Objective look at canine temperament

[kristopher]

This link was in the comments of a tragic story about 3 chained dogs that killed an unsupervised 4 yo child. As usual, in the news story, the breed angle was highlighted while the issues of chaining dogs* and parental responsibility were conspicuously absent.

About 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 fancier. The ATTS Temperament Test 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.


What is temperament?

W. Handel, German Police Dog Trainer, in his article, “The Psychological Basis of Temperament Testing,” defines temperament as:

“the sum total of all inborn and acquired physical and mental traits and talents which determines, forms and regulates behavior in the environment”

The ATTS test 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.

http://atts.org/about-temperament/

Listing of results, alphabetical by breed name

http://atts.org/breed-statistics/statistics-page1/


*IIRC: Someone on DU recently posted a paper that showed the most common factor in fatal dog attacks were dogs that lived on chains. If anyone has the link to that paper please post it.

[get the red out]

1. Chaining should be illegal

It is an animal welfare issue, as well as a public health issue. People are so dreadfully non-sentient that it can't seem to get enough traction.