Picking Process
We match people with their puppy, so that each puppy is fit in to a home that is best for its temperament and activity level. It is important that each puppy has a home that will be the best fit. Utilizing our applications, we will assess temperaments using the Volhard’s Puppy Aptitude Testing of puppies at 6-7 weeks of age, and use this as one data point of many to match puppies with their homes based on the temperament and present behavior.
Worth noting, tests have been developed to ascertain temperament in puppies, however the predictive validity for predicting specific behavioral traits in dogs is limited (Donald, .p 386). He further adds, the evaluations of puppies is of little use in predicting behavior as an adult and is not found useful in predicting adult suitability for service dog work.
Please note: Don't ever be satisfied with being told to wait in a separate location for the breeder to bring their selected puppy to you. You want to see the conditions, the littermates, and the mother. Observe the whole litter and how the puppies interact with each other to get a good sense of the characters. Do not allow yourself to be influenced by excuses for poor display of temperament.
The following are what we take into consideration:
Social Attraction
Degree of social attraction to people, confidence, or dependence.
Following
Willingness to follow a person.
Restraint
Degree of dominant or submissive tendency, and ease of handling in difficult situations.
Social Dominance
Degree of acceptance of social dominance by a person.
Elevation
Degree of accepting dominance while in a position of no control, such as at the veterinarian or groomer.
Retrieving
Degree of willingness to do something for you. Together with social attraction and following a key indicator for ease or difficulty in training.
Touch Sensitivity
Degree of sensitivity to touch and a key indicator to the type of training equipment required.
Sound Sensitivity
Degree of sensitivity to sound, such as loud noises or thunderstorms.
Sight Sensitivty
Degree of response to a moving object, such as chasing bicycles, children, or squirrels.
Stability
Degree of startle response to a strange object.
Prey Drive
Retrieve
Hunt Drive (Persistence)
Tug Response
Possessiveness
Follow
Attention Span