Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test (PAT)
Selecting the Right Puppy
by Wendy Volhard © 2000
To help you pick the dog you want, we use
Volhard’s Puppy Aptitude Test (PAT), a test that
is amazingly accurate in predicting inherited
behavioral tendencies and show how the
puppy will turn out as an adult. This is not a
pass fail test. PAT evaluates the following
traits:
These tests are performed in an area
unfamiliar to the puppy and by a tester that is
not known by the puppy. They are usually
carried out on day 49. A detailed description
on how to test and interpret the scores can be
found in Dog Training For Dummies by Jack &
Wendy Volhard (IDG Books, 2001).
Developed by Joachim and Wendy Volhard ©
Wendy Volhard
by Wendy Volhard © 2000
To help you pick the dog you want, we use
Volhard’s Puppy Aptitude Test (PAT), a test that
is amazingly accurate in predicting inherited
behavioral tendencies and show how the
puppy will turn out as an adult. This is not a
pass fail test. PAT evaluates the following
traits:
- Social Attraction - degree of social
attraction to people, confidence or
dependence. - Following - willingness to follow a
person. - Restraint - degree of dominant or
submissive tendency, and ease of
handling in difficult situations. - Social Dominance - degree of
acceptance of social dominance by a
person. - Elevation - degree of accepting
dominance while in a position of no
control, such as at the veterinarian or
groomer. - Retrieving - degree of willingness to do
something for you. Together with Social
Attraction and Following a key indicator
for ease or difficulty in training. - Touch Sensitivity - degree of sensitivity
to touch and a key indicator to the type
of training equipment required. - Sound Sensitivity - degree of sensitivity
to sound, such as loud noises or
thunderstorms. - Sight Sensitivity - degree of response
to a moving object, such as chasing
bicycles, children or squirrels. - Stability - degree of startle response to
a strange object.
These tests are performed in an area
unfamiliar to the puppy and by a tester that is
not known by the puppy. They are usually
carried out on day 49. A detailed description
on how to test and interpret the scores can be
found in Dog Training For Dummies by Jack &
Wendy Volhard (IDG Books, 2001).
Developed by Joachim and Wendy Volhard ©
Wendy Volhard
Interpreting the Scores
Mostly 2's
This pup is dominant and self-assured. 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.
Developed by Joachim and Wendy Volhard.
© 1996 Wendy Volhard
Mostly 2's
This pup is dominant and self-assured. 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.
Developed by Joachim and Wendy Volhard.
© 1996 Wendy Volhard
© As long as the material used
is correctly credited with the
authors' name, a link to there
website, the publication where it
was printed from and the
copyright, Jack and Wendy
encourage people to use their
material.
is correctly credited with the
authors' name, a link to there
website, the publication where it
was printed from and the
copyright, Jack and Wendy
encourage people to use their
material.
Copyright 2004-2008. Baker's Poodles. All rights reserved.
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