2009 ATTS Testing Day

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All-Breed Temperament Test

(Licensed by the American Temperament Test Socity, Inc.)

Misunderstood Rescue would like for you to join us as we work to increase the passing rates of our bully breeds. Come out and join us on Sunday, October 18, 2009 at Pocahontas State Park. If you can't make it, think about sending a small donation to help the organization rescue more of the dogs waiting in shelters to find their forever homes.

*DATE:  Sunday, October 18, 2009

*TIME:  8:30 A.M. - 2:30 P.M.

              (Pre-registration and Walk-ins welcome)

*LOCATION:  Pocahontas State Park, 10301 State Park Road, 

                         Chesterfield, Virginia, 23832-6355

                              Directions:

                              From I-95 South of Richmond:  Take exit 61

                              onto Rt.10 west, then left onto Rt. 655 (Beach road).  Go

                              about 4 miles to State Park Road on the right.

                                        From I-95 North of Richmond:  Take I-295 to I-64 west

                              to Rt. 288 to Rt. 10 east (Iron Bridge Road) to Rt. 655

                              (Beach Road) to State Park Road.

                              From I-64 West of Richmond:  Take Rt. 288 to Rt. 10

                              east (Iron Bridge Road) to Rt. 655 (Beach Road) to State

                              Park Road.

                              From I-64 East of Richmond:  Take I-295 south to Rt.

                              10 west to Rt. 655 (Beach Road) to State Park Road.

*COST:  $40; Fee includes $30.00 ATTS fee & $10.00 rental. 

               $30.00 for each additional dog with the same owner.

*CONTACT:  Jessica Dodt-Escobar (888) 493-3594 or (804) 370-9771

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 American 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.  The Pit Bull ranges higher than average on this test.  The "Pit Bull" is not a breed at all, rather a slang term that targets three breeds; the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and the Staffordshire Terrier. 

ATTS Test Day Times

1:00 PM Xombie

1:12 PM

1:24 PM

1:36 PM

1:48 PM Jack Rabbit

2:00 PM Fatboy Rex

2:12 PM Stella

2:24 PM Aoife Belle

2:36 PM

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FAQs about ATTS Temperament Test

*These questions were given courtesy of the American Temperament Test Society, Inc.

1. What is the entry fee?

     $40 per dog entered.  $30 for ATTS and $10 for a rental fee of the location.  All entry fees

     must be made payable to the host organization.

2.  Who may enter an ATTS temperament test?

      All pure-bred dogs.

      All spayed or neutered mixed-breed dogs.

      Mixed-breed dogs which are not spayed or neutered may enter and be tested but

      WILL NOT receive a certificate.

3.  What is the minimum age at wich a dog may be tested?

      Minimum testing age is 18 months.

4.  What equipment do I need for my dog to enter a temperament test/

      A slip collar.

      A six-foot leash.

5.  What, if any, preparation does my dog need?

      No special preparation or training beyond normal socialization and exposure to

      normal living in necessary.

6.  What is required on the entry form?

      All information on the entry form must be filled out.

      The entry form must be signed.

      The entry form must contain BOTH front and back to be valid.

      Entry fee payable to the host club must accompany the entry.

      Information on the entry form MUST be legible.

7.  To whom should the entry form be sent?

      Misunderstood Rescue, Jessica Dodt-Escobar 2101 Deauville Road, Richmond, VA

      23235.

8.  When may I expect to receive my dog's certificate?

      Certificates are issued within 10 to 12 weeks after test results are received at ATTS

      headquarters in New Jersey.

      Certificate errors due to illegible information on the entry form as submitted require a

      $10.00 correction fee.

      Failure of an entry fee check to clear will result in withholding of the certificate until

      proof of payment is submitted.

9.  May I retest my dog?

      A dog may be retested after a 5-month waiting period.

      A dog may attempt the temperament test only twice.

      Retest of any dog requires full entry fee.

      ATTS may on rare occasions request a retest of a dog.  This requires no entry fee.

10.  How have you ensure 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 ful filled other requirements, i.e.

      worked as subtest station worker, evaluated the required number of dogs, worked as

      a Test Secretary or Test Organizer.  All breeds are treated the same and we do not

      advocate one breed over another.

11.  Where do funds 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, regardless

      of the number of dogs test or the breeds involved.