If your Regional Club is planning on holding a Temperament Test, please contact the Temperament Committee Chair:

Laura Gilbert, Chair
557 Dunning Lane
Chesapeake VA 23322
757-312-0208

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Purpose & Objectives of the Temperament Test

This article lists the objectives of the exercises in the GSDCA Temperament Test, their objectives, and a brief summation of each exercise.  This should be reviewed not only by the handlers but also by the club helpers for each one of the stations.

Read more: 05 Purpose & Objectives of the Temperament Test

Guidelines for Clubs Sponsoring a Temperament Test

An Established Evaluator is invited by the Regional Club’s choice (just as you would with any judge)  This evaluator will direct the actual testing as well as coordinate the preliminary planning arrangements with the Chairman appointed by the sponsoring club. The sponsoring club Chairman and the chosen Evaluator will be put in contact with one another by the Parent Club Chairman to perfect the plans for the test.

The  sponsoring club is responsible for compensating the evaluator for expenses only, such expenses to be pre-determined during the preliminary planning phase prior to the actual test.

The Parent Club does not dictate how many dogs can be evaluated per hour, this will be determined by the Evaluator and the Regional Club. In planning the time schedule for the testing an additional one hour must be provided for set-up and instruction time for the test personnel and participants.

Other breeds may participate but will not be evaluated until all the German Shepherd dogs have finished the test. The handlers of these other breeds will receive a copy of their score sheet and the GSDCA Temperament Certificate.  Bitches in season must go last regardless of the breed.

The fees for the test are to be determined by the Regional Club, we do suggest that a small break is given for dogs that are pre-entered.  Dogs may register on the same day as the test. Sponsoring clubs may add any additional expenses incurred, i.e. a per dog fee imposed by the park being used.  Additionally, sponsoring clubs may charge less if the club thinks  this will increase their entry.  As in the past, $5 of each entry  of dogs evaluated is paid to the GSDCA.

Read more: 01 Guidelines for Clubs Sponsoring TC Testing

Temperament Tet Guidelines for Handlers

Do not hurry the dog through the test; it is not a time test to see who gets through the fastest. Dogs must be kept on a loose lead throughout the test.

Read more: 06 Temperament Test Guidelines for Handlers