Working Puppy Temperament Test
Test #1:
PREY DRIVE – Using an age appropriate teaser (rag, jute roll, ball or ?), Tester gets pup’s attention and throws the teaser a short distance away. (NOTE: Roll teaser for younger puppies.)
Excellent: Puppy runs to teaser and immediately snatches it up, perhaps shaking it as to “kill” it.
Okay: Puppy runs to the teaser and checks it out. May pick up toy it thrown several times.
Independent: Puppy doesn’t run to teaser, or shows no interest.
Test #2:
RETRIEVE DRIVE – After puppy gets teaser, the Tester encourages the puppy to bring it back by jogging backwards and calling the pup.
Excellent: The pup immediately brings it back and “spits” out the toy for more play.
Okay: The pup brings it back, but doesn’t give the toy up.
Okay: The pup brings it back, but darts out of reach, wanting you to chase after it.
Independent: The pup doesn’t bring it back.
Test #3:
HUNT DRIVE (PERSISTANCE) – Hide the teaser under your foot or it your hands (just barely showing) and encourage the puppy to find the toy.
Excellent: The pup digs, mouths, and whines trying to get the toy.
Okay: The pup nudges the toy and uses paws to get the toy.
Independent: The pup tries halfheartedly for the toy, or not at all.
Test #4:
TUG RESPONSE – Using a towel, rag or other tug toy, tease the puppy and allow it to grab the toy.
Excellent: The puppy immediately grabs the toy and tugs vigorously.
Okay: The pup grabs the toy with repeated teasing and/or encouragement then after a few seconds lets it go.
Independent: The puppy grabs the toy only if repeatedly teased. The Pup won’t hold on to the toy.
Test #5:
POSSESSIVENESS – The Tester lets go of the tug while in the pup’s mouth.
Excellent: The pup shakes the toy to “kill” it and tries to engage the Tester to play again.
Excellent: The pup shakes the toy to “kill” it and runs away.
Okay: The pup runs away with the toy and drops it soon after.
Independent: The pup drops the toy immediately.
Test #6:
FOLLOW – (Puppies 3 months & under) The Tester calls the puppy while clapping his hands and jogging backward.
Excellent: The puppy runs quickly to the Tester, running into his leg or jumping up.
Excellent: The Puppy runs quickly to the Tester and solicits attention.
Okay: The puppy jogs to the Tester, nudging or looking for attention.
Independent: The puppy jogs to the Tester, then leaves, or doesn’t come at all.
Test #7:
RECALL - (Puppies 3 months & under) A Helper restrains the puppy while the Tester jogs backwards and calls the pup’s name . . . one time.
Excellent: The puppy runs quickly to the Tester, running into his leg or jumping up.
Excellent: The Puppy runs quickly to the Tester and solicits attention.
Okay: The puppy jogs to the Tester, nudging or looking for attention.
Independent: The puppy jogs to the Tester, then leaves, or doesn’t come at all.
Test #8:
ATTENTION SPAN – Using an age appropriate tester, The Tester gets the dog’s attention and brings the teaser up to his face. The Tester can wiggle the teaser sparingly to help maintain the pup’s eye contact for 30 seconds.
Excellent: The pup willingly looks at the Tester’s face and toy for the duration.
Excellent: The pup gives focused attention for the duration, looking away briefly when background distractions interfere.
Okay: The pup looks up at the Testers face and toy, but can’t complete the full duration.
Independent: The pup has trouble looking at the Tester’s face and toy for more than a couple seconds, even without any distraction.