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Temperament testing
"Dedicated exclusively to the many aspects of canine behavioral and working
evaluations and there continued development."
Founded in 1983, NATTA is an association
dedicated exclusively to the many aspects of canine behavioral and working evaluations and there continued development. It is our stated goal to promote sportsmanship, training of the dog
in multiple activities, and responsible pet ownership through the use of a well trained and temperament tested dog. |
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 Introduction
to tests
NATTA is respected and sanctioned by dog organizations across the continent. Any dog group
(club or kennel) can arrange to host a temperament test. The testing program embraces both purebred and mixed-breed dogs and
is fun, rewarding, and useful. These tests can be 1 or 2 days depending on the number of dogs to be tested. NATTA tests are open to any breed that is registered, or that meets the requirements for
registration, by any recognized breed or kennel club as listed in the by-laws of the NATTA. In all tests sponsored by the NATTA, dogs will not compete against each other for placements
or prizes, but against a specified standard. Five categories to participate in Canine Partnership (CP), Working Companion Certification (WCC), Working Aptitude Certification (WAC), Working Dog Excellent ( WCX), Champion Working Performance Dog (CHWPD) ê A temperament test is a set of evaluations/tests
that is designed to help evaluate the interest, aptitude, learning ability, and personality of a dog. ê Temperament can be defined as an
individual's way of behaving or reacting to specific situations. Reactions can include fear, shyness, aggressiveness, curiosity,
courage and willingness. ê Whether you are rescuing a dog or buying a puppy from a breeder, temperament is the most
important factor to consider when making your choice. ê Temperament is shaped through genetics and life experiences and the test focuses on and
measures many aspects of temperament such as stability, fearfulness, aggressiveness, and sociability as well as the dog's
instinct for protectiveness towards its handler and response in the face of a threat. ê The reason for evaluating
temperament is
that it
is one of the major determinants of
trainability and usefulness of a dog. The dog
with good basic instincts and sound
temperament can
be readily trained and will be a dependable worker in difficult situations. A dog with good instincts and a poor temperament
will be difficult to train and frequently unreliable in difficult situations. ê Temperament manifests itself in many ways, including:
reaction to gunfire, reaction to strangers, crowds, situations, objects, interactions with the handler and manner of handling problem solving. ê The purpose of the Working Aptitude Evaluation, in place for some
time in Europe, is to help determine if your breed/s of dog has the aptitude to do the type of work for which the breed was
intended. ê The
purpose of the Paws and Partners test is to ensure that the dog can be a respected member of the community because it is trained
and conditioned to act mannerly at home, in public places and in the presence of other dogs. Please Visit
for more information
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