International Disc Dog Handlers Association

IDDHA Testing

IDDHA Retrieval Proficiency Test (RPT)

As a handler and dog begin the titling process, they must first demonstrate the basic ability to work as a team. The following rules apply:

Any retrievable object – ball, stick, disc – is acceptable for this certification.
Catching is not required.
The handler must stand in one spot and throw the object no less than distance two body lengths of the dog being tested.
Verbal commands, hand signals and praise are acceptable. Corrections are prohibited.
The duration of the dog’s retrieval should not exceed the time it takes the handler to walk to the thrown object, pick it up and return to the spot from where it was originally thrown.
Only 1 attempt is given per test, with 1 practice throw being allowed with or without the dog.
To receive a Level 4 or 5 rating the dog must relinquish the object to the handler without reluctance.
The test can be self-administered, video taped, and sent to the IDDHA for certification.
Ratings are issued upon demonstration in the presence of an IDDHA representative. The RPT can be self-administered, video-taped and sent to the IDDHA for certification.

Retrieval Proficiency Test (RPT) Scale

Level 0: Dog shows no interest in thrown object.
Level 1: Dog visually targets object but fails to pursue.
Level 2: Dog pursues object, but fails to pick it up.
Level 3: Dog pursues object, picks it up, but fails to retrieve to handler.
Level 4: Dog pursues object, picks it up, and retrieves to handler's foot.
Level 5: Dog pursues object, picks it up, and retrieves to handler's hand.

Master Level Rpt Rating: Handler is able to elicit immediately from the dog levels 1-5 of the IDDHA RPT Scale as requested by a Judge or IDDHA Representative.

Representative Member