Volhard Temperment Test Results 8/4/09

Puppies had their Temperment Tests yesterday. They were taken to an area, they had never been before, and tested by someone they had never met before. The results are below for each puppy, listed in order as follows.

Volhard Temperment Test
a Social Attraction
b following
c Restraint
d social dominance
e elevation dominance
f retrieving
g touch sensitivity
h sound sensitivity
i sight sensitivity
j stability
k comments
Taser
3
1 happy bit at feet
3 whines
3
4
3
5 licks
3
1 tugs bite leg
3slight startle goes to investigate
very confident pup
Zoom
3
2 underfoot abit
4 eye contact
4 licks
4
3
3
3 no fear approaches
1 tugs
6 slight startle shows no interest
no fear,
Kink
3
3 distracted
3
4 licks
4
2 chase lost interest left
4
4 no fear, no interest left
1 investigate, lose interest, then tug
3 curious, investigate then lose interest
a bit distracted , was nervous when entered office, shook, afraid, then ok
Quake
3
3 not underfoot tail up
3, squirm, cry, then settle
4 licks
3
5 wants to stay w/tester
4 licks
2 looks, backs, approaches barks once
1 approach, tug
3 no fear, approach happy
no fear
Blast
3
3 not underfoot tail up
3 eye contact
4 licks
4
2 goes to object, chews on it relaxed
4 little reaction
4 looks, stands ground, backs once, does not go see
1 tug and play
3 looks, slight startle when pops, approaches
not fearful, more laid back
Echo
3
3 but wants to go investigate
2 eye contact whine
6 not that interested in staying
4 relaxed
5 goes to object and carries off
5 pulls away
5 slight cringe, backs off leaves
1 chase tug
5 cringe, run away
sweet puppy but shows submissive in test wants to investigate
Strut
3 licked
2 underfootabit, licks
3 eye contact
4 licks
4 relaxed
2 goes to object, carries off
4 licks
3 locates approaches comes and sits
1 play tug
2 looks, stands ground, approaches, goes back to testers
Viper
3 has hiccups
3
3 eye contact, tail wags
4 licks
4 relaxed tail wags
6 approaches object but loses interest
5 pulls away
3 backs up slightly, locates, wags tail, approaches
1 locate and chase, does not grab
3 stands back a step then approaches confidently
this pup is a thinker, looks at the situation, interprets then moves forward.

INTERPRETATION OF SCORES
Mostly 1’s:This dog is extremely dominant and has aggressive tendencies. It is quick to bite and is generally considered not good with children or the elderly. When combined with a 1 or 2 in touch sensitivity, will be a difficult dog to train. Not a dog for the inexperienced handler; takes a competent trainer to establish leadership.

Mostly 2’s:This dog is dominant and can be provoked to bite. Responds well to firm, consistent, fair handling in an adult household, and is likely to be a loyal pet once it respects its human leader. Often has bouncy, outgoing temperament: may be too active for elderly, and too dominant for small children.

Mostly 3’s:This dog accepts human leaders easily. Is best prospect for the average owner, adapts well to new situations and generally good with children and elderly, although it may be inclined to be active. Makes a good obedience prospect and usually has a common sense approach to life.

Mostly 4’s:This dog is submissive and will adapt to most households. May be slightly less outgoing and active than a dog scoring mostly 3’s. Gets along well with children in general and trains well.

Mostly 5’s:This dog is extremely submissive and needs special handling to build confidence and bring him out of his shell. Does not adapt well to change and confusion and needs a very regular, structured environment. Usually safe around children and bites only when severely stressed. Not a good choice for a beginner since it frightens easily, and takes a long time to get used to new experiences.

Mostly 6’s:This dog is independent. He is not affectionate and may dislike petting and cuddling. It is difficult to establish a relationship with him for working or as a pet. Not recommended for children who may force attention on him; he is not a beginner’s dog.a) When combined with 1’s (especially in restraint); the independent dog is likely to bite under stress.b) When combined with 5’s the independent dog is likely to hide from people, or freeze when approached by a stranger.No clear patterns (several 1’s, 2’s and 5’s):This dog may not be feeling well. Perhaps just ate or was recently wormed. Wait two days and re-test. If the test still shows wide variations (lots of 1’s and 5’s), it is probably unpredictable and unlikely to be a good pet or obedience dog.