ZZ Litter Police/Narcotics Dog Temperament Test
The ZZ Litter was tested at 56 Days.
See the Search and Rescue test results.
See the ZZ litter page
Whelped 6/16/23: 2 black and tan females (Miss Green & Miss Gold), 1 sable female (Miss Pink), 1 bicolor female (Miss White), 1 sable male (Mr. Yellow), and 2 black & tan males (Mr. Blue & Mr. Red)
Mr. Yellow (now “Zephyr”) went to Montana for Search & Rescue. Miss Green (now “Breeze”) went to Colorado to be a therapy dog and compete in obedience. Miss Pink (now “Zinnia”) went to SW Wyoming for nosework competition. I kept Miss White (now “Zest”) and Miss Gold (now “Zeal”) for nosework competition, therapy dog work and hopefully breeding.
My good friend, Suzan Guilford, usually does the police/narcotics test. Suzan is a former K9 handler and police officer, former police chief, and has taught at the Wyoming Police Academy. She has done my temperament tests for over seventeen years, except for a two-year absence while she was working in Florida. Suzan and I over the years have incorporated most of the SAR exercises into her testing so she can include them in case Bonnie can’t come do the SAR testing.
The main difference I see between the police/narcotics test and the SAR test is the attitude of the tester. In the police test, the tester is very quiet, talking little and using very little body movements. No other people are present and the environment is kept quiet. In the SAR test, the tester (often two do the test together) is somewhat more enthusiastic, uses some verbal praise and body movements to get the pup “up” and gives praise. Other people are sometimes present to watch, though they are asked to be as quiet as possible. This would fit well with the ultimate purpose of the dogs being tested for both types of training. In police work the dog must be able to dig down deep inside himself or herself to find the courage and aggression to confront a criminal and/or to search independently and at great distance from the handler. In SAR the handler is usually closer to the dog and is able to praise and encourage him, especially in extended searches. There is also generally all kinds of activity and distraction at a search scene so the dog must be able to filter out the extraneous activity and focus on her job. Both tests are fascinating to watch as is the difference in the pups’ responses in each test.
My pups are very people-oriented and voice responsive, so they never do as well on the police/narcotic test as on the Search & Rescue test because on this test, the handler is deliberately very calm and quiet and doesn’t say much. As usual, Suzan commented that the pups came alive when she gave them the tiniest bit of praise.
I am not specifically breeding for police dog candidates, for which they want high drive and activity level – and pushiness.
Recently Suzan adapted her test and also added an interpretation statement:
This test was designed for police dogs and dogs of similar professions. This is a good predictor of a strong, confident dog, but also one that may be more independent and not as willing to work with humans as much as they just want to work. Having scores that are average and minimal in some categories may be just what is needed for the agility, therapy or family dog.
Unlike the Search and Rescue test, this test deliberately uses minimal voice, praise and encouragement by the tester.
None of the pups liked restraint and struggled particularly on the Submission test. All of them found something extremely interesting on the ground and mats. Sue is currently doing puppy kindergarten classes and nosework classes, so we figured there were treat crumbs in the area. These pups love to use their noses and have good ones.
Results are listed after the description of each part of the Test. At the bottom, test results are listed for Justice (father), Mercy (mother), Soleil (grandmother), Chaos & Lively (great-grandparents of the litter) and Lively’s mother & grandmother (maternal great-great-grandmother and great-great-great grandmother).
POLICE/NARCOTICS TEST COMPONENTS:
Social Attachment: Acknowledges new person; dominance or independence
Following: Willingness to follow and acceptance of tester
Confidence/Elevation: Confidence/dominance shown when held in air and has no control
Prey/perseverance: Willingness to chase toy, solidness of bite, use of body to possess
Sound Sensitivity, Can of Rocks: a sudden loud noise behind them, in this case a can of nuts and bolts dropped from about 2’ elevation
Sound Sensitivity, Train & Horn: a moving, whistling battery-operated train engine and a horn are used (if they got different ratings for the two objects, that is listed; otherwise they rated the same on both)
Surprise/Stability: umbrella opened suddenly as they pass by; not recovery after initial startle.
ZZ Litter Test Results
1. Social Attachment The first test involves evaluating the pup’s acceptance of the strange place and its willingness to interact with the stranger. Ideal reaction is eye contact and interest in the stranger but no sign of nervousness in the interaction (we don’t want a “Protect me!” attitude), followed by visual investigation of the surroundings and then a return of attention to the tester.
Possible Ratings/General Description
1 – excellent: Licked face; tail up; bit at hands, face
2 – above average: Licked hands, tail up
3 – Average – good: Came readily, tail up
4 – minimal: Acknowledged tail down
5 – insufficient: Hesitant
6 – unacceptable: Did not acknowledge
Pup/ Rating/ Additional Observations
Blue Male: Above Average; “Within 5 seconds”
Gold Female: Above Average
Green Female: Above Average
Pink Female: Above Average; “5 seconds”
Red Male: Unacceptable; “Struggled to get down; didn’t recognize me.”
White Female: Excellent
Yellow Male: Above Average
2. Following Willingness to follow handler; acceptance
Possible Ratings/General Description
1 – excellent: Followed tail up, underfoot, bit at feet
2 – above average: Followed tail up, underfoot
3 – Average – good: Followed, tail up
4 – minimal: Followed, tail down
5 – insufficient: Followed hesitantly, tail down
6 – unacceptable: Did not follow, went away
Pup/ Rating/ Additional Observations
Blue Male: Above Average
Gold Female: Above Average
Green Female: Above Average
Pink Female: Average – good
Red Male: Average – good
White Female: Above Average
Yellow Male: Above Average
3. Restraint/Submission The submission test, done for 30 seconds, is designed to give an idea of the pup’s tractability, trust in humans, and willingness to submit to a human’s directives. In the submission test the pup is held firmly on its back for a short period of time. The tester counts the seconds it takes for him to resist, then accept, the restraint. She should not passively accept the restraint, nor should she panic or show avoidance of eye contact. Ideal reaction is to resist, then submit and look the tester in the face. We also look for a willingness to forgive the tester.
Possible Ratings/General Description
1 – excellent: Settled, struggled, settled with some eye contact
2 – above average: Struggled fiercely, flailed
3 – Average – good: Struggled fiercely, bit, flailed
4 – minimal: Struggled, then settled
5 – insufficient: No struggle
6 – unacceptable: No struggle, strained to avoid eye contact
Pup/ Rating/ Additional Observations
Blue Male: Above Average
Gold Female: Excellent; then marked Above Average with comment, “20 seconds”
Green Female: Above Average
Pink Female: Minimal
Red Male: Minimal; “eye contact @ 6 seconds; struggled mildly”
White Female: Above Average; “no eye contact”
Yellow Male: Minimal
4. Social Dominance Stroking pup until reaction
Possible Ratings/General Description
1 – excellent: Cuddled, licked face
2 – above average: Jumped, pawed
3 – Average – good: Jumped, pawed, bit growled
4 – minimal: Squirmed, licked at hands
5 – insufficient: Rolled over, licked hands
6 – unacceptable: Went away and stayed away
Pup/ Rating/ Additional Observations
Blue Male: Excellent
Gold Female: Excellent
Green Female: Excellent
Pink Female: Excellent
Red Male: Minimal
White Female: Excellent
Yellow Male: Excellent
5. Confidence/Elevation The confidence part of the test involves holding the pup out at arm’s length for several seconds. Again, the pup should accept the handler putting it in position and remain calm.
Possible Ratings/General Description
1 – excellent: Struggled, settled, struggled, settled
2 – above average: Struggled
3 – Average – good: Struggled, tried to bite
4 – minimal: No struggle, relaxed
5 – insufficient: No struggle, body still
6 – unacceptable: No struggle, body froze
Pup/ Rating/ Additional Observations
Blue Male: Above Average
Gold Female: Above Average; “after 22 seconds”
Green Female: Minimal
Pink Female: Minimal; “up to 22 seconds”
Red Male: Minimal; “relaxed for 23 seconds, then struggled”
White Female: Above Average; “5 seconds – 20”
Yellow Male: Minimal; “25 seconds, a bit of struggle”
6. Retrieve Ball/Toy Next, willingness to retrieve is evaluated using different balls. The tester looks for desire to chase and desire to bring back, noting independence or willingness to work with a human. Ideal reaction is to repeatedly being the toy back to the handler rather than moving off to “possess” it. The type of bite on the toys is evaluated: a full mouth bite shows more confidence and drive than a front-teeth-only bite.
Possible Ratings/General Description
1 – excellent: Chased object, picked it up and returned with it
2 – above average: Chased object, picked it up and returned without it
3 – Average – good: Chased object, stood over it, did not return
4 – minimal: Chased object, picked it up, ran away
5 – insufficient: Started to chase, lost interest
6 – unacceptable: No chase
Pup/ Rating/ Additional Observations
Blue Male: Excellent (8 times) and Minimal (2-3 times)
Gold Female: Insufficient
Green Female: Excellent (12 times) and Average-good (2 times)
Pink Female: Insufficient
Red Male: Insufficient
White Female: Excellent (3 times) and Above Average (2 times)
Yellow Male: Excellent (5 times)
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/ Additional Observations
Blue Male: Above Average
Gold Female: Above Average
Green Female: Minimal
Pink Female: Excellent
Red Male: Average-good
White Female: Above Average
Yellow Male: Above Average
8. Prey/Perseverance Strength of desire to chase and attack is evaluated. Perseverance is evaluated by seeing how enthusiastically they will pursue, grab hold, and tug on a rope or sack. They look for chasing, solidness of grip and use of body. Ideal reaction is to pursue enthusiastically, grasp with a full mouth bite, tug and do everything possible to possess 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, full bite, used body on object
2 – above average: Chased, tugged, good bite, used 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 Additional Observations
Blue Male: Above Average
Gold Female: Average-good; “Not a full bite. Liked it better.”
Green Female: Average-good
Pink Female: Minimal; “tail up, neutral”
Red Male: Average-good
White Female: Above Average
Yellow Male: Above Average
9. Sound sensitivity – Can of Rocks A metal can filled with rocks 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.
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/ Additional Observations
Blue Male: Above Average
Gold Female: Minimal
Green Female: Average-good
Pink Female: Above Average
Red Male: Average-good
White Female: Average-good
Yellow Male: Above Average
10. Sound Sensitivity -Train/Horn A battery operated train engine that moves erratically and whistles was used. Also, a hand-held horn was used. Will the pup hold its ground and then go look at the test object? 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.
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/ Additional Observations
Blue Male: Average-good
Gold Female: Average-good
Green Female: Average-good
Pink Female: Above Average
Red Male: Average-good
White Female: Above Average
Yellow Male: Above Average
11. Surprise/Stability This test involves getting the pup to follow you (or a toy) towards a place with a hidden person, from behind which an umbrella is opened suddenly and then lowered to the ground, still open. The pups are evaluated on how they recover from being startled and if they’ll go investigate. Ideal reaction is for the pup to startle but hold its ground, then move right up to check out the umbrella. A super excellent reaction is to go up and bite it and/or walk all over it. The tester encourages the pup to investigate after the umbrella is on the top step, if it doesn’t on its own. She notes how much encouragement is needed.
Possible Ratings/General Description
1 – excellent: Looked, ran to umbrella, attacked/bit
2 – above average: Looked, walked to umbrella, smelled
3 – Average – good: Looked, went to investigate
4 – minimal: Sat and looked, did not investigate
5 – insufficient: Showed little or no interest
6 – unacceptable: Ran away from umbrella
Pup/ Rating/ Additional Observations
Blue Male: Average-good
Gold Female: Average-good; “when encouraged. No big reaction.”
Green Female: Average-good; “lots of encouragement”
Pink Female: Minimal; “until encouraged”
Red Male: Average-good; “when encouraged”
White Female: Average-good; “encouraged to investigate”
Yellow Male: Average-good
Tester Comments:
Blue Male: Very aware of surroundings & people. Higher retrieve drive. More social. Very athletic. Good nose.
Gold Female: Nice big girl. Minimal retrieve. Liked pull toy.
Green Female: Very happy. Tali wagging all the time. Good retrieve. Good social.
Pink Female: Likes human contact. Good at following. Can encourage to investigate.
Red Male: Minimal interest in chasing balls. Good nose.
White Female: More interest in smells on ground. Nice even temperament. Doesn’t like restraint. Good nose.
Yellow Male: Happy boy. Good nose. Attentive to all surroundings.
Summary
Note that all pups do not have all six possible rating lines, only the ratings they received are listed. When Suzan marked between two ratings, I listed the higher one.
Pup/ Rating/Tests
Mr. Blue
Excellent: Social dominance; Retrieve ball/toy (8 times)
Above Average: Social attachment (within 5 seconds); Following; Restraint/submission; Confidence/Elevation; Pain Sensitivity; Prey/Perseverance; Sound Sensitivity (can of rocks)
Average-Good: Sound Sensitivity (train); Surprise/Stability
Minimal: Retrieve ball/toy (2-3 times)
Comment: Very aware of surroundings & people. Higher retrieve drive. More social. Very athletic. Good nose.
Miss Gold
Excellent: Restraint/Submission; Social Dominance
Above Average: Social Attachment; Restraint/Submission (20 seconds); Confidence/Elevation (after 22 seconds); Pain Sensitivity
Average-Good: Prey/Perseverance; Sound Sensitivity (train); Surprise/Stability (when encouraged; no big reaction)
Minimal: Sound Sensitivity (can of rocks)
Insufficient: Retrieve ball/toy
Comment: Nice big girl. Minimal retrieve. Liked pull toy.
Miss Green
Excellent: Social dominance; Retrieve ball/toy (12 times)
Above Average: Social attachment; Following; Restraint/Submission
Average-Good: Retrieve ball/toy (2 times); Prey/Perseverance; Sound Sensitivity (can of rocks); Sound Sensitivity (train); Surprise/Stability (with lots of encouragement)
Minimal: Confidence/Elevation; Pain Sensitivity
Comment: Very happy – tail wagging all the time. Good retrieve. Good social.
Miss Pink
Excellent: Social Dominance; Pain sensitivity
Above Average: Social Attachment (5 seconds); Sound Sensitivity (can of rocks); Sound Sensitivity (train)
Average-Good: Following
Minimal: Restraint/Submission; Confidence/Elevation (up to 22); Prey/Perseverance (tail up, not down); Surprise/Stability (did not investigate until encouraged)
Insufficient: Retrieve ball/toy
Comment: Likes human contact. Good at following. Can encourage to investigate.
Mr. Red
Average-Good: Following; Pain Sensitivity; Prey/Perseverance (He had front-teeth bite but liked to chase toy); Sound Sensitivity (can of rocks); Sound Sensitivity (train); Surprise/Stability (when encouraged)
Minimal: Restraint/Submission (eye contact at 6 seconds; struggled mildly); Social Dominance; Confidence/Elevation (for 23 seconds, then struggled)
Insufficient: Retrieve ball/toy
Unacceptable: Social Attachment (Struggled to get down. Didn’t recognize tester.)
Comment: Minimal interest in chasing ball. Good nose.
Miss White
Excellent: Social Attachment; Social Dominance; Retrieve ball/toy (3 times)
Above Average: Following; Restraint/Submission (no eye contact); Confidence/Elevation (5 seconds – 20); Pain Sensitivity; Sound Sensitivity (train)
Average-Good: Retrieve ball/toy (2 times); Prey/Perseverance; Sound Sensitivity (can of rocks); Surprise/Stability (encouraged to investigate)
Comment: More interested in smells on ground than toys. Nice even temperament. Doesn’t like restraint. Good nose.
Mr. Yellow
Excellent: Social Dominance; Retrieve ball/toy (5 times)
Above Average: Social Attachment; Following; Pain Sensitivity; Prey/Perseverance; Sound Sensitivity (can of rocks); Sound Sensitivity (train);
Average-Good: Surprise/Stability
Minimal: Restraint/Submission; Confidence/Elevation (25 seconds, a bit of struggle)
Comment: Happy boy. Good nose. Attentive to all surroundings.
Comparison
When Suzan marked between two ratings, I listed the higher one.
Social Attachment
Excellent: White female
Above average: Blue male, Gold female, Green female, Pink female, Yellow male
Unacceptable: Red male
Following
Above average: Blue male, Gold female, Green female, White female, Yellow male
Average-good: Pink female, Red male
Restraint/Submission
Excellent: Gold female
Above average: Blue male, Green female, White female
Minimal: Pink female, Red male, Yellow male
Social Dominance
Excellent: Blue male, Gold female, Green female, Pink female, White female, Yellow male
Minimal: Red male,
Confidence/Elevation
Above average: Blue male, Gold female, White female
Minimal: Green female, Pink female, Red male, Yellow male
Retrieve ball/toy
Excellent: Blue male, Green female, White female, Yellow male
Minimal: Pink female
Insufficient: Gold female, Red male
Sensitivity (pinch)
Excellent: Pink female
Above average: Blue male, Gold female, White female, Yellow male
Average-good: Red male
Minimal: Green female
Prey/Perseverance
Above average: Blue male, Yellow male
Average-good: Gold female, Green female, Red male, White female
Minimal: Pink female
Sound sensitivity (can of rocks)
Above average: Blue male, Pink female, Yellow male
Average-good: Green female, Red male, White female
Minimal: Gold female
Sound sensitivity (train & horn)
Above average: Pink female, White female, Yellow male
Average-good: Blue male, Gold female, Green female, Red male
Surprise/Stability (umbrella)
Average-good: Blue male, Gold female, Green female, Red male, White female, Yellow male
Minimal: Pink female
For interest, I include the puppies’ father’s, mother’s, maternal grandparent’s and maternal great-grandparent’s temperament test results below. All of the tests on the females were done by Suzan, former police K9 handler, except for Lively’s & Quinta’s SAR tests, done by Janet Wilts. Justice was tested in Montana by Bonnie, my SAR tester.
Justice’s Search & Rescue Test (father of this litter)
Justice was tested at 69 Days
On Monday, August 9th, I decided it was time to start the search for a male pup who would grow up to be my new stud dog, especially for Cantor daughters and granddaughters. The search usually takes months, so I was amazed the next day to get an email from Clarissa Negaard in Belgrade, MT, whose dog Toby I tried to breed Mercy to in June (and failed). Toby was the sire of Spirit’s first litter (the MM litter). Clarissa told me that she had a litter by Toby, continuing two males, that was 9 weeks old.
My Search & Rescue tester (Bonnie) lives very close to Clarissa and agreed to test the two males and did so on Thursday night. I was really wanting a sable this time around. The sable male tested exceptionally well, and after a lengthy phone conversation with Bonnie, I decided to take him.
From how my testers have rated litters over the years, the test sheet has the following possible boxes they can check: 10, 10-9, 9.5, 9, 9-8, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4 through 1. And they sometimes rate something a 10+.
Acceptance/Attachment The first test involves evaluating the pup’s acceptance of the strange place and its willingness to interact with the stranger. Ideal reaction is eye contact and interest in the stranger but no sign of nervousness in the interaction (we don’t want a “Protect me!” attitude), followed by visual investigation of the surroundings and then a return of attention to the tester.
Rating: 10-9
Comments: This as one of the first times he was placed with a new person all by himself. He adapted well after initial upset.
Eye Contact Desire to connect with the tester by looking them in the eye was noted.
Rating: 9
Comments: Not initially
Confidence The confidence part of the test involves holding the pup out at arm’s length for several seconds. Again, the pup should accept the handler putting it in position and remain calm.
Rating: 8
Comments: Struggled; didn’t like it
Independence How comfortable is the pup, will it work away from the tester or does it stay underfoot? Or does it avoid dealing with the tester by staying away and playing on its own.
Rating: 10+ to 9
Comments: Quickly adapted and went off exploring. Went to look for me when I was doing the second pup.
Pain 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.
Rating: 10-9
Retrieve Next, willingness to retrieve is evaluated using different toys and balls. Ideal reaction is to repeatedly being the toy back to the handler rather than moving off to “possess” it. The type of bite on the toys is evaluated: a full mouth bite shows more confidence and drive than a front-teeth-only bite.
Rating: 5
Comments: New game – didn’t know it. Did pick it up for a second. (Hadn’t seen ball/toys before)
Metal Object Tester tosses a set of car keys and observes to see if pup will put its mouth on it, pick it up and/or retrieve it.
Rating: 5
Comments: checked out – no interest
Perseverance (Chase) Then perseverance is evaluated by seeing how enthusiastically they will pursue and grab hold of an object. Ideal reaction is to pursue enthusiastically and grasp with a full mouth bite.
Rating: 10++
Comments: extremely persistent
Tug Ideal reaction is a full mouth bite, tug and do everything possible to possess the object. We like to see a pup get its whole body on the sack/rope/toy in an effort to subdue it.
Rating: 10-9
Comments: Seemed like a new game but he will do very well.
Prey Drive Strength of desire to chase and attack is evaluated.
Rating: 10
Hunt for Toy While playing with ball or soft toy, hide it and encourage pup to use nose to find. Interest? How long will pup search? Uses nose or eyes? Two agility barrels were set on their sides to form tunnels in line with each other, separated by cushions. When thrown through tunnel, will the pup go through after the toy?
Rating: none
Comments: Not real interested in the toys for more than a few minutes.
Unstable Footing Since SAR dogs will search in all kinds of terrain and areas of destruction, they must be confident in insecure situations. Bonnie spread out of various objects (piles of boards, etc.) that made a rough, unsteady surface. Toys were thrown or drug over the unstable area.
Rating: 10
Comments: No concern on anything – explored all over on his own.
Submission The submission test is designed to give an idea of the pup’s tractability, trust in humans, and willingness to submit to a human’s directives. In the submission test the pup is held firmly on its back for a short period of time. The tester counts the seconds it takes for him to resist, then accept, the restraint. She should not passively accept the restraint, nor should she panic or show avoidance of eye contact. Ideal reaction is to resist, then submit and look the tester in the face. We also look for a willingness to forgive the tester.
Rating: 7
Comments: Never accepted. Fought throughout.
Runaway The tester shows pup food or a toy, gets its interest, then runs away. She observes how eagerly the pup comes and how naturally it uses its nose to find her once she hides. Did not do since had no help.
Reaction to Strange Objects Test was conducted in Bonnie’s husband’s shop, with all kinds of things Justice had never seen.
Rating: 10
Comments: Everything here was new to his world. He knocked things over with no concerns.
Cadaver Test A jar containing human cadaver material was placed on the floor where the pup would pass it. Its reaction and interest or lack of interest were noted.
Rating: 10
Comments: Very interested. Used his nose to find it.
Wagon Test The pup is placed in a wagon. One tester walks to the side to keep the pup from jumping out, while the other pulls it around the room. Did not do since had no help.
Courage Test Courage is normally evaluated using something that vibrates, makes noise and moves erratically. Bonnie didn’t say if she used anything in particular.
Rating: 10-9
Comments: Nothing seemed to concern him, even knocking things over.
Fear A metal can filled with metal items (hinges, bolts, etc.) is dropped behind them from a height of about 2 feet while they are looking away from it.
Rating: 10
Comments: No reaction
Surprise This test involves getting the pup to follow you (or a toy) towards a place with a hidden person, from behind which an umbrella is opened suddenly and then lowered to the ground, still open. The pups are evaluated on how they recover from being startled and if they’ll go investigate. Ideal reaction is for the pup to startle but hold its ground, then move right up to check out the umbrella. A super excellent reaction is to go up and bite it and/or walk all over it.
Wasn’t able to do this as I was alone with him. I don’t suspect he would have issues.
Hunt for Food I This test begins with a hot dog tied on a string and dragged to attract the pup’s interest and see how interested it is, how hard it will work to get it, and how hard it will work to keep it as the tester jerks, tugs and generally prevents the pup from easily eating it. They also hold it high to see if the pup will look up to search for it.
Rating: 10
Comments: Latched right on and never gave up!
Hunt for Food II The testers hid treats under a tarp. I took homemade salmon treats. The pups had to use their noses to find where the treats were. They were judged on how they how they used their noses and how systematic their searching was.
Rating: 10++
Comments: Unbelievable persistence! I left him alone for 1 minute to get the cadaver and he never stopped hunting on his own.
Puppy Drag Something is drug so that it moves enticingly as the tester moves around, so the pups focus on biting and tugging on them instead of me.
Rating: 10
Comments: First time ever (seeing something like it) & he hopped right on, biting and holding.
General Comments: When first left alone with me in a strange place he showed near panic – jumping on me & vocalizing while trying to escape. Within 2-3 minutes he settled in and began to explore and interact. He showed happy independence, nice people reaction/interaction, nice prey drive & very strong, persistent hunt drive. EXCELLENT working prospect! Very nice pup! Quite the persistent little hunter, very impressive! He’s a very busy fellow with nice drives. He’s behind on a few things (retrieve, manners – lots of jumping) but I really like him and would highly consider him for a working dog for myself. It’s a bit frustrating to see where he could be right now if she would do more with them as they develop. I think he’s at a good bonding period. He latched into me pretty quick. He’s not super dark – very nice markings, very handsome. I really like this pup, Cel. I’m excited already to think of his potential with your girls. He will be a handful, though!
*****
Mercy’s Search & Rescue Test (mother of this litter)
Mercy is from the JJ Litter, which was tested at 48 Days
Acceptance/Attachment The first test involves evaluating the pup’s acceptance of the strange place and its willingness to interact with the stranger. Ideal reaction is eye contact and interest in the stranger but no sign of nervousness in the interaction (we don’t want a “Protect me!” attitude), followed by visual investigation of the surroundings and then a return of attention to the tester. The testers put in the test area a large metal wise man from an outdoor nativity scene to see what reaction the pups might have.
Rating/Comments
Janet: between 10 – 9
Bonnie: 10; “nicely social”
Eye Contact
Rating
Janet: 9
Bonnie: 9
Confidence The confidence part of the test involves holding the pup out at arm’s length for several seconds. Again, the pup should accept the handler putting it in position and remain calm.
Rating
Janet: between 10 – 9
Bonnie: 10
Independence
Rating/Comments
Janet: between 10 – 9; “likes people”
Bonnie: 9; “more people interest than the others”
Pain 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.
Rating/Comments
Janet: 10
Bonnie: 10; “no reaction”
Retrieve Next, willingness to retrieve is evaluated using different toys and balls. Ideal reaction is to repeatedly being the toy back to the handler rather than moving off to “possess” it. The type of bite on the toys is evaluated: a full mouth bite shows more confidence and drive than a front-teeth-only bite.
Rating
Janet: 9
Bonnie: 10 toy; 9 ball
Metal Object Tester tosses a set of car keys or other piece of metal and observes to see if pup will put mouth on it, pick it up and/or retrieve it.
Rating/Comments
Janet: 10+
Bonnie: 10+; “retrieved it 4 times”
Perseverance (Chase) Then perseverance is evaluated by seeing how enthusiastically they will pursue and grab hold of an object. Ideal reaction is to pursue enthusiastically and grasp with a full mouth bite.
Rating
Janet: low 10
Bonnie: 10
Tug Ideal reaction is a full mouth bite, tug and do everything possible to posses the object. We like to see a pup get its whole body on the sack in an effort to subdue it.
Rating
Janet: high 9
Bonnie: 9
Prey Drive Strength of desire to chase and attack is evaluated.
Rating
Janet: 9
Bonnie: 10
Hunt for Toy While playing with ball or soft toy, hide it and encourage pup to use nose to find. Interest? How long will pup search? Uses nose or eyes?
Rating/Comments
Janet: 8; “NA”
Bonnie: 8
Hunt for Food I This test begins with a piece of bacon jerky tied on a string and dragged to attract the pup’s interest and see how interested it is, how hard it will work to get it, and how hard it will work to keep it as the tester jerks, tugs and generally prevents the pup from easily eating it.
Rating
Janet: 10
Bonnie: 10
Hunt for Food II Janet hid treats. The pups had to use their noses to find where the meat was. They were judged on how they how they used their noses and how systematic their searching was.
Rating/Comments
Janet: 10; “figured it out very fast”
Bonnie: 10
Cadaver A jar with human cadaver scent was opened and placed a distance away.
Comments
Bonnie: “no interest in cadaver
Unstable Footing Since SAR dogs will search in all kinds of terrain and areas of destruction, they must be confident in insecure situations. We used a tarp and a float cushion on top of pieces of plywood resting on pvc pipes, plus a strip of plywood on a wooden sawhorse set on its slide, which made a see saw.
Rating
Janet: 10
Bonnie: 9
Runaway Tester shows pup food, gets its interest, then runs away. She observes how eagerly the pup comes and how naturally it uses its nose to find her once she hides.
Rating/Comments
Janet: 10; “scent cone”
Bonnie: 10; “nice scent cone on runaway – thinker!”
Wheelbarrow The pup was placed in a wheelbarrow. Janet walked backwards in front, offering treats to the pup as Bonnie wheeled it around the room. They ended by lifting the wheelbarrow handles so as to lower the front and Janet knelt down, inviting the pup to come out of the wheelbarrow to her.
Rating/Comments
Janet: 9; “very nice puppy”
Bonnie: 10; “small concern at first, easily adapted”
Submission The submission test is designed to give an idea of the pup’s tractability, trust in humans, and willingness to submit to a human’s directives. In the submission test the pup is held firmly on its back for a short period of time. The tester counts the seconds it takes for him to resist, then accept, the restraint. She should not passively accept the restraint, nor should she panic or show avoidance of eye contact. Ideal reaction is to resist, then submit and look the tester in the face. We also look for a willingness to forgive the tester.
Rating
Janet: between 10 – 9
Bonnie: 9
Courage and Aggression Courage and aggression is evaluated using a police car that when turned on plays sirens and loud voices. Will they stand their ground? Will they go investigate it? Excellent reaction is to go to the car and check it out. Extremely excellent reaction is to actually attack it while it moves. Good reaction is to investigate it after the tester turns it off. The tester encourages the pup to investigate after it is turned off, if it wouldn’t while it was making noise. She notes how much encouragement is needed.
Rating
Janet: low 9
Bonnie: 9
Fear A metal can filled with metal items (horseshoes, nails, bolts, etc.) 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.
Rating
Janet: low 10
Bonnie: 10
Surprise This test involves getting the pup to chase you (or a toy) towards a place with a hidden person, from behind which an umbrella is opened suddenly and then lowered to the ground, still open. The umbrella this year was opened with great vigor. The pups are evaluated on how they recover from being startled and if they’ll go investigate. Ideal reaction is for the pup to startle but hold its ground, then move right up to check out the umbrella. A super excellent reaction is to go up and bite it and/or walk all over it. The tester encourages the pup to investigate after the umbrella is on the top step, if it doesn’t on its own. She notes how much encouragement is needed.
Rating/Comments
Janet: low 9
Bonnie: 8; “looked at me like I betrayed her by opening the umbrella”
Tester Comments
Janet: Good
Bonnie: “Softer” dog – people oriented; “full deal” pup, especially on the second day! Social, confident, strong hunt and prey and a strong nose. Very nice girl!
Summary by Ratings – Janet
10: Attachment, Confidence, Sensitivity, Metal, Perseverance, Hunt for Food I & II, Unstable Footing, Runaways, Fear
9: Eye Contact, Independence, Retrieve ball, Tug, Prey Drive, Submission, Wheelbarrow, Surprise, Aggression & Courage
Summary by Ratings – Bonnie
10: Attachment, Confidence, Sensitivity, Retrieve Toy, Metal, Perseverance, Prey Drive, Hunt for Food I & II, Wheelbarrow, Runaways, Fear
9: Eye Contact, Independence, Retrieve ball, Tug, Unstable Footing, Submission
8: Hunt for Toy, Surprise
Mercy’s Police Dog/Narcotics Dog Temperament Test
The JJ Litter was tested at 49 Days
My good friend, Suzan Guilford, came to do the police/narcotics test. She is a former K9 handler and police officer, former police chief, and has taught at the Wyoming Police Academy. She has done my temperament tests for over sixteen years, except for a two year absence while she was working in Florida. Suzan and I over the years have incorporated most of the SAR exercises into her testing, in case Janet can’t come do the SAR testing. Both SAR testers, Janet & Bonnie, observed and scored the pups as Suzan tested them. Their ratings and comments appear at the end.
The main difference I see between the police/narcotics test and the SAR test is the attitude of the tester. In the police test, the tester is very quiet, talking little and using very little body movements. No other people are present and the environment is kept quiet. In the SAR test, the tester (often two do the test together) is somewhat more enthusiastic, uses some verbal praise and body movements to get the pup “up” and gives praise. Other people are sometimes present to watch, though they are asked to be as quiet as possible. This would fit well with the ultimate purpose of the dogs being tested for both types of training. In police work the dog must be able to dig down deep inside himself or herself to find the courage and aggression to confront a criminal and/or to search independently and at great distance from the handler. In SAR the handler is usually closer to the dog and is able to praise and encourage him, especially in extended searches. There is also generally all kinds of activity and distraction at a search scene so the dog must be able to filter out the extraneous activity and focus on her job. Both tests are fascinating to watch as is the difference in the pups’ responses in each test.
We were at a disadvantage at this test as Suzan had a conflict on Saturday so the SAR people did their test the first day instead of the second day. They are much more upbeat and stimulating while testing so we like to do their test after the police/narcotics test. We also, it being winter, had to use the same building, so everything was familiar and we definitely got a “been there, done that” reaction from some of the pups, especially Miss Pink, and they often didn’t interact as enthusiastically as the day before. Results are listed after the description of each part of the Test. Suzan’s comments are included after the rating.
At the bottom, test results are listed for Soleil (mother), Chaos & Lively (maternal grandparents) and Lively’s mother & grandmother (maternal great-grandmother and great-great grandmother).
1. Acceptance/Attachment The first test involves evaluating the pup’s acceptance of the strange place and its willingness to interact with the stranger. Ideal reaction is eye contact and interest in the stranger but no sign of nervousness in the interaction (we don’t want a “Protect me!” attitude), followed by visual investigation of the surroundings and then a return of attention to the tester.
Rating: excellent
Comment: “right away “
2. Pain 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.
Rating: excellent
Comment: “good”
3. Retrieve Next, willingness to retrieve is evaluated using different toys: a stuffed toy, and a tennis ball. Ideal reaction is to repeatedly being the toy back to the handler rather than moving off to “possess” it. The type of bite on the toys is evaluated: a full mouth bite shows more confidence and drive than a front-teeth-only bite.
Rating: high minimal
Comment: “chased but no retrieve”
4. Perseverance Then perseverance is evaluated by seeing how enthusiastically they will pursue, grab hold, and tug on a sack. Ideal reaction is to pursue enthusiastically, grasp with a full mouth bite, tug and do everything possible to posses the sack. We like to see a pup get its whole body on the sack in an effort to subdue it.
Rating: above average
Comment: “prey drive, front teeth bite, used my sleeve”
5. Fear A metal can filled with metal items (horseshoes, nails, bolts, etc.) 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.
Rating: excellent
Comment: “checked it out prior to noise & then no reaction except to look at it when it dropped”
6. Courage and Aggression Courage and aggression is evaluated using an electric train that when turned on moves erratically, whistles loudly, clanks, etc. Will they stand their ground? Will they go investigate it? Excellent reaction is to go to the moving, clanking train and check it out. Extremely excellent reaction is to actually attack it while it moves. Good reaction is to investigate it after the tester turns it off. The tester encourages the pup to investigate after it is turned off, if it wouldn’t while it was “whistling” and moving. She notes how much encouragement is needed.
Rating: excellent
Comment: “went up to train & sniffed it – walked around it and then back again”
7. Surprise The last test involves getting the pup to chase you (or a toy) towards a place with a hidden person, from behind which an umbrella is opened suddenly and then lowered to the ground, still open. The pups are evaluated on how they recover from being startled and if they’ll go investigate. Ideal reaction is for the pup to startle but hold its ground, then move right up to check out the umbrella. A super excellent reaction is to go up and bite it and/or walk all over it.The tester encourages the pup to investigate after the umbrella is on the top step, if it doesn’t on its own. She notes how much encouragement is needed.
Rating: excellent
Comment: “nice; stood ground & then looked at it when encouraged; no problem”
Search And Rescue Tests
Even though the SAR testers did their full test the previous day, Suzan did these as well.
Submission The submission test is designed to give an idea of the pup’s tractability, trust in humans, and willingness to submit to a human’s directives. In the submission test the pup is held firmly on its back for a short period of time. The tester counts the seconds it takes for him to resist, then accept, the restraint. She should not passively accept the restraint, nor should she panic or show avoidance of eye contact. Ideal reaction is to resist, then submit and look the tester in the face. We also look for a willingness to forgive the tester.
Rating: above average
Comment: “gave eye contact right away”
Confidence The confidence part of the test involves holding the pup out at arm’s length for several seconds. Again, the pup should accept the handler putting it in position and remain calm.
Rating: above average
Comment: “4-5 seconds then started whining a bit”
Unstable Footing Since SAR dogs will search in all kinds of terrain and areas of destruction, they must be confident in insecure situations. We used boards and carpet pieces.
Rating: excellent
Hunt for Food I This test begins with a piece of jerky tied on a string and dragged to attract the pup’s interest and see how interested it is, how hard it will work to get it, and how hard it will work to keep it as the tester jerks, tugs and generally prevents the pup from easily eating it. She then entices the pup to follow it to the area where she has hidden food (test 2).
Rating: excellent
Comment: “good – grabbed food right away”
Hunt for Food II Suzan hid treats in the middle of the room. The pups had to use their noses to find where the treats were. They were judged on how they followed her direction for where to search and how systematic their searching was.
Rating: above average
Comment: “nice; went by smell & sight; not systematic but overall very good”
Summary
Excellent: Attachment, Sensitivity, Fear, Courage & Aggression, Surprise, Hunt for Food I, Unstable Footing
Above Average: Confidence, Perseverance, Submission, Hunt for Food II
Minimal: Retrieve ball & toy
Both SAR testers, Janet & Bonnie, observed and scored the pups as Suzan tested them.
If two ratings are listed below it’s because, they put the “X” on the upright line between the boxes for those two ratings.
Neither tester commented/rated every exercise.
Attachment
Janet: low excellent
Bonnie: excellent; “immediate acceptance”
Confidence
Janet: low excellent
Bonnie: excellent
Pain Sensitivity
Janet: low excellent
Bonnie: excellent
Retrieve Ball
Janet: average; “didn’t”
Retrieve Toy
Bonnie: no rating; not too interested today – “old” toys
Perseverance
Janet: low above average
Bonnie: excellent/above average
Tug
Janet: above average; “would let go”
Fear (can)
Janet: low excellent; “just looked”
Bonnie: excellent; “didn’t faze her at all”
Aggression & Courage (train)
Janet: low excellent; “just looked”
Bonnie: excellent; “retreated, approached, sniffed, investigated”
Surprise (umbrella)
Janet: low excellent
Bonnie: excellent; “no aversion – met person behind umbrella”
Submission
Janet: above average
Bonnie: high above average; “struggle, whine”
Hunt for Food I (jerky on string)
Janet: low excellent
Bonnie: excellent
Hunt for Food II (hidden pieces)
Bonnie: excellent
Janet’s & Bonnie’s Comments:
Janet: good confidence – great dog
Bonnie: liked the “new” toys; inquisitive. NICE confident and social gal! Full package pup – Happy Dog!
*****
The SAR testers were unable to come do Soleil’s test (GG litter), so Suzan did it all.
Soleil’s Police/Narcotics Temperament Test, 2013
(Mercy’s mother; maternal grandmother of this litter)
Attachment: Average; “OK. No good eye contact but did lick me after 10 seconds”
Confidence: Above Average; “Good – no struggle or problem”
Sensitivity: Above Average; “OK. Looked at hand, no problem”
Retrieve: Average on both; “Liked to check it out, stop & lie down with both ball & toy ball and toy.
Perseverance: Above Average; “Liked the tug of war.”
Fear: Above Average; “Good. No big reaction.”
Aggression & Courage: Average; ” Nice. Stayed at a distance to watch & then came up to look when encouraged. (toy used was an electric train that when turned on moved erratically, whistled loudly, clanked, etc.)
Surprise: Minimal; “Ran away & stopped. Looked back and returned when encouraged verbally.”
Submission: Average; “Struggled for 30 seconds & never gave eye contact.”
Hunt for Toy: Above Average; “Pretty good. Couldn’t decide which toy he liked better.” Hunt for Food 1: Above Average; “Pulled on string. Wanted it as her own.”
Hunt for Food 2: Above Average; ” Very good. Systematic & easily encouraged.”
Unstable Footing: Excellent
Tester Comments: Nice girl! Not frantic – very even tempered & solid.
*****
Chaos’ Temperament Tests, 2006
(Mercy’s father; maternal great-grandfather of this litter)
Chaos’ breeder did not do a formal temperament test, so Suzan did the police/narcotics test when he arrived. He was 8 weeks old.
Attachment: Above Average; “Nice! No problem with adjustment.”
Sensitivity: Excellent
Retrieve: Average; “Somewhat interested in other things as well. Easily encouraged.”
Perseverance: Average; “Very nice. Looked at other objects.”
Fear: Excellent; “Looked at can, then went about business.”
Aggression & Courage: Excellent; “Did everything but pick it up. (toy used was an electric train that when turned on moved erratically, whistled loudly, clanked, etc.)
Surprise: Above Average; “Not fair test but no problem. Looked at umbrella and investigated person.”
Submission: Above Average; “5 seconds. Was squirming. Made eye contact once.”
Hunt for Toy: Above Average; “Pretty good. Couldn’t decide which toy he liked better.”
Hunt for Food: Above Average; “Very good. Fairly systematic.”
Tester Comments: Nice pup – very solid and courageous. Has a good bite, full mouthed with toys and pull toy. Nice reaction to train and umbrella. Gets along with other dogs well (met her dogs afterwards). Good nose – found food easily and liked looking for it, followed direction of handler. Nicely encouraged. Great little boy!
Lively’s Temperament Tests 2010
(Mercy’s mother; maternal great-grandmother of this litter)
Search And Rescue Test by Janet Wilts, done at 52 & 53 days of age (10 is top score)
SAR & Schutzhund prospect
Day/Rating/Comments
Saturday: 9 – 10; “Confident, good prey”
Sunday: 10; ” Good nose, good eye contact, good prey, good tug”
Lively’s Police Dog/Narcotics Dog Temperament Test, done at 54 days
Since Janet can seldom come to test my pups, Suzan and I over the years have incorporated most of the SAR exercises into our testing. This was especially nice this time because Janet was unable to do her regular tests due to the weather.
Test/Rating/Comments
Acceptance/Attachment: Excellent; “Great. Ran up, licked & nipped at my face.”
Pain Sensitivity: Excellent; “Excellent!!”
Retrieve: Above Average; “Lots of chase – no bringing.”
Perseverance: Excellent; “LOTS of prey, good speed.”
Courage and Aggression: Above Average; “Good!! “
Fear: Above Average; “Good – didn’t investigate.”
Surprise: Above Average; “OK – looked and stopped.”
Lively’s Search And Rescue Test
Test/Rating/Comments
Submission & Confidence: Above Average; “Good – no eye contact right away.”
Unstable Footing: Excellent
Hunt for Toy: Above Average; “Stayed with specific toy for a long time.”
Hunt for Food: Excellent; “Great. Not intimidated, willing to go the distance.”
Tester Comments: Full of “Reckless Abandonment.” Fantastic. Good full mouth bite. Drug on blanket (perseverance test). Cel’s note: What Suzan is referring to is that she had her whole body on the blanket and stayed there while Suzan drug her all around.)
Summary
Rating/Tests
Excellent: Sensitivity, Perseverance, Hunt for Food, Attachment
Above Average: Submission, Aggression/Courage, Retrieve, Fear, Hunt for Toy, Surprise
Quinta’s Temperament Tests 2004
(Lively’s mother; maternal great-great-grandmother of this litter)
The Q Litter was tested on October 30th & 31st, when they were 46 & 47 days old. Results are listed after the description of each part of the Test. An extensive Search & Rescue test was done on the 30th, with some retesting on the 31st after the police/narcotics test, if the SAR tester (Janet) hadn’t been satisfied with the pup’s reactions the day before. For the SAR test, we took the pups to a rural schoolyard which had a very large grassy field. Heavy rain the day before made the field too soggy for the entire test, so most of the exercises were done in the playground area which is deep in wood chips. The chips proved to be way too highly tempting to the pups and Janet had to clear their mouths often to get them to go after the toys rather than the chips. Results are listed after the description of each part of the Test. You will note that some exercises are done in both tests and other exercises are unique to one test or the other. Janet was the primary tester, with Kelly, another SAR person, adding her ratings on some tests. A table with scores from every phase of the test is listed after the test explanation. Pups reactions are rated on a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being excellent.
Temperament Test 1: the Search & Rescue test
Tug, Prey Drive, Chase, Retrieve Drive, Bite The first series of tests involve the pup’s desire to play, chase the toy, how well the pup bites and hold the toy when he or she gets it, and whether the pup will bring it back to the tester.
Tug
Janet: 10+, “Really grips.”
Kelly: 10
Prey
Janet: 10
Kelly: 10
Retrieve
Janet: 5
Kelly: 6
Bite:
Janet: 10
Kelly: 10
Chase:
Janet: 10
Kelly: 10
Strange Noise, Unstable Surface The pups are exposed to both a strange, potentially scary noise and an unstable surface. In this particular test we used a plastic tarp draped over a camp chair. Janet also invented some additional tests by asking the pups to negotiate a metal grating on the playground equipment, to climb a series of wood sections that ended with a widow and a 6’ drop to the ground. Janet tested the pups’ trust by handing them down to a helper and noting their reactions.
Unstable Surface
Janet: 10
Kelly: 10
Noise
Janet: 10
Kelly: 10
Hunt for Food and Hunt for Toys The pups are tested to determine their desire to find the toy when it’s hidden, and to find food. The toy was hidden under the tarp and the pup encouraged to look for it. A piece of bacon on a string was drug and bounced past the pups to test their desire to use their noses when they couldn’t see the bacon. Janet took off fast with the bacon drag and ran way out into the field behind the school. Quinta was one of only three pups that noticed this first run; Janet had to repeat it twice more to give all pups a chance to be tested. It is fascinating to see those little noses go to the ground and guide the galloping pups after Janet when she outruns them.
Hunt for Food
Janet: 10
Hunt for Toy
Janet: no
Submission, Forgiveness, Socialability The pups are graded on their desire to interact with and play with the tester. For the submission test, each pup was placed on its back and held down firmly for about 10 seconds. Desirable reaction includes struggle followed by acceptance. Undesirable reactions include total passivity or frantic struggle with refusal to “give” to the human, or trying to bite. The pup is judged afterwards on its willingness to forgive the tester for the submission test. The pup is also held in the air at arm’s length to judge its confidence in being unsupported.
Submission
Janet: 8
Kelly: 8
Forgiveness
Janet: 10
Kelly: 10
Socialability
Janet: 10
Kelly: 10
Trust
Janet: 10
Kelly: 10
Confidence Janet also invented some additional tests by asking the pups to negotiate a metal grating on the playground equipment, to climb a series of wood sections that ended with a widow and a 6’ drop to the ground. Janet then further tested the pups’ trust and confidence by handing them down to a helper and noting their reactions.
Temperament Test 2: The police dog/narcotics dog test
Saturday had been a beautiful day, but Sunday brought a storm with wind and rain mixed with snow. We had to do the test in a large unheated garage. The police test is quite different from the Search & Rescue Test. The main difference I noticed in the SAR test was that the testers played with the pups at the same time, and evaluated them for all of the above as they played with them. They were also much more physically active and used excited voices and clapping to encourage the pups, while the tester in the police test is very calm and low key, asking the pups to draw the excitement forth from within themselves. Another difference was that other people stood around just feet from and in full view of each pup as it was tested. In the police test only the tester is within sight or scent of the pup during the testing and everyone was required to be very quiet.
Suzan was the main tester, with Janet hiding to open the umbrella on the surprise test. Janet also gave ratings on some of the test.
Test/ Rating/Comments
Acceptance/Attachment
Suzan: Excellent
Janet: 8
Pain Sensitivity
Suzan: Excellent
Retrieve
Suzan: High Average
Janet: 5
Unstable Surfaces
Suzan: Excellent
Janet: 10
Perseverance
Suzan: Excellent
Janet: Tug 10; prey 10
Courage and Aggression
Suzan: Above Average
Janet: 10
Fear
Suzan: Excellent
Janet: 10
Surprise
Suzan: Excellent
Janet: 10
Submission
Suzan: Above Average
Forgiveness
Suzan: Above Average
Janet: Medium
Social
Suzan: Above Average
Janet: 8
Tester Comments: Very nice, independent pup. For the most part, full bites & lots of interest. Puts full body into what she is doing. Very curious and friendly.
Jubilee’s Temperament Test 1998
(Quinta’s mother; maternal great-great-great-grandmother of this litter)
Jubilee was tested at 52 days
This was Suzan’s straight police/narcotics test, before Janet’s Search & Rescue influence caused us to incorporate more items into our test.
Test/Rating/Comments
Attachment: Excellent; “Had no problem following another person.”
Sensitivity: Excellent; “High pain tolerance – came back to handler.”
Retrieve: Above Average; “No retrieve – did not bring back.”
Perseverance: Above Average; “Chased everything.”
Fear: Excellent; “No reaction – turned and looked into can.”
Aggression & Courage: Above Average; “Stood over and sniffed.”
Surprise: Excellent; “Stopped. Barked. Looked at umbrella.”