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NKC Good
Canine
Temperament
Testing 1 & 2 |
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The
National Kennel Club has implemented a Canine Good Temperament Testing
Program. The purpose of the NKCGTT1 & NKCGTT2 Program is to ensure that our favorite companion, the
dog, can be a respected member of the community. To receive the NKCGTT1
certificate, dogs take the 10 section GTT1 Test, and to receive the NKCGTT2
certificate, dogs take the 7 section GTT2 Test. To be awarded either of the NKCGTT
Awards, dogs must past every every section of the test, IF they fail any section
they will fail the entire test and will have to retake the test at a later date.
GTT tests will be given at sanctioned NKC events and the hosts of those events
will advertise if testing will be available. To view the guidelines for
the
NKCGTT1 and for
NKCGTT2.
National Kennel Club
Good Temperament Testing 1
Section 1: Accepting a friendly stranger
This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to approach
it and speak to the handler in a natural, everyday situation. The evaluator
walks up to the dog and handler and greets the handler in a friendly manner,
ignoring the dog.
The evaluator and handler shake hands and exchange pleasantries. The dog must
show no sign of resentment or shyness, and must not break position or try to go
to the evaluator.
Section 2: Sitting politely for petting
This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to touch it
while it is out with its handler. With the dog sitting at the handler's side, to
begin the exercise, the evaluator pets the dog on the head and body. The handler
may talk to his or her dog throughout the exercise. The dog may stand in place
as it is petted. The dog must not show shyness or resentment.
Section 3: Appearance and grooming
This practical test demonstrates that the dog will welcome being groomed and
examined and will permit someone, such as a veterinarian, groomed or friend of
the owner, to do so. It also demonstrates the owner's care, concern and sense of
responsibility.
The evaluator inspects the dog to determine if it is clean and groomed. The dog
must appear to be in healthy condition (i.e., proper weight, clean, healthy and
alert). The handler should supply the comb or brush commonly used on the dog.
The evaluator then softly combs or brushes the dog, and in a natural manner,
lightly examines the ears and gently picks up each front foot.
It is not necessary for the dog to hold a specific position during the
examination, and the handler may talk to the dog, praise it and give
encouragement throughout.
Section 4: Out for a walk (walking on a loose lead)
This test demonstrates that the handler is in control of the dog. The dog may be
on either side of the handler. The dog's position should leave no doubt that the
dog is attentive to the handler and is responding to the handler's movements and
changes of direction. The dog need not be perfectly aligned with the handler and
need not sit when the handler stops.
The evaluator may use a pre-plotted course or may direct the handler/dog team by
issuing instructions or commands. In either case, there should be a right turn,
left turn, and an about turn with at least one stop in between and another at
the end. The handler may talk to the dog along the way, praise the dog, or give
commands in a normal tone of voice. The handler may sit the dog at the halts if
desired.
Section 5: Walking through
a crowd
This test demonstrates that the dog can move about politely in pedestrian
traffic and is under control in public places. The dog and handler walk around
and pass close to several people (at least three). The dog may show some
interest in the strangers but should continue to walk with the handler, without
evidence of over-exuberance, shyness or resentment. The handler may talk to the
dog and encourage or praise the dog throughout the test. The dog should not jump
on people in the crowd or strain on the leash.
Section 6: Sit and down on command - staying in place
This test demonstrates that the dog has training, will respond to the handler's
commands to sit and down and will remain in the place commanded by the handler
(sit or down position, whichever the handler prefers).
Prior to this test, the dog's leash is replaced with a line 20 feet long. The
handler may take a reasonable amount of time and use more than one command to
get the dog to sit and then down. The evaluator must determine if the dog has
responded to the handler's commands. The handler may not force the dog into
position but may touch the dog to offer gentle guidance.
When instructed by the evaluator, the handler tells the dog to stay and walks
forward the length of the line, turns and returns to the dog at a natural pace.
The dog must remain in the place in which it was left (it may change position)
until the evaluator instructs the handler to release the dog. The dog may be
released from the front or the side.
Section 7: Coming when called
This test demonstrates that the dog will come when called by the handler. The
handler will walk 10 feet from the dog, turn to face the dog, and call the dog.
The handler may use encouragement to get the dog to come. Handlers may choose to
tell dogs to "stay" or "wait" or they may simply walk away, giving no
instructions to the dog.
Section 8: Reaction to another dog
This test demonstrates that the dog can behave politely around other dogs. Two
handlers and their dogs approach each other from a distance of 20 to 30 feet,
stop, shake hands and exchange pleasantries, and continue on for about 10 feet.
The dogs should show no more than casual interest in each other. Neither dog
should go to the other dog or its handler.
Section 9: Reaction to distraction
This test demonstrates that the dog is confident at all times when faced with
common distracting situations. The evaluator will select and present two
distractions. Examples of distractions include dropping a chair, rolling a crate
dolly past the dog, having a jogger run in front of the dog, or dropping a
crutch or cane.
The dog may express natural interest and curiosity and/or may appear slightly
startled but should not panic, try to run away, show aggressiveness, or bark.
The handler may talk to the dog and encourage or praise it throughout the
exercise.
Section 10: Supervised
separation
This test demonstrates that a dog can be left with a trusted person, if
necessary, and will maintain training and good manners. Evaluators are
encouraged to say something like, "Would you like me to watch your dog?" and
then take hold of the dog's leash. The owner will go out of sight for three
minutes. The dog does not have to stay in position but should not continually
bark, whine, or pace unnecessarily, or show anything stronger than mild
agitation or nervousness.
Equipment
All tests must be performed on leash. Dogs should wear well-fitting buckle or
slip collars made of leather, fabric, or chain. Special training collars such as
pinch collars, head halters, etc. are not permitted in the GTT test. We
recognize that special training collars may be very useful tools for beginning
dog trainers, however, we feel that dogs are ready to take the GTT test at the
point at which they are transitioned to regular collars.
The evaluator supplies a 20-foot lead for the test. The owner/handler should
bring written proof of rabies vaccines and the dog's brush or comb to the test.
Encouragement
Owners/handlers may use praise and encouragement throughout the test. The owner
may pet the dog between exercises. Food and treats are not permitted during
testing, nor is the use of toys, squeaky toys, etc. to get the dog to do
something. We recognize that food and toys may provide valuable reinforcement or
encouragement during the training process but these items should not be used
during the test.
Failures - Dismissals
Any dog that does not pass any one of the above 10 Sections or eliminates during
testing will be marked as failed. The only exception to this rule is that
elimination is allowable in Section 10, but only when Section 10 is held
outdoors.
Any dog that growls, snaps, bites, attacks, or attempts to attack a person or
another dog is not a good citizen and must be dismissed from the test.
Back to top.
National Kennel Club Good Temperament Testing 2
The NKC – GTT 2 is designed to
evaluate individual canines in order to determine whether that dog shows the
proper characteristics of working canine temperament.
Because of breed-specific dog legislation and negative publicity associated
with many breeds of dogs, temperament testing has assumed an important role for
today's dog owner. The NKC GTT 2 provides breeders a means for evaluating
temperament and gives pet owners insight into their dog's behavior. It can have
an impact on breeding programs and in educating owners about their dog's
behavioral strengths and weaknesses as well as providing a positive influence on
dog legislation.
The NKC – GTT 2 focuses on and measures different aspects of temperament such
as stability, shyness, aggressiveness, and friendliness as well as the dog's
instinct for protectiveness towards its handler and/or self-preservation in the
face of a threat. The test is designed for the betterment of all breeds of dogs
and takes into consideration each breed's inherent tendencies.
The test simulates a casual walk through the park or neighborhood where
everyday life situations are encountered. During this walk, the dog experiences
visual, auditory and tactile stimuli. Neutral, friendly and threatening
situations are encountered, calling into play the dog's ability to distinguish
between non-threatening situations and those calling for watchful and protective
reactions.
The decoy/trainer can only
determine the temperament of any individual dog on the day the test is given and
is not certifying future temperament potential (due to environmental and/or
training factors).
The dog must be at least 12
months of age to be evaluated. This evaluation is done with the dog on a
fur-saver collar. Corrections are not to be given during this evaluation.
Corrections will result in the failure of the dog.
This degree is earned on a pass/fail basis and
is judged on the following factors:
- The ability of the dog to distinguish
threatening situations from non-threatening situations
- The willingness of the dog to trust their
owner's judgment.
- The willingness of the dog to protect himself
and his owner.
- The confidence level of the dog in unusual
situations.
- The ability of the dog to interact with the
world in a safe and stable manner.
If a dog
fails any part of the 7 Section Test, it will fail the entire test.
Section 1
A. Dog and handler walk along track casually. Stranger approaches handler and
shakes his hand and engages in light, brief conversation. Stranger leaves. [Dog
must display either neutral or friendly reaction]
B. Dog and handler continue along their walk. Different stranger approaches in a
very happy and upbeat manner. Stranger enthusiastically interacts with dog,
petting him and speaking directly to him. [Dog must display either neutral or
friendly reaction.]
Section 2
A. Dog and handler continue to walk casually along track. Assistant lightly
tosses plastic milk jug filled with pebbles ten feet in front of handler and
dog. [Dog must display an inquisitive reaction without fear or aggression.]
Section 3
A. Dog and handler continue to
walk along track. At a distance of 20 paces behind the team, Assistant fires
22-calibur starter pistol. [Dog must display inquisitive or indifferent
reaction without fear or aggression.]
Section 4
A. Dog and handler approach
Assistant holding a folded umbrella. When team is between 5-6 feet away,
Assistant opens umbrella. [Dog may display a startled reaction but must recover
immediately without any excessive display of aggression.]
Section 5
A. Dog and handler continue to
walk along track. The footing changes. Dog and handler must walk a 20 x 6 foot
length of clear plastic (tarp or drop-cloth type). [Dog must trust owner's
direction and quickly recover from any initial fear the dog displayed.]
B. Dog and handler must continue off plastic and directly on to a 10 foot length
of unrolled chain-link fencing (no less than 3 foot wide). [Dog must trust
owner's direction and quickly recover from any initial fear the dog displayed.]
Section 6
A. Dog and handler continue
along track. Assistant approaches on bicycle from behind and passes ringing
bell. [Dog must be neutral.]
Section 7
Dog and handler continue along track, stopping at designated marker. At a
distance of 40 feet ahead, Assistant crosses path wearing a raincoat and hood.
[Dog must show an alert posture for situation.]
Assistant proceeds 15 feet toward the dog and handler, approaching in a
suspicious manner (unusual gait, low pitched and angry muttering). [Dog must
show willingness to protect in situation.]
Assistant proceeds another ten feet toward dog, this time in a very threatening
and aggressive manner. [Any display of cowardice will result in failure.]
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