Temperament testing evaluation descriptions
Assertiveness: How does the pup react in the first 30 seconds of placed into the testing pen, how do they approach the tester?
Low = Pup needs to be coaxed and encouraged by the tester
Medium = pup approaches the tester politely
High = pup disregards tester’s personal space
Confidence: Throughout the test does the pup show confidence in their abilities
Low = unsure of abilities, army crawls, stress yawning, avoidance, shaking
Medium = some hesitation and / or startle but stays the course, may seek mild reassurance
High = approaches new situations with confidence and eagerness – enjoys the test
Motivation Level: Does the puppy seem motivated to work with the tester
Low = little to no effort to fetch, ignores tester, seems disinterested
Medium = Shows interest & interaction with the tester and is just as happy to play / explore on their own
High = Just wants to work for the tester, maintains focus & interaction with the tester
Nerve Strength / Resiliency: Throughout the test, how does the pup react to the stressors
Low = Stress displayed often during the test. Needs lots of time to recover before moving on with the test
Medium = Displays some stress throughout the test but recovers quickly
High = Puppy doesn’t exhibit stress, may startle but immediately recovers
Touch Tolerance: 10 step touch exercise at the end of the test
Low = Fights being touched
Medium = Compliant for some of the touching but then protests
High = Pup is compliant and enjoys the touch
Energy Level: Observed throughout the test
Low = Pup often lays down during the test
Medium = Moments of fast movement, then slows down
High = Fast and fairly intesnse
Sound Sensitivity: Toy Popper
Low = No startle or stress resulting from sound
Medium = Startles a moment to assess then shakes it off
High = Startle, looks to flee / hide, barks, retreats, shakes, visibly stressed and may not recover
Sight Sensitivity: Blue Tarp & Umbrella
Low = No startle or stress from the sudden & overhead movement
Medium = Startles a moment to assess then shakes it off
High = Startle, looks to flee / hide, barks, retreats, shakes, visibly stressed and may not recover
Prey Drive: Tug Toy (Squirrel)
Low = little to no interest
Medium = interest to play, tug, chase but easily distracted from the toy by other activities
High = Immediately gravitates toward the toy, shakes and chomps the toy and is hard to distract from the toy
Human Focus: Interest in the tester
Low = no interest in the tester
Medium = interested but distracted by other activities
High = Seeks connection with the tester and stays with the tester, focus is difficult to break
Tenderhearted: the temper tantrum
Not = No concern, just wants to play or investigate – might mouth, pull, chew. Unaware of distress
Moderately = Concerned with the tester’s wellbeing – may cuddle, lick or try to console but looses interest quickly and wonders off to play.
Highly = Concerned with tester’s wellbeing – may cuddle, lick or try to console. Puppy stays with the tester and feels responsible for their wellbeing.
Extremely = Too overwhelmed with intense emotions – tries to flee, avoid, cries. May initially approach then leaves not wanting anything to do with the tester.
Dog Friendliness: How does the pup approach the stuffed dog?
Submissive = Approaches tucked tail, crouch, crawl, may present belly
Neutral = Notices the dog but doesn’t approach, no sign of fear – only disinterest
Assertive = Approaches with tail raised, proud posture, confident – may try to engage for play