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The Valor K9 Academy® Seven-Step Puppy Temperament Test

amy pishner dog behavior dog temperament test family dog selection puppy evaluation puppy personality puppy socialization puppy temperament testing puppy training service dog assessment valor k9 academy Nov 29, 2023

At Valor K9 Academy, we believe every puppy has a unique personality. Understanding these traits early helps match puppies with the right homes, whether as family companions, service dogs, or working partners. Our seven-step temperament test is a proven method for evaluating key behavioral traits.

Ideal Testing Age: Around 49 days old.

Step 1: Observe the Litter

We look for natural behaviors such as confidence, sociability, and energy levels to get a sense of each puppy’s general temperament.

Step 2: Approach & Interaction

We assess how puppies respond to human interaction and attention, giving insight into their social comfort and curiosity.

Step 3: Pack Drive

This step evaluates a puppy’s desire to engage with people or follow a leader, which can indicate trainability and attachment style.

Step 4: Handling

We observe how puppies react to gentle handling, which helps determine adaptability and emotional resilience.

Step 5: Sight Sensitivity

We look at how puppies react to new sights, helping identify curiosity, confidence, and adaptability.

Step 6: Sound Sensitivity

We gauge how puppies respond to new or unexpected sounds, which helps predict confidence and recovery from startle.

Step 7: Trainability

Puppies’ interest in play and engagement with toys and food gives us insight into their motivation, focus, and energy.

Conclusion

Conducting a puppy temperament test is a powerful tool for understanding behavior and matching puppies with the right homes or training programs. For full, step-by-step instructions on how to perform this seven-step test, check out our Puppy Head Start course, where we guide you through every step and provide all the tools you need to assess your puppy confidently.

Written by Amy Pishner

About the Author:

Amy Pishner is the head trainer for Valor K9 Academy and the co-founder of Valor K9 Academy Online. She has been training dogs for nearly two decades, specializing in German Shepherds and working dogs, and is passionate about helping pet owners with all aspects of dog training and care.

The Valor K9 Academy® Seven-Step Temperament Test

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