Gallant Edge German Shepherds
Breeders - Trainers & Resource Centre
Temperament
How Does My Dog Measure Up?
The best way to predict how your dog will behave around
people or other animals is to ensure that he is properly socialized and is predictable
and obedient in behavior. The best predictor of behavior is how your dog has
responded in the recent past.
The below are some of the requirements of the K9 Good Citizen Temperament Test.
If you answer NO to any of the below, your dog needs more socialization
or obedience training or behavior modification or all three in order to obtain a stable even temperament.
1. Does your dog allow non-threatening people to approach and speak to
you without reacting or jumping up on them;
2. Does your dog sit politely and allow others to pet him while at your
side.
3. Does your dog allow others to groom him without suspicion or reaction.
4. When out for a walk does your dog walk attentively at your side, not barking,
pulling, sniffing, reacting to dogs, cats, bikes, skateboards, etc. And
does your dog sit at your side when you stop.
5. Walking through a crowd. The should be attentive to you and in
control when lead through a crowd of people.
6. Sit and down on command/staying in place. An obedient dog will
respond appropriately to these basic commands.
7. Coming when called. Determines your dog's reliability.
8. Reactions to other dogs or animals. The dog must remain in
control and focused on you when passing another dog or being placed near
animals. (
9. Reaction to distractions. The dog should remain calm, confident
and attentive you when faced with distractions. These include a child running,
a bicyclist, baby strollers, skateboards, loud noises, big buses and trucks, other animals, etc. The
more your dog is exposed to other things and socialized the better he will react in this situation
Warning Signs
1. The dog is aggressive and possessive over food, toys, chew bones, or even the water bowl
2. When on walks, the dog wants to chase other dogs, squirrels, rats or rabbits or cats
3. When excited, the dog becomes unruly, uncontrollable, and doesn't listen.
4. When on walks, the dog stares intently at other animals, and perhaps even stalks them.
5. When on walks, the dog barks at other people, animals and noises.
6. Dog shows signs of fear in situations.
If your dog is exhibiting aggression, fear or dominance these will only get worse in time unless your dog's behavior is modified.
Goal is a Stable Temperament
Owner Education
