The AKC ATT test stands for the American Kennel Club Temperament Test. It’s a standardized evaluation designed to assess a dog’s temperament — how it responds to various stimuli and situations — in a controlled, non-threatening environment.
Purpose of the ATT
The ATT helps determine if a dog possesses the temperament expected of a well-socialized companion, focusing on:
- Emotional stability
- Confidence
- Sociability
- Trainability
- Self-preservation instincts
- Ability to recover from stress
What’s Tested?
Dogs are exposed to six categories of stimuli:
- Social (meeting a friendly stranger)
- Auditory (loud/unusual noises)
- Visual (sudden appearance of objects)
- Tactile (walking on different surfaces)
- Proprioceptive (maintaining balance/movement coordination)
- Unexpected stimuli (surprising but non-threatening)
Handlers are encouraged to interact naturally with their dogs — not to correct or over-control them.
Passing Criteria
To pass, the dog must show:
- Confidence or appropriate curiosity
- Willingness to recover from startles
- No signs of aggression or panic
- Ability to continue after being startled
Dogs that cower, flee, or act aggressively do not pass.
Who Can Take It?
- Dogs must be at least 12 months old
- Any breed or mixed breed can participate
- Dogs do need to have an AKC-registration (Purebred, Canine Partners or PAL registration)
Title Earned
- After 2 qualifying ATT tests under 2 different evaluators, dogs earn the ATT title.
- Example: Dog Name, ATT
How To Sign Up:
Sign up, in person, the first night of class. We do not offer online sign up. Bring your dog to the first night to sign up.
Next sign up is Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at 7:00 PM Sign up and classes are held at the West Jordan Utah National Guard Armory, 7602 So. Airport Road, West Jordan, UT. Entry for sign up and all classes will be on the South side of the building which is on the west side of the road.
All classes are 8 week courses.
Please bring your vaccination record for your dog that will be attending classes.
Competitive classes require dogs to have their Canine Good Citizen (CGC) or equivalent testing, because of the advanced training and some dogs may be off lead. Conformation and Trick Class are the exceptions to the rule.
If you have any questions about training classes please contact us at 385-256-4097, leave a message and one of our training directors will return your call.
All dogs are invited to train with and join the Great Salt Lake Dog Training Club.
This club is a not for profit organization dedicated to helping the general public train their dogs to be good citizens. We focus on promoting responsible dog ownership and participation in activities with dogs.
Up-to-date vaccinations are required for this class.