Our puppies are temperament tested to help us match the right puppy with the right family. Once a member of our waiting list is placed in a specific litter, they will need to complete the family placement questionnaire. This will help us figure out what puppy temperament would fit best in your family.
At 7 weeks of age the puppies are tested. Once tests are complete and I have had time to match puppy to family, I will call each family individually.
What is a Temperament Test?
Puppy personality/temperament/aptitude tests are a fun and interesting way to get into the psyche of man’s best friend. It’s like taking one of those addictive online quizzes that promises to predict your future based on what color you like, except puppy personality tests are backed by research and have been around for decades. The main goal of using puppy personality tests is to ensure that puppies go to warm and loving homes where they are more likely to spend their entire lives.
Unfortunately, it is common for inexperienced pet owners to make a rushed decision and choose a puppy that is the complete opposite of what they are looking for. Unable to train or deal with the temperament and behavior of their new puppy, they may decide that the puppy is not right for their family and choose to part with the puppy/dog in one way or another. By using puppy personality tests, we raise the chances of building cohesive relationships between pet owners and new puppies.
How to interpret the results:
Here is a short breakdown of what the results tell me when I am conducting the temperament test. I did not include the number results 1 or 6 in the explanation as I rarely have a puppy with either of those scores. If a puppy tests with either of those scores I will explain them to you when I call.
I will call every puppy owner once the puppy is matched with their family and we will discuss the puppy’s individual results. Nonetheless, this information should help maximize your understanding. Over the years, these explanations are what I have said multiple times when calling new puppy parents. These “explanations “definitions” cannot be found on the “general internet,” as they are my personal explanations of the results.
Social Attraction: Shows degree of social attraction to people, confidence, or dependence
Score – 2
2 – Puppy came up to tester and immediately licked or pawed at the tester. This shows a level of dominance. The puppy wants immediate attention and does not care if it is from someone they know or not. They are a little more demanding when it comes to boundaries. As a result, it is important that these pups are taught the boundary that they are supposed to stay in. Do not allow jumping, pawing, etc. It is important that the puppy learn early that there are rules associated with humans.
Score – 3
3 – Puppy is happy to meet people, has adequate confidence for a puppy of 7 weeks, and has a healthy trust and dependance of humans. This does not mean that the puppy will not try to jump or romp on humans they are confident with. They are open to meeting new people and have a healthy understanding of caution when being introduced to someone new.
Score – 4
4 – Puppy comes up to new people, but their tail was down. This shows that the puppy is unsure as to whether or not they should trust a new person. For these puppies, it is important to be their cheerleader. Do not coddle them around new people as it will cause additional hesitation. These pups need a little bit more socialization to try to boost their confidence and trust.
Following: Willingness to follow a person
Score – 2
2 – Pup is happy to follow, but sometimes gets underfoot to stop human from walking forward without hesitation. This is common with puppies for a number of reasons: they want your attention, they are not paying attention, they are excited. This can easily be trained out of your puppy, just be aware of it when you take your baby home.
Score – 3
3 -Puppy is happy to follow and often gets underfoot to stop the human (usually because they want the attention.) This is not a horrible response as it is a trait that is naturally curbed by being tripped over or accidentally slid across the floor from being in the way. It is good to teach this puppy to stay out from under your feet.
Score – 4
4 – Puppy followed, but tail was down. This means that if anything that scared them happened, they would consider running the other way. They need reassurance that when they are with their human, they are protected. Do not coddle these puppies in “scary” moments. Be their cheerleader and work on additional socialization.
Score – 5
5 – These puppies follow humans, but tail is down and they are hesitant. This means that the puppy is up for the “adventure,” but they are ready to run the other way at a moment’s notice. These pups are naturally submissive and should be introduced to “scary” situations and rewarded constantly when they do not show fear. They need a confidence booster if you plan on taking the puppy outside the home on a regular basis.
Restraint: Degree of dominance or submissive tendency, and ease of handling in difficult situations.
Score – 2
2 – Puppy was not willing to be put into a submissive position and settle. This shows an independence which is not necessarily bad. Nonetheless, I do recommend continuing this activity until the pup will settle while being held on its back.
Score – 3
3 – The fact that the puppy did struggle somewhat means that they are not completely submissive. However, the fact that the puppy was willing to give some eye contact means that he/she is looking to the human concerning what they should do next.
Score – 4
4 – The fact that the puppy did struggle somewhat means that they are not completely submissive. However, the fact that the puppy was willing to settle means that he/she is showing submission to the human.
Score – 5
5 – This is not necessarily a “bad” reaction. It does show that puppy is not one that will “challenge” a dominant personality.
Social Dominance: Degree of acceptance of social dominance of a person.
Score – 2
2 – Puppy did not want to hold still and submit. Puppy wanted to play and explore. In some situations, this is a beneficial position for the puppy to have as he/she will be open to new experiences. On the other hand, you will need to quickly teach the puppy that he/she is not in charge and needs to be still when you ask.
Score – 3
3 – This shows some submission to humans. Trying to lick the tester shows that the puppy is giving the dominant position to the human. The fact that the puppy crawled up the human to lick their face shows that they have a little more confidence than one that just licks at the human’s hands.
Score – 4
4 – This shows some submission to humans. Trying to lick the tester shows that the puppy is giving the dominant position to the human. The fact that the puppy licked at the human’s hands shows that they are showing another dimension of submission since they are staying where they were placed and not trying to crawl on the human.
Score – 5
5 – This shows submission to humans. Trying to lick the tester shows that the puppy does not fear the human but turning over on back shows that they are completely submissive to the human.
Elevation Dominance: Degree of accepting dominance while in a position of no control.
Score – 3
3 – Puppy struggled then settled, then struggled again. This is showing that the puppy is a little more independent and/or that they just want the ability to make the decision. For these puppies, they do well in working homes, but they are also great pets. Nonetheless, the owner will need to be aware of this personality and will need to keep the puppy trained and remind them of the rules when they try to test the boundaries.
Score – 4
4 -Puppy did not struggle at all when in a position of no control. He/she trusts that a human will not drop them, and in turn, does not struggle to gain control or become stiff due to fear.
Score – 5
5 – Puppy does not relax when in this position. This shows some level of fear. Instead of working through their fear when they are not in control and trust their human to take care of it, they will often hide from it.
Retrieving: Degree of willingness to do something for you. A key indicator for ease or difficulty in training.
Score – 2
2 – Puppy chased item, stood over it, and did not return to the human. This is a sign of independence. Puppy now has a new treasure and does not want the human to take it away. For these puppies, it is important that you show the pup that everything that belongs to the puppy is yours first. Give and take away chewies, put your hand in their bowl when they are eating, teach them to release their toys early. This is not necessarily a bad trait, they just need to be taught at a young age not to “resource guard.” There is no guarantee that they will become a resource guarder, but it is better to train them against it at a young age.
Score – 3
3 – At this age, it is not common for a puppy to bring the object back. Usually, they play with the object and then leave it when called back. This is beneficial, because it means this puppy is a little more aware of what is being asked of them. This pup can connect the idea that since the object was thrown by the human and then pup was called back after obtaining the object, the object should be brought back.
Score – 4
4 – When testing a puppy at this age, many of them do not return with the item. However, if they run after the item and then return to the tester, they are performing the most important task. This means that the puppy has the attention to chase the item, but at this point, returning to the human is more important that bringing the item. Training should be relatively easy, and puppy should respond willingly to training.
Score – 5
5 – When testing a puppy at this age, many of them do not return with the item. However, if they run after the item and then return to the tester, they are performing the most important task. This means that the puppy has the attention to chase the item, but at this point, returning to the human is more important that bringing the item. Since this puppy lost interest, it could show that she is not quite mature enough to understand the concept or she was insecure, so she chose to return to the human for safety. Training should be relatively easy, but you must do so calmly and without frustration or anger. With this method, the puppy should respond willingly to training.
Sight Sensitivity – Degree of response to a moving object such as chasing bicycles, children, or squirrels
(This is the only test I do not completely agree with.) The description says it all. There is a significant difference between the three examples. To me, it is like trying to compare apples to oranges.
Score – 3
3 – Puppy’s reaction shows curiosity towards unknown objects. – I have never had a golden show any result other than a three during this test.
Touch Sensitivity: Degree of sensitivity to touch and a key indicator to the type of training equipment required.
Score – 2
2 – Puppy is somewhat stubborn and oblivious to the test. These puppies may need a stronger form of training if they test the rules too often. Instead of allowing your puppy to get out of control, start training early and use a trainer if your pup is holding onto bad habits that you are trying to stop.
Score – 3
3 – With this result, your pup will probably not need more than voice and treats if training is started by 12 weeks of age. However, this puppy may “test” you during training. There is a probability that there will be moments when the puppy will not focus on the task at hand. Train in short 10 – 15-minute bursts and always end on a good note. Once pup is 4+ months, you can train for longer periods of time. Do not be harsh or lose your patience. On the other hand – do not let your pup “walk all over you.”
Score – 4
4 – With this result, your pup should not need more that voice and treats if training is started by 12 weeks of age.
Score – 5
5 – With this result, your pup should not need more that voice and treats if training is started by 12 weeks of age. Pup is sensitive and it would be best to train with calmness and a soft hand. Yelling and punishment will create fear.
Sound Sensitivity: Degree of sensitivity to sound.
Score – 3
3 – Puppy listened and located sound. Once sound was located, the puppy moved towards the sound. This shows a higher confidence level and is beneficial in pups that will be trained to do service work. This puppy is curious enough and has enough confidence to confront that sound.
Score – 4
4 – Loud noises do not seem to bother puppy in any way. Nonetheless, does not have the confidence to “confront” the sound. This result is also acceptable for pups in service work.
Score – 5
5 – Puppy is bothered by and wants to get away from the sound. These pups are naturally unsure of sounds they are unaccustomed to. It is a good idea to introduce puppy to as many “scary” sounds early. Reward puppy when they do not cringe or hide from the “noisy invader.”
Stability Degree of startle response to an unknown object.
Score – 2
2 – Puppy is unsure of the item and has not yet decided whether the item should be trusted. Nonetheless, the puppy is willing to check out the item to decide how to handle it. Puppy does not automatically accept the item and wants to be ready should it need to be defended against.
Score – 3
3 – Shows puppy has enough confidence to check out new objects without immediate fear. Puppy is happy to explore the new item and trusts that it is safe until proved differently.
Score – 4
4 – Puppy noticed the item but chose to stay away and “watch” the item. In time, will more than likely approach the item, but wants to make sure that it is “safe” before they do so. This shows a slight submissive posture and one of caution.
Score – 5
5 – Puppy ran from the object showing a strong submissive reaction. Puppy is naturally unsure of larger items and does not trust them. Work with these puppies on introduction to big and unusual items. This includes umbrellas, Christmas trees, bicycles, etc.
What the Overall Results Mean:
Primarily 1s –
- Strong desire to be pack leader and is not shy about bucking for a promotion.
- Has a predisposition to be aggressive to people and other dogs and will bite.
- Should only be placed into a very experienced home where the dog will be trained and worked on a regular basis.
- Top Dog Tips: Stay away from the puppy with a lot of 1’s or 2’s. It has lots of leadership aspirations and may be difficult to manage. This puppy needs an experienced home. Not good with children.
- Top Dog Tips: Stay away from the puppy with a lot of 1’s or 2’s. It has lots of leadership aspirations and may be difficult to manage. This puppy needs an experienced home. Not good with children.
Mostly 2s –
- Also has leadership aspirations.
- May be hard to manage and has the capacity to bite.
- Has lots of self-confidence.
- Should not be placed into an inexperienced home.
- Too unruly to be good with children and elderly people, or other animals.
- Needs strict schedule, loads of exercise and lots of training.
- Has the potential to be a great show dog with someone who understands dog behavior.
Primarily 3s –
- Can be a high-energy dog and may need lots of exercise.
- Good with people and other animals.
- Can be a bit of a handful to live with.
- Needs training, does very well at it and learns quickly.
- Great dog for second time owner.
Mostly 4s –
- The kind of dog that makes the perfect pet best choice for the first-time owner.
- Rarely will buck for a promotion in the family.
- Easy to train, and rather quiet.
- Good with elderly people, children, although may need protection from the children.
- Tidbits: The puppy with mostly 3’s and 4’s can be quite a handful, but should be good with children and does well with training. Energy needs to be dispersed with plenty of exercise.
Primarily 5s –
- Fearful, shy and needs special handling.
- Will run away at the slightest stress in its life.
- Strange people, strange places, different floor or ground surfaces may upset it.
- Often afraid of loud noises and terrified of thunder storms.
- When you greet it upon your return, may submissively urinate.
- Needs a very special home where the environment doesn’t change too much and where there are no children.
- If cornered and cannot get away, has a tendency to fear bite.
- When the test is not primarily 5s, but has a couple of 5s, as long as the pup is well socialized, they can end up being amazing and calm puppies/dog that do not have multiple irrational fears. When mixed with 3s and 4s, the scores of five can be beneficial.
Mostly 6s –
- So independent that puppy doesn’t need you or other people.
- Doesn’t care if it is trained or not – the puppy is his own person.
- Not likely to bond to you, since the puppy doesn’t need you.
- A great guard dog!
- Do not take this puppy and think you can change it into a lovable bundle – you can’t.
- Top Dog Tips: Avoid the puppy with several 6’s unless you are looking for a livestock protector or guard animal.
Check out past puppy videos on our YouTube channel to see videos of current litter and past litters. See if you can search out personality markers.