Dog Calendars, Dog Breed Information, Training Aids & Everything Else |
 Profile Logout
|
 |
|
 Forum Pics Shop Ask a Trainer Find a Trainer Adopt a Dog Dog Websites |
|
|
Pupforum presents your training questions answered by professional dog trainers.
Jean is a graduate of Animal Behavior College and teaches basic obedience using positive motivation training techniques. She is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and has been teaching family dog basic obedience for three years. Jean is also a graduate of Northeastern University and is the co-founder of pupforum.com.
Click here to join Jean's mailing list and receive an email each time a new
column is published.
printer friendly
email this column
comment on this column
[Edit]
8/26/2005
Today’s column is a little different from our normal columns. This question on temperament testing came in, and I thought it would be interesting to get the opinions of several of our columnists. There are a wide variety of ways to test for temperament, and these tests have been the subject of some heated debates among dog trainers, breeders and rescue volunteers. Here are the answers of our fabulous columnists:
I am curious as to how a person tests or evaluates the temperament of a dog? (bob2, Illinois)
Ev Bliss answers:
In my opinion, I don't believe there is a true 'Test' for temperaments but I have done my share of evaluations.
There are many factors to consider when evaluating a temperament or attitude of any given dog; their age, the environment in which the evaluating is done, the reason for the evaluation, the dog's physical health at the time of an evaluation, etc..
If we take, for example, an average size dog (40-50 lbs) with no apparent recognizable lineage, of prime age (2-3yrs), in good physical condition and not just vaccinated or fixed, with no known home or knowledge of how the dog was bred and/or raised.
Say the rescue group wanted the dog evaluated for possible release to a family in an urban community - then I'd be looking for certain criteria that this dog might be subject to if adopted out and my evaluation would include but not be limited to, things like;
food - how does he eat / can he be approached when eating / what body language or other signs are visible if the food is taken away before it is finished / etc.;
physical contact - does he like to be petted and or cuddled / can he be easily turned over for belly rubs or nail clipping / can his mouth be examined without too much fuss - can you bend his ear back and wiggle a finger just inside the ear / what type of response is given when the dog is pinned or restrained, like with a big hug / etc.;
visual and audio stimulation - what
reactions are visible when the dog is introduced to loud noises / repetitious noise / subtle but high-pitched noises / sudden noises from behind / objects that move quick / other animals / objects or children that approach from behind / traffic sounds / toys and/or treats / (if possible) yard equipment like lawnmowers, weedeaters, garbage cans / (if possible) household items such as ironing boards, ceiling fans, telephone ringing, brooms, vacuums / reactions to newspaper / wooden spoons / etc.;
training - going through some basic paces of obedience - finding responses to various types of collars and/or leashes / walking quickly in different directions / sudden stops / attitude on a leash in a yard, on a road, with passers-by / visible responses to teaching him something new like shake-a-paw or down / etc..
This is just an example of a dog and the techniques that I might use for a specific purpose. It is by no means an exact science as to how to evaluate a dog and it is not a pass or fail type of testing when you evaluate a dog. Evaluations are simply a guide as to how best to handle a certain dog and perhaps bring to the surface a 'quirk' or abnormality that might have gone unnoticed until a problem occurred. It is an opinion from the person conducting the evaluation at that time. Some owners have their dogs evaluated for specific reasons and in those scenarios, I also spend time talking and asking questions as to the raising 'n' training of the dog up to that point. The first thing I usually suggest is that the dog have a thorough veterinary examination to rule out any physical discomfort or problem which would curtail a proper evaluation.
This is just My Opinion and I'm sure there are many others that have conducted tests or evaluations and have a totally different approach.
Ev
Canine Caretaker Training/Consulting
http://www.k9care.ca
"United We Stand."
http://www.standunited.ca
Page 1 of 4
1
2
3
4
Next >>
|
Are you a trainer? Interested in being involved in the Ask a Trainer column? Click here!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
