Temperament Testing

The basics you should know and how we use it for our breeding program.

The Science Behind Selecting Your Perfect Family Companion

At Kamrose Labradors, scientifically validated methods (Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test) to ensure each puppy grows into the ideal companion for your family's unique lifestyle. Our approach combines decades of canine behavioral research with practical, real-world understanding of what makes a great family dog.

Understanding Temperament Testing:

Temperament refers to a dog's natural personality - their innate way of responding to the world around them. Think of it like human personality traits: some people are naturally outgoing, others more cautious; some quick to react, others more thoughtful. These same differences exist in puppies from birth.

The Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test (PAT) we use is like a personality assessment designed specifically for puppies. Developed originally for guide dog programs in the 1930s, it's been refined over nearly a century of use. At exactly 49 days old (7 weeks), when puppies are at a key developmental stage, we conduct ten specific evaluations that reveal:

  • How comfortable they are with people (social attraction)

  • How they handle new experiences (adaptability)

  • Their sensitivity to touch and sound

  • Their natural confidence level

For example, in the "social attraction" test, we see if a puppy readily approaches a friendly stranger - this tells us about their natural friendliness. In the "sound sensitivity" test, we gently drop a metal spoon to observe if the puppy startles, then how quickly they recover - showing us how they might react to thunderstorms or loud noises later in life.

Why 7 Weeks is the Perfect Time for Testing

Puppies develop in predictable stages, much like human children. At 7 weeks:

  1. Their brains have developed enough to show consistent personality traits

  2. They're still young enough that positive experiences can shape their future behavior

  3. They haven't yet developed strong fears (which start appearing around 8-9 weeks)

Imagine trying to determine if a toddler will be musical - at age 2, you might see hints of natural rhythm or interest in sounds. By 7, their musical abilities become clearer. Puppy testing works similarly - we're looking for those early signs that become more pronounced as they grow.

More in-depth analysis:

Extensive research confirms this specific developmental stage (7 weeks) offers the optimal balance between:

  1. Established neurological patterns that reflect core temperament

  2. Sufficient plasticity for environmental adaptation

  3. Pre-socialization period before fear responses develop

Peer-reviewed studies show that evaluations done during this narrow window show significant correlation with adult behavior when properly administered.

The Assessment Framework (In Depth):

Our testing evaluates both hardwired traits and adaptive capacities through carefully designed scenarios:

Social-Emotional Dimensions

  • Social attraction quantifies a puppy's innate human-directed orientation

  • Following behavior indicates bonding potential and engagement

  • Restraint tolerance measures emotional regulation capacity

  • Social dominance assessment reveals confidence in human interactions

Environmental Adaptability

  • Elevation response tests spatial awareness and trust

  • Sound reactivity evaluation assesses environmental sensitivity

  • Visual tracking demonstrates stimulus processing style

  • Stability scoring captures overall resilience

Working Potential

  • Retrieving instinct indicates cooperative potential

  • Touch sensitivity screening evaluates physical awareness

How We Interpret the Results for Your Family

Each test is scored on a scale from 1 to 6. Importantly, there are no "bad" scores - just different fits for different homes:

  • A puppy scoring mostly 3s and 4s typically has that easygoing, adaptable temperament perfect for busy families with children

  • Slightly higher scores might indicate an enthusiastic, energetic puppy ideal for active owners

  • More cautious scores help us identify puppies who will thrive in quieter homes

We recently placed a puppy named Maple with a family with three young children. Her test showed quick recovery from surprises (scored a 3 on sound sensitivity) and eager friendliness (scored a 2 on social attraction) - traits that made her naturally patient with toddler antics and quick to bond with the whole family.

What Testing Can and Can't Tell Us

While incredibly valuable, temperament tests aren't crystal balls and a puppy can change at ANY time do to an environment factor.

They CAN:

  • Reveal natural tendencies (like being more people-oriented or independent)

  • Show how quickly a puppy recovers from surprises

  • Indicate likely comfort with handling and new experiences

They CAN'T:

  • Predict exactly how a puppy will behave as an adult (environment and training play huge roles)

  • Account for all individual personality development

  • Replace ongoing socialization and training

This is why we combine testing with our Puppy Culture & Empowered Breeder early socialization program and provide lifetime support - the tests give us the starting point, but your love and guidance shape the amazing dog they become.

Final Note

For families interested in the science behind their puppy's evaluation, we provide complete testing documentation and professional interpretation guidance (via our professional tester). Contact us to learn more about our evidence-based approach to close-to-perfect placements.