1. How do I find out about scheduled tests?
Write or call:
American Temperament Test Society, Inc.
PO Box 800130
Balch Springs, TX 75180
(972) 557-2887
Note: The telephone is connected to a 24-hour answering machine to take your calls at any time.
Subscribe to the K9EVENTS e-mail list on the internet, or check the Upcoming Tests section of this web site (http://www.atts.org/).
2. What is the entry fee?
$30.00 per dog entered.
3. Who may enter an ATTS temperament test?
4. What is the minimum age at which a dog may be tested?
Minimum testing age is 18 months.
5. What equipment do I need for my dog to enter a temperament test?
6. What, if any, preparation does my dog need?
No special preparation or training beyond normal socialization and exposure to
normal living is necessary.
7. What is required on the entry form?
8. To whom should entry form be sent?
Send entry form to the host club or organization.
9. When may I expect to receive dog's certificate?
10. May I retest my dog?
11. How have you ensured that no one breed is being discriminated against?
There are three evaluators assigned to each ATTS Temperament Test, including one Chief Tester. Each Chief Tester has undergone several years of training and has passed two examinations in addition to having fulfilled other requirements, i.e. worked as subtest station worker, evaluated the required number of dogs, worked as Test Secretary or Test Organizer. All breeds are treated the same and we do not advocate one breed over another.
12. Where do funds come from and how do you ensure those funds do not apply any pressure towards the outcome of the tests?
The funds we receive are from the entry fees paid for each dog taking the test. There is no outside funding. Each Chief Tester receives a small stipend for each test he/she officiates, regardless of the number of dogs tested or the breeds involved.
13. Why do some hosting organisations charge more than others?
There is a basic ATTS entry fee on the entry form. Additional charges must be clearly indicated on the flyer each participant receives. These, for example, could be for rental of the testing area, local permits, or fund raising for the SPCA. Please check with the host organisation for any extra fees.
14. As an evaluator for ATTS, many people ask me what it costs and can the host organization make a profit. How can I get this information?
You have to be a current evaluator with a paid up registration. Send an e-mail to info@atts.org with your name and address. We will verify your status and e-mail you the information unless you wish to have it mailed to you via USPS.
15. Do I get the scores back and how are they interpreted?
You will receive a copy of the entry form from ATTS with the averaged score from the three testers at the bottom. Each dog starts with a 5 on each subtest, with positive response raising the score and negative response lowering it. Most dogs score in the 4-6 range. Failure is a 0 on any subtest given by at least two of the three evaluators. Remember the score is dependent on the conditions at the time of the test (weather, dog's health and nervousness, human's health and nervousness, etc.). Comparing scores with other dogs is not a good idea. Also the total score has no meaning. Theoretically, a dog may pass with a score of 10, or fail with a score of 90. Each subtest stands on its own merits.