Temperament Test Guidelines for Breeders and Owners

Temperament testing is a crucial step in understanding the personality and behavior of a dog. It's essential for breeders to identify potential behavioral issues in their breeding stock, while owners can use the results to better understand their dog's needs and personality.

A temperament test can be conducted at any age, but it's most accurate when done between 12 and 18 months of age. This is because puppies have developed enough to exhibit their natural behavior, but are still young enough to be molded through proper training and socialization.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) recommends that breeders use a standardized temperament test, such as the AKC's Temperament Test, to evaluate their dogs. This test assesses a dog's behavior in various situations, including in the presence of strangers, noises, and other animals.

Temperament testing can help breeders and owners identify potential behavioral issues, such as fear aggression or anxiety, which can be addressed through proper training and socialization.

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The Temperament Test is a tool used to identify an individual's behavioral style and preferences, helping to understand their strengths and weaknesses.

This test typically takes around 30 to 60 minutes to complete, depending on the specific assessment.

The test assesses various aspects of an individual's behavior, including how they interact with others, their emotional responses, and their approach to decision-making.

A Temperament Test is not a personality test, but rather a tool to understand an individual's inherent behavioral tendencies.

The test can be administered by a trained professional, such as a psychologist or counselor, or online through various assessment platforms.

The results of the test can provide valuable insights into an individual's behavioral style, helping them to better understand themselves and others.

To host a Temperament test, you'll need to provide a spacious area of approximately 75' x 75' outdoors, if possible. This will give the dogs ample room to move around and perform the various tests.

The sponsoring club must also provide a range of equipment, including a beer or 'pop' can containing marbles, a blind, a black spring-opening umbrella, a polyethylene sheet, and a portable exercise cage. These items are essential for conducting the test.

To ensure a smooth test, it's recommended to have a table and chairs for the Evaluator, Registration/Entry Clerk, and other personnel. Additionally, you'll need to provide a .22 caliber pistol and caps for the Gun test, as well as approximately 15 bricks or large stones to mark starting locations.

Here's a list of personnel required to conduct the test:

When preparing for a temperament test, it's essential to have the right materials on hand. The sponsoring club must provide an area approximately 75’ x 75’ for the test, preferably outdoors, to ensure a safe and controlled environment.

You'll also need a beer or 'pop' can containing 10/15 marbles or stones to use in the test. A blind capable of hiding a person is also required, which can be a sheet of plywood, a large table, or a standing screen.

A black spring-opening umbrella of good size, along with a spare, is necessary for the test. A polyethylene sheet 4’ x 15’ will also be needed. In addition, a portable exercise cage that can be laid flat for the dogs to traverse is a must.

Here's a list of the materials required:

A clipboard for the Evaluator, a table and 3 chairs, a table and chair for the Registration/Entry Clerk, and a chair for the Can-Rattler and the Umbrella-Opener are also necessary.

As a handler, it's essential to be prepared for any situation that may arise.

Be familiar with the equipment and tools used in the procedure, such as the specialized gloves and gowns mentioned in the "Personal Protective Equipment" section.

Keep a first aid kit on hand, stocked with supplies like bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers, as discussed in the "Emergency Response Plan" section.

Stay calm and composed, even in high-pressure situations, and follow the established protocols to ensure a smooth and safe procedure.

The procedure can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the complexity of the task, as mentioned in the "Procedure Overview" section.

Take regular breaks to rest and recharge, just as the team does in the "Team Breakdown" section.

Follow the established communication channels to stay informed and up-to-date on any changes or updates, as outlined in the "Communication Plan" section.

The handler's role is to provide support and assistance to the team, not to take charge or make decisions, as emphasized in the "Team Dynamics" section.

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As a responsible dog owner, it's essential to know what to expect when testing your puppy's temperament. The AKC Temperament Test (ATT) is a valuable tool to assess your puppy's emotional stability and social behavior.

The ATT evaluates a puppy's reaction to various stimuli in six categories, including social interactions with strangers and other dogs.

These categories are crucial in determining a puppy's breed-specific temperament, which can affect their behavior and interaction with people and other animals.

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One of the most significant aspects of the ATT is its focus on desirable traits, such as being emotionally stable, inquisitive, cooperative, and able to recover from startling situations.

Examples of undesirable behaviors include fear, shyness, lack of cooperation, and an inability to recover from unfamiliar or unexpected situations.

Here are the six categories of stimuli used in the ATT:

By understanding these categories and the ATT's evaluation process, you can better prepare your puppy for the test and gain valuable insights into their temperament.

The Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test, or PAT, is a comprehensive evaluation process that assesses a puppy's suitability for a particular home. The test uses a scoring system from 1-6 and consists of ten separate tests.

Each test is designed to evaluate a specific aspect of the puppy's behavior and temperament, such as social attraction and confidence. The tests are done consecutively in the order listed, with each test scored separately.

The entire purpose of the test is to select the right puppy for the right home, without any winners or losers. The scores are not averaged, and the focus is on individual assessment rather than competition.

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The Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test, or PAT, uses a scoring system from 1-6 and consists of ten tests, each scored separately. The tests are done consecutively in the order listed, with no winners or losers, and the purpose is to select the right puppy for the right home.

A score of 1 indicates a strong desire to be pack leader and a predisposition to be aggressive to people and other dogs. This puppy should only be placed into a very experienced home where the dog will be trained and worked on a regular basis.

In the GSDCA Temperament Test, the Neutral Stranger exercise simulates a typical street situation, where the stranger will carry on a conversation with you but not make overtures to the dog. The goal is to observe the dog's reaction to a neutral stranger.

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The GSDCA Temperament Test is designed to evaluate a dog's behavior in various situations, simulating real-life scenarios that your dog may encounter. The test has several objectives, each with its own specific exercise.

The Neutral Stranger exercise aims to assess how your dog reacts to a stranger who doesn't make overtures to them. The stranger will engage in conversation, but won't touch or try to interact with your dog.

In the Can-rattling exercise, your dog is allowed to investigate the source of the noise, and is given 20 seconds to make a close inspection. Encouragement is okay, with phrases like "what's that?" or "find it" helping your dog along.

The Umbrella Test evaluates your dog's recovery after being exposed to a sudden, potentially startling situation. The umbrella is opened and then lowered, and your dog is allowed to move forward to investigate.

During the Footing Test, you and your dog will walk across a strip of polyethylene laid flat on the ground, assessing your dog's balance and coordination.

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If you're new to dog ownership, understanding the scores can be a bit daunting. The scores are interpreted as follows: Mostly 1's indicate a strong desire to be pack leader and may be aggressive, while Mostly 2's show leadership aspirations and may be hard to manage.

A puppy with Mostly 1's or 2's is best suited for an experienced home with a strict schedule, loads of exercise, and training. This is because they can be difficult to manage and may not be good with children. On the other hand, Mostly 3's can be a great choice for second-time owners, as they're good with people and other animals, but may need training.

Mostly 4's are the perfect pet for first-time owners, as they're easy to train, quiet, and good with elderly people and children. However, they may need protection from children and plenty of exercise to disperse their energy. In contrast, Mostly 5's are fearful and shy, requiring special handling and a very calm environment.

It's essential to choose a puppy that fits your lifestyle and experience level, as some breeds may not be suitable for children or inexperienced owners.

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