Temperament Test Now Mandatory - Page 3

Everything sounds easy in that test because we pass through that stuff all the time with Auggie, but the aggressive stranger? What is that stranger doing? Auggie even at his age would become very, very suspicious of someone acting "aggressive".  

The stranger comes out from behind a blind, shouting, waving his arms and banging the ground with a stick. He was shouting, "Get off my property, or I'll call the cops!"

The stranger is dressed in a way that heightens the dog's suspicions: baggy, flapping coat, and a wide brimmed hat, and is supposed to move with an awkward gait. (If you've ever read Kohler's Guard Dog Training, and his descripton of the 'sneak' you'll know what I'm talking about.)

In other versions of this test I've seen, the dog is to make friends with the stranger once he calms down. In this version, it wasn't required. It was expected that the dog would want to bark at the guy, or strain towards him. My dog remained neutral, but kept a close eye on him, after looking at me for reassurance, which was fine by me, as she's a service dog, and I can't have her wanting a piece out of someone like this.

Any sign of timidity or trying to run away is unacceptable.

Oh, Auggie would light up like a firecracker if someone did that lol

Pretty, pretty boy. 

I doubt my dog would pass, but IMO she's a great German Shepherd.  

I do like the looks of that dog also.

I will have to check back with them then - thank you! :

Oops, Elizabeth, I just realized you did the test under the UKC. THAT'S probably why CKC won't recognize it!

This test was done under the CKC and the GSDCC.

I did the aggressive stranger about 3 years ago for a Doberman TT certification called the WAC. Ray Carlyle was Judge, and I tested about 22 dogs that day. Most were breed dogs and at least half were Champions. All I can say is that the Doberman Pinscher has changed , and the temperament does not fit the look. It was really eye opening!.

That's sad to hear, Gustav. Most of the dogs at the club where I train are dobes, and I haven't noticed any problems with them. Maybe it's just certain lines?

This was a GSD fun match at Loretto Kennels. The majority of the dogs taking part were offspring of the kennel owner's own stock (Morris Bartucci) In the time I was watching the test (and I had to stand and wait a good long time) I didn't see a single dog fail. Many of the dogs barked aggressively. The test also included 3 gunshots from behind a blind, and someone rattling a bucket of chains and opening an umbrella.

I didnt care for the structure of most of the dogs (except Fury) but pigment and temperament seemed to be excellent. And, given the reputation of the American line GSDs for weak nerves, that was a very pleasant surprise!

Yes, when I inquired about that it was mentioned that because it was UKC, there would be no transfer. I could not find a test through CKC that worked with my work schedule. I wouldn't mind doing it again, but am in no rush - the dog I did it with is not a breeding dog, nor is he a compeition dog at this point - we just trial for fun and to keep him active.

I would like to get my little female done but have to wait for my work schedule to slow down once again - we are concentrating on the BH at the moment but if a TT becomes known I would like to try and get her out there.