How I Choose Your Puppy For You
Test Interpretations:
High intelligence score: puppy goes to an experienced pet home or an experienced working/sport home
Low intelligence score: puppy goes to a less experienced pet home
High memory score: puppy preferably goes to a working/sport home
High scenting ability score: puppy preferably goes to a home where it will be trained/worked/used in Schutzhund, IPO, Tracking, Nosework, Law Enforcement, or SAR
High prey drive score: puppy goes to a more experienced home with no kids, puppy preferably goes to a home where it will be trained/worked/used in Schutzhund, IPO, Law Enforcement, Bitework/Protection sports, Personal Protection, or Hunting
Low prey drive score: puppy goes to a less experienced home, puppy may go to a home with older kids (12-17)
High retrieve score: puppy preferably goes to a home where it will be trained/worked in Schutzhund, IPO, Flyball, or Disc Dog
High tug response score: puppy preferably goes to a home where it will be trained/worked/used in Schutzhund, IPO, Law Enforcement, Bitework/Protection sports, or Personal Protection
Following test score of 4-5: puppy goes to an experienced pet or working/sport home with no kids
Following test score of 2-3: puppy goes to a less experienced pet or working/sport home, puppy may go to a home with older kids (12-17)
Following test score of 0-1: puppy goes to an experienced pet home with no kids
Restraint test score of 4-5: puppy goes to an experienced pet or working/sport home with no kids
Restraint test score of 1-3: puppy goes to a less experienced pet or working/sport home, puppy may go to a home with kids (12-17)
Restraint test score of 0: puppy goes to an experienced pet or working/sport home with no kids
Social dominance test score of 4-5: puppy goes to an experienced pet or working/sport home with no kids
Social dominance test score of 1-3: puppy goes to a less experienced pet or working/sport home, puppy may go to a home with older kids (12-17)
Social dominance test score of 0: puppy goes to an experienced pet or working/sport home with no kids
Elevation dominance test score of 4-5: puppy goes to an experienced pet or working/sport home with no kids
Elevation dominance test score of 2-3: puppy goes to a less experienced pet or working/sport home, puppy may go to a home with older kids (12-17)
Elevation dominance test score of 0-1: puppy goes to an experienced pet or working/sport home with no kids
Touch response test score of 2-5: puppy goes to a less experienced pet or working home, puppy may go to a home with older kids (12-17)
Touch response test score of 0-1: puppy goes to an experienced pet or working/sport home with no kids
Sound sensitivity test score of 5: puppy goes to an experienced pet or working/sport home with no kids
Sound sensitivity test score of 2-4: puppy goes to a less experienced pet or working/sport home, puppy may go to a home with older kids (12-17)
Sound sensitivity test score of 1: puppy goes to an experienced pet home with no kids
Sound sensitivity test score of 0: puppy goes to an experienced pet or working/sport home with no kids
Stability test score of 5: puppy goes to an experienced pet or working/sport home with no kids
Stability test score of 1-4: puppy goes to a less experienced pet or working/sport home, puppy may go to a home with older kids (12-17)
Stability test score of 0: puppy goes to an experienced pet home with no kids
The Tests:
Intelligence Tests:
These test the puppy's problem-solving skills.
Test A. Puppy is shown a treat. Treat is then placed under a can in fron of the puppy.
5 - Puppy gets treat in under 5 seconds
4 - Puppy gets treat in 5 to 15 seconds
3 - Puppy gets treat in 16 to 30 seconds
2 - Puppy gets treat in 31 to 60 seconds
1 - Puppy tries to get treat but fails
0 - Puppy shows no interest
Test B. A towel is thrown over the puppy.
5 - Puppy gets free in less than 15 seconds
4 - Puppy gets free in 16 to 30 seconds
3 - Puppy gets free in 31 to 60 seconds
2 - Puppy gets free in 1 to 2 minutes (61 to 120 seconds)
1 - Puppy takes longer than 2 minutes to get free
0 - Puppy doesn't attempt to free his/herself
Test C. A barricade is built, with a slit through which the puppy can see a toy and a person. The puppy is unable to reach through the slit. The person on the other side coaxes the puppy to come get the toy.
5 - Puppy goes around the barrier in under 15 seconds
4 - Puppy goes around the barrier in 16 to 30 seconds
3 - Puppy goes around the barrier in 31 to 60 seconds
Person stops coaxing the puppy after 1 minute
2 - Puppy goes around barrier in 1 to 2 minutes (61 to 120 seconds)
1 - Puppy tries to reach through slit and gives up
0 - Puppy shows no interest
Because different puppies may be motivated by different things (food, toys, praise, etc.), the scores from the above tests are averaged into one "intelligence score" on a scale of 0 to 5.
Memory Tests:
These test the capabilities of the puppy's short-term and long-term memory.
Test A. Puppy watches me place a treat in one corner of a room. I take the puppy out of the room for 5 seconds, then go back in.
5 - Puppy immediately goes to the corner where the treat is
4 - Puppy systematically sniffs around the edges of the room first, but finds the treat in under 30 seconds
3 - Puppy seems to search randomly, but finds the treat in under 45 seconds
2 - Puppy appears to search for the treat, but doesn't find it in 45 seconds
1 - Puppy doesn't search for treat
Test B. Same as Test A, but puppy is kept out of the room for 1 minute instead of 5 seconds.
Tests C and D. Tests A and B are repeated, but with a small toy instead of a treat.
Because different puppies may be motivated by different things (food, toys, praise, etc.), the scores from the above tests are averaged into one "memory score" on a scale of 0 to 5.
Scenting Ability Tests:
These test how well the puppy can distinguish and track scents.
Test A. I place the puppy in front of 3 identical cups, each 4 inches apart. One of the cups has a treat underneath it.
5 - Puppy immediately is most interested in the cup that has the treat
4 - Puppy sniffs the cups first, but becomes most interested in the cup with the treat in under 10 seconds
3 - Puppy sniffs the cups first, but becomes most interested in the cup with the treat in 11 to 30 seconds
2 - Puppy sniffs the cups first, but becomes most interested in the cup with the treat in 31 to 60 seconds
1 - Puppy sniffs the cups, but doesn't become interested in the cup with the treat (or any of them, if applicable)
0 - Puppy shows no interest in any of the cups
Prey Drive Level Tests:
These test how strong of a prey drive level the puppy has.
Test A. I get the puppy's attention, and roll/bounce a ball or throw a small toy a short distance away from the puppy.
5 - Puppy immediately chases the ball/toy, picks it up, shakes it
4 - Puppy immediately chases the ball/toy and picks it up
3 - Puppy immediately chases the ball/toy and appears interested in it, but does not pick it up
2 - Puppy hesitates before chasing the ball/toy
1 - Puppy perks up ears or seems interested in the ball/toy, but only walks over to it
0 - Puppy shows no interest in the ball/toy
Natural Retrieving Ability Tests:
These tests show how much of a natural retrieving ability the puppy has.
Test A. I get the puppy's attention, throw a small toy a short distance away, then jog backwards from the puppy while encouraging him/her to bring the toy back to me.
5 - Puppy races back to me immediately and drops the toy to play again
4 - Puppy races back to me immediately but doesn't want to give up the toy
3 - Puppy races back to me immediately, but darts out of reach, wanting me to chase
2 - Puppy comes back to me after a lot of coaxing
1 - Puppy doesn't come back to me
0 - Puppy doesn't chase or pick up the toy
Tug Response Tests:
These tests show how well the puppy could do in bitework or protection
Test A. I tease the puppy with a rag.
5 - Puppy immediately grabs the rag and tugs vigorously
4 - Puppy grabs the rag after repeated teasing, but still tugs with enthusiasm
2 - Puppy grabs the rag after repeated teasing, but lets go
1 - Puppy grabs the rag after repeated teasing, but won't hold on
0 - Puppy shows no interest in the rag
Following Test:
This tests the puppy's willingness to follow (precursor to recall).
Test A. I stand up and slowly walk away, encouraging the puppy to follow. I may lightly clap my hands and use verbal encouragement to get the puppy to follow me. I do not lean over the puppy.
5 - Followed readily, tail up, got underfoot, bit at feet
4 - Followed readily, tail up, got underfoot
3 - Followed readily, tail up
2 - Followed readily, tail down
1 - Followed hesitantly, tail down
0 - Did not follow or went away
Restraint Test:
This tests the pupy's response to being restrained (dominance test).
Test A. I crouch down and gently roll the puppy on its back and hold it on its back for 30 seconds. I hold the puppy down without applying too much pressure. The object is not to keep it on its back but to test its response to being placed in that position.
5 - Struggled fiercely, flailed, bit
4 - Struggled fiercely, failed
3 - Settled, struggled, settled with some eye contact
2 - Struggled then settled
1 - No struggle
0 - No struggle, strained to avoid eye contact
Social Dominance Test:
This tests the social dominance of the puppy.
Test A. I let the puppy stand up or sit and gently stroke it from the head to the back while I crouch beside it. I see if it will lick my face, an indication of a forgiving nature. I continue stroking until I see a behavior I can score. When I crouch next to the puppy, I avoid leaning or hovering over the puppy. I have the puppy at my side with both of us facing in the same direction.
5 - Jumped, pawed, bit, growled
4 - Jumped, pawed
3 - Cuddled up to me and tried to lick face
2 - Squirmed, licked at hands
1 - Rolled over, licked at hands
0 - Went away and stayed away
Elevation Dominance Test:
This tests the puppy's reaction to being elevated (dominance test).
Test A. I cradle the puppy with both hands, supporting the puppy under its chest and gently lift it two feet off the ground and hold it there for 30 seconds.
5 - Struggled fiercely, tried to bite
4 - Struggled fiercely
3 - Struggled, settled, struggled, settled
2 - No struggle, relaxed
1 - No struggle, body stiff
0 - No struggle, froze
Touch Sensitivity Test:
This tests how sensitive the puppy is to touch.
Test A. I locate the webbing of one the puppy’s front paws and press it lightly between my index finger and thumb. I gradually increase pressure while counting to ten and stop when the puppy pulls away or shows signs of discomfort.
5 - 8 to 10 count before response
4 - 6 to 8 count before response
3 - 5 to 6 count before response
2 - 3 to 5 count before response
1 - 2 to 3 count before response
0 - 1 to 2 count before response
Sound Sensitivity Test:
This tests how sensitive the puppy is to loud or sudden sounds.
Test A. The puppy is placed in the center of the testing area and an assistant stationed at the perimeter makes a sharp noise, such as banging a metal spoon on the bottom of a metal pan.
5 - Listened, located sound, and ran toward it barking
4 - Listened, located sound, and walked slowly toward it
3 - Listened, located sound, and showed curiosity
2 - Listened and located sound
1 - Cringed, backed off, and hid behind me
0 - Ignored sound and showed no curiosity
Stability Test:
This tests how reactive the puppy is to surprising, unknown events.
Test A. An umbrella is opened about five feet from the puppy and gently placed on the ground.
5 - Looked and ran to the umbrella, biting it
4 - Looked and walked to the umbrella, smelling it cautiously
3 - Looked and went to investigate
2 - Sat and looked, but did not move toward the umbrella
1 - Showed little or no interest
0 - Ran away from the umbrella
High intelligence score: puppy goes to an experienced pet home or an experienced working/sport home
Low intelligence score: puppy goes to a less experienced pet home
High memory score: puppy preferably goes to a working/sport home
High scenting ability score: puppy preferably goes to a home where it will be trained/worked/used in Schutzhund, IPO, Tracking, Nosework, Law Enforcement, or SAR
High prey drive score: puppy goes to a more experienced home with no kids, puppy preferably goes to a home where it will be trained/worked/used in Schutzhund, IPO, Law Enforcement, Bitework/Protection sports, Personal Protection, or Hunting
Low prey drive score: puppy goes to a less experienced home, puppy may go to a home with older kids (12-17)
High retrieve score: puppy preferably goes to a home where it will be trained/worked in Schutzhund, IPO, Flyball, or Disc Dog
High tug response score: puppy preferably goes to a home where it will be trained/worked/used in Schutzhund, IPO, Law Enforcement, Bitework/Protection sports, or Personal Protection
Following test score of 4-5: puppy goes to an experienced pet or working/sport home with no kids
Following test score of 2-3: puppy goes to a less experienced pet or working/sport home, puppy may go to a home with older kids (12-17)
Following test score of 0-1: puppy goes to an experienced pet home with no kids
Restraint test score of 4-5: puppy goes to an experienced pet or working/sport home with no kids
Restraint test score of 1-3: puppy goes to a less experienced pet or working/sport home, puppy may go to a home with kids (12-17)
Restraint test score of 0: puppy goes to an experienced pet or working/sport home with no kids
Social dominance test score of 4-5: puppy goes to an experienced pet or working/sport home with no kids
Social dominance test score of 1-3: puppy goes to a less experienced pet or working/sport home, puppy may go to a home with older kids (12-17)
Social dominance test score of 0: puppy goes to an experienced pet or working/sport home with no kids
Elevation dominance test score of 4-5: puppy goes to an experienced pet or working/sport home with no kids
Elevation dominance test score of 2-3: puppy goes to a less experienced pet or working/sport home, puppy may go to a home with older kids (12-17)
Elevation dominance test score of 0-1: puppy goes to an experienced pet or working/sport home with no kids
Touch response test score of 2-5: puppy goes to a less experienced pet or working home, puppy may go to a home with older kids (12-17)
Touch response test score of 0-1: puppy goes to an experienced pet or working/sport home with no kids
Sound sensitivity test score of 5: puppy goes to an experienced pet or working/sport home with no kids
Sound sensitivity test score of 2-4: puppy goes to a less experienced pet or working/sport home, puppy may go to a home with older kids (12-17)
Sound sensitivity test score of 1: puppy goes to an experienced pet home with no kids
Sound sensitivity test score of 0: puppy goes to an experienced pet or working/sport home with no kids
Stability test score of 5: puppy goes to an experienced pet or working/sport home with no kids
Stability test score of 1-4: puppy goes to a less experienced pet or working/sport home, puppy may go to a home with older kids (12-17)
Stability test score of 0: puppy goes to an experienced pet home with no kids
The Tests:
Intelligence Tests:
These test the puppy's problem-solving skills.
Test A. Puppy is shown a treat. Treat is then placed under a can in fron of the puppy.
5 - Puppy gets treat in under 5 seconds
4 - Puppy gets treat in 5 to 15 seconds
3 - Puppy gets treat in 16 to 30 seconds
2 - Puppy gets treat in 31 to 60 seconds
1 - Puppy tries to get treat but fails
0 - Puppy shows no interest
Test B. A towel is thrown over the puppy.
5 - Puppy gets free in less than 15 seconds
4 - Puppy gets free in 16 to 30 seconds
3 - Puppy gets free in 31 to 60 seconds
2 - Puppy gets free in 1 to 2 minutes (61 to 120 seconds)
1 - Puppy takes longer than 2 minutes to get free
0 - Puppy doesn't attempt to free his/herself
Test C. A barricade is built, with a slit through which the puppy can see a toy and a person. The puppy is unable to reach through the slit. The person on the other side coaxes the puppy to come get the toy.
5 - Puppy goes around the barrier in under 15 seconds
4 - Puppy goes around the barrier in 16 to 30 seconds
3 - Puppy goes around the barrier in 31 to 60 seconds
Person stops coaxing the puppy after 1 minute
2 - Puppy goes around barrier in 1 to 2 minutes (61 to 120 seconds)
1 - Puppy tries to reach through slit and gives up
0 - Puppy shows no interest
Because different puppies may be motivated by different things (food, toys, praise, etc.), the scores from the above tests are averaged into one "intelligence score" on a scale of 0 to 5.
Memory Tests:
These test the capabilities of the puppy's short-term and long-term memory.
Test A. Puppy watches me place a treat in one corner of a room. I take the puppy out of the room for 5 seconds, then go back in.
5 - Puppy immediately goes to the corner where the treat is
4 - Puppy systematically sniffs around the edges of the room first, but finds the treat in under 30 seconds
3 - Puppy seems to search randomly, but finds the treat in under 45 seconds
2 - Puppy appears to search for the treat, but doesn't find it in 45 seconds
1 - Puppy doesn't search for treat
Test B. Same as Test A, but puppy is kept out of the room for 1 minute instead of 5 seconds.
Tests C and D. Tests A and B are repeated, but with a small toy instead of a treat.
Because different puppies may be motivated by different things (food, toys, praise, etc.), the scores from the above tests are averaged into one "memory score" on a scale of 0 to 5.
Scenting Ability Tests:
These test how well the puppy can distinguish and track scents.
Test A. I place the puppy in front of 3 identical cups, each 4 inches apart. One of the cups has a treat underneath it.
5 - Puppy immediately is most interested in the cup that has the treat
4 - Puppy sniffs the cups first, but becomes most interested in the cup with the treat in under 10 seconds
3 - Puppy sniffs the cups first, but becomes most interested in the cup with the treat in 11 to 30 seconds
2 - Puppy sniffs the cups first, but becomes most interested in the cup with the treat in 31 to 60 seconds
1 - Puppy sniffs the cups, but doesn't become interested in the cup with the treat (or any of them, if applicable)
0 - Puppy shows no interest in any of the cups
Prey Drive Level Tests:
These test how strong of a prey drive level the puppy has.
Test A. I get the puppy's attention, and roll/bounce a ball or throw a small toy a short distance away from the puppy.
5 - Puppy immediately chases the ball/toy, picks it up, shakes it
4 - Puppy immediately chases the ball/toy and picks it up
3 - Puppy immediately chases the ball/toy and appears interested in it, but does not pick it up
2 - Puppy hesitates before chasing the ball/toy
1 - Puppy perks up ears or seems interested in the ball/toy, but only walks over to it
0 - Puppy shows no interest in the ball/toy
Natural Retrieving Ability Tests:
These tests show how much of a natural retrieving ability the puppy has.
Test A. I get the puppy's attention, throw a small toy a short distance away, then jog backwards from the puppy while encouraging him/her to bring the toy back to me.
5 - Puppy races back to me immediately and drops the toy to play again
4 - Puppy races back to me immediately but doesn't want to give up the toy
3 - Puppy races back to me immediately, but darts out of reach, wanting me to chase
2 - Puppy comes back to me after a lot of coaxing
1 - Puppy doesn't come back to me
0 - Puppy doesn't chase or pick up the toy
Tug Response Tests:
These tests show how well the puppy could do in bitework or protection
Test A. I tease the puppy with a rag.
5 - Puppy immediately grabs the rag and tugs vigorously
4 - Puppy grabs the rag after repeated teasing, but still tugs with enthusiasm
2 - Puppy grabs the rag after repeated teasing, but lets go
1 - Puppy grabs the rag after repeated teasing, but won't hold on
0 - Puppy shows no interest in the rag
Following Test:
This tests the puppy's willingness to follow (precursor to recall).
Test A. I stand up and slowly walk away, encouraging the puppy to follow. I may lightly clap my hands and use verbal encouragement to get the puppy to follow me. I do not lean over the puppy.
5 - Followed readily, tail up, got underfoot, bit at feet
4 - Followed readily, tail up, got underfoot
3 - Followed readily, tail up
2 - Followed readily, tail down
1 - Followed hesitantly, tail down
0 - Did not follow or went away
Restraint Test:
This tests the pupy's response to being restrained (dominance test).
Test A. I crouch down and gently roll the puppy on its back and hold it on its back for 30 seconds. I hold the puppy down without applying too much pressure. The object is not to keep it on its back but to test its response to being placed in that position.
5 - Struggled fiercely, flailed, bit
4 - Struggled fiercely, failed
3 - Settled, struggled, settled with some eye contact
2 - Struggled then settled
1 - No struggle
0 - No struggle, strained to avoid eye contact
Social Dominance Test:
This tests the social dominance of the puppy.
Test A. I let the puppy stand up or sit and gently stroke it from the head to the back while I crouch beside it. I see if it will lick my face, an indication of a forgiving nature. I continue stroking until I see a behavior I can score. When I crouch next to the puppy, I avoid leaning or hovering over the puppy. I have the puppy at my side with both of us facing in the same direction.
5 - Jumped, pawed, bit, growled
4 - Jumped, pawed
3 - Cuddled up to me and tried to lick face
2 - Squirmed, licked at hands
1 - Rolled over, licked at hands
0 - Went away and stayed away
Elevation Dominance Test:
This tests the puppy's reaction to being elevated (dominance test).
Test A. I cradle the puppy with both hands, supporting the puppy under its chest and gently lift it two feet off the ground and hold it there for 30 seconds.
5 - Struggled fiercely, tried to bite
4 - Struggled fiercely
3 - Struggled, settled, struggled, settled
2 - No struggle, relaxed
1 - No struggle, body stiff
0 - No struggle, froze
Touch Sensitivity Test:
This tests how sensitive the puppy is to touch.
Test A. I locate the webbing of one the puppy’s front paws and press it lightly between my index finger and thumb. I gradually increase pressure while counting to ten and stop when the puppy pulls away or shows signs of discomfort.
5 - 8 to 10 count before response
4 - 6 to 8 count before response
3 - 5 to 6 count before response
2 - 3 to 5 count before response
1 - 2 to 3 count before response
0 - 1 to 2 count before response
Sound Sensitivity Test:
This tests how sensitive the puppy is to loud or sudden sounds.
Test A. The puppy is placed in the center of the testing area and an assistant stationed at the perimeter makes a sharp noise, such as banging a metal spoon on the bottom of a metal pan.
5 - Listened, located sound, and ran toward it barking
4 - Listened, located sound, and walked slowly toward it
3 - Listened, located sound, and showed curiosity
2 - Listened and located sound
1 - Cringed, backed off, and hid behind me
0 - Ignored sound and showed no curiosity
Stability Test:
This tests how reactive the puppy is to surprising, unknown events.
Test A. An umbrella is opened about five feet from the puppy and gently placed on the ground.
5 - Looked and ran to the umbrella, biting it
4 - Looked and walked to the umbrella, smelling it cautiously
3 - Looked and went to investigate
2 - Sat and looked, but did not move toward the umbrella
1 - Showed little or no interest
0 - Ran away from the umbrella