For a dog to be awarded a WAC title it must:
- Be a Dobermann
- 18 months or older
- Registered with a Canine Control Body affiliated with the ANKC
- Have passed a certified Working Aptitude Evaluation (WAE).
The purpose of the WAE is to help determine if your Dobermann has the aptitude to do the work for which it was originally bread for: a companion and protector.
However this test does not reveal your dog’s complete temperament, but will most likely give you great insight into your dog, and may help to better plan the future for your companion.
The test consists of 5 exercises:
Exercise 1: Behaviour Toward Strangers
A. Neutral Stranger
B. Friendly Stranger
Exercise 2: Reaction to Auditory/Visual Stimuli
A. Hidden Clattering
B. Investigation Of Noise
C. Gun Shots
Exercise 3: Reaction To Visual Stimuli – Umbrella Exercise
Exercise 4: Footing Exercise
A. Polyethylene
B. Grate
Exercise 5: Self-Protective Reactions
A. Staggering, weird looking, sounding person, 20 feet away.
B. Person starts to approach dog.
C. Weird behaviour turns to threatening motions towards dog.
More detailed explanation of the exercises, along with detailed handler notes can be found on the Doberman Pinscher Club of America web site www.dpca.org.
Several WAE tests are usually run each year by Dobermann clubs around Australia. Details of the next up-coming tests can be found by contacting your nearest Dobermann Club (See Links).
© Graeme Baker