Picking / Matching Process
We match people with their puppy, so that each puppy is fit in to a home that is best for its temperament and activity level. It is important that each puppy has a home that will be the best fit. Utilizing our applications, we will assess temperaments using the Volhard’s Puppy Aptitude Testing of puppies at 6-7 weeks of age, and match puppies with their homes based on the temperament and present behavior. The following are what we take into consideration:
Volhard Test Items
Social Attraction
degree of social attraction to people, confidence or dependence
Following
willingness to follow a person.
Restraint
degree of dominant or submissive tendency, and ease of handling in difficult situations.
Social Dominance
degree of acceptance of social dominance by a person.
Elevation
degree of accepting dominance while in a position of no control, such as at the veterinarian or groomer.
Retrieving
degree of willingness to do something for you. Together with Social Attraction and Following a key indicator for ease or difficulty in training.
Touch Sensitivity
degree of sensitivity to touch and a key indicator to the type of training equipment required.
Sound Sensitivity
degree of sensitivity to sound, such as loud noises or thunderstorms.
Sight Sensitivity
degree of response to a moving object, such as chasing bicycles, children or squirrels.
Stability
degree of startle response to a strange object.