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Date Posted: 00:32:50 08/31/09 Mon
Author: Sharon B
Subject: Re: ATTS
In reply to: Gijs 's message, "Re: ATTS" on 19:38:28 08/30/09 Sun

The Volhard puppy test was designed to test a puppy's temperament before environmental influences can enter into the picture. Volhard tests are done with the puppy is 49 days old.

ATTS is completely different in that it was obviously designed to allow for environmental factors -- training, upbringing, and environmental influences. It is for dogs that are at least 18 months old. All dogs that are 18 months old will have affects from their training and upbringing -- good or bad.

Your point is well taken, but I think you are missing the point of the ATTS test. Given that these dogs have had training and environmental conditioning, can they still pass the test? They have tested nearly 29,000 dogs in the last 20 years, and only 81.9% of them have passed.

There are 3 evaluators who each score the dog during the test. You bring up the point about gunfire. Is a dog that is completely comfortable around gunfire a smart dog? Or is he so trusting that he will easily get shot in the face of danger? In the face of gunfire, a mundane reaction in a protection dog could be a sign of a dog that is not sharp enough. Likewise, too much of a reaction or a dog that goes into avoidance could be a sign of a nervy fearful dog. The evaluators are trained to watch the body language of the dog, and then give their professional opinion. If you read further, you will see that what might be an appropriate response in one breed that is bred to be a family companion may be a completely inappropriate response in a dog that is to be used for personal protection.

I have taken Azaan to the shooting range on several occasions where she was completely relaxed around gunfire, but the shooters were pointed in the opposite direction firing at a target. I thought her ho-hum reaction was appropriate in that situation. But if someone sneaks up behind us on the street and starts firing a gun, I sure hope her reaction will be different.

The ATTS test is about experiences, conditioning and training, and meant to be an indicator of whether the dog will be able to perform work when called upon.

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