How many hit sticks are administered during the NPCA courage test?

• A. Two
• B. One (avoiding head/neck area of dog)
• C. Three
• D. None

Answer: (B)

The test is designed to assess a dog’s courage and composure under a controlled, non-injurious challenge. In the NPCA courage test, only a single strike with a hit stick is used. This limited impact is delivered to a safe, non-vital area of the body, avoiding the head and neck to protect the dog from serious injury. The purpose is to observe how the dog reacts to a brief, controlled threat—whether it remains steady, follows the handler’s cues, and does not escalate into aggression or fear. Keeping the strike to one simple action and away from the head ensures the test is safety-focused while still providing a meaningful measure of courage and self-control.