Before you bring a new puppy into your home, one of the first things you want to do is get to know as much as you can about them. Just like people, each puppy has its own personality, interests, and behavior patterns.
Puppy temperament tests are normally completed by a professional trainer when puppies are about seven weeks old. These tests can help measure a dog’s reaction to various things like handling, exposure to household items, and interacting with people and other animals, which can help give you a good snapshot of your puppy’s overall personality and potential behavioral concerns.
Steps for Completing Puppy Temperament Tests
Puppy temperament tests should always be conducted by a dog behaviorist or professional dog trainer in a controlled environment. The dog owner may be present during the tests to observe or participate in some of the activities.
The type of puppy temperament test depends on the dog’s age and whether they’re at a shelter or in a breeder’s home. The most common puppy temperament tests may include the following:
Behavior toward strangers. This test measures a dog’s reaction to a stranger in a non-threatening environment. For instance, in one test, a stranger may walk up to the handler and have a brief conversation, ignoring the dog. The purpose of this test is to gauge the dog’s reaction and their protective instinct.
In another test, a stranger approaches the dog happily and pets the dog. This test is to gauge the dog’s social skills.
Hidden noise. A hidden assistant rattles a metal bucket filled with rocks and sets the bucket down on a path. The dog handler approaches the path, focused only on the bucket, not the dog. The dog may investigate the bucket only when asked to do so. In another hidden noise test, a dog professional may shoot a gun into the air in a controlled environment. This test measures the dog’s alertness and curiosity.
Unusual footing. In this exercise, someone walks the puppy through a space with unusual footing, like a clear plastic strip or unfolded exercise pen. This test measures the dog’s investigative skill and their ability to recover from their fear of the unusual footing.
Aggressive behavior. A handler may use several different tests to try to determine a puppy’s protective instincts. This includes the dog's ability to recognize an unusual situation and their ability to recognize when a situation has become a threat.
For instance, in one test, the dog handler stops at a designated marker, and someone dressed in strange clothes crosses their path. In another test, a stranger gets closer to the dog handler in a threatening or aggressive manner.
Things to Watch Out For
Puppy temperament tests should be completed by dog professionals who have a strong understanding of dog body language. When tests are being completed, they’ll be looking out for things like the puppy’s:
● Playstyle and responsiveness
● Reaction to handling
● Reaction to being restrained
● Willingness to interact
● Response to a food bowl or water dish
● Response to unfamiliar floor surfaces
● Response to other adults, children, and other dogs
While a behavioral test can provide insight into how a dog might react in various situations, no puppy temperament test is perfect. Some high-pressure shelter environments can be so stressful that even the best-behaved dogs may show negative behavioral characteristics that they wouldn’t show in a home setting.
It’s also important to remember that puppies are in the beginning developmental stages. As they get older, their personality and habits may change. Although the tests can be good indicators of how a dog might react at the moment, how a puppy might react and behave at a young age doesn’t necessarily guarantee they’ll be the same way when they reach adulthood.
A professional puppy temperament testing organization can help walk you through the test, help you evaluate the results, and can help you decide whether the dog is a good fit for you and your family.
If you’re interested in getting your puppy tested, the American Kennel Club could be a worthwhile resource. Also, your veterinarian may be able to make some good recommendations and guide you to reputable resources.
