rice, which serve as a valuable source of energy during training or work.

Physically active dogs have a higher protein requirement

Apart from this, you must ensure that your active dog has an adequate supply of proteins. To ensure this, we recommend that you supplement your four-legged friend's diet with Bellfor Fitness Powder


This natural food supplement made from insect protein, chia seeds and dried bananas provides your dog with all essential amino acids as well as important vitamins and minerals. Bellfor Fitness Powder is therefore ideally suited to support your dog in preparing for the companion dog test and all future physical challenges.

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