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SATURDAY | AKC Farm Dog Test

The AKC Farm Dog Certified (FDC) test is a non-competitive evaluation that operates on a pass/fail basis, designed to assess a dog’s self-control, confidence, and obedience within a typical farm setting. Often likened to the "Canine Good Citizen test on a farm," this assessment emphasizes proper etiquette and a strong partnership between the dog and handler amidst rural distractions.

Crucially, there is no herding component to the test, and it is open to all breeds and mixed breeds that are at least 9 months old.


Event Date: Saturday, September 19th, 2026 

Event Time: Available from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm 

Event Location: “Dune Meadows” Fields off of Bolstad Beach Approach

$30.00

  • SPECIFICATIONS

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  • HOW TO USE

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  • DETAILS

    Key Eligibility Requirements

    • Dog Requirements: The dog must be at least 9 months old.
    • AKC Registration: To earn a title, dogs must be registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) via standard registry, Purebred Alternative Listing (PAL), or the Canine Partners program for mixed breeds.
    • Health: The dog cannot be blind, deaf, lame, or a female in season.
    • Gear: The entire test is completed on a standard flat collar, martingale, or harness with a loose leash. Training tools like prong collars or e-collars are strictly forbidden.


    The 12 Test Exercises

    A dog must successfully complete all 12 elements to pass. The exercises include:

    1. Greeting the Judge: The dog must stand politely on a loose leash without showing extreme shyness or jumping.
    2. Walking Around the Farm: Walking a prescribed pattern near farm equipment and structures.
    3. Physical Exam: Willingness to let the handler check ears, eyes, mouth, and paws for debris like burrs or straw.
    4. Passing Through a Gate: Waiting obediently while the handler opens, passes through, and closes a farm gate.
    5. Walking Over Unusual Surfaces: Walking calmly across novel textures like wooden logs, gravel, or metal grates.
    6. Jumping on a Hay Bale: Jumping onto a standard hay or straw bale on command and remaining there until released.
    7. Walking Past Farm Animals: Passing pens of livestock (such as sheep, cattle, or goats) from a distance without lunging or panicking.
    8. Approaching Livestock: Walking closer to penned livestock and remaining under control while the animals move.
    9. Supervised Separation: Staying calm and tied or crated for one minute while the handler moves out of sight.
    10. Noise Distractions: Remaining unfazed by common rural sounds like power tools, tractors, or clanging gates.
    11. Dog Distraction: Passing another dog calmly without displaying fear or aggression.
    12. Livestock Feeding: Staying under control while the handler enters an enclosure to feed livestock, ensuring the dog does not chase or scare the animals.


    Earning the FDC Title

    To earn the official Farm Dog Certified (FDC) suffix title on a dog's AKC record, they must pass the full 12-exercise test twice under two different approved judges.


    To learn more about Farm Dog, feel free to visit AKC's website: https://www.akc.org/sports/herding/farm-dog-certified-test/

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