Temperament Testing

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At Bonzer, each puppy undergoes thorough temperament testing using established tools like the Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test. This test is given by an independent evaluator and is an excellent tool that gives us the feedback needed to help buyers make an educated decision on the best puppy for their home and lifestyle.

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Temperament tests provide valuable insights into a dog’s behavior, making it easier to find the right match for families or specific roles.

 

Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test (PAT)

-Designed for puppies around 7 weeks old, it predicts future behavior.

-It tests social attraction, following, restraint, and response to new stimuli.

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Puppy temperament testing involves observing and evaluating key traits. Trainers use various methods to assess a puppy’s potential.

Here’s what they look for:

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-Social Interaction: How the puppy responds to humans, both friendly and unfamiliar, and their comfort level with touch.

-Handling Checks: Observing reactions to being gently lifted, held, and examined in different positions.

-Sound Sensitivity: Exposing the puppy to sudden noises like clapping or dropped objects to see how they react and recover.

-Visual Stimuli: Introducing unexpected sights, such as an opening umbrella, to gauge their responses.

-Environmental Exposure: Observing the puppy’s reaction to different textures, surfaces, and unfamiliar objects.

-Play Behavior: Watching how the puppy interacts with toys and other dogs to evaluate their playfulness and aggression levels.

-Separation Anxiety Indicators: Monitoring the puppy’s reaction when briefly separated from the handler.

Important factors considered during the dog temperament test include:

-Fearfulness:Showing excessive fear or anxiety when exposed to new stimuli.

-Aggression: Signs of unprovoked aggression toward people or animals.

-Overexcitability: Difficulty calming down or managing high energy.

-Shyness: Reluctance to engage with new people or environments.

-Confidence Levels: Balanced reactions to new situations without excessive fear or aggression.

 

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