Temperment

[LunaBell]

We are preparing to move into duplexes that allow large breed dogs, but don't allow rottweilers, pitbulls, chows, ect. They said that if I provide proof of temperment training and perhaps information on my pups training that I may still be allowed into the duplex. How do I get a young dog's temperment tested?

[Patty1231]

CGC - Canine Good Citizen test. You can find out more about it on the AKC website.

[flyballmom]

Oh geez. OK...well, I was thinking that maybe there was a minimum age requirement, but I just looked at the AKC site and it says:
"There is no age limit for the CGC test. A dog is never too old to be a good citizen. Puppies who have completed all immunizations and boosters may be tested, however, because we know that behavior and temperament can change over time, when puppies pass the CGC test, owners should have them re-tested as adults."
But yikes, isn't Luna just 12 or 13 weeks old? Some of the tests might be a bit hard for her to manage...loose leash walking, sitting quietly at the approach of a stranger, etc etc. Blitz just passed the CGC at 19 mos. and I was afraid even then it might be questionable . All that said....
I'd get a letter from my vet...a character statement so to speak. Is she in Puppy K? (I'm thinking maybe not due to the vaccine issue?) Do you have a trainer? Someone who could do a puppy temperament test for you? Her breeder? (Altho I know things are "touchy" there.) Think of all the resources you MIGHT have...then get documentation from all. And good luck!!

[Burnsway]

A true temperament test is different then a CGC. You can look into getting a TT by reasearching your area and who gives them. Do a search on google and I'm sure there is some info for your area.

[Cash]

Originally Posted by LunaBell

We are preparing to move into duplexes that allow large breed dogs, but don't allow rottweilers, pitbulls, chows, ect. They said that if I provide proof of temperment training and perhaps information on my pups training that I may still be allowed into the duplex. How do I get a young dog's temperment tested?

Hi LunaBell, isn't your pup only about 12 weeks now? Does the building management realize this?
It's kind of hard to provide any 'proof' her temperament at that age. Otherwise, like Patty, I'd suggest a A CGC, or even a TT (but the dog has to be 18 months for TT testing). First things first, your little girl needs to get thru puppy school. Is she signed up for puppy classes? Maybe that verification would help?

[Burnsway]

Here is a discription of the test:

http://www.atts.org/testdesc.html

[LunaBell]

Yes, she is 12 weeks old and is in puppy training classes. This has been such a battle. We weren't planning on moving, but are having structural problems. Most leasing offices consider rottweilers a "vicious" breed. How old do puppies have to be to be CGC certified?

[Burnsway]

Originally Posted by LunaBell

Yes, she is 12 weeks old and is in puppy training classes. This has been such a battle. We weren't planning on moving, but are having structural problems. Most leasing offices consider rottweilers a "vicious" breed. How old do puppies have to be to be CGC certified?

I think the only age requirement is that they must have had all vaccinations.

Here is some info from AKC:

http://www.akc.org/events/cgc/program.cfm?page=2


Other organizations offer the test too.

[fbkeays]

Where do you live?- just something more specific then California. That could help in people pointing you in a better direction to trainers and such to try to help you with the "temperament" situation you have now.

[LunaBell]

I live in Ventura County, just north-west of Los Angeles. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[LunaBell]

The frustrating part is that we contacted a company that helps pet owners stay with their pets by finding housing, but even they say that it may be hard to find a suitable rental. I paid $69 to find this out, but the company promises to continue looking until we find something.

[Cash]

Originally Posted by Burnsway

I think the only age requirement is that they must have had all vaccinations.

Here is some info from AKC:

http://www.akc.org/events/cgc/program.cfm?page=2

Other organizations offer the test too.

You are absolutely correct! Technically you can have her CGC tested as she’s had all her shots.
For your purpose you could go this route... (not that I would put any weight whatsoever on a pass) But if it helps in your moving situation...
Look into AKC evaluators in your area.

I think I know the company you signed up with (are you renting?), what they sometimes fail to tell you is that often there is a weight limit on pets or that there are breed restrictions.

[LunaBell]

I know, they told me over the phone that there probably wouldn't be ANY problems finding us a place. I paid the registration fee and got a list of rentals within our area. Most if not all had weight restrictions and BREED RESTRICTIONS. Each landlord that i called said that "vicious" breeds weren't welcome. My response "Oh great! My dog is far from a vicious breed. She's a rottweiler." Then each of them told me that rottweilers are considered a vicious breed. If only people did their research! Unfortunately bad owners have given this amazing, intelligent, powerfull breed a bad rap.

Before we purchased Luna we had the opportunity to rescue a female Pitbull, but because we feared that California or our county would ban her we decided against the adoption. Now, I have to deal with this! What's next? Telling me what color underwear I can wear?

[fbkeays]

Originally Posted by LunaBell

Before we purchased Luna we had the opportunity to rescue a female Pitbull, but because we feared that California or our county would ban her we decided against the adoption. Now, I have to deal with this! What's next? Telling me what color underwear I can wear?

I grew up in Camarillo, but now live south of San Francisco. Unfortunately I grew up in a dogless home so I don't know too much about the dog situation. What I do know is that a CA state senator, Tom McClintock, might help you. You might be in his district as he covers most of Ventura County. Give his Thousand Oak's office a call and explain your situation. He might be interested in helping getting you some help. It is amazing what a few phone calls can do. He was one of the few that was very much against SB 861.

[shybird]

If the lease says specifically no rottweilers and no pitbulls, and they make an exception to Luna, MAKE SURE IT IS IN WRITING! Stating that they are oking a rottweiler. Don't let them just give a verbal ok. It will be to easy to say you broke the lease and kick you out on that clause if they so desire, leaving you with a hugh bill and no place to go.