AAA Litter 52 Days Search and Rescue Temperament Test - Celhaus German Shepherds WyomingCelhaus German Shepherds Wyoming

AAA Litter Search & Rescue Test
52 Days Old
11/30/23

Mr. Orange (now “Booker”) went to SW Wyoming for Search & Rescue. Miss Green (now “Addie”) went to Sundance to be a service dog and therapy dog and to compete in nosework. Miss Pink (now “Maisie”) and Mr. Blue (now “Asher”) went to Colorado to be therapy dogs. Miss Brown (now “Ellie”) went to Pennsylvania to be a pet. I kept Miss Yellow (now “Dakuya”) for nosework competition, therapy dog work and hopefully breeding.

Mr. Purple is available to a working home as a candidate
for Search and Rescue and cadaver/forensics work.

See the Police/Narcotics Temperament Test Results

My Search & Rescue friend, Bonnie, came from Bozeman to test the pups for Search & Rescue (and other working) potential. She tests most of my litters and I greatly appreciate it. Bonnie is a SAR dog handler and trainer. Bridget, also a SAR handler who has Riker from the JJ litter, tested them as well. She was getting one of the pups, too. The SAR test scores from 10 – 1, 10 being the highest; 1 the lowest. They also use variations (such as 10-9, 9.5 and 9-8) as scores.

My friend Laurie, who is getting one of the females, was unable to come because her husband is having health issues. Since Laurie wants a pup like her Jamboree from the JJ litter, who is not only a service dog for both her and her husband, but also a therapy dog working with children AND a high-drive competition dog – some pretty complex things to look for during the testing – I recruited an extra observer to give her a chance for the best pup. I asked Sue, our trainer and the arena owner, to watch, give ratings and take notes of all her observations.

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.

The pups did well and, as expected, showed more drives than on the previous day’s Police/Narcotics test as Bonnie and Bridget interacted with them much more than Suzan had. Miss Brown tested as best for a pet, but the others all tested working quality.

The SAR test elements:

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.

Eye Contact Desire to connect with the tester by looking them in the eye was noted.

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.

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.

Pain Sensitivity The loose skin over the ribs or between the toes 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.

Retrieve Next, willingness to retrieve is evaluated using different toys and balls. Ideal reaction is to repeatedly bring 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.

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.

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.

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.

Prey Drive Strength of desire to chase and attack is evaluated.

Hunt for Toy While playing with ball or soft toy, hide it and encourage pup to use nose to find it. Interest? How long will pup search? Uses nose or eyes? When thrown through tunnel, will it go after it?

Unstable Footing Since SAR dogs will search in all kinds of terrain and areas of destruction, they must be confident in insecure situations. We made a rough, unsteady surface using a tarp, folded wire crate, raised dog bed, an agility hoop on its side, and other things. Toys were thrown or drug over the unstable area.

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.

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.

Reaction to Strange Objects We used a battery-operated, remote-controlled mouse. We also had a very large stuffed teddy bear and a large stuffed duck sitting around.

Cadaver Test A vial containing cadaver material was waved past the pup’s nose as it played. Its reaction and interest or lack of interest were noted.

Wagon Test The pup was placed in a wagon. One tester walked to the side to keep the pup from jumping out, while the other pulled it around the room.

Courage Test Courage is normally evaluated using something that vibrates, makes noise and moves erratically. Today we used a battery-operated robot that moved, makes noise and flashes all kinds of brilliant lights. Will they stand their ground? Will they go investigate it? Excellent reaction is to go to it 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 the pup wouldn’t while it was making noise. She notes how much encouragement is needed.

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. One tester does this when the pup was intent on whatever the other tester is doing. 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.

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. 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.

Hunt for Food I This test begins with a piece of chicken 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. They also hold it high to see if the pup will look up to search for it.

Hunt for Food II The testers spread pieces of my homemade salmon treats and Braunschweiger treats around on the floor, on top of and under objects. 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.

Puppy Drag I took my puppy drag, which is a piece of rope I fasten around my waist. Gunny sacks are attached to the rope and move enticingly as I move around, so the pups focus on biting and tugging on them instead of me. I normally wear this as I exercise the puppies’ mother each morning, to divert them from biting my legs or pants. I didn’t use it this year because of a very wet snowstorm. Most pups have a great time as it was drug around the room, chasing, tugging and at times riding on it.

Here is a summary of each pup’s ratings. Bonnie’s ratings are marked “Bo” and Bridget’s are marked “Br.” Sue also rated the tests. If all three gave the same reading, I put “all.” Bonnie & Bridget made notes on each test, so I included them with each test’s rating. They also made summary comments on each pup at the end. Sue only rarely made any notes on a test, so most of her notes are at the end of the info for each pup.

After years of trying to decipher the ratings as the testers put marks in sections of the box, say, for “10,”, I created a test sheet with boxes for every possible rating – and they still occasionally give a 10+ rating.

I normally list the pups alphabetically, but since Mr. Purple is available to a working home, I put his ratings first.

Mr. Purple

10+: Eye Contact (Bo); Independence (Bo);

10: Attachment (all), Bridget commented, “Good accepting of people.”; Eye Contact (Br), Bridget commented, “Very good.”; Confidence (Bo & Br), Bonnie commented, “No concerns.” and Bridget commented, “Very good.”; Independence (Br & Sue), Bridget commented, “Does his own thing a lot. Need to work a bit to get his attention.”; Pain Sensitivity (all), Bridget commented, “Didn’t care.”; Retrieve (Br), “Bridget commented, “Starting, really nice.”; Metal (all), Bonnie commented, “Really liked the keys.” and Bridget commented, “Really liked that toy (the keys).”; Perseverance (Br & Sue), Bridget commented, “Really liked the sack (drag). Decided to play that game first.”; Tug (Bo & Br), Bridget commented, “Good tug! You need to go fast to keep his attention.”; Prey Drive (Bo & Br), Bridget commented, “Very good.”; Unstable Footing (Bo & Br), Bridget commented, “No issues”; Submission (Bo & Br), Bridget commented, “Accepted, a bit before squirming.”; Runaway (all), Bridget commented, “No issues.”; Strange Object (Bo & Br), Bridget commented, “Picked the mouse up eventually.”; Cadaver (all), Bridget commented, “Really likes it.”; Wagon (all), Bridget commented, “Did well.”; Courage (all), Bridget commented, “Didn’t care. Checked it out.”; Fear (all), Bridget commented, “Didn’t care”; Surprise (all), Bridget commented, “Saw me do it (open the umbrella).”; Hunt for Food I (Bo & Br), Bonnie commented, “Prey incorporated with hunt. Very nice!” and Bridget commented, “Got it playing and chasing it.”; Hunt for Food II (Bo & Br), Bridget commented, “Good strong drive.”; Puppy Drag (all), Bonnie commented, “New to him but he really liked it.” and Bridget commented, “Into the game. All about riding around on it.”

10-9: Perseverance (Bo); Hunt for Toy (Bo & Br), Bridget commented, “Got distracted by smells.”;

9: Eye Contact (Sue); Retrieve (Bo & Sue); Tug (Sue); Prey Drive (Sue); Hunt for Toy (Sue); Unstable Footing (Sue); Submission (Sue); Strange Object (Sue), commented, “Curious.”; Hunt for Food I (Sue), commented, “Disengaged with food to go away”; Hunt for Food II (Sue);

Comments:
Bonnie: “Independent yet great eye contact and attachment. Nice drives without being over the top. Confident yet people oriented. Great nose – very interested in following cadaver odor.”
Bridget: “Independent. All nose. Needs a job. Working dog prospect.”
Sue’s notes: “Didn’t care when held out or about the pinch. Didn’t fight submission test. Very interested in puppy drag. Didn’t retrieve. Disengaged from play to investigate. Chewed on metal keys a lot. Loves cadaver.”

***

Mr. Blue

10: Attachment (all), Bridget commented “Really good with people.”; Eye Contact (Bo & Sue); Confidence (Sue); Independence (Bo & Br); Pain Sensitivity (all), Bridget commented, “Didn’t care.”; Retrieve (Br), Bridget commented, “Actively retrieves.”; Perseverance (both); Tug (Br), “Good full bite on tug.”; Prey Drive (Br), “Good prey drive.”; Hunt for Toy (Br), “Good long hunt! Did get frustrated and bite person’s pant leg.”; Unstable Footing (Bo & Br), Bridget commented, “No problems.”; Submission (Bo & Sue); Runaway (Bo & Br), Bridget commented, “Very good”; Reaction to Strange Object (Bo & Br), Bridget commented, “Didn’t care.”; Courage (Bo & Sue); Fear (all), Bridget commented, “Didn’t care. Went back to playing.”; Surprise (all), Bridget commented, “Quick recovery. Checked it out, went back to playing.” And Sue commented, “Went to taste it.”; Hunt for Food 1 (Bo & Br), Bonnie commented, “Nice worker!” and Bridget commented, “Good engagement”; Hunt for Food II (Bo & Br), Bridget commented, “Good hunt drive.”; Puppy Drag (Bo)

10-9: Eye Contact (Br); Confidence (Bo & Br); Bridget commented, “A little squirmy.”; Independence (Bo); Metal (Bo); Perseverance (Br), “Chased it.”; Tug (Bo); Prey Drive (Bo), “Chased moving objects – more interested.”; Hunt for Toy (Br); Submission (Br); Wagon (Bo & Br), Bridget commented, “Good, but chewed on person’s pant leg, then bailed out.”; Courage (Br), Bridget commented, “Didn’t care. Didn’t check out.); Surprise (Bo; Bonnie commented, “Went back to check area.”); Hunt for Food II (Br; Bridget commented, “Took a little while to focus, then it was really hard to distract him from searching.”); Puppy Drag (Br), Bridget commented, “Chased it.”

9.5: Retrieve (Bo & Sue), Bonnie commented, “Chased – more into possession.”; Hunt for Toy (Bo); Submission (Br), “Really squirmy.”; Cadaver (Bo & Br), Bonnie commented, “Not real interested but thought it was ‘different.” And Bridget commented, “No aversion. Curious. Didn’t hunt long.”

9: Independence (Sue); Metal (Br); commented “Checked it out; left it.” Perseverance (Bo & Sue); Tug (Sue); Prey Drive (Sue); Reaction to Strange Object (Sue); Hunt for Toy (Sue;) Unstable Footing (Sue); Reaction to Strange Object (Sue); Hunt for Food 1 (Sue); Hunt for Food II (Sue); Puppy Drag (Bo), Bonnie commented, “New to him.”

8: Wagon (Bo & Br); Puppy Drag (Sue)

7: Cadaver (Sue)

6: Metal (Sue)

Comments:
Bonnie: “Interesting mix of independence & complaining. Noisy guy. Excellent startle reaction. The drives are there – just not developed quite yet. Nice dog.”
Bridget: “Very people oriented. Mouthy. A better therapy dog/nosework prospect.”
Sue’s notes: “Held & Submitted good. Retrieved. Pinch OK. Didn’t care about robot or noise. Didn’t pick up keys. Went to umbrella. Interested a little in puppy drag. Biter. Curious with cadaver. Ran to toy. Jumped out of wagon. Talker.”

***

Miss Brown

10: Attachment (Bo & Br), Bridget commented, “Good people dog.”); Confidence (Bo); Independence (Bo); Pain Sensitivity (Bo); Metal (Bo); Unstable Footing (Bo); Wagon (Bo & Br), Bridget commented, “Was okay with it.”; Courage (Sue); Fear (all). Bridget commented, “Didn’t care.”

10-9: Eye Contact (Bo & Br); Confidence (Br), Bridget commented, “Didn’t care.”; Pain Sensitivity (Br), Bridget commented, “Recovered.”; Metal (Br), Bridget commented, “Liked it”; Prey Drive (Bo); Unstable Footing (Br), Bridget commented, “Much better at climbing.”; Strange Object (Bo); Courage (Br), Bridget commented, “Studied it. Checked it out later.”; Surprise (Br), Bridget commented, “Was okay; wasn’t too worried.”; Hunt for Food I (Br), Bridget commented, “Keen to follow it.”

9.5: Retrieve (Bo); Tug (Bo & Br), Bridget commented, “Took a bit to engage.”; Prey Drive (Br); Hunt for Toy (Br), Bridget commented, “Did her own thing.”; Submission (Br), Bridget commented, “Wasn’t having it.”; Runaway (Bo); Strange Object (Br), Bridget commented, “Went to play after it stopped moving.”; Courage (Bo); Surprise (Bo); Hunt for Food I (Bo); Hunt for Food II (Bo & Br), Bonnie commented, “Not as driven to hunt the higher and hard-to-find places.” and Bridget commented, “Worked at it. Less methodical.”

9: Confidence (Sue); Independence (Br), Bridget commented, “Liked to do her own thing.”; Pain Sensitivity (Sue); Retrieve (Br), Bridget commented, “Wasn’t into it.”; Perseverance (Br), Bridget commented, “Didn’t care about it.”; Tug (Sue); Hunt for Toy (Bo); Unstable Footing (Sue); Submission (Sue); Runaway (Br), Bridget commented, “Went off to explore.”; Wagon (Sue); Surprise (Sue); Hunt for Food II (Sue); Puppy Drag (Bo & Br), Bonnie commented, “Not interested.” and Bridget commented, “Didn’t really like it. Checked it out.”

9-8: Perseverance (Bo), Bonnie commented, “Not interested.”; Submission (Bo), Bonnie commented, “Did not tolerate at all.”; Cadaver (Bo), Bonnie commented, “Didn’t care for it.”

8: Attachment (Sue); Eye Contact (Sue); Independence (Sue); Retrieve (Sue); Perseverance (Sue); Prey Drive (Sue); Hunt for Toy (Sue); Cadaver (Br), Bridget commented, “Almost an aversion.”; Hunt for Food I (Sue)

6: Metal (Sue); Runaway (Sue); Strange Object (Sue); Cadaver (Sue);

5: Puppy Drag (Sue)

Comments:
Bonnie: “Pet/companion candidate. Very independent. Las dog out probably influenced her behavior. (Cel’s note: She was first yesterday; I always reverse the order on the second day so no pup is first or last both days.) Tail up throughout. Not too interested in drag or interactions at this time – likely hungry.”
Bridget: “Good pet. Loves people. Therapy dog? Stresses a little more (than the other pups).”
Sue’s notes: “No struggle when held up. Whined during pinch. Struggled on submission. Curious on noise tests. Tug okay. No interest in keys. Didn’t care about cadaver. Momma’s girl. Didn’t retrieve. Disengaged from play.”

***

Miss Green

10: Attachment (all), Bridget commented, “Easily accepted playing with new people.”; Eye Contact (Bo); Independence (Bo); Pain Sensitivity (Bo); Metal (B & Br), Bridget commented, “No problems.”; Tug (Br), Bridget commented, “Very good with green soft toy.”; Hunt for Toy (Br), Bridget commented, “Really good with green toy.”; Unstable Footing (Bo & Br), Bridget commented, “No issues.”; Strange Object (Bo & Br), Bridget commented, “Didn’t care; checked it out later.”; Wagon (all), Bridget commented, “No issues.”; Courage (all), Bridget commented, “Didn’t care.”; Fear (all), Bridget commented, “Didn’t care.”; Surprise (Bo & Br), Bridget commented, “Didn’t care.”; Hunt for Food I (all), Bonnie commented, “Very nice worker.” and Bridget commented, “Good chase.”; Hunt for Food II (all), Bridget commented, “Nice smooth working pace.”;

10-9: Eye Contact (Br); Independence (Br), Bridget commented, “Really good at checking things out and exploring.”; Pain Sensitivity (Bo); Prey Drive (Bo & Br); Runaway (Bo), Bonnie commented, “Not interested until I called her – came readily.”; Cadaver (Br), Bridget commented, “No aversion. Started hunting for it.”;

9.5: Eye Contact (Sue); Confidence (Bo & Br), Bonnie commented, “Whined a little.” and Bridget commented, “Squirmed a bit.”; Retrieve (Br), Bridget commented, “Not quite there yet.”; Tug (Bo); Submission (Bo & Br), Bridget commented, “A little squirming.”; Runaway (Br), Bridget commented, “Got distracted but good redirection.”; Cadaver (Bo)

9: Confidence (Sue); Independence (Sue); Retrieve (Bo), Bonnie commented, “Chased but not interested in bringing it back.”; Perseverance (Bo); Tug (Sue); Prey Drive (Sue); Hunt for Toy (Bo & Sue); Submission (Sue); Strange Object (Sue); Cadaver (Sue); Surprise (Sue), Sue commented, “Jumped and ignored.”

9-8: Perseverance (Br), Bridget commented, “Didn’t really like it. Liked another toy.”; Puppy Drag (Bo & Br), Bonnie commented, “Not very interested – lots of other things to do.” and Bridget commented, “Didn’t really want to engage.”

8: Metal (Sue); Unstable Footing (Sue); Runaway (Sue)

7: Puppy Drag (Sue)

7-6: Puppy Drag (Bo)

6: Perseverance (Sue)

4: Retrieve (Sue)

Comments:
Bonnie: “Tail wagging continually. Stable, steady, good prey drive, medium with energy and drives – not over the top. Personable, friendly. No issues with fear or unstable footing. Interested in pursuing the cadaver odor.”
Bridget: “Good even energy. Therapy. Nosework.”
Sue’s notes: “Fought a little when held up. Fought a lot when held down. No retrieve. Picked up keys but didn’t retrieve. Liked tug. Didn’t care about umbrella or noise. Independent. Cadaver interest. Wagon okay.”

***

Mr. Orange

10: Attachment (all); Eye Contact (Bo & Sue); Confidence (Br & Sue), Bridget commented, “Didn’t care.”; Independence (Bo & Br), Bridget commented, “Confident but good engagement.”; Pain Sensitivity (all), Bridget commented, “Didn’t care.”; Metal (Bo & Br), Bridget commented, “No issues.”; Tug (Br), Bridget commented, “Good tug.”; Hunt for Toy (Br), Bridget commented, “Very good.”; Unstable Footing (all), Bridget commented, “No issues at all.”; Submission (Bo); Runaway (all), Bridget commented, “No issues; very good.”; Strange Object (Bo & Br); Cadaver (Br), Bridget commented, “Very good, really hunted for it, no aversion.”; Fear (Bo & Sue); Courage (Br & Sue); Bridget commented, “Didn’t really care.” Surprise (Bo), Bonnie commented, “Really nice reaction to umbrella.”; Hunt for Food I (all), Bonnie commented, “Happy guy – very prey oriented.” and Bridget commented, “Good chase.”; Hunt for Food II (all), Bridget commented, “Good hunt drive.”

10-9: Eye Contact (Br); Confidence (Bo); Retrieve (Br), Bridget commented, “Started to; did with 1 toy.”; Perseverance (Br), Bridget commented, “Very curious about new toy.”; Prey Drive (Bo & Br), Bridget commented, “A little more interested in tug. Good overall.”; Hunt for Toy (Bo); Submission (Br), Bridget commented, “A little squirming. Good overall.”; Cadaver (Bo), Bonnie commented, “Nice hunt for the new odor. Left toy to pursue.”; Wagon (Bo & Br), Bridget commented, “Mostly good. Tried to bail out.”; Courage (Bo), Bonnie commented, “Avoided the robot at first, just didn’t want to chase toys in that direction, then went over to sniff.”; Surprise (Br), Bridget commented, “A little startled. Really checked it out.”; Puppy Drag (Bo & Br), Bonnie commented, “New to him – had interest later.” and Bridget commented, “Very curious about it.”

9.5: Retrieve (Bo); Perseverance (Bo); Wagon (Sue)

9: Independence (Sue); Perseverance (Sue); Tug (Bo & Sue); Prey Drive (Sue); Hunt for Toy (Sue); Strange Object (Sue); Cadaver (Sue); Surprise (Sue), Sue commented, “Went to umbrella.”; Puppy Drag (Sue)

8: Retrieve (Sue); Metal (Sue); Submission (Sue);

Comments:
Bonnie: “Very nice and stable, excellent startle & recover behavior – went back to investigate. Really nice people behavior. Tail wagging continually – very happy .”
Bridget: “Good engagement with people. Happy dog. Working dog.”
Sue’s notes: “Fought a little when held down. Didn’t care about robot (courage test). Picked up keys 2 times. Confident on footing. Went to umbrella. Drag interest. Tried to jump out of wagon but okay.”

***

Miss Pink

10: Attachment (all), Bridget commented, “Good accepting new person.”; Eye Contact (Bo & Sue); Confidence (Br & Sue), Bridget commented, “Didn’t care.”; Independence (Sue); Pain Sensitivity (all), Bridget commented, “Didn’t care.”; Metal (Bo); Unstable Footing (Br), Bridget commented, “No issues.”; Submission (Br), Bridget commented, “Submissive.”; Strange Object (Bo & Br), Bridget commented, “Didn’t care.”; Wagon (Br), Bridget commented, “Was okay to ride.”; Courage (Br & Sue), Bridget commented, “Didn’t care.”; Fear (all), Bridget commented, “Didn’t care.”; Hunt for Food I (Br), Bridget commented, “Good chasing it.”

10-9: Metal (Br), Bridget commented, “Liked.”; Tug (Bo); Prey Drive (Bo); Unstable Footing (Bo)

9.5: Eye Contact (Br), Bridget commented, “Didn’t hold it.”; Retrieve (Bo); Metal (Sue); Tug (Br), Bridget commented, “Pretty good with soft tug.”; Prey Drive (Br), Bridget commented, “OK.”; Hunt for Toy (Br), Bridget commented, “Liked to explore on her own.”; Runaway (Br), Bridget commented, “Decided to eventually.”; Surprise (Br), Bridget commented, “Didn’t like that.”; Hunt for Food I (Bo)

9: Confidence (Bo); Independence (Bo); Retrieve (Br), Bridget commented, “Not there yet.”; Tug (Sue); Hunt for Toy (Sue); Unstable Footing (Sue); Submission (Bo & Sue), Bonnie commented, “No reaction until very end.”; Runaway (Bo); Wagon (Bo & Sue); Courage (Bo), Bonnie commented, “Had tail tucked most of the time.”; Surprise (Bo); Hunt for Food II (all), Bonnie commented, “Careful, meticulous, not really driven to hunt but found most of the food if she had help.” and Bridget commented, “Not independently hunting; helped a lot.”; Puppy Drag (Bo), Bonnie commented, “Checked it out but not interested.”

9-8: Independence (Br), Bridget commented, “Hard to engage.”; Perseverance (Br & Bo), Bridget commented, “Didn’t want anything to do with it.”; Hunt for Toy (Bo); Cadaver (Br), Bridget commented, “Wasn’t too keen.”; Puppy Drag (Br), Bridget commented, “Didn’t really want anything to do with the drag.”

8: Retrieve (Sue); Perseverance (Sue); Prey Drive (Sue); Runaway (Sue); Strange Object (Sue); Cadaver (Bo), Bonnie commented, “Didn’t care for it, but came back to sniff.”

7: Surprise (Sue); Puppy Drag (Sue)

5: Cadaver (Sue); Hunt for Food I (Sue);

Comments:
Bonnie: “Pet/companion prospect. More timid than the others & really likes people and cuddling. Had her tail tucked most of the time. Likely be a very loyal & easy-to-live-with dog.”
Bridget: “Good pet. Was more into snuggling than playing. Therapy?”
Sue’s notes: “No struggle held up. Didn’t care on pinch. Struggled on down. Didn’t retrieve. Keys okay; picked up 2 times. Didn’t care about noises. Did not like drag. Did go back to umbrella. Disengages from play. Independent. Did NOT like cadaver. Slow to go to toy. Okay with wagon.”

***

Miss Yellow

10: Attachment (all). Bridget commented, “Very good.”; Eye Contact (Bo & Sue); Confidence (Sue); Independence (Bo & Sue); Pain Sensitivity (all); Retrieve (Br), Bridget commented, “Good retrieve.”; Metal (Bo & Br), Bridget commented, “Really liked it.”; Perseverance (all), Bridget commented, “Tried blocking it.”; Tug (all), Bridget commented, “Very good tug.”; Prey Drive (all), Bridget commented, “Good drive. Fun game.”; Hunt for Toy (Sue); Unstable Footing (all), Bridget commented, “No issues.”; Runaway (all), Bridget commented, “Very good. Fought to start chasing.”; Strange Object (Bo & Br), Bridget commented, “Didn’t care.”; Cadaver (Bo & Br), Bridget commented, “Liked it. Really processed the new smell.”; Wagon (Bo); Courage (all), Fear (all), Bridget commented, “Didn’t care.”; Surprise (all), Bridget commented, “Didn’t care. Came to investigate me.” (She opened the umbrella.) and Sue commented, “Went to the tester.”; Hunt for Food I (Bo & Br), Bonnie commented, “Lots of prey with the hunt.” and Bridget commented, “Good engagement.”; Hunt for Food II (all), Bonnie commented, “Very focused on hunting.” and Bridget commented, “Good independent hunter; methodical.”; Puppy Drag (Bo & Br), Bonnie commented, “New, and she really liked it.” and Bridget commented, “Tried attacking it.”

10-9: Eye Contact (Br); Retrieve (Bo); Hunt for Toy (Bo & Br), Bridget commented, “Very good. Easily distracted though.”; Wagon (Br), Bridget commented, “Tolerated it.”

9.5: Confidence (Bo), Bonnie commented, “Didn’t like it – struggled.”; Independence (Br), Bridget commented, “Very independent; explorer.”; Submission (Bo), Bonnie commented, “Wasn’t having it.”

9: Confidence (Br), Bridget commented, “Didn’t want any of that.”; Retrieve (Sue); Submission (Br & Sue), Bridget commented, “Wasn’t having it.”; Cadaver (Sue); Wagon (Sue); Hunt for Food I (Sue); Puppy Drag (Sue)

8: Metal (Sue); Strange Object (Sue);

Comments:
Bonnie: “Busy girl! Doesn’t like to be confined/held very long. Independent and quite a hunter! Needs to be in an active home with a knowledgeable GSD person.”
Bridget: “Busy dog. Needs a job.”
Sue’s notes: “Struggled when held up. Didn’t like the pinch. Struggled when held down. Retrieves. Picked up keys once. Didn’t care about noises. Didn’t like drag. Did go back to umbrella. Disengaged from play. Independent. Did NOT like cadaver. Slow to go to toy. Okay with wagon.”

***

Comparison of the entire litter’s ratings:

Pup – Rating
Blue Male: 10 (all 3)
Brown Female: 10 (Bo); 10 (Br); 8 (Sue)
Green Female: 10 (all 3)
Orange Male: 10 (all 3)
Pink Female: 10 (all 3)
Purple Male: 10 (all 3)
Yellow Female: 10 (all 3)

Eye Contact Desire to connect with the tester by looking them in the eye was noted.

Pup – Rating
Blue Male: 10 (Bo); 10-9 (Br); 10 (Sue)
Brown Female: 9 (Bo); 10-9 (Br); 8 (Sue)
Green Female: 10 (Bo); 10-9 (Br); 9.5 (Sue)
Orange Male: 10 (Bo); 10-9 (Br); 10 (Sue)
Pink Female: 10 (Bo); 9.5 (Br); 10 (Sue)
Purple Male: 10+ (Bo); 10 (Br); 9 (Sue)
Yellow Female: 10 (Bo); 10-9 (Br); 10 (Sue)

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.

Pup – Rating
Blue Male: 10-9 (Bo); 10-9 (Br); 10 (Sue)
Brown Female: 10 (Bo); 9.5 (Br); 9 (Sue)
Green Female: 9.5 (Bo); 10 (Br); 9 (Sue)
Orange Male: 10-9 (Bo); 10 (Br); 10 (Sue)
Pink Female: 9 (Bo); 10 (Br); 10 (Sue)
Purple Male: 10 (all 3)
Yellow Female: 9.5 (Bo); 9 (Br); 10 (Sue)

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.

Pup – Rating
Blue Male: 10 (Bo); 10 (Br); 9 (Sue)
Brown Female: 10 (Bo); 9 (Br); 8 (Sue)
Green Female: 10 (Bo); 10-9 (Br); 10 (Sue)
Orange Male: 10 (Bo); 10 (Br); 9 (Sue)
Pink Female: 9 (Bo); 9-8 (Br); 10 (Sue)
Purple Male: 10+ (Bo); 10 (Br); 10 (Sue)
Yellow Female: 10 (Bo); 9.5 (Br); 10 (Sue)

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.

Pup – Rating
Blue Male: 10 (all 3)
Brown Female: 10 (Bo); 10-9 (Br); 9 (Sue)
Green Female: 10-9 (Bo); 10 (Br); 10 (Sue)
Orange Male: 10 (all 3)
Pink Female: 10 (all 3)
Purple Male: 10 (all 3)
Yellow Female: 10 (Bo); 10 (Br); 9 (Sue)

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.

Pup – Rating
Blue Male: 9.5 (Bo); 10 (Br); 9.5 (Sue)
Brown Female: 9.5 (Bo); 9 (Br); 8 (Sue)
Green Female: 9 (Bo); 9.5 (Br); 4 (Sue)
Orange Male: 9.5 (Bo); 10-9 (Br); 5 (Sue)
Pink Female: 9.5 (Bo); 9 (Br); 8 (Sue)
Purple Male: 10-9 (Bo); 10 (Br); 9 (Sue)
Yellow Female: 10-9 (Bo); 10 (Br); 9 (Sue)

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.

Pup – Rating
Blue Male: 10-9 (Bo); 9 (Br); 6 (Sue)
Brown Female: 10 (Bo); 10-9 (Br); 6 (Sue)
Green Female: 10 (Bo); 10 (Br); 8 (Sue)
Orange Male: 10 (Bo); 10 (Br); 8 (Sue)
Pink Female: 10 (Bo); 10 (Br); 9.5 (Sue)
Purple Male: 10 (all 3)
Yellow Female: 10 (Bo); 10 (Br); 8 (Sue)

Pup – Rating
Blue Male: 9 (Bo); 10-9 (Br); 9 (Sue)
Brown Female: 9-8 (Bo); 9 (Br); 8 (Sue)
Green Female: 9 (Bo); 9-8 (Br); 6 (Sue)
Orange Male: 9.5 (Bo); 10-9 (Br); 9 (Sue)
Pink Female: 9-8 (Bo); 9-8 (Br); 8 (Sue)
Purple Male: 10-9 (Bo); 10 (Br); 10 (Sue)
Yellow Female: 10 (all 3)

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.

Pup – Rating
Blue Male: 10-9 (Bo); 10 (Br); 9 (Sue)
Brown Female: 9.5 (Bo); 9.5 (Br); 9 (Sue)
Green Female: 9.5 (Bo); 10 (Br); 9 (Sue)
Orange Male: 9 (Bo); 10 (Br); 9 (Sue)
Pink Female: 10-9 (Bo); 9.5 (Br); 9 (Sue)
Purple Male: 10-9 (Bo); 10 (Br); 9 (Sue)
Yellow Female: 10 (all 3)

Prey Drive Strength of desire to chase and attack is evaluated.

Pup – Rating
Blue Male: 10-9 (Bo); 10 (Br); 9 (Sue)
Brown Female: 10-9 (Bo); 9.5 (Br); 8 (Sue)
Green Female: 10-9 (Bo); 10-9 (Br); 9 (Sue)
Orange Male: 10-9 (Bo); 10-9 (Br); 9 (Sue)
Pink Female: 10-9 (Bo); 9.5 (Br); 8 (Sue)
Purple Male: 10-9 (Bo); 10 (Br); 9 (Sue)
Yellow Female: 10 (all 3)

Pup – Rating
Blue Male: 9.5 (Bo); 10 (Br); 9 (Sue)
Brown Female: 9 (Bo); 9.5 (Br); 8 (Sue)
Green Female: 9 (Bo); 10 (Br); 9 (Sue)
Orange Male: 10-9 (Bo); 10 (Br); 9 (Sue)
Pink Female: 9-8 (Bo); 9.5 (Br); 9 (Sue)
Purple Male: 10-9 (Bo); 10-9 (Br); 9 (Sue)
Yellow Female: 10-9 (Bo); 10-9 (Br); 10 (Sue)

Pup – Rating
Blue Male: 10 (Bo); 10 (Br); 9 (Sue)
Brown Female: 10 (Bo); 10-9 (Br); 9 (Sue)
Green Female: 10 (Bo); 10 (Br); 8 (Sue)
Orange Male: 10 (all 3)
Pink Female: 10-9 (Bo); 10 (Br); 9 (Sue)
Purple Male: 10 (Bo); 10 (Br); 9 (Sue)
Yellow Female: 10 (all 3)

Pup – Rating
Blue Male: 10 (Bo); 9.5 (Br); 10 (Sue)
Brown Female: 9-8 (Bo); 9.5 (Br); 9 (Sue)
Green Female: 9.5 (Bo); 9.5 (Br); 9 (Sue)
Orange Male: 10 (Bo); 10-9 (Br); 8 (Sue)
Pink Female: 9 (Bo); 10 (Br); 9 (Sue)
Purple Male: 10 (Bo); 10 (Br); 9 (Sue)
Yellow Female: 9.5 (Bo); 9 (Br); 9 (Sue)

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.

Pup – Rating
Blue Male: 10 (Bo); 10 (Br); 9 (Sue)
Brown Female: 9.5 (Bo); 9 (Br); 6 (Sue)
Green Female: 10-9 (Bo); 9.5 (Br); 8 (Sue)
Orange Male: 10 (all 3)
Pink Female: 9 (Bo); 9.5 (Br); 8 (Sue)
Purple Male: 10 (all 3)
Yellow Female: 10 (all 3)

Reaction to Strange Objects We used a battery-operated, remote-controlled mouse and a mirror propped against the wall.

Pup – Rating
Blue Male: 10 (Bo); 10 (Br); 9 (Sue)
Brown Female: 10-9 (Bo); 9.5 (Br); 6 (Sue)
Green Female: 10 (Bo); 10 (Br); 9 (Sue)
Orange Male: 10 (Bo); 10 (Br); 9 (Sue)
Pink Female: 10 (Bo); 10 (Br); 8 (Sue)
Purple Male: 10 (Bo); 10 (Br); 9 (Sue)
Yellow Female: 10 (Bo); 10 (Br); 8 (Sue)

Cadaver Test A jar containing cadaver material was placed on the floor where the pup would pass it. Its reaction and interest or lack of interest were noted.

Pup – Rating
Blue Male: 9.5 (Bo); 9.5 (Br); 7 (Sue)
Brown Female: 9-8 (Bo); 8 (Br); 6 (Sue)
Green Female: 9.5 (Bo); 10-9 (Br); 9 (Sue)
Orange Male: 10-9 (Bo); 10 (Br); 9 (Sue)
Pink Female: 8 (Bo); 9-8 (Br); 5 (Sue)
Purple Male: 10 (all 3)
Yellow Female: 10 (Bo); 10 (Br); 9 (Sue)

Wagon Test The pup was placed in a wagon. One tester walked to the side to keep the pup from jumping out, while the other pulled it around the room.

Pup – Rating
Blue Male: 10-9 (Bo); 10-9 (Br); 8 (Sue)
Brown Female: 10 (Bo); 10 (Br); 9 (Sue)
Green Female: 10 (all 3)
Orange Male: 10-9 (Bo); 10-9 (Br); 9 (Sue)
Pink Female: 9 (Bo); 10 (Br); 9 (Sue)
Purple Male: 10 (Bo); 10 (Br); 9 (Sue)
Yellow Female: 10 (Bo); 10-9 (Br); 9 (Sue)

Pup – Rating
Blue Male: 10 (Bo); 10-9 (Br); 10 (Sue)
Brown Female: 9.5 (Bo); 10-9 (Br); 10 (Sue)
Green Female: 10 (all 3)
Orange Male: 10 (all 3)
Pink Female: 9 (Bo); 10 (Br); 10 (Sue)
Purple Male: 10 (all 3)
Yellow Female: 10 (all 3)

Pup – Rating
Blue Male: 10 (all 3)
Brown Female: 10 (all 3)
Green Female: 10 (all 3)
Orange Male: 10 (all 3)
Pink Female: 10 (all 3)
Purple Male: 10 (all 3)
Yellow Female: 10 (all 3)

Pup – Rating
Blue Male: 10 (all 3)
Brown Female: 9.5 (Bo); 10-9 (Br); 9 (Sue)
Green Female: 10 (Bo); 10 (Br); 9 (Sue)
Orange Male: 10-9 (Bo); 10-9 (Br); 9 (Sue)
Pink Female: 9 (Bo); 9.5 (Br); 7 (Sue)
Purple Male: 10 (all 3)
Yellow Female: 10 (all 3)

Pup – Rating
Blue Male: 10 (Bo); (10) Br; 9 (Sue)
Brown Female: 9.5 (Bo); 10-9 (Br); 8 (Sue)
Green Female: 10 (all 3)
Orange Male: 10 (all 3)
Pink Female: 9.5 (Bo); 10 (Br); 5 (Sue)
Purple Male: 10 (Bo); 10 (Br); 9 (Sue)
Yellow Female: 10 (Bo); 10 (Br); 9 (Sue)

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.

Pup – Rating
Blue Male: 10 (Bo); (10) Br; 9 (Sue)
Brown Female: 9.5 (Bo); 9.5 (Br); 9 (Sue)
Green Female: 10 (all 3)
Orange Male: 10 (all 3)
Pink Female: 9 (all 3)
Purple Male: 10 (Bo); 10 (Br); 9 (Sue)
Yellow Female: 10 (all 3)

Puppy Drag I took my puppy drag, which is a piece of rope I fasten around my waist. Gunny sacks are attached to the rope and move enticingly as I move around, so the pups focus on biting and tugging on them instead of me. I normally wear this as I exercise the puppies’ mother each morning, to divert them from biting my legs or pants, but not with this litter due to the snow and bad weather. This was the first time they had seen it.

Pup – Rating
Blue Male: 9 (Bo); (10-9) Br; 8 (Sue)
Brown Female: 9 (Bo); 9 (Br); 5 (Sue)
Green Female: 7-6 (Bo); 9-8 (Br); 7 (Sue)
Orange Male: 10-9 (Bo); 10-9 (Br); 9 (Sue)
Pink Female: 9 (Bo); 9-8 (Br); 7 (Sue)
Purple Male: 10 (all 3)
Yellow Female: 10 (Bo); 10 (Br); 9 (Sue)

See the Police/Narcotics Temperament Test Results
to the AAA litter’s page