Breed Based Temperament Test

Sport dog Temperament test is a breed-based temperament evaluation to certify the stability of your dog’s natural state of mind.  We want to provide a test that allows those of other breeds to test without discrimination on the genetics of a breed’s biology. For example, a Lab should be externally happy with strangers while a Fila may not allow strangers to approach without displaying aloofness. Also, acknowledging that shyness, outright aggression is not a desirable behavior for any breed. Absorbing the natural awareness of the dogs to determine a threat or friendly behavior. Each judge is well rounding in breeds behavior and standards.   If you have a mixed breed, please disclose the cross of your dog prior to testing or judge will determine cross based on displayed mannerisms and characteristics.  

This test goes through 8 steps that will increase in stress as they go forward. You must complete all 8 steps one after another to complete the temperament test. 

A stranger to the dog will approach the owner offering a handshake and brief conversations. Judge will not acknowledge the dog. The purpose is to evaluate the dog’s reaction to a passive stranger, view the dog’s natural awareness.

A stranger to the dog will approach the dog with a happy friendly and brisk deminer and will ask to pet the dog. The stranger may not be overly excited or nervous but confident and calm as they approach. The Stranger has to just touch the dog. This is to test the dog’s social skills.

Handler and dog are to approach a loud noise that is like a metal bowl being dropped on hard surface, vacuum, 2x4 slapped together, etc. (Judges choice) The handler may praise the dog briefly after noise to help them recover.  This test is to evaluate the alertness and awareness to its surroundings. The dog may react different per its breed standard temperament. 

Handler and dog are to approach an assistant (or judge) sitting in a chair as they dogs gets closer the assistant will open an umbrella or folding chair at the level of the dog. The dog may be no more than 6 feet away from the umbrella or chair fully open. The dog may startle but must recover. This test is to evaluate the recovery of the surprise.

  Handler will walk the dog over an unnatural footing which may be a tarp or wire exercise pen. Must be 8 to 12 feet long. You may retry this exercise two times to get them to walk over the object. This test is to measure the dog’s sensitivity to unnatural footing and its ability to recover.

The handler will leave the dog with the assistant (or judge) for 60 sec. The handler does not have to put the dog in a position, but handler must be out of site before the stopwatch starts.  This test is to evaluate separation and control with a stranger. 

While the handler and dog are in a stay position an impaired passerby will approach the team. The impaired passerby may be in a wheelchair, use a walker, staggering wrapped in a blanket etc. and approach the team in an awkward manner. This is to evaluate dog’s alertness and the ability to recognize a non-threat when in an unusual situation. 

A stranger will advance towards handler and team in a loud, aggressive manner. As if they were going to attack the handler. This test is to evaluate the dog’s natural protective instinct to put himself between handler and threat.   The dog may react differently per its breed standard, temperament, and previous training.  A dog that shows fear and uncertainty will be allotted time to recover per judges’ discretion.