CFAES Give Today
Ohio 4-H Youth Development

Ohio State University Extension

CFAES

PetPALS SPP #6

SPP Test 6. Sit and Down on Command. Staying in Place.

This test demonstrates that the animal will respond to commands and remain in position until released.

For the Sit and Down on Command test the animal will be handed to a stranger or the evaluator. The stranger or evaluator will either hold the animal in his/her arms or on his/her lap for 30 seconds with no interaction with the animal, while the handler walks 20 feet away. For the Staying in Place, the animal will placed on a table for 30 seconds while the handler walks 20 feet away. The evaluator will be next to the animal but not interact with the pet. The evaluator must be ready to stop the animal from jumping or falling off the table if that should occur.

The animal must stay in the arms or lap of the stranger or evaluator without trying to leave, showing shyness, aggression, or fear. It must remain on the table for 30 seconds without trying to leave. If the evaluator or stranger needs to interact with the animal to keep it in his/her arms or lap, or on the table the animal does not pass the test.

The evaluator is holding the cat with no interaction. The cat sits quietly while looking around, but shows no sign of wanting to leave.

Staying in Place. The youth places her cat on the table with the evaluator standing close by. She then walks 20 feet away for 30 seconds. The cat remains on the table, looking around and acting not quite sure why she is there, but she does not make any effort to jump off the table or act nervous or afraid. After 30 seconds the youth comes back to get her cat.

Sit and Down on Command. The youth hands the rabbit in the basket to the evaluator, who holds the basket for 30 seconds without interacting with the rabbit. The rabbit sits quietly in the basket. After 30 seconds the youth comes back to get the rabbit.

Staying in Place. The youth places the rabbit in the basket on the table and then walks 20 feet away. The evaluator stands close by but does not interact with the rabbit for 30 seconds. The evaluator is prepared to keep the rabbit from hopping out of the basket if it would try to do so.