Illustrated Temperament Test, page 3
7. Sensitivity The loose skin over the ribs is gently pinched and the pup’s reaction is noted. Ideal reaction is to notice the pinch but be unconcerned by it. We also look for a willingness to forgive the tester.
Possible Ratings & General Description
1 – excellent: 8 – 10 count for response
2 – above average: 6 – 8 count for response
3 – Average – good: 5 – 6 count for response
4 – minimal: 3 – 5 count for response
5 – insufficient: 2 – 3 count for response
6 – unacceptable: 1 – 2 count for response
Pup Rating & Any Additional Observations
Blue Male Excellent
Brown Male Excellent
Gray Male Above average
Green Male Minimal
Pink Female Above average
Purple Female Minimal
Red Male Excellent
White Male Above average
Yellow Female Above average
Miss Yellow
Mr. Gray
Mr. Green
see also the pain sensitivity test in the Search & Rescue Test
8. Prey/Perseverance Then perseverance is evaluated by seeing how enthusiastically they will pursue, grab hold, and tug on a rope sack. Ideal reaction is to pursue enthusiastically, grasp with a full mouth bite, tug and do everything possible to posses the object. If a sack is used, we like to see a pup get its whole body on the sack in an effort to subdue it.
Possible Ratings & General Description
1 – excellent: Chased or tugged continually, full bite, used body on object
2 – above average: Chased, tugged, good bite, uses feet.
3 – Average – good: Chased, tugged, bit, may release and re-bite, tail up
4 – minimal: Chased, followed object, bit, released, may tug, tail down
5 – insufficient: Chased, may bite with front-teeth bite, lost interest
6 – unacceptable: Little or no chase or engagement
Pup Rating & Any Additional Observations
Blue Male Above average
Brown Male Excellent
Gray Male Minimal
Green Male Unacceptable
Pink Female Above average
Purple Female Average-good
Red Male Average-good
White Male Above average
Yellow Female Average-good
Mr. Brown
Miss Purple
See also the following tests in the Search & Rescue Test: Prey and Perseverance/Tug
9. Sound sensitivity A metal can filled with metal items (illustrated below) is dropped behind them from a height of about 2 feet while they are looking away from it. Will the pup hold its ground and then go look at what dropped from nowhere? Excellent reaction is to acknowledge and turn towards the sound and then confidently go see what made the racket. The tester encourages the pup to investigate, if it doesn’t on its own. She notes how much encouragement is needed. I find most of my pups look towards the racket and keep on playing with the toy they had, rather than stopping their play to go investigate. A battery operated toy that moves erratically and barks, and a toy police car that flashes and talks were also used (illustrated on next page).
Possible Ratings & General Description
1 – excellent: Heard, located sound & ran toward it
2 – above average: Heard, located sound, walked toward it
3 – Average – good: Heard, located sound and showed curiosity
4 – minimal: Heard and located sound
5 – insufficient: Cringed, backed off, tried to hide
6 – unacceptable: Ignored sound and showed no curiosity
Pup Rating & Any Additional Observations
Blue Male Excellent
Brown Male Above average
Gray Male Above average Noticed building heat fan come on
Green Male Minimal
Pink Female Excellent
Purple Female Average-good
Red Male Minimal
White Male Above average
Yellow Female Average-good
Miss Pink
Mr. Gray
Mr. Brown
see also the fear test in the Search & Rescue test
to Temperament Test, page 4 (Sound Sensitivity part 2, Surprise/Stability (umbrella), Summary & Parents’ TT test scores)
back to Temperament Test, page 1 (Social Attachment, Following & Restraint/Submission)
back to Temperament Test, page 2 (Social Dominance, Confidence/Elevation, & Retrieve)