Dog temperament tests

My shelter, the Austin Humane Society, has used the Sue Sternberg temp test for years. We hope to move to one that the ASPCA has developed, but that's in the future because the test requires a couple of things that our facility just doesn't have, and we would probably need to raise money to make the changes required. But the Sternberg test continues to work pretty well for us for the time being.

Yes, there are many tests out there at this time, as Jim so kindly mentions below. I am part of a new Advisory Committee developed last year by the Animal Rescue League of Boston. There are people from all fields of the profession on the committee headed by Drs. Gary Patronek and Amy Marder. The goal is for the ARL to create a model for improving the welfare and eventual placements of homeless dogs cared for by humane organizations, animal control facilities and rescue groups throughout the USA. We plan on accomplishing this goal by improving our ability to screen for and evaluate dog behavior problems; by increasing our understanding of the role of the shelter environment and the disruptive effect of the stress of homelessness and rehoming on dog behavior and much more. Rigorous science-based research and outcomes assessment will be the cornerstone of our efforts.

In the meantime, there are many test out there - some tested, others not while others are a mix or blend of many. There are so many variables to testing dogs that can be pages in length. We have objective measures, scales and subscales, inter and intra-rater problems, validity of tests and much more.

However, some test is better than none.

Tests Available

Experts have devised many different dog temperament tests. When choosing a dog for a performance purpose, testing seeks to determine whether the dog is going to be able to physically, mentally and emotionally perform the task for the duration of a career. Equally important is whether the dog is likely to learn effectively and perform reliably when trained with the methods the trainer plans to use. A dog being chosen for training with an electronic collar is likely to be different from a dog wanted for clicker or play-oriented training.

The American Temperament Test Society awards titles to dogs who pass a test that includes protection reactions. This type of testing is useful for prospective Schutzhund dogs.

Sue Sternberg has developed a test for shelter dogs that checks closely for aggressive tendencies. Experts differ on exactly what evaluation for aggression is appropriate for stressed-out shelter dogs, but no one wants to see dogs adopted out who subsequently bite people. If a shelter you visit uses this or any other temperament test, get all possible details for deciding whether or not to adopt the dog. You can find information on Sternbergís test in her book ìSuccessful Dog Adoption.î

Trish Kingís book ìParenting Your Dogî includes testing information for selecting a shelter dog as a puppy, adolescent or adult, based on her extensive experience. The adolescent dogóand many dogs in that age range are available for adoptionócan bond quickly with a new person. The dogís behavior at this age may still be very open to modification with good training. The downside is that adolescent dogs are changing so much that you may not get accurate results from testing, unless an excellent history on the dog is available.

The AKCís Canine Good Citizen Test evaluates trained behavior along with temperament. Itís not the kind of test you expect to pass with a strange dog. It is certainly a good sign if a dog you are considering adopting has passed the Canine Good Citizen Test with a former owner. But since the test evaluates dog and handler as a team, it doesnít indicate whether the dog will work equally well with you as handler.

Jack and Wendy Volhard have created a test of dog personality based on the four drives of pack, prey, defense fight, and defense flight. This isnít really a test you could ìgiveî to a strange dog. Itís a series of questions you answer about the dogís known behavior, which means you have to get to know the dog first. If you have a dog you are seeking to better understand, itís a fantastic tool for that purpose. You can find it online and also in their book ìDog Training for Dummies.î Itís especially helpful in finding the best ways to help your particular dog learn.

I am in the process of analyzing all of these "temperament tests" out there and creating a more comprehensive and realistic one.

when i worked at the vet the only way they knew was to take the temp rectally with a thermometer