Which combination best describes the three USPCA test phases?

• A. Obedience; tracking; scent discrimination
• B. Obedience; evidence search; suspect search
• C. Obedience; searching; criminal apprehension
• D. Obedience; searching; evidence search

Answer: (C)

The three USPCA test phases focus on a working dog’s abilities in control, scent work, and apprehension. Obedience tests how reliably the dog follows commands and stays under the handler’s control in varied situations. The searching phase evaluates the dog’s ability to locate hidden targets or scents in different environments, showing solid scenting and persistence. The final phase demonstrates the dog’s capacity to locate and physically restrain or subdue a suspect under guided conditions, which is essential for real-world apprehension and safety. This combination matches the USPCA framework, whereas options that replace the middle or last phase with evidence-focused searches, suspect searches, or tracking don’t align with how the three core phases are defined.