​DryCanyonGoldens

Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test

 

We temperament test our puppies at 7 weeks (49 days) of age. Puppies are given a few activities to engage in with an unknown to them person in an environment they have never been in before. All this newness provides an interesting snapshot in time. I use the results of the temperament test as a minor adjunct to my knowledge and observations of the puppies over our days and weeks together.

 

Tests were developed as early as the 1930s to help identify dogs that would make good service animals. 

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We use the Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test (PAT) items as well as a few other items that our test administrator likes to do. We have the great blessing of having a very experienced evaluator of therapy dog teams as our temperament evaluator. She is so good! and knows dog behavior and body language so well! She's given me beautiful insights that have helped in making matches.