Choosing the right puppy for your lifestyle.

The Puppy Aptitude Test (PAT) is a valuable tool for prospective puppy owners, as it helps assess a puppy's temperament and suitability for various environments and lifestyles. By evaluating traits such as sociability, confidence, and curiosity, the PAT guides potential owners in selecting a puppy that aligns with their expectations and family dynamics. This early assessment can lead to a more harmonious relationship, reducing the risk of behavioral issues down the line. Ultimately, the PAT ensures that both the puppy and the owner are set up for success from the very beginning.

Puppy Aptitude test

Choosing the right puppy from the Litter

WHAT IS PUPPY TESTING?Some of the tests we use were developed as long ago as the l930’s for dogs bred to become GuideDogs. Then in the 1950’s, studies on puppies were done to determine how quickly theylearned. These studies were actually done to identify children’s learning stages.

Top Dog Tips: The ideal age to test the puppy is at 49 days of age when the puppy is neurologicallycomplete and it has the brain of an adult dog. With each passing day after the 49th day theresponses will be tainted by prior learning.

Later on, in the early 60’s more tests were developed to determine if pups could be tested fordominance and submission. These tests determined that it was indeed possible to predict futurebehavioral traits of adult dogs by testing puppies at 49 days of age. Testing before or after thatage affected the accuracy of the test, depending on the time before or after the 49th day.

We took these tests, added some of our own, and put together what is now known as the VolhardPuppy Aptitude Test, or PAT. PAT uses a scoring system from 1-6 and consists of ten tests. Thetests are done consecutively in the order listed. Each test is scored separately, and interpreted onits own merits. The scores are not averaged, and there are no winners or losers. The entirepurpose is to select the right puppy for the right home.

The tests are as follows:1. Social Attraction - degree of social attraction to people, confidence or dependence.2. Following - willingness to follow a person.3. Restraint - degree of dominant or submissive tendency, and ease of handling in difficultsituations.4. Social Dominance - degree of acceptance of social dominance by a person.5. Elevation - degree of accepting dominance while in a position of no control, such as at theveterinarian or groomer.6. Retrieving - degree of willingness to do something for you. Together with Social Attraction andFollowing a key indicator for ease or difficulty in training.7. Touch Sensitivity - degree of sensitivity to touch and a key indicator to the type of trainingequipment required.8. Sound Sensitivity - degree of sensitivity to sound, such as loud noises or thunderstorms.9. Sight Sensitivity - degree of response to a moving object, such as chasing bicycles, children orsquirrels.10. Stability - degree of startle response to a strange object.

Puppies come with high, medium or low energy levels. You have to decide for yourself, which suits your life style. 
Dogs with high energy levels need a great deal of exercise, and will get into mischief if this energy is not channeled into the right direction.

Is it worth it?

That is for you to decide.
Investing $75 for an hour of the Puppy Aptitude Test (PAT) is a small price to pay for the long-term benefits it offers. This expert-led assessment provides invaluable insights into a puppy's temperament and behavior, ensuring you choose a companion that fits your lifestyle and family dynamics. By understanding your puppy’s unique traits, you can avoid potential challenges and create a nurturing environment that fosters positive development. The guidance from a PAT can save you time, effort, and heartache in the future, making it a wise investment for a happy, well-adjusted puppy. Your future together is worth it!