Bandit's Temperament Test
The temperament test consists of several sub tests.There has to be at least three testers to do the temperament test. A dog must pass all the tests to qualify for his TT title. All the dogs are tested on a six foot loose lead and either a buckle collar or a regular choke collar. No pinch collars are allowed.You are not allowed to speak to your dog except at specified times which I will mention during the description of each test.
In the first part of the test the dog and handler approach a neutral stranger. The handler and stranger shake hands and talk for about thirty seconds. The dog should remain calm and accept the strangers presence.
The next part is meeting the friendly stranger. You and your dog approach the friendly stranger. The dog is still on a loose lead. The stranger pets the dog. The dog should be friendly to the stranger and accept the petting. Licks and wags are great during this part of the test.
In the next part you walk towards a blind. A person behind the blind shakes a bucket filled with rocks or marbles vigorously.They then walk out from behind the blind and place the bucket on the ground as you are approaching they return behind the blind. The dog should investigate the contents of the bucket by sticking their head in the bucket.If you are having trouble getting your dog to look in the bucket you can talk but only to the bucket not the dog.
Next the dog and handler approach a pre designated spot they stop. A person from behind them hidden in a blind fires three shots from a starter pistol. The dog can be startled at first but should calm down shortly afterwards.
On to the next test. You and the dog approach a person sitting in a chair holding a closed large umbrella. As you get close they open the umbrella. The umbrella is held resting on the ground in an upright position. The dog can be startled when the umbrella is first opened but should walk up and touch the umbrella to investigate shortly afterward. This is one time you can speak but not to the dog only to the umbrella. You would talk to the umbrella only if your dog is reluctant to go up and touch it. You are allowed a reasonable time for your dog to react in such a way.
In the next test you and your dog approach a large section of plastic lying on the ground. At this time you are allowed to take up some of the lead so the dog is closer to you. You and the dog walk across the plastic. There should be no hesitation in doing this.
As soon as you cross the plastic you enter the next test. A section of wire is lying on the ground. Usually an opened ex-pen. The dog should walk across the wire without hesitation. You usually walk beside the wire otherwise the wire can shift but if you have to you can walk on the wire with your dog. The leash remains shortened through this test. Remember you can't speak.
This is the last part of the test and the most interesting.When you reach a pre designated spot you and your dog stop. The leash is loose all six foot extended. A stranger comes out from behind a blind wearing a floppy hat and a large overcoat. They are carrying a stick or riding crop at least four foot long. As they approach in a weaving manner they become louder and more aggressive. They start to hit the stick or crop on the ground as they get closer. When they get within five to six feet of the dog they stop pause then slowly walk back behind the blind. The dog should be interested in the stranger as he approaches. As the stranger gets closer he should become more alert. The ideal is for the dog to stand between you and the stranger in an alert manner. When the stranger walks away they should watch them. After they are back behind the blind the dog should just walk away with you when the tester waves you on.
"Look at that weird person
I wonder what they want
maybe they want me to fetch that big stick
if I just wait maybe they will throw it!!!"
If you made it this far without any problems you probably passed. The testers compare their notes when you have finished all the tests. Then the chief tester will give you an evaluation of the dog's performance and tell you if you passed.What would be the best reaction for a "Toy" dog might not be the best reaction for a "Working" dog The most important thing for me was to hear that the reactions where typical for the breed standard.
BANDIT PASSED WITH FLYING COLORS
