Sunday, September 16, 2007
Pre-registration required for the TT,
pre-registration suggested for the CGN and Urban Canine Companion tests
Contact Mary
Korevaar
The TT is $40. The CGN is $25. The Urban Canine Companion test is $25. (CGN and Urban Canine can be combined for $40.)
The TT will begin at 9 am, CGN and Urban Canine testing will begin at 10 am
Temperament Test - with Temperament Test Associates
The temperament test is designed for dogs at least 12 months of age. The method of administration is concise and complete using simple but logical
guidelines.
These temperament evaluations show a dog’s reaction to his environment. A dog has either good temperament or not, no matter what breed! But all
breeds of dogs do show a different disposition as part of the characteristics of that particular breed.
Testers evaluate the dog’s reactions at each of the 10 subtests. A walk through may be provided. At that time questions may be asked. All of the 10
subtests must be passed. The dog may startle, panic or show uneasiness, but he must recover from his reaction.
During the test, dogs are on a choke-type collar and a 6 ft. lead. They may not be under any kind of command or attempted influence by the handler.
The character and/or disposition of all breeds of dogs varies depending on what they were meant to be used for. ie. herding, sledding, hunting,
working or guarding. But GOOD TEMPERAMENT IS GOOD TEMPERAMENT and BAD TEMPERAMENT IS BAD TEMPERAMENT - IN ANY DOG
OF ANY BREED. In these evaluations all dogs are judged according to their age, breed and socialization.
The owner of each dog passing the testing requirements will receive a certificate with the dog’s name and breed designation. The dog’s name may now
be listed with the letters TT after the dog’s name.
THE TEN SUBTESTS
TESTS #1, #2, #3 - Behaviour Toward Strangers
Objective: To determine the dog’s reaction to strangers in a non-threatening situation.
TEST#1 Neutral Stranger - A stranger approaches but ignores the dog.
TEST #2 Friendly Stranger - A stranger approaches and is friendly to the dog.
TEST #3 Crowd - The dog is surrounded by a group of people.
TESTS #4, #5 - Reaction to Acoustic Stimuli
Objective: To test the dog’s reaction to two acoustic stimuli, and to measure the dog’s investigative behaviour. This test shows alertness and
curiosity.
TEST #4 Hidden Clattering - A noise is heard but not seen.
TEST #5 Gun Test - A gun is fired out of sight of the dog.
Test #6 - Reaction to a Visual Stimulus
Objective: To test the dog’s reaction to a sudden visual stimulus. To measure the dog’s investigative behaviour and the startle-recovery time.
Test #6 Umbrella Test - An umbrella is opened in the dog’s line of vision.
Test #7 - Reaction to Unusual Footing
Objective - To measure the dog’s reaction to unusual footing.
Test #7 Footing - The dog is walked over an uncomfortable surface.
Test #8, #9, #10 - Self Protectiveness/Aggressive Reaction
Objective - To test the dog’s capacity to focus on an unusual stimulus (#8), to recognize a threat (#9), and to react in the face of a threat (#10).
Test #8 Recognizes Stimuli - The dog notices unusual behaviour in its line of vision.
Test #9 Recognizes Threat - The unusual behaviour approaches the dog.
Test #10 Dog is Threatened - The behaviour poses a threat.
The various breeds of dogs show different dispositions as part of the characteristics of those particular breeds. In these evaluations all dogs are
judged according to their age, desired breed characteristics and socialization according to their environmental factors.
The dogs are required to pass all of the ten tests.
CKC Canine Good Neighbour Test - with
Naomi Kane 
The purpose of the national Canine Good Neighbour Program is to ensure that one
of our most favoured companions, the dog, is accepted as a valued member of our communities right across the country. Canine Good Neighbours can be counted on to
present good manners at home, in public places and in the presence of other dogs.
The training program embraces both purebred and mixed-breed dogs and is fun,
rewarding, and useful. It encourages owners to have a better and richer relationship
with their dogs. The program also enhances community awareness of responsible dog ownership and the numerous benefits associated with dog ownership.
The test is non-competitive and allows dog and handler to demonstrate confidence
and control in 12 steps. It assesses the handler and dog’s relationship, together with
the handler’s ability to control the dog. Dogs are evaluated on their ability to perform
basic exercises as well as their ability to demonstrate good manners in everyday
situations.
The tests include:
Accepting a friendly stranger talking to the handler
Politely accepting petting by the friendly stranger
Allowing someone to examine the dog's feet and ears and briefly brush the dog
Walking politely on a loose leash
Walking politely on a loose leash through a crowd
Sit/down on command and stay in place on a 6 m line
Come when called on a 6 m line
Calm down after a 10 second play session
Polite behaviour in the presence of another dog
Confidence around visual and auditory distractions
Being left alone with someone for 3 minutes with owner out of sight
Waiting for the handler to allow them through a gate
The handler may speak to and encourage the dog throughout each exercise except
the out of sight test. All 12 exercises must be passed.
Urban Canine Companion Test - with Naomi Kane
The handler may use positive motivators during the test. Use of motivators that cannot be carried in a pocket is disallowed. The dog should
respond swiftly to the handler’s commands and during recall exercises must return and remain close to the handler. Any dog that, in the
opinion of the evaluator, shows undue aggression or appears out of control may not receive a certificate. It should be understood that the dog
will be under observation from the moment the evaluator sees the dog. Behaviour exhibited outside of the test area will be monitored.
This test is limited to dogs twelve months of age and older. Equipment necessary would be a buckle collar or chain and a four to six
foot leash. No head halters, body harnesses, prong collars, or extendible leads.
1. Recall With People (Children and Adults) As A Distraction
A volunteer crowd of people will stand and mill about in the test area. A good “crowd” will have at least one person reacting with fear to the presence of the dog and one person limping
or walking with a cane. The “crowd” may interact with the dog and even call the dog to come for a pat, but must not interfere
with the recall of the dog. The handler will be asked to remove the dog’s leash and release the dog. For the purposes of this
evaluation the dog should be under no particular command. If the dog goes toward the people the handler will recall the dog. If
the dog does not approach the people the evaluator may ask the crowd to entice the dog closer before the handler gives the recall
command. This test would show that the dog will return to the handler when distracted by people.
2. Recall With Dogs as A Distraction.
Three to four dogs taking the test will be allowed off leash together. Once they have
gotten to know each other and are paying less attention to their handlers the evaluator will ask the handlers to issue the recall.
The handlers may issue more than one command. The dogs must return to the handlers within a reasonable amount of time.
Dogs will fail the exercise if they do not return to the handler or if they demonstrate undue aggression. This test demonstrates
that the dog is under control when around other dogs. The evaluator will use caution and common sense in grouping dogs to be
off leash.
3. The Rolling and Running Prey Drive Test
This test demonstrates that the dog is
under control in an off leash area frequented by other people engaged in sports activities. The handler must have control of the
leash during this exercise. At least two, but preferably more, of the following; a jogger, stroller, rollerblader or bicycle would go
past the dog and handler. The dog may show interest, but if it goes toward the distractions it must be recalled. The dog must
respond quickly to the handler and must not lunge at the distraction nor give chase. The handler may issue a command or
otherwise speak to the dog as the distraction passes. Handlers should use the leash as a last resort, voice command is preferred.
No toy or food may be used for this exercise. Other distractions such as skateboards, people warming up for exercise,
cross-country skiing, tennis playing or anything common in the area of the test may be substituted for one of the above
distractions.
4. Willingness to Release A Distraction Article
The evaluator throws a number of distracting articles on
the ground near the dog and handler. If the dog ignores the articles the exercise is completed. If the dog goes for any of the
articles the handler may command the dog to release or physically remove the article from the dog’s mouth. The dog must
demonstrate a willingness to release the article to the handler. If the article is damaged the dog fails the exercise. It is not
necessary for the dog to place the article in the handler’s hand or at the handler’s feet. The handler then picks up the article and
returns it to the evaluator, or leaves the article on the ground. The handler must show awareness of their dog’s behavior and
temperament by demonstrating the control necessary to ensure the dog does not take the article a second time. Acceptable
articles for an evaluator to use are; ball, Frisbee, stick, mitten, hat, child’s toy, pop bottle, handbag. Other distraction articles
may be submitted at the evaluator’s discretion.
5. Recall with Food as a Distraction
A person will be seated or standing in the test area
holding a piece of food either at their side or pretending to eat. The size of dog will determine whether the person sits or stands.
The dog will be walked off leash around the food distraction. If the dog does not approach the food the exercise is finished. The
handler may issue commands and or speak to the dog during this exercise. If the dog approaches the food the handler must
verbally correct the dog and recall the dog immediately. The handler may issue as many commands as necessary to get the dog to
come within a reasonable amount of time. If the dog sniffs the food the owner may verbally correct the dog, if the dog touches
the food the dog fails the exercise.
6. Poop and Scoop By-Law Compliance
The handler must have the equipment necessary to
remove any feces left by their dog. Any device commonly carried by the handler such as plastic bags or commercially produced
scoops is acceptable.
To receive full certification the dog and handler would also be required to pass the Canadian Kennel Club's Canine Good Neighbour
Test, the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen Test, HABAC’s Canadian Canine Good Citizen Test, or a Temperament
Test. Upon successful completion of this test dogs and handlers receive a certificate, suitable for framing, stating that the dog is
an Urban Canine Companion (UCC).
This test is the property of Naomi Kane
This test or any portion thereof may not be used or reproduced without the permission of
Naomi Kane.
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Pittock Conservation Area is located just north of Woodstock. From Highway 401 take exit 230, go north to Highway 2 / Dundas Street (4th stoplight), go east/right on Dundas St to Highway 59N which is your second left, north 2.3 km to Pittock Park Rd, turn right onto Pittock Park Rd, park is about 2 km on the right.
Park admission is $5 per adult, $2.50 per child - maximum $10 per carload.
After entering the park, go to the right and keep on going nearly as far as you can go. We will be in the day use area beside the lake. It's a very shady location with plenty of parking.
