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TEMPERAMENT TEST ASSOCIATES
TEMPERAMENT TEST ASSOCIATES
It takes about 10 minutes
for the team to move through the ten test stations. At the conslusion
of a test, each handler will receive a verbal critique on the dog's
test performance. A test is failed if the dog at any time shows
extreme avoidance, hides behind the handler or panics, shows
aggressiveness when not provoked, or exhibits obvious avoidance at
the footing test. At any of the tests the dog may startle, but it is
the recovery time that we are interested in. If the dog passes all of
the sub-tests, he will receive a certificate, the day of the test,
with his Temperament Test Number.
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT AND MATERIAL
The handler is required to
bring the following equipment to the test
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6 ft. Leash and dog must be
on a choke collar |
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All dogs must
be over one year of age. |
Test Example
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Test 1, 2, and 3 - Behaviour
Toward Strangers
Objective: To determine the
dog's reaction to strangers in a non-threatening situation. 1)
Neutral Stranger - A stranger to the dog approaches the handler,
shakes hands and ignores the dog for 10 seconds. 2) Friendly Stranger
- A Stranger to the dog approaches happily and briskly and is
exuberantly friendly to the dog. Petting for 10 seconds. 3) Crowd
Scene - Approximately 8 people come from many directions and walk
toward the dog and handler to create a circle around the team. The
diameter of the circle not be be less than 8 feet. |
Test 4, 5 - Reaction to
Auditory Stimuli
Objective: To test the dog's
reaction to two acoustic stimuli, and to measure the dog's
investigative behaviour. This test shows alertness and curiosity. 4)
Hidden Clattering - as the dog and handler approach the well hidden
assistant, the assistant begins to rattle a galvanized metal bucket
filled with rocks. The dog should investigate otherwise the handler
may encourage the dog. The handler's focus must be on the stimulus,
not on the dog. 5) Gun Test - Dog and handler have their backs turned
to the unnoticed and well-hidden assistant. Team and assistant are 15
feet apart. The assistant fires three shots. |
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Test 6 - Reaction To A
Visual Stimulus
Objective: To test the dog's
reaction to a sudden visual stimulus. To measure the dog's
investigative behaviour and the startle recovery time. 6) Umbrella
Test - When the dog is 5 ft from the umbrella, the catch on the
umbrella is suddenly but smoothly released so that the umbrella will
open at a 90 degree angle to the path of the dog. The dog should
investigate the umbrella within 15 seconds. Otherwise, the handler
may encourage the dog for 15 seconds to approach the umbrella. |
Test 7 - Reaction to Unusual Footing
Objective: To measure the
dog's reaction to unusual footing. 7) Grate Footing - the Handler-dog
team both walk over a 15 ft. x 4 ft. length of 9 gauge chain-link
fencing laid flat on the ground.
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Test 8, 9 and 10 - Self-
Protectiveness/Aggressive Reaction
Objective: To test the dog's
capacity to focus a)on an unusual stimulus, b) to recognize a threat,
c) to react in the face of a threat.
8) Recognizes Stimuli - as
the team comes to within 30 ft of the well hidden unfriendly
stranger, the unfriendly stranger emerges from his hiding place
making unusual sounds and motions. The unfriendly stranger crosses
the path of the team. 9) Recognizes Threat - The unfriendly stranger
turns towards the team raising his riding crop, continues the unusual
noises and motions and advances to a distance of 20 ft. 10) Dog Is
Threatened - The unfriendly stranger then pounds his riding crop six
times on the ground as he advances to within 10 ft of the team.
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Thanks to First Dog Off the Porch Custom Leather for
donation of website space and formatting.
Any questions or concerns about content please contact
info@firstdogofftheporch.ca
Last updated: June 08, 2010
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