Temperament Test

Here at Kimberlee’s Kennels we perform the Volhard temperament test on each litter when they are about six weeks of age. This is a ten step assessment to determine and evaluate natural instincts of each puppy. We can better predict adult temperament and better match families with the correct puppy. 

The puppy test is an evaluation of obedience, aptitude, and working ability. It provides a general picture of a puppies intelligence, spirit, and willingness to work with a human being. For most owners, a good companion dog will score in the three to four range in the test. Puppies scoring a combination of ones and twos require experienced handlers who will be able to draw the best aspects of their potential from them. There are some variables in the test, such as time of day, distractions, whether the puppy just woke from a nap or whether the puppy needs one or if the puppy is hungry or not. We try to eliminate these variables as best as we can. The test results are not to box your puppy into a stereotype. It should be used as a guide to give you some indication as to what your puppy may need for training and give you some indication for what its strengths and weaknesses are. During the first few weeks of your puppy being in your new home, take it easy on wrestling and bringing out wild and aggressive behavior. The brain is still being developed at such a young age and we caution you not to exercise this portion of the brain. The new puppy needs to learn to trust you. It needs a quiet, dark cave-like resting area to feel safe and secure. Remember that your puppy will need a lot of sleep. Be careful not to over exert your puppy by showing it off all over town. I highly recommend basic obedience classes for all my puppies. If you have invested financially in your puppy, you also need to seriously invest your time in training to have a wonderful life long companion. 

The Volhard puppy temperament test is a series of tests performed individually upon request. I score for the following:

1. Social Attraction - degree of social attraction to people, confidence or dependence.   

2. Following - willingness to follow a person. 

3. Restraint - degree of dominant or submissive tendency, and ease of handling in difficult situations.

4. Social Dominance - degree of acceptance of social dominance by a person. 

5. Elevation - degree of accepting dominance while in a position of no control, such as at the veterinarian or groomer. 

6. Retrieving - degree of willingness to do something for you.

7. Touch Sensitivity - degree of sensitivity to touch and a key indicator to the type of training equipment required.

8. Sound Sensitivity - degree of sensitivity to sound, such as loud noises or thunderstorms. This test looks for timidity. 

9. Sight Sensitivity - degree of response to a moving object, such as chasing bicycles, children or squirrels.

10. Stability - degree of startle response to a strange object. 

Please note that results are a snapshot in time and not always perfectly predictive. Context matters and test results simply show behaviors in this specific time. Training and environment will play the biggest role when it comes to the adult temperament of your puppy.

It is not uncommon for your new puppy to see your children as littermates and start to mouth them to invite them to play and also to express dominance over them as seen in the photo below. I recommend the product called "Bitters" to ward off mouthing. All puppies have to learn that it was OK for them to bite/mouth/play on their littermates, but human skin is much more sensitive. This is crucial in their development and they will mature out of it. Teach your child to express dominance over the puppy verses the other way around! I recommend having your youngest child feed your new puppy to establish authority. Expect some frustration with mouthing and teething as your new puppy is learning and growing. Provide a lot of chew toys like ropes and bones, however, never let your child take away a dog's bone as they are naturally protective over bones. 

Mostly ones: A puppy that consistently scores a one in the temperament section of the test is an extremely dominant, aggressive puppy who can be provoked to bite. His/Her dominant nature will attempt to to resist human leadership, thus requiring only the most experienced 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 twos: This puppy is dominant and self-assured. He/She can be provoked to bite, however, he/she 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/she 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 threes: This pup is outgoing and friendly and will adjust well in situations in which he/she receives regular training and exercise. He/She has a flexible temperament that adapts well to different types of environment, provided he/she is handled correctly. 

Mostly fours: A pup that scores a majority of fours is an easily controlled, adaptable puppy whose submissive nature will make him/her continually look to his/her master for leadership. This pup is easy to train, reliable with kids, and though he/she lacks self-confidence, makes a high-quality family pet. He/She is usually less outgoing than a pup scoring in the threes, but his/her demeanor is gentle and affectionate. 

Mostly fives: This is a pup who is extremely submissive and lacking in self-confidence. He/She bonds very closely with his/her owner and requires companionship and encouragement to bring him/her out of himself/herself. If handled incorrectly, this pup will grow up very shy and fearful. For this reason he will do best in predictable, structured lifestyle with owners who are patient and not overly demanding.  

Mostly sixes: A puppy that scores six consistently is independent and uninterested in people. He/She will mature into a dog who is not outwardly 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 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.