It is not a test! We simply want to meet you and your puppy so we can bond a little. On their first hike the dogs usually don't understand what is going on or why this stranger is taking them away from home. A little bonding is always reassuring for you and your dog. Plus this give both you and us a chance to shoot all the questions we might have as well as arrange for any specific requests or tell us about any details. So far every dog has gotten the job as a new Boneheads hiker!