Temperament Tests
Temperament tests are a great way to gain info when choosing a puppy. There are many different tests and opinions about when, where, how to conduct and which tests to. Often a breeder, whom the puppy is used to, is not the best choice to conduct the test. But we feel the info received and the one-on-one videos from the tests have helped people when choosing a puppy. Plus, the tests have been very popular and fun. We tell people not to take them too seriously. Good, consistent training, environment and other factors go into development of a great dog.
What do the results mean?
- ACTIVE: An active puppy is full of life and energy, always wants to be on the go and involved with their people. This type of puppy can make a great companion, but will need time, consistency and patience in the early years to train the pup to behave. Most of our puppies are not fully active, but some may show a slight leaning towards this behavior.
- NEUTRAL: A neutral puppy is what most owners are looking for. Relaxed, undemanding, friendly, easygoing and self-confident. Not scared of new things and willing to entertain themselves. Most of our puppies score in the neutral range. With Pyrenees as part of the cross, a neutral puppy might also question your agenda if it isn't what they think should happen. But early training can help the puppy obey despite this attitude.
- PASSIVE: A passive puppy is often described as timid, shy or not self-assured. They would be looking to their owners for affirmation constantly. A passive puppy may love and cuddle more, which is pretty fun, but keep in mind that a timid dog can be just as frustrating as a dominant one, and possibly more dangerous after full grown. A good plan for a more passive dog is early and on-going socialization and as always, consistent training using more gentle methods. Some of our puppies may show a mix of neutral/passive response to some of the tests. This may be their Pyrenees side showing through. Since Pyrs are an intelligent, independent breed, most tests are not designed with them in mind. A Pyr might walk away from something because it is just not interested, as opposed to it being afraid.
What do the different tests mean?
No puppy is exactly the same as another. But below are some typical responses to the tests:
- PLAY: During PLAY, we check to see if the puppy has interest in a toy that the person is instigating playtime with. We also check puppy's willingness to come, follow and engage with the person. By sitting the puppy by our side and petting it, we check to see if the pup likes the attention or just wants to get away. A puppy that responds by being hyper or demanding, jumping up or at the persons face, attacking the toy, nipping at heels would be an ACTIVE puppy. A puppy that engages in play in an easygoing manner, submits to handling without fighting to get away, or looks to do its own thing would be a NEUTRAL puppy. A puppy that hides behind your leg, cuddles up to you, no interest in toys or runs away to hide, would be a PASSIVE puppy.
- RESTRAINT/DOMINANCE: These are a few simple tests to show how the puppy responds to being put into a submissive position by a person. Standing over the puppy and making yourself large or growly, holding the puppy up off the ground, rolling the puppy on its back and holding it there for a short time, and/or cradling the puppy are all ways a person can show dominance over the pup. An ACTIVE puppy will fight, wiggle and squirm to get away. Some might even try to mouth or bite and react aggressively. A NEUTRAL puppy may wiggle a bit, but will mostly accept being in a submissive position with out fighting or squirming away. A PASSIVE puppy would not try to get away, but would cower or show signs of fear.
- RESPONSIVENESS/FORGIVENESS: When we pinch the puppy's toes, we are looking for both the amount of time and pressure that needs to happen before the puppy responds, as well as the puppy's willingness to recover and forgive. The forgiveness is usually shown by licking the face or the pup putting their nose gently to the person's face. Pyrenees dogs rarely lick in our experience, so that should be taken into account with these puppies. A dog that is highly sensitive and reacts defensively would be an ACTIVE puppy. A puppy like this may not be a good choice for a family with very young children. A NEUTRAL puppy has a normal sensitivity, and recovers quickly showing an eagerness to forgive. A PASSIVE puppy would show fear or concern, but may not react to the stimuli as quickly. They also may not be willing to recover and forgive as quickly.
- SIGHT: The SIGHT test is very straightforward. We are checking to make sure they can see and follow and object by sight. This test also checks to see how a pup responds to a new object being introduced suddenly into their environment. We would be able to tell long before testing if a puppy was having sight troubles, but we like to include this test for confirmation. The A, N or P result would gauge the pup's response to the item. ACTIVE would attack/toss/growl at the object. NEUTRAL would engage in normal play with the object. PASSIVE would run away from the object in fear.
- SOUND/STARTLE: This test is also straightforward. We are checking the puppy's hearing as well as introduction of a new louder/scarier object into the environment. It is always a good idea to check the puppy's hearing when looking for a new pet. Breeders can miss a hearing problem, especially with larger litters. This is a confirmation for us as well, so we can take care of any hearing problems that may show up from this test. The score would again gauge the pup's repsonse. ACTIVE would attack/toss/growl at the object. NEUTRAL would walk up and sniff the object, or sit at a distance a look at it. PASSIVE would, again, run away from the object in fear.
- CRASH: The CRASH test is a new one for us. A puppy owner from past litters kindly informed me that this is a great test for a service animal. Her dog always comes over if she falls so he can help her back up. An ACTIVE puppy may race over and pounce on you. A NEUTRAL puppy would calmly come to investigate, may lick your face or may sit and look at you. A PASSIVE puppy would, again, cower or run away in fear.
