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 © 2000 Wendy Volhard
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 © 2000 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 submissive. 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
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 submissive. 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.
website, the publication where it was printed from and the copyright, Jack and Wendy encourage
people to use their material.
Selecting the Right Puppy
About the Scores
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Temperament Testing