Temperment Test on Saturday - Last minute hints?

[Bucky's Mom]

Thanks for your encouragement and good luck with your dog. Here is the link that describes the testing procedures and what sounds and experiences the test consists of - Lisa (Bucky's Mom)

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

[Jamie & Odin]

Just curious if any of you have failed, or tested dogs that have failed and then re-tested at a later time after the owner has worked with the dog and had the dog pass? (I'm not even sure if pass/fail is correct terminology)

I'd like to have Odin tested, I know he would do better now than when I got him, but am pretty sure he would not do well. He is really scared of umbrellas in particular. I am also concerned that the test would actually set him back, as we are supposed to avoid stress to reduce his fear reactions. Do they stop the test if the dog is displaying too much stress? And what happens if the dog does bite the "stranger"?

[Bruce Lanthier]

If you are concerned about him passing the test perhaps you could get a friend to help you test him on certain elements. But, I think the real reason for the test is to see if the dog has the correct temperament for the breed, not necessarily a test to train for and pass. By building the confidence of your dog and socializing him to many situations and activities you can "prepare" for the test. If you are supposed to avoid stress then taking the test may not be the best idea. The idea of the test is to present a stressful situation to the dog and see how he recovers. The stranger never gets close enough to get bitten but I imagine the dog could break free of the handler, in any case the stranger for our test had a sleeve on his arm for just that possibility ;) . I also imagine you could stop the test at any point if your dog became overly stressed but if you think that may happen then perhaps the dog shouldn't take the test.

[Jamie & Odin]

Bruce, that is pretty much what I understood. I think I have a pretty clear idea of what his temperment is, just curious if testing would be a good idea or not, or is of any real necessity to me. I guess I answered my own question;) , but thought others might have different insight. Thanks!