We are currently in the process of establishing the dates of all our upcoming 2010 events.  Please stay tuned to this page for notice when we will be sponsoring our next Temperament Test!

In Canada, The Temperament Test is owned and operated by the Temperament Test Associates, Inc.  The test is designed for dogs at least 12 months of age and as a club, we have put on this event yearly.

Three evaluators measure the dog's strength of response at each of the ten (10) sub-tests.  All officials conducting the evaluation are schooled centrally and registered with the Temperament Test Associates.  Procedure and equipment are standardized in uniform fairness to each dog participating.

Just prior to the test beginning, the Chief Tester gives an introduction to the test and then walks with all test participants through all of the course test stations, explaining step-by-step the stimuli that will be presented and the various reactions a dog may show, how to handle your dog in a positive way, and what the handler must avoid during the test.  At that time, any pertinent questions may be asked.

During the test, dogs are on a six-foot loose lead.  They may not be under any kind of command or attempted influence by the handler.

The character and/or disposition of all breeds of dogs varies depending on what they were meant to be used for (i.e. herding, sledding, hunting, working, or guarding); however, GOOD TEMPERAMENT IS GOOD TEMPERAMENT, and BAD TEMPERAMENT IS BAD TEMPERAMENT - 
IN ANY DOG OF ANY BREED!  In these evaluations, all dogs are judged according to their age, breed, and socialization (i.e. house dog, kennel dog, working in conformation, tracking, obedience or schutzhund).

The owner of each dog passing the requirements will receive a certificate with the dog's name and breed designation.  The dog's name may now be listed with the letters TT after the dog's name.  A central registry will record all breeds and individual dogs passing these tests.  These records will be available to National and Regional breed clubs.

The TEN (10) SUB-TESTS

Tests 1, 2, 3 
BEHAVIOUR TOWARD STRANGERS

OBJECTIVE:  To determine the dog's reaction to strangers in a non-threatening situation.

PROCEDURE:
1)  NEUTRAL STRANGER:  A stranger to the dog approaches the handler, shakes hands and ignores the dog for ten (10) seconds.
2)  FRIENDLY STRANGER:  A stranger to the dog approaches happily and briskly and is exuberantly friendly to the dog.  Petting for ten (10) seconds.
3)  CROWD:  Approximately eight people come from many directions and walk toward the dog and handler to create a circle around the team.  The diameter of the circle is not to be less than eight (8) feet.

Tests 4, 5 
REACTION TO ACOUSTIC STIMULI

OBJECTIVE:  To test the dog's reaction to two (2) acoustic stimuli, and to measure the dog's investigative hehaviour.  This test shows alertness and curiosity.

PROCEDURE:
1)  HIDDEN CLATTERING:  As the dog and handler approach the well-hidden assistant, the assistant begins to rattle a galvanized metal bucket filled with marbles.  The dog should investigate, otherwise the handler may encourage the dog.  The handler's focus must be on the stimulus, not on the dog.
2)  GUN TEST:  Dog and handler have their backs turned to the unnoticed and well-hidden assistant.  Team and assistant are 15 feet apart.  With an extra loud .22 starter pistol, the assistant fires three shots in the air:  shot, pause, shot, shot.  If the dog turns towards the sound, the handler may follow up to ten (10) feet.

Test 6 
REACTION TO 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.

PROCEDURE:
1)  UMBRELLA TEST:  The handler-dog team proceeds toward the assistant who sits relaxed and motionless in a lawn chair holding a large, black, spring-loaded self-opening umbrella horizontally in a closed position at a 90 degree angle to the path of the approaching team.  The assistant sits looking straight ahead showing no challenging behaviour as the team approaches to his right side.  When the dog is five (5) feet 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.  Then the umbrella is at once smoothly lowered to the ground, coming to rest on its side and held by the assistant at its handle.  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.

PROCEDURE:
1)  GRATE FOOTING:  The handler-dog team both walk over a 15 foot x 4 foot length of 9-gauge chain link fencing laid flat on even ground.  The fencing is weighted and both ends are secured along the edges.

Tests 8, 9, 10 
SELF-PROTECTIVENESS/AGGRESSIVE REACTION

OBJECTIVE:  To test the dog's capacity to focus (a) on an unusual stimulus, (b) to recognize a threat, and (c) to react in the face of a threat.

PROCEDURE:  The dog must wear a sturdy choke collar and a strong lead.  The unfriendly stranger is dressed in odd clothing.
1)  RECOGNIZES STIMULUS:  As the team comes to within 30 feet of the well-hidden assistant, the unfriendly stranger emerges from his hiding place making unusual sounds and motions.  The unfriendly stranger crosses the path of the team.
2)  RECOGNIZES THREAT:  The unfriendly stranger turns toward the team raising his riding crop, continues the unusual noises and motions and advances to a distance of 20 feet.
3)  DOG IS THREATENED:  The unfriendly stranger then pounds his riding crop six (6) times on the ground as he advances to within ten (10) feet of the team.  He waits five (5) seconds and then turns and flees.

If the dog passes all of the sub tests, it will receive a certificate, on the day of the test, along with a Temperament Test number.