The foundation benchmark is the obedience and self-control base that all task work is built on. Passing it — together with the Chapter 1 verifications — completes the standards assessment milestone (the first recorded date).
2.1 Assessed behaviours
Each behaviour is tested in three environment classes (§2.2). Score per environment: number of successful responses out of trials given. Pass requires ≥ 90% overall and no environment class below 80%. Cues may be verbal, hand, or both; one repeat cue is allowed per trial (a third cue = failed trial).
| # | Behaviour | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| F1 | Name response / attention | Orients to handler within 2 s of name, under distraction |
| F2 | Sit | On cue, within 3 s, holds until released |
| F3 | Down | On cue, within 3 s, holds until released |
| F4 | Stay (sit or down) | 2 minutes, handler 5 m away, in sight, mild distraction |
| F5 | Recall | Comes directly on first cue from 10 m (long line permitted in unfenced areas) |
| F6 | Loose-leash walking / heel | Maintains position past distractions; no sustained pulling |
| F7 | Leave-it | Ignores dropped food/toy on a single cue; walks past floor-level food |
| F8 | Settle on mat / at feet | Relaxes in place 10 minutes while handler is occupied |
| F9 | Greeting manners | Four on the floor with a friendly stranger; no jumping, no soliciting |
| F10 | Handling & grooming tolerance | Brushing, paw/ear inspection, harness/vest on-off, calm throughout |
| F11 | Vehicle manners | Loads/unloads on cue, rides settled, waits for release at open door |
| F12 | House manners | Reliable house-training; no destructive behaviour; can be left composed in a familiar space |
2.2 Environment classes for proofing
- Home / training facility (familiar, low distraction)
- Low-distraction public-adjacent (quiet street, park perimeter, pet-permitted store at off-hours)
- Moderate-distraction public (busy sidewalk, store entrance, outdoor café area)
Full public venues (restaurants, malls, transit) are assessed in the PAT (Chapter 3), not here — a dog should pass this chapter before being worked in non-pet-friendly public spaces.
2.3 Socialization record
The trainer maintains a socialization log demonstrating structured, positive exposure across at least:
- Surfaces: slick floors, grates, stairs (open and closed), elevators, ramps.
- People: children, elderly persons, mobility equipment users, uniformed workers, people in hats/hi-vis/masks.
- Environments: rain/wind (weather permitting), night walking, parking structures, automatic doors, shopping carts.
- Sounds: traffic, PA announcements, alarms (at controlled volume), household appliances.
- Animals: neutral exposure to dogs of various sizes; livestock/urban wildlife where regionally relevant.
The log (dates + brief notes) is submitted with the standards assessment. Gaps are acceptable with a stated plan; systematic absence of socialization is not.
2.4 Neutrality standard
Foundation work must produce a dog that is environmentally neutral: aware of, but not engaged by, food, people, dogs, and movement, unless cued or performing a trained alert. Sniffing merchandise, soliciting attention, scavenging, or self-releasing from a settle are foundation failures even when obedience cues succeed.
2.5 Assessment logistics
- Minimum session count: the benchmark is scored across at least 3 sessions on at least 2 separate days (behaviour on a single good day is not evidence).
- Administered by the trainer; overseen by Service Paws in person or by video (Chapter 14).
- Trials per behaviour: minimum 5 per environment class for F1–F7; F8–F12 are scored pass/fail per session.
- Retest: any failed behaviour may be retested after 14+ days of remedial training; only failed items are retested.
2.6 Records for this chapter
Completed foundation scoresheet (Chapter 16), socialization log, and — for video oversight — unedited video of the assessed sessions. On pass, together with Chapter 1 verification, Service Paws records the standards assessment date.