shadeaux63
Keeper of dreams
Posts: 1007
(12/2/04 12:34 pm)
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temperament test for dogs and puppies
Back when I had my pet shop,I had a deal worked out with the local Animal Control shelter,where we would showcase a few of thier animals to adopt out.I learned how to do this temperament test to try and help people decide if a dog would be a good match for thier home,especially if they had children.
All dogs pretty much fall under 4 different personality types,1) Responsive-good dog to have around children,wants to please,pretty easy to train,2)Shy/Nervous-Not a "bad" dog,but could bite out of fear if not supervised,may have housebreaking problems due to nervous nature, 3)Independant-Once again,not a "bad" dog,but may present training problems,stubborn,good outdoor dogs,4)Aggressive- Definitely not a good choice around children,or most anyone else.
Many dogs will display more than one personality type.What you want to look for is the most dominant characteristics.A dog who has mostly responsive results could show one nervous trait,and would still be considered a responsive dog,for instance.The exception is aggression-ANY sign of aggression makes a dog automatically considered aggressive.So just because a puppy is cute,and acts great on everything else,if it bites at you ONCE during this test,it is an aggressive puppy-period.Mouthing is not the same as biting,if a pup mouths you,but does not bear down,it is showing self control.You will want to re-test whatever you are doing to make it mouth you,after you have done something else,to make sure you do not get a bite response.The results of the other parts of the test will then be more important-if a pup that mouths you tests as Responsive for everything else,I wouldn't worry about the mouthing.If,however it tests Shy/Nervous,this could be a nipper waiting to happen.That said,on with the test.
Part One-Stroke the puppy from head to tail,pick up all four of his feet,gently pinch between his toes(this area is very sensitive,and he may wimper,but you aren't hurting him),gently pull on his ears and tail.
Responsive-- Will accept the petting,enjoying it.Acts like the pulling is just more petting.Doesn't seem to mind you playing with his feet.
Shy/Nervous---May act sensitive,like he really doesn't want you touching his ears,or his tail.May cower a bit.Will likely wimper when you pinch between his toes,and try to pull away.This is the one most likely to mouth you,at this point.
Independant--Acts like he doesn't care one way or the other what you do.May act like his attention is elsewhere.
Aggressive---May or may not respond to petting,but is likely to nip,or bite when you gently pull the ears and tail,and probably when you pinch his toes.
Part two
Pick up the puppy and cradle it like a baby,if it's small, or roll it over on its back if it's large,and place your hand over its throat.
Responsive--May struggle a little,but will quickly calm down and accept what you're doing.
Shy/Nervous--May act terrified.Body may be stiff,and may wimper or cry.
Independant--Will strggle to get away,and when you let him up,he'll run off to do something else.
Aggressive---Will struggle like he's fighting for his life,and very likely,he will growl,and possibly try to bite you.
Part Three
Make several sounds-A high pitched whistle,a low,deep sound,rattle some keys,then squeeze a squeaky toy,and throw it.Gauge each response.
Responsive--Will act very curious,thinks it's play time,pays attention to each and every sound,while wagging his tail,and acting somewhat excited.
Shy/Nervous--Might show curiosity to the whistle(or not)but may act frightened of other,sudden noises.Might even attempt to get away.
Independant---May initially look at where the sound comes from,but then will ignore it,and return to whatever he was doing.
Aggressive--Might bark,growl,or try to attack the objects.May jump on you when you whistle.
Part Four
Put a collar and leash on the pup,and try to walk just a few feet with him.Check the way he reacts to the leash,then to being led on it.
Responsive--Will have little reaction,and may actually walk a few feet with you,wagging his tail.
Shy/Nervous--This one might act scared.He may drop to the ground,refusing to move,or sit and shake.
Independant--This one may half-heartedly try to pull away,or ignore you.May act like the whole ordeal is just a bother that's taking him away from something.
Aggressive--May snap,and bite at the leash,may pull hard on the leash,may growl,or bark,or just act wild(rolling while biting,etc...)
Test Five
This test is to see how the pup will react to other people,animals,and sounds that he will be exposed to on a normal walk.Take him outside,and look for birds,squirrels,even other dogs or cats.See how he reacts.Have someone run past him(just outside leash distance)a few times to see how strong his prey drive is(a strong prey drive is ok in a hunting dog,but not a family pet)
Responsive--Will act curious,but stay close to you.
Shy/Nervous--Will cower,might run behind you,might even begin to wimper,or attempt to run away.
Independant--Will only pay attention to what he finds on his own.
Aggressive--Will try to get at everything.Will pull on the leash,and might bark,or growl a lot.
Test Six
This is the food test.This one is very important if you have kids,or kids will ever be around this dog.Put a bowl of canned dog food down in front of the puppy.Let him take a few bites,then take the bowl away before he finishes it.
Responsive--Will not try to stop you from taking the bowl,butwill look at you like"More,please?"Will wag his tail.
Shy/nervous--This one might sneak up on the bowl,if he'll approach it at all.He might even be too afraid to eat.
Independant--May,or may not eat,but acts like"yeah,whatever" when you take the bowl,like it's no big deal.
Aggressive--Will growl,or even snap at you when you try to take the bowl.May even bare teeth,or possibly lunge at you.
This is the personality test for puppies ONLY.It can be modified for older dogs,but a lot more caution is needed.An adult aggressive dog can do a lot of damage,and his aggression may not show until you go to reach for that food dish.(This was the ONLY test our last dog failed,and we wound up with a dog that the whole family adored-but no one else could get near him,and he did nip at my daughter once,then put himself in a self-imposed time out-for three days)
I hope this helps anyone who needs it.
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