When she tests, Michele said it is evident which breeders have conducted early puppy socialization with their litters and she stresses that it is important for breeders to do that early groundwork with their pups. “Of course, puppies go through many developmental stages, including fear periods, which shape their behavior as adults. Both good and bad experiences during the puppies first year of life have a major influence on what the adult version of that dog will be,” she said. Michele said the ideal age to conduct temperament testing is 7 ½ weeks. But temperament testing is a valuable tool that can be helpful in placing puppies in homes where they will thrive. A puppy’s environment and socialization until adulthood have big impact. Temperament test scores don’t necessarily reflect exactly how a puppy will grow up, but they can give a good indication. “Other tests that are helpful are problem-solving tests, resource-guarding tests, and toy-drive tests. These evaluations give you an idea of which puppy might be the best candidate for the dog sports you might be interested in or which one might be the best fit for your current pack.” While a litter of Flat-Coated Retrievers might seem to all have strong retrieving drive compared to a litter of Chinese Crested puppies for instance, you can definitely choose which puppy in each litter is the most and least motivated by food or treats.
“A temperament test is a snapshot of what potential a puppy has to offer,” Michele said. “In my many years of performing them, I find that there are significant personality differences sprinkled into every litter. She has conducted temperament tests for breeders for many years and says the testing can give insight into puppies’ potentials. Michele Godlevski, founder and owner of Teamworks Dog Training in Raleigh, NC, is a Certified Behavior Consultant who has earned many championship level titles in agility and titles in rally and obedience. Temperament testing can give you a better idea of what a particular puppy might excel at or which home will be the best fit. You watch them carefully from birth and get to know each personality as it develops.
And of course, you have to decide which one to keep for yourself! As a breeder, you know how important it is to match puppies with the best possible homes, whether they are destined to be show dogs, working dogs, sport dogs, or companions.
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