Guidelines for Holding a Temperament Test (TC)

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.

Approximatel y six to eight dogs per hour can be evaluated; and the Parent Club has decided to limit entries to a total of 30 dogs unless arrangements are made with the Temperament Test Chair. In planning the time schedule for the testing an additional one and one half hours must be provided for set-up and instruction time for the test personnel and participants.

The fees for the test are as follows; preregistered is $30 per dog, Registered on the day of the test is $35 per dog. 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. However, the $5 per dog fee due the GSDCA is not waived when reducing the entry fee. As in the past, $5 of each entry is paid to the GSDCA. (modified 4/13)

DOGS MUST BE 12 MONTHS OR OLDER TO PARTICIPATE.

OWNERS AND HANDLERS NEED NOT BE MEMBERS OF REGIONAL CLUB OR THE PARENT CLUB TO PARTICIPATE.

Instructions will be given prior to the actual testing to all test personnel; specifically, what is expected of them for their assigned posts. All handlers will also receive instructions in the form of both written instructions as well as a walk-through of the test course.

It is suggested that the sponsoring club have enough dogs for testing to cover their expenses. (e.g., a 30-dog test will gross $900 to $1050 for the sponsoring club and $150 for the G.S.D.C.A).

The sponsoring club must provide the following materials:

An area approximately 75’ x 75’ (outdoors is preferable)
NOTE: If the test is to be held in conjunction with a conformation and/or obedience show, please be sure that the test area is outside the normal flow of traffic to and from the other rings, and also not within the show-ground limits.
A beer or ‘pop’ can containing 10/15 marbles or stones.
A blind capable of hiding a person (a sheet of plywood, a large table or standing screen.)
A black spring-opening umbrella of good size (plus a spare, just in case.)
A polyethylene sheet 4’ x 15’.
A portable exercise cage which can be laid flat for the dogs to traverse.
A blind will be needed to hide the Weird Stranger if no other natural cover is available.
A clipboard for the Evaluator.
A table and 3 chairs.
A table and chair for the Registration/Entry Clerk.
A chair for the Can-Rattler and the Umbrella-Opener.
A .22 caliber pistol and caps for the Gun test.
NOTE: Please be sure to provide enough caps to cover all the dogs; 3 caps per dog are needed and it is wise to have extras in case of duds. Rule of thumb is to provide a box of 100 caps as if for a 30-dog test.
Approximately 15 bricks or large stones to mark starting locations.

Clothes for the Weird Stranger.

A wide-brimmed hat.
A long, floppy coat.
Goggles or large dark sun glasses.
A strong stick or bat.

The sponsoring club must provide the following personnel (EIGHT).

Registration/Entry Clerk.
Neutral Stranger.
Friendly Stranger.
Can-Rattler.
Gun-Shooter.
Umbrella-Opener.
Weird Stranger. (NOTE: This individual should be a good actor, and, whenever possible, one who is familiar with guard dog behavior.)
A person with video tape equipment to record the entire test is no longer required.

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

GSDCA.TC@gmail.com

Guidelines to become a Temperament Evaluator for the GSDCA

New candidates must submit a K-9 Resume to the Temperament Committee, telling the committee of their history in German Shepherds and activities performed with dogs.

New approved candidates will be referred to as “Shadows” as they will be shadowing established Temperament Evaluators.

Shadows will be expected to work 4 out of 6 Nationals and will work from set up to post-test meeting.

Shadows will sponsor with their home club a minimum of two (2) Temperament Tests with a different established evaluator at each test.

At a third home test or their fourth National test, they will be put on the field to test with an established evaluator as their shadow before being released to do evaluations on their own.

Effective starting in January 2015, established Temperament Evaluators will be excused with three (3) missed Nationals, excused or unexcused absences and will revert to Shadows. (this will not be retroactive).

The Temperament Committee Chair will maintain an attendance record of Shadows and Established Evaluators.

Temperament Test Evaluators

Jim York
219 Menge Rd.
Marengo, IL 60152

H: (815) 943-7191
C: (312) 802-8141

e-mail: totaldogman@aol.com

Gene Gray
42428 W. Constellation Dr.
Maricopa, AZ 85138

H: (520) 868-6461

e-mail: geneg800@hotmail.com

Dalene McIntire
11054 S.E. 192 Street
Renton, WA 98055

H: (253) 852-0605

e-mail: dalenemcintire@q.com

Laura Gilbert (Chairman)
557 Dunning Lane.
Chesapeake, VA 23322

H: 757-312-0208

e-mail: gsdcaoffice@aol.com

Linda Chernak
115 Vought Place
Stratford, CT 06614

H: (203) 386-0131
C: (203)395-8473

e-mail: CherLynGSD@gmail.com

Joanna Rand
63461 Shinglehouse Rd.
Coos Bay, OR 91420

H: (541) 267-6258e-mail: joannarand@aol.com

Debbie Kaser Freidberg
27973 Goetz Rd.
Quail Valley CA 92587

H: (714) 328-1805e-mail: DogsRluv@aol.com

Diane Roberts
11904 McMullen Loop
Riverview, FL 33569-4714

Phone: 813-671-2913
Email: dianeroberts.gsd@verizon.net

H. “Butch” Stiefferman
9500 Rainbow Acres
Dittmer MO 63023-2618

Phone: 636-274-3292
Email: HStiefferm@aol.com

Steve Dobbins
7201 State Road C
Fulton MO 65251

Phone: 573-220-0623
Email: Cimarrongsd2@yahoo.com

Ileana Nogueras
1816 S FM 51 # 400-117
Decatur TX 76234

Phone: 940-399-6569
Email: Inquestgsd@aol.com

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.

Behavior Toward Strangers: objective to measure the dog’s reaction to strangers in a non-threatening situation.

Neutral Stranger: This test is to simulate a typical street situation. The stranger will carry on a conversation with you, but will not make overtures to the dog.

Friendly Stranger: The stranger will make overtures to the dog and will touch the dog and hander as well.

Reaction To Aural Stimuli (Noise): objective to measure alertness to aural stimuli and the degree of investigative behavior toward the stimuli.

Can-rattling: After the rattling begins, the dog is allowed to approach the blind to investigate the source of the noise. As the dog comes around the blind to discover the source of the noise and investigate the can, the dog is given 20 seconds to make a close inspection. DOG MAY BE ENCOURAGED by the using phrases like “what’s that?” or “find it”.

Gun Test: If the dog turns and/or moves toward the sound when the gun is shot, the handler may follow. The dog may be encouraged as in the can-rattling test.

Reaction To Visual Stimuli: objective to measure the dog’s reaction to sudden visual stimuli, degree of investigative behavior and startle recovery.

Umbrella Test: Handler and dog proceed toward the assistant sitting and when the dog is about 3’ (no closer) from the tip of the umbrella, it will be opened directly toward the dog. The open umbrella is then lowered and rested on the ground while the assistant retains the handle in his hand. He dog is allowed to move forward (with encouragement if necessary) to investigate the umbrella. It is the recovery that is judged.

Footing Test: objective to measure the dog’s reaction to unusual footing.

Footing Test: Handler and dog approach a strip of polyethylene and proceed directly across an exercise pen laid flat on the ground.

Aggressive Stranger: objective to measure the dog’s capacity to recognize and react in a positive, guarding manner to a potentially threatening situation and, in the event of a threat, to react in an aggressive, confident manner.

Self-protective/Aggressive Reaction: this has three parts; the entrance of the stranger, the stranger’s approach to the dog and handler, and the threatening gestures by the “weird stranger”. The dog’s reaction to each is assessed and, if a positive response, the helper will proceed.

Temperament Test 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.

Neutral Stranger: This test is to simulate a typical street situation. The stranger will carry on a conversation with you, but will not make overtures to the dog.

Friendly Stranger: The stranger will make overtures to the dog and will touch the dog and hander as well.

Can-rattling: After the rattling begins, the dog is allowed to approach the blind to investigate the source of the noise. DO NOT ALLOW male dogs to urinate on the blind. As the dog comes around the blind to discover the source of the noise and investigate the can, the dog is given 20 seconds to make a close inspection. DOB MAY BE ENCOURAGED by the handler, using phrases like “what’s that?” or “find it”.

Gun Test: Upon completion of the can-rattling test, move approximately 15’ beyond the next assistant who will shoot the gun. The spot will be marked on the course. Handler and dog will the stop facing away from the shooter. The handler stands with the dog in either a standing or a sitting position (no commands are to be given to the dog). If the dog turns and/or moves toward the sound when the gun is shot, the handler may follow. The dog may be encouraged as in the can-rattling test.

Umbrella Test: Handler and dog proceed toward the assistant sitting in a low chair directly in the dog’s path, but facing g90 degrees to the side. When the dog is 9’ from the tip of the umbrella, the assistant will raise it; and when the dog is about 3’ (no closer) from the tip of the umbrella, it will be opened directly toward the dog. The open umbrella is then lowered and rested on the ground while the assistant retains the handle in his hand. He dog is allowed to move forward (with encouragement if necessary) to investigate the umbrella.

Footing Test: Handler and dog approach a strip of polyethylene approximately 15’ long and 4’ wide. With the dog on a loose lead, they proceed directly along the length of this change of footing. Handler and dog proceed across at least a 10’ wide aisle of normal footing and proceed directly across an exercise pen laid flat on the ground. They move along the length of the pen, not the width.

Self-protective/Aggressive Reaction:

Handler and dog proceed downwind toward the hidden Tester. The handler ceases to move forward as soon as Tester comes into view and staggers across the dog’s path.
Tester will then turn toward the dog and slowly advance. If the dog exhibits a positive reaction, continues with Part C. THE HANDLER WILL REMAIN STATIONARY.
The Tester then becomes threatening. When positive reaction is forthcoming, the Tester should back off in a furtive manner.

NO CONTACT IS TO BE MADE BETWEEN DOG AND TESTER. FOR ALL PARTS OF THIS EXERCISE, THE HANDLER MUST NOT ALLOW THE DOG TO ADVANCE BEYOND LEASH LENGTH OF THE HANDLER’S STOPPING POINT. Pressure on the dog’s collar should not be in the form of a sudden jerk.

The Temperament Committee welcomes any questions that you may have concerning the temperament test. We also strongly encourage clubs to hold temperament tests in conjunction GSDCA. Please contact us to arrange for a test in your area.