May 19, 2011
What is your opinion on the tie out test used by many S&R groups?
Full Question:
Ed,What do you think of the tie out test for temperament testing older dogs. More and more SAR teams are searching for ways to test for temperament in older dogs. This test is similar to the one used in SchH. but does include and aggressive individual who is to represent an Alzheimer victim who is lost. I believe it is an unfair test in as much as you may not have an individual who knows dogs well enough and forces a dog into avoidance or fight drive because he is tied up. Pacer would not have a problem with an individual like this if he were not tied unless the person was a physical threat to me. I feel we have too many dog handler wanna be's out there who think that they know it all and don't understand basic foundational truths of pack behavior or K9 characteristics.
I would really like your take on this. This is really becoming prevalent in SAR and every body is an expert.
Tom
Wichita, Kansas
Ed's Answer:
It's a valid test for a service dog, but it also needs to be done properly and interpreted properly. There is the rub, not many people have the experience to properly administer and interpret this test. Many people push too hard while others don't understand the aggression (or avoidance) that the dogs show.
If a dog is tied out and someone acts aggressively towards them a normal dog with good balanced drives and nerves will act appropriately (aggressively). If under these circumstances a dog acts aggressively, it's not fair to say this dog would not work for S&R. If an S&R dog comes on an Alzheimer's patient. The dog will not be tied out and will not have the same reaction. These people are 100% wrong. Dogs with weak nerves may have negative aggression in this case, but a dog with good nerves will not. Their tests should focus on prey drive, good nerves, and environmental soundness (this goes with good nerves).
If a dog is tied out and someone acts aggressively towards them a normal dog with good balanced drives and nerves will act appropriately (aggressively). If under these circumstances a dog acts aggressively, it's not fair to say this dog would not work for S&R. If an S&R dog comes on an Alzheimer's patient. The dog will not be tied out and will not have the same reaction. These people are 100% wrong. Dogs with weak nerves may have negative aggression in this case, but a dog with good nerves will not. Their tests should focus on prey drive, good nerves, and environmental soundness (this goes with good nerves).
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