External factors and reproducibility of the behaviour test in German shepherd dogs in Switzerland

Training of the young dog and contact with school aged children were significantly associated with one or more of the behaviour traits. Significant odds ratios were found for the associations between the puppy training and nerve stability and self-confidence, as well as between young dog training and the same character traits (nerve stability and self-confidence). A further positive association was found between defence drive and the contact of the dogs with school age children. Reproducibilities of the results of the behaviour test varied between traits, so the average scores for sharpness and defence drive significantly increased from the first to the second test, for temperament however, the scores decreased. Lower scores meant a more desired behaviour as rated by the club. The results of the other traits were similar in the two tests.