DECIDING WHAT KIND OF DOG TO GET The well-trained dog begins with some idea of what role the dog is expected to play in your life and then selecting a dog that is suitable for the job. Following are some of the reasons for selecting a dog:
• Companionship; • Playmate for the kids; • Protection; • A special activity, such as hunting, herding, breeding, showing in conformation, or competing in performance events; • Status symbol (not wise); or • A combination of the above.
HOW WE TEST RECOMMENDED BY VOLHARD
Ground rules for performing the test: (Test is performed at 7 weeks of age)
• The testing is done in a location unfamiliar to the puppies. This does not mean they have to taken away from home. A 10-foot square area is perfectly adequate, such as a room in the house where the puppies have not been. • The puppies are tested one at a time. • There are no other dogs or people, except the scorer and the tester, in the testing area • The puppies do not know the tester. • The scorer is a disinterested third party and not the person interested in selling you a puppy. • The scorer is unobtrusive and positions him or herself so he or she can observe the puppies’ responses without having to move. • The puppies are tested before they are fed. • The puppies are tested when they are at their liveliest. • Do not try to test a puppy that is not feeling well. • Puppies should not be tested the day of or the day after being vaccinated. • Only the first response counts!
The test are as follows:
• Social Attraction - degree of social attraction to people, confidence or dependence. •Following - willingness to follow a person. •Restraint - degree of dominant or submissive tendency, and ease of handling in difficult situations. •Social Dominance - degree of acceptance of social dominance by a person. •Elevation - degree of accepting dominance while in a position of no control, such as at the veterinarian or groomer. •Retrieving - degree of willingness to do something for you. Together with Social Attraction and Following a key indicator for ease or difficulty in training. •Touch Sensitivity - degree of sensitivity to touch and a key indicator to the type of training equipment required. •Sound Sensitivity - degree of sensitivity to sound, such as loud noises or thunderstorms. •Sight Sensitivity - degree of response to a moving object, such as chasing bicycles, children or squirrels. •Stability - degree of startle response to a strange object.