Master Puppy Temperament Testing: A Guide to Finding Your Ideal Pet

Puppy Temperament Testing and Finding Your Perfect Pet


Temperament testing assesses how a puppy reacts in different situations to determine the dog's personality and suitability for various homes. By evaluating traits like confidence and to understand dog behavior in terms of how social they are, these tests help match puppies with appropriate families. This guide will explain the main tests and how they aid in choosing the right pet.

Key Highlights


  • Originally developed to evaluate potential guide dog candidates as it helps evaluate a puppy's personality traits such as confidence, energy levels, and social interaction to help potential owners make informed decisions
  • Key tests like social attraction, dominance/submission, sound sensitivity, sight sensitivity, and prey drive provide insights into a puppy's behavior and compatibility with future households
  • While valuable, temperament tests have limitations, as environmental influences can obscure genetic factors, highlighting the need for continuous assessment and adaptation of training as a puppy grows

Understanding Puppy Temperament Testing


By measuring a puppy's inclination and instinctual behavior, helping potential owners understand the puppy's personality. These tests can predict puppy temperament and adaptability, guiding families in their choice of a new pet. Evaluating traits like confidence, energy levels, and social interaction ensures a good match between the right puppy and its future home through puppy temperament tests.


Different dog temperament test types (Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test for example) are categorized based on observed reactions during testing: Active, Neutral, and Passive. Observing a puppy during play can also provide valuable insights into their personality and behavioral tendencies along with the dog's active social skills. Factors such as sound sensitivity and pain threshold are particularly important when evaluating puppies for homes with young children.

Key Temperament Tests for Puppies


Temperament tests are essential for predicting a puppy's personality and behavior by scoring them in various categories based on developmental stages. These tests can range from assessing social attraction and dominance to evaluating sound sensitivity and prey drive. Each test provides unique insights into how a puppy interacts with its environment and people, making them invaluable tools for breeders and potential pet owners alike.

Social Attraction Test

The social attraction test is designed to measure a puppy's response to human interaction, revealing its level of friendliness and sociability. The test typically involves bringing the puppy into an isolated room with no distractions. The handler then observes how the puppy responds to being called or approached.

Dominance/Submission Test

The dominance/submission test evaluates a puppy's response to handling, indicating its comfort with authority. During this test, the handler observes the puppy's reaction when lifted off the ground. A relaxed and laid-back response suggests that the puppy is comfortable with being handled and shows a submissive nature. This can allow for a less aggressive manner of a new dog and showcase the puppy's stability and how they might react to an adult dog as well as other dogs of similar size and age.

Sound Sensitivity and Prey Drive Tests

The sound sensitivity test evaluates a puppy's reaction to loud noises and startle reflex. This test typically involves creating a sudden noise, such as clapping or dropping an object, and observing the dog's recovery response. A positive reaction, where the puppy shows curiosity without fear or aggression, indicates good sound sensitivity.


The prey drive test assesses a puppy's natural instinct to chase, which is vital for understanding its suitability for specific roles such as working or serving as canine companion animals. During this test, the handler may use a toy or other object to elicit a chasing or startle response from the puppy while avoiding any unusual footing. A puppy that eagerly races after the object, showing engagement without growling, is considered to have a good prey drive.

Interpreting Temperament Test Results


Interpreting the results of temperament tests is a critical step in matching puppies to suitable homes. These tests assess various traits such as confidence, assertiveness, and energy level, helping potential owners match a puppy's profile to their lifestyle. Interpreting test scores ensures the puppy's characteristics align with the owner's expectations.


Assessing a puppy's temperament ensures compatibility with your household's dynamics. Knowing a puppy's temperament can help tailor their training and socialization to their specific needs. For example, active families may benefit from puppies with higher energy levels and motivation, while quieter households might prefer calmer, more relaxed puppies.


Breeders match puppies with appropriate homes based on temperament and personality traits observed during testing. At around 7.5 weeks, temperament tests help breeders understand each puppy's potential and suitability for various roles or homes. Regular evaluation of a puppy's temperament is essential, as behavior can change with age and life experiences.


Certain behaviors in puppies, such as possessiveness or submission, may indicate potential future issues. For instance, a puppy that actively hunts for toys could be showing early signs of possessive behavior. Early socialization and training experiences can significantly alter a puppy's behavior and temperament.


Effective future training and management depend on understanding these negative behaviors and influences. The surroundings and interactions a puppy experiences during its formative months can greatly impact its temperament test results. Recognizing and addressing potential red flags early can prevent future behavioral challenges that can come about even from a simple dog walk.

Key Takeaways


In summary, puppy temperament testing is a valuable tool for predicting a puppy's behavior and ensuring a good match with their future home. By understanding the various temperament tests and interpreting their results, prospective owners can make informed decisions about their new pet. Continuous assessment and adaptation are crucial for nurturing a well-adjusted and happy dog.

Frequently Asked Questions


What does a temperament test consist of?

A temperament test consists of evaluating a puppy's reactions to various stimuli, including social interaction, handling, loud noises, and toys. These tests assess traits like confidence, sociability, and sound sensitivity, providing insights into the puppy's personality and potential behavior.

What is the temperament assessment?

Temperament assessment evaluates a puppy's behavioral traits like sociability, response to stimuli, and adaptability. It helps predict future behavior, ensuring a good match with potential owners. This process is crucial for selecting service dogs, working dogs, and family pets.

What are the four types of temperament tests?

The four types of temperament tests for puppies include the Social Attraction Test, which assesses friendliness; the Dominance/Submission Test, evaluating comfort with authority; the Sound Sensitivity Test, measuring reactions to noise; and the Prey Drive Test, gauging instinctual chasing behavior.

How to do a temperament test on a dog?

To conduct a temperament test on a dog, create a quiet, distraction-free space. Introduce stimuli like toys, sounds, and handling exercises. Observe the dog's reactions to social attraction, dominance, sound sensitivity, and prey drive. Document responses for insights.

At what age do you temperament test puppies?

Puppies are typically temperament tested at around 7 to 8 weeks of age. This period is crucial as it provides insights into their developing personality and behavior, helping breeders and potential owners assess their suitability for different homes. This early assessment guides future training.