At Clearvu, we want to make sure our furry friends find their perfect forever homes. That's why we perform the Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test, which helps us understand a puppy's personality and how they might react to different situations.
What is Temperament Testing?
Temperament testing helps assess a puppy's natural tendencies by exposing them to different sights, sounds, and situations. This might include meeting a stranger who acts friendly or stern, loud noises like gunshots, surprising visuals like an umbrella opening, or even walking on a new surface. Testers look for signs of aggression, fear, or avoidance, which could indicate a mismatch for a particular home.
While temperament tests aren't perfect predictors of adult behavior (training and socialization play a big role!), they can provide valuable clues to help match each puppy with a loving home that fits their personality.
To learn more we highly recommend reading the articles linked below:
What is the Volhard Aptitude Test?
The Volhard “Puppy Aptitude Test or “PAT” was created by Joachim and Wendy Volhard as a way to assess behavioral tendencies and anticipate what a puppy would be like as an adult. It is also known as the "Puppy Temperament Test" or the "Puppy Personality Test."
The Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test (PAT). PAT uses a 1-6 scoring system and consists of ten tests. The tests are completed sequentially in the order specified. Each test is graded separately and evaluated on its own merits. The scores are not averaged, and no one wins or loses. The overall goal is to find the right puppy for the right home.
The test topics are as follows.
Social Attraction: How comfortable a puppy is with new people.
Following: A puppy's willingness to follow your lead.
Restraint: How comfortable a puppy is being handled or restrained.
Social Dominance: How a puppy reacts to social situations.
Elevation Dominance: How comfortable a puppy is with someone else being in charge.
Retrieving: A puppy's eagerness to learn and work with a human.
Sensitivity (Touch): How a puppy reacts to being touched.
Sensitivity (Sound): A puppy's reaction to loud noises.
Sensitivity (Sight): How a puppy reacts to moving objects.
Stability: How easily a puppy gets surprised by new things.
To learn more we highly recommend reading the article linked below:
How to Interpret Results
By understanding these different aspects of a puppy's personality, we can help match them with families who can provide the right environment and training for their needs. For example, a high-energy puppy with a strong social drive might thrive in a busy household with active owners, while a shy puppy who scores low on adaptability might do best in a calm and quiet home.
Here's what the scores tell us:
Scores 1 & 2: These puppies are confident and independent. They may require more experienced owners who can provide firm but kind training.
Scores 3 & 4: These puppies are outgoing and social. They tend to be adaptable and eager to please, making them a great choice for first-time owners or families with children.
Score 5: These puppies are more cautious and sensitive. They may need a quieter environment and patient handling to feel comfortable.
Score 6: These puppies are highly independent. They may be well-suited for experienced owners looking for a watchdog.
Remember: Every puppy is unique! Don't hesitate to contact us and ask questions about any puppy you're interested in. We're here to help you find your furry best friend!
Choosing the Right Puppy
Here are some additional tips for choosing a puppy:
Consider your lifestyle: How active are you? Do you have children or other pets? Choose a puppy whose energy level and personality will fit well with your daily routine.
Spend time with the puppies: Interact with all the puppies in the litter to see which one you connect with the most. Pay attention to their body language and how they respond to your touch.
Talk to the breeder: Let us help you find your perfect match – contact us today!
By following these tips and using the information from the Volhard test, you can increase your chances of finding the perfect furry friend for your family!
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