Testing

This term refers to a whole set of behaviours, some of which are subtle, others glaring, with which a dog tests the confidence of another dog and the solidity of the other dog's rank. The test includes obnoxious submission: the dog uses behaviours which outwardly seem to indicate submission or greeting, but does so in such a vigorous way and for a length of time that it displaces a higher-ranking dog. The refusal to exhibit submissive behaviours unless forced to is also a testing behaviour, as can be sequences that may appear to be play but which result in the displacement, knocking down or intimidation of the dog's opponent.
(Goodmann et al., 2002; Koler-Matznick et al., 2005; Capra, 2010)

In this interaction between two females, the Czech Wolf Dog exhibits obnoxious submission and testing toward the White Swiss Shepherd.

In this interaction between two males, the young Belgian Malinois Shepherd exhibits obnoxious submission and testing of the Belgian Tervueren. The Tervueren reacts with a defensive threat display.

VIDEO

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The female Czech Wolf Dog exhibits testing behaviours towards the Dalmation x Pointer cross. The crossbreed reacts with an agonistic pucker, growl-barking and rearing up, then ignoring the Wolf Dog, then finally pressing her down with her paws.

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The mixed breed is standing tall as he approaches the male Cane Corso, who is standing still in a lateral stance. The Cane Corso re-orients in a frontal stance and exhibits a rear approach, and genital olfactory exploration. The Cane Corso exhibits testing behaviours: he hugs the mixed breed, who reacts by orienting frontally and rearing up, while the Cane Corso jabs him with his paws. The two males face off, wrestling, and the Cane Corso displaces the mixed breed, who reacts by leaping towards him. In a second wrestling match, the Cane Corso succeeds in causing the mixed breed to lose his balance and fall to the ground, then moves away and stops in a lateral stance, once again beginning the series of interactions.

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