ATTS Temperament Testing A Must For Bully Breeds

May 24, 2010 - PRLog -- Pit bulls and bully breeds are under attack.  It's no secret that breed specific legislation is running rampant across the U.S.  Your right to own a bully breed is being threatened!  That's why now, more then ever, temperament testing is crucial!

NW Working Dogs, Pacific NW Pit Bull Rescue, and Spot Magazine are bringing that temperament testing to you, through the ATTS.  The ATTS stands for the American Temperament Test Society, an organization that tests the instincts of dogs across the country  Their motto is "A Sound Mind In A Sound Body".  While the test is designed to evaluate the instincts of all breeds, it is particularly important now for bully breeds.

Victoria Armstrong, head of Pacific Northwest Pit Bull Rescue (www.pnwpbr.org) is working to educate pit bull owners about this valuable test.

Why Take The ATTS?
Says Ellena Thomas, founder of PNWPBR, "The temperament test by the American Temperament Test Society is one of our most important tools in fighting breed specific legislation.  We at Pacific Northwest Pit Bull Rescue recognize this and encourage every responsible bully breed owner to test their dog at this important event."

The ATTS should not be confused with the AKC Canine Good Citizen Test (CGC).  According to Virginia Dunn, director of NW Working Dogs, "One is an instinct test, the other a test of basic obedience and manners.  Combined, these two certifications go a long way toward proving soundness and stability of dogs in our community."  Thomas agrees and says both certifications should be earned by anyone owning a pit bull or bully breed dog.  Both will be available at the NW Working Dogs Expo.  ( http://www.nwworkingdogs.com )

Presently the national passing average for the TT for all breeds is 81.9%.  Yet the pit bull is beating those averages.  Detailed statistics are available on the ATTS site.  ( http://www.atts.org )  American Pit Bull Terriers are passing by 85.3%.  The American Staffordshire Terrier is close behind, with 83.9%.  Contrast these with the scores of the Golden Retriever (84.6%) and the German Shepherd Dog (83.7%).  Thomas says the goal should be to raise the score to 90% or above!

Getting the word out about these tests is critical.  This year Spot Magazine ( http://www.spotmagazine.net ), the premier pet magazine in the Pacific NW, is sponsoring the ATTS.  Jennifer McCammon, the publisher for Spot, feels strongly about the importance of temperament testing and the ATTS.  "ATTS testing is helpful, especially with rescue dogs whose pasts are unknown, and certain breeds challenged by public perception."

The ATTS is being held on Sunday June 13th, 2010 as part of the NW Working Dogs Expo.  This event is at the Columbia County Fairgrounds in St. Helens Oregon.  Cost for the test is $30 per dog pre-registered, or $40 day of test.  To register for the ATTS, go to:  www.nwworkingdogs.com/sign-up.php or contact Victoria Armstrong at victoria@pnwpbr.org.

Come Take The ATTS & Fight Against BSL!


The NW Working Dogs Expo is being held on June 13th & 14th at the Columbia County Fairgrounds in St. Helens, OR.  It is open to the public as well as all breeds.  Activities include the Protection Dogs International (PDI) NW Regional Trials, IABCA Conformation Show, ATTS Temperament Testing, Canine Good Citizen Testing, a South African Boerboel Breed Suitability Test, and more.   The complete list of activities can be found at http://www.nwworkingdogs.com

Vending and sponsorship opportunities are available.

# # #

NW Working Dogs trains in personal protection, competes in Protection Dogs International (PDI), and holds the NW Working Dogs Expo, an annual dog event that brings together protection dog trials, conformation, & temperament testing.