The Chow Chow in Aptitude Tests

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WHAT IS THE SWEDISH APTITUDE TEST ALL ABOUT?
Very few people ever know how they themselves will react in an emergency situation - will they panic or faint when trapped in a fire, or will they remain calm enough to save themselves or others? During a mugging, do we react aggressively or submit meekly? We might NEVER know, or one day discover with shock that, under pressure, we do not respond ideally.

Picture then your Rottweiler, German Shepherd or Boxer; ideal in size and shape - it LOOKS like it could handle itself. Considering that it is not a military or police dog, conditioned for its task, but rather a well-kept, pampered pet, reared like a child in the household and NEVER subjected to life or death situations; have you ever wondered just HOW it might respond during a confrontation with an unknown intruder?

Or - assuming that it would react defensive - would it afterwards be able to unwind sufficiently and become its normal self or would it remain tense (or even aggressive) for long afterwards? Does it possess a natural hunting instinct? Is it sound-sensitive? Does it ‘spook' easily when surprised? Will the sound of gunshot cause acute alarm? Does it accept a stranger's presence? Can it be induced to play again after a period of mental stress? Some of these things we might discover during its lifetime; the most we will not.

 

All these things CAN be tested for in your dog. Mental testing of dogs (Aptitude testing, as we like to call it) was first started in Sweden and scientifically developed by the Swedish Government and the Veterinary section of the Uppsala University. It was then tried and proven by the Swedish Army dog school and also the Danish Rottweiler Club. The tests became necessary as many dogs failed their (very costly) army training and there was a need to test their mental potential prior to training. It has since become the norm in most Scandinavian countries and a watered-down version of it is also performed in North America. The Austrian Army, who use only Rottweilers, applies a very strict screening when mating their males with non-military bitches, for instance.

Although the Germans do not use this specific test, it was interesting to hear ADRK Rottweiler Specialist Klaus Altpeter remark that it was of more value than the character portion of ZTP (Breed Suitability) testing. Herr Altpeter is very aware of the Swedish test and has over years been interested in research into dog behaviour.

Aptitude Testing was brought to South Africa in 1983 through the efforts of Rottweiler Specialist Dudley Bennet, who managed to obtain the services of Messrs. Aage Christensen and Keld Holland from Denmark. At the time they not only held tests in S.A. but also helped train nine local judges to perform the tests. Since then many more judges have been trained. The tests are ideal for working breeds such as German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Dobermans, Belgian Shepherds, Boxers etc. but can also be used for some hunting and utility breeds.

Throughout the test, the dog is not once subjected to physical strain but its mental capabilities are tested in varying intensity. Its performance is assessed by a minimum of two judges and a Test Leader, assisted by at least two marshals. Owners handle their own dogs throughout the test. It takes at least forty minutes per dog (depending on the dog) and after each item, the dog is given sufficient time to `work off' before starting the next. After the test, a verbal critique is given by the Test Leader, who also issues an APT Certificate, provided of course the dog passes. You may then request that the Kennel Union add the title APT to your dog's registration certificate. Like overseas, the failure rate is roundabout 25%. Sometimes the Test Leader will recommend that a dog be re-tested when it has become more mature. Even if your dog does not make it, there is little need for disappointment, as you will now be much better prepared to select a breed partner for it, or maybe remove it from your breeding programme.

After years of mental testing in Scandinavia they have begun to reap the benefits of selection from it, whereas earlier in some European countries, temperament in especially some large breeds have been admitted to be not of an ideal average. This has lately changed much for the better. In South Africa, the Rottweiler Breed Council of KUSA is considering it as an acceptable alternative or an IPO qualification, which might in future years (who knows?) become a need for an ARC (Advanced Registration Certificate).

Pasqualé was tested in 2003. She came just short of making it when (I’m told) she should have demonstrated (barked) more vigorously than she did. Her defence of me was better even than that of some Rottweilers or GSD’s - she kept in front of me throughout and offered a counter-threat

Paco was tested a year later and passed easily, which made him the first (and only) Chow in South Africa with an APT behind his name. This provided for many giggles, as Paco can be quite an entertainer! Tearing after the ‘rabbit’ he actually caught up with the operator who was ‘running’ it! Normally Chows are aloof and not too keen to make contact with strangers, let alone be triggered to play with them. My black and cuddly ‘bear’ seemed to enjoy it all and was quite bold and courageous.

When we first got Paco, he was a bit of a shy customer who did not come when called and he preferred his own company outside rather than inside with us. Since his APT test, he sticks by my side (even when I go to the bathroom). He sleeps on my bed, watches TV with his head on my lap and comes immediately when called. He and Pasqualé also sleep together and never let each other out of sight.

These tests are absolutely wonderful - I know now that he will protect me with his life, although he’s also a real teddy bear with the softest of hearts. Needless to say, I’ll protect my ‘children’ too!

(kindly contributed by Susan Rheeder - Dendale Chow Chows, South Africa) E-mail Susan here.
Paco succumbed to cancer early 2007.

The Test:

• First the dog is introduced to a crowd, and its willingness to contact strangers is assessed. It should accept a stranger without fear or aggression.

• Next its willingness to play (with its pack leader and a stranger) is noted. Its playfulness should be easily triggered.

• Its curiosity is checked by using a human `rabbit' - a black cloaked figure runs briskly in a zigzag pattern, away from the dog and hides. This tests its aptitude for checking up on and being in control of the environment, and motivates its initiative and wish for investigation (this talent is much exploited when one works with a dog). Ideally, it should have a quick reaction and when released, continues to search until it finds the `rabbit'.

• A mechanical ‘rabbit’ is used for the next hunting test, in a way similar to the one used for greyhound racing. It should react quickly and pursue the rabbit until caught.

• In assessing attachment to a pack leader, the handler is separated from the dog and disappears into the bush. When released, the dog is tested twofold; for its intensity to reunite and also for its ability to overcome the problem of fearsome obstacles in its way. It should have an urge to reunite with its pack leader, ideally using its nose, whilst remaining aware of the obstacles. A degree of stress will now become evident.

• The ‘surprise’ test happens with the dog on lead. A stuffed overall is yanked up by distance control right in front of the dog. Ideally it should startle, stop and investigate and not panic and flee, or attack indiscriminately.

• Its sensitivity to noise is checked by rattling a chain over an iron sheet as the dog is walked past it. As with the surprise, it startles (hopefully not `spooked' out of its mind) and is allowed to investigate.

• Social fighting behaviour is where a dog's react threshold is measured - dogs can identify with other dogs or with humans, but here it is presented with an alien figure in black showing its teeth, which being downwind, cannot be smelled and recognised as human (this is called the `Ugly Man’). Some dogs react immediately and others only when the 'creature' is much closer. It should challenge early and show little flight tendency.

• Its reaction to outside dominance is also a 'creature' threat, this time from a short, squatty figure with glaring eyes which slowly moves closer to it (pulled on a low sled). By now the stress factor could be quite considerable and many a dog shows panic. The dog should increase its counter-threat the closer it comes, with little or no escape tendency. It should work off (unwind) independently, with as little help as possible from its pack leader and be wary of the `dummy' until it makes contact (or gets introduced to it).

• In the ‘defence’ assessment, the dog is presented with a dual problem - two white `ghosts' slowly and silently closing in to it at a 45 degree angle. It now has to decide how to cope - separately with either, or with both simultaneously. Here the dog should threaten vigorously, with little or no escape tendency and when released, check on the passive ghosts carefully but without help.

• Sensitivity to gunshot is checked by firing at least twice while the dog is at play. Beyond taking note, it should not be perturbed by it.

The maximum score for this test is 300 points.
A score of over 200 will rate a dog ‘Excellent” and the minority of dogs tested achieve this.
To qualify, a dog needs to score at least 100.

Throughout the entire test, the dog's concentration and conflicts are noted, as well as its activity level and the effect of especially the last four items on its nerves.

Ideally, a dog should be mature - two years is a good test age - and preferably had the minimum obedience training. It must be noted that (besides the gunshot test) a dog cannot really be conditioned or trained in order to try and pass the test - attempts to do so will be noticed as the dog will show negative response in instances where it has pre-knowledge that the threat is only human. Also, if it has been born with little natural curiosity or hunting drive, it cannot be taught this!

Ideally, the different breed clubs should present such an APT sub-committee with a behaviour profile for their own breed, as the various breeds do differ. Having a low hunting drive should, for instance, not cause a Boxer or Bullmastiff to fail the entire test, provided that he stands his ground when threatened, whereas a Greyhound who 'defends' well (!) but will not hunt, could fail the test, because it is non-typical of the breed! Actually, this is an over-simplification - the test was really developed for pure bred dogs meant for work - it is not the be-all and end-all for breeding, as there are many more important factors to be considered for this (a mongrel can pass the test but cannot be shown or bred!)

But, it DOES give you a much clearer insight into your stud dog or brood bitch's mental make-up.

(APT Test info kindly supplied by Chris Pretorius)