February 03, 2022
Thinking about getting a second dog? Or maybe you have a friend looking for their first puppy. Either way, before signing the papers with the incredible breeder you found based only on the color of the splotch on his left eye, it’s worth mentioning that this type of companionship can last 16 years. Shooting from the hip might not be the best method of picking your next dog.
The Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test is an extensive and comprehensive method by which to test connection and temperament. This series of 10 experiments has been developed since the 1930’s, and has been used since by professionals to choose the pick of the litter. The instructions are long, but these 20-30 minutes could be the difference between 16 years of struggle and 16 years of unadulterated unity.
If you or anyone you know is in the market for a new puppy, use this method to pick it out.
(Credit: volharddognutrition.com)
Make sure your scorer is paying close attention to reactions of the puppy as you go. Subtle cues are at the heart of these experiments. Here is your scoring rubric. Print it out before going to see the puppy, or make sure your scorer can access it on their phone.
To evaluate the scores, do not take averages or sums, we’re just looking for “mostly’s.” According to Volhard, this is how to analyze the results of your experiments:
Mostly 1’s -
Strong desire to be pack leader and is not shy about bucking for a promotion. Has a predisposition to be aggressive to people and other dogs and will bite. Should only be placed into a very experienced home where the dog will be trained and worked on a regular basis.Top Dog Tips: Stay away from the puppy with a lot of 1’s or 2’s. It has lots of leadership aspirations and may be difficult to manage. This puppy needs an experienced home. Not good with children.
Mostly 2’s -
Also has leadership aspirations. May be hard to manage and has the capacity to bite. Has lots of self-confidence. Should not be placed into an inexperienced home. Too unruly to be good with children and elderly people, or other animals. Needs a strict schedule, loads of exercise and lots of training. Has the potential to be a great show dog with someone who understands dog behavior.
Mostly 3’s -
Can be a high-energy dog and may need lots of exercise. Good with people and other animals. Can be a bit of a handful to live with. Needs training, does very well at it and learns quickly. Great dog for second time owner.
Mostly 4’s -
The kind of dog that makes the perfect pet. Best choice for the first time owner. Rarely will buck for a promotion in the family. Easy to train, and rather quiet. Good with elderly people, children, although may need protection from the children. Choose this pup, take it to obedience classes, and you’ll be the star, without having to do too much work! Tidbits: The puppy with mostly 3’s and 4’s can be quite a handful, but should be good with children and does well with training. Energy needs to be dispersed with plenty of exercise.
Mostly 5’s -
Fearful, shy and needs special handling. Will run away at the slightest stress in its life. Strange people, strange places, different floor or ground surfaces may upset it. Often afraid of loud noises and terrified of thunder storms. When you greet it upon your return, may submissively urinate. Needs a very special home where the environment doesn’t change too much and where there are no children. Best for a quiet, elderly couple. If cornered and cannot get away, has a tendency to bite.
Mostly 6’s -
So independent that he doesn’t need you or other people. Doesn’t care if he is trained or not - he is his own person Unlikely to bond to you, since he doesn’t need you. A great guard dog for gas stations! Do not take this puppy and think you can change him into a lovable bundle - you can’t, so leave well enough alone.
You’ll walk into a litter of puppies, one of them will run up to you and start licking you, and you will think, “This has to be it.” As powerful as these emotions are, today, use logic. There are years and years ahead of you bound to be full of positive emotions like these if you pick the right puppy for you.
February 03, 2022