THESE PERSONALITY TESTS ARE NOT A REASON TO ACCEPT OR DECLINE ANY PUPPY AS THEY CAN CHANGE FROM WEEK TO WEEK WITH CONSTANT HANDLING AND GENTLE TRAINING. THEY ARE SIMPLY IN PLACE TO HELP TO ASCERTAIN ANY INDIVIDUAL PUPPIES BASE INSTINCTS. Personality
Within any litter of puppies there is usually always ONE puppy with outstanding personality attributes. I weigh these evenly when choosing any particular puppy to be the "pick". These puppies sometimes make themselves known VERY early & sometimes this quality emerges at 4 to 8 weeks. I generally listen to everything that an individual breeder tells me (and every good breeder is usually very opinionated and vocal about their own pick of the litter!) & then do some basic tests with each puppy as I feel like this quality cannot be assertained by a visual observation of physical qualities only. I "test" by observing the basics:
1. The puppy social attraction. To do this place the puppy inside a test area. From a few feet away the test coaxes the puppy by calling and clapping gently and kneeling down. Tester must coax in a direction opposite from where he/she entered the testing area.
a. The puppy came readily, jumping, licking, chewing on hands.
b. The puppy came readily, pawed, licked at hands.
c. Came readily, tail up.
d. Came readily tail down.
e. Came hesitantly, tail down.
f. The puppy didn't come at all.
The purpose of this test is to show the degree of social attraction, confidence, & independance.
2. Following. Stand up and walk away from the puppy. Make sure the puppy knows you're leaving.
a. Followed readily, tail up, bit at feet.
b. Followed readily, tail up, got under feet.
c. Followed readily, tail up.
d. Followed readily , tail down.
c. Followed hesitantly, tail down.
d. Didn't follow at all or went in another direction.
The Purpose of this test is to show the degree of following attraction. Not following indicates independance.
3. Restraint. Crouch down and hold the puppy gently on it's back for 30 seconds.
a. Struggled fiercely, struggled, bit.
b. Struggled fiercely, flailed.
c. Settled, struggled, settled with some eye contact.
d. Struggled then settled.
e. No struggle.
d. No struggle, avoids eye contact.
This shows the degree of dominant or submissive tendencies. How the puppy accepts stress when socially/physically dominated.
4. Social Dominance. Let the pup stand up and gently stroke him from head to back. Continue to do this until a recognizable pattern is established.
a. Jumped, pawed, bit growled.
b. Jumped pawed.
c. Gets close to cuddle with tester and tries to lick face.
d. Squirmed and licked at hands.
e. Rolled over and licked at hands.
f. Went away and stayed away.
This test shows the degree of acceptance of social dominance. Pup may try to dominate by jumping or licking or may show independance by walking away.
5. Elevation Dominance
a. Struggled fiercely, bit growled.
b. Struggled fiercely.
c. No struggle, relaxed.
d. Struggled, settled, licked.
e. No struggle, licked at hands.
f. No struggle, froze.
This test shows the degree of accepting dominance while in position of no control.
Interpreting The Scores
Mostly 1's A puppy that consistently scores a 1 in the temperament section of the test is an extremely dominant, aggressive puppy who can easily be provoked to bite. His dominant nature will attempt to resist human leadership, thus requiring only the most experienced of handlers. This puppy is a poor choice for most individuals and will do best in a working situation as a guard or police dog.
Mostly 2's This pup is dominant and self-assured. He can be provoked to bite; however he readily accepts human leadership that is firm, consistent and knowledgeable. This is not a dog for a tentative, indecisive individual. In the right hands, he has the potential to become a fine working or show dog and could fit into an adult household, provided the owners know what they are doing.
Mostly 3's This pup is outgoing and friendly and will adjust well in situations in which he receives regular training and exercise. He has a flexible temperament that adapts well to different types of environment, provided he is handled correctly. May be too much dog for a family with small children or an elderly couple who are sedentary.
Mostly 4's A pup that scores a majority of 4's is an easily controlled, adaptable puppy whose submissive nature will make him continually look to his master for leadership. This pup is easy to train, reliable with kids, and, though he lacks self-confidence, makes a high-quality family pet. He is usually less outgoing than a pup scoring in the 3's, but his demeanor is gentle and affectionate.
Mostly 5's This is a pup who is extremely submissive and lacking in self-confidence. He bonds very closely with his owner and requires regular companionship and encouragement to bring him out of himself. If handled incorrectly, this pup will grow up very shy and fearful. For this reason, he will do best in a predictable, structured lifestyle with owners who are patient and not overly demanding, such as an elderly couple.
Mostly 6's A puppy that scores 6 consistently is independent and uninterested in people. He will mature into a dog who is not demonstrably affectionate and who has a low need for human companionship. In general, it is rare to see properly socialized pups test this way; however there are several breeds that have been bred for specific tasks (such as basenjis, hounds, and some northern breeds) which can exhibit this level of independence. To perform as intended, these dogs require a singularity of purpose that is not compromised by strong attachments to their owner.