Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test - Does this test hold any value when placing a puppy?

[Misty Roberton]

We have been in a search for a labradoodle puppy... and really found one we loved. But the breeder has been so helpful and really honest with us. Her original impression of that particular pup was that it was the "alpha" female of the group and might not be the best fit for our family with 3 and 5 year old boys. This conclusion was from her assessment of the puppy among it's litter mates. But since I seemed so disappointed, she pulled the puppy and performed the PAT test and her results were favorable. Not recommended for a first time family, but since we have been previous dog owners (doberman for 11 years who passed when our oldest was 2), but a fit for a family with some experience in training. Does this test mean anything to anyone. This breeder is definitely NOT trying to sell us the wrong dog... she has been so helpful so I don't believe she would steer us in the wrong direction... just getting a little confusing with all the info we've gathered so far... Help! :-)

[Adina P]

Hmmm...for me it would be a toss up. If the breeder knows her pups I'd tend to trust her assessment a bit more. Did she do the test herself or have a stranger do it? I think a stranger is supposed to perform the test, but not positive.

My breeder identified Rosco as the mellowest pup (I wanted a therapy dog so that sounded best to me). She had a friend perform the temperament test using the Monks of Skete directions (similar to Volhard?). He came out to be about the same as the breeder thought he was.

[Noble Vestal Labradoodles]

hmmm.... As a breeder there are times when I see a pup that is the most alpha in the litter but it is not that way when it goes home. I have also seen the most laid back pups become alpha with an older dog already in the home. The puppy will be what you make it for the most part. As long as the breeder gave it a great start with proper handling, health care, and socialization you will mold the puppy from there into what you want it to be. If your puppy didn't have a good start it will be a rocky road for a long time.

If you are crazy your puppy will likely be crazy too~ if you are laid back your puppy likely will be too~

I once had a high flying, spaz owner who was a fast talking car dealer (got a mental picture?). He complained about his puppy all the time... for a year I heard how the dog knocked the kids down, would run off, wouldnt listen... the wife was fed up and brought the dog to me for a week while they were on vacation. The dog was perfect, walked on a leash with out pulling, came when called, didn't jump on anyone... PERFECT. The owner came to pick him up and instantly started squealing at his dog and got him all jazzed up, the dog took off out the door, down the road~ leash flying in the air... It wasn't the dog, it was the owner!!!

[Kim]

I was the crazy dog owner with the squealy voice until I started watching the Dog Whisperer. Caesar Milan HATES the squealing voices and always corrects people when they talk to their dogs like that!

[Joy Originator of GiantSchnoodles]

HI, I agree with you re spaz owners. But have you ever known little boys who didn't act like crazy, squealing, spaz owners? That's the normal part of being a little boy. She needs a puppy that can not escalate with the kids. The breeder is the best judge of that wi an objective test like the Volhard. JMO Puppy love from Joy & furry folk

[Joy Originator of GiantSchnoodles]

Hi Misty, I am a breeder. I have the Volhard done on all my litters by an independent professional. You should absolutely trust this breeder. She is giving you the right information & caring about making sure you get the right puppy for your family. Breeders like this are hard to come by. She is gold. The V test is an excellent test for fitting right puppy with the right family. For eg. Wi 2 young children, I would choose a puppy with a low prey drive among other things. 3 & 5 year old boys often run around acting like screaming wounded ducks. You don't want a dog whose prey drive will be triggered and needs to be trained not to see your kids as prey. It can be done but you want an easy fit. Trust this breeder. She obviously isn't just out for the money. She cares about her pups & your family.You are so lucky to have found her. Trust her & take her advice & give her your true appreciation & thanks. I'd like to know her name so I can recomend her. Puppy love from Joy & furry folk

[Lisa]

Hi Misty, I've wondered about the validity of this test as well. My breeder used it, and described our dog as being "middle of the road," neither aggressive alpha nor shy and timid. Without any basis for comparison, it's been difficult to say how well that fits--until yesterday, when I took Barkley for his first puppy play date with a group of same-age puppies. Our breeder, and the Volhard test, were right on the money: Barkley was right in the middle, temperament wise. He could hang with the aggressive dogs, but was also comfortable with the shy ones. I was really amazed at how well the test had assessed his personality.

[Misty Roberton]

That's great. The breeder is actually having a trainer come in and do the assessment as well. If her results are the same, I think our decision is made! Thanks to everyone for all the really useful info.