A most perfect match made when Elsa joined our family. Thank you Vicki.
I want to talk about temperament testing today, yes again. This is something that I am very passionate about and wish that all breeders, rescues and shelters did. Very few that I speak to think that temperament testing is important. But why? Well, from what I can glean from the conversations that I have, it seems that the idea of temperament testing is something you do when you don't "know" your puppies. The common response I hear from the breeders who don't do it is this; "I don't need to temperament test, I know my puppies." Leaving me to think that they feel that it is only something you do when you don't know your puppies. Hmmmmm...
So what exactly does temperament testing do? Well, let's first say that there is temperament testing and then there is temperament testing. I have seen many dogs who have been "tested" that have been done completely inaccurately. So that must be the first understanding. When a temperament test is done it must be done by someone who is very experienced in dog behavior. There are so many things to factor in aside from the initial result.
What am I looking for when I test? I look to find out who this puppy is as an individual. What makes them tick; what they like, what they don't like. How will they deal with life as it unfolds before them.
What type of family scenario is going to best suit each individual puppy? Temperament testing is not about finding the good and bad. It has nothing to do with the best puppy; it is all about finding the best puppy for each family waiting to add one of the bundles of fur to their family. Who would thrive in each very different individual family life?
- Are they afraid of loud noise?
- Are they independent?
- Do they easily follow a human?
- What is their recovery time after being startled? A biggy for me..
- Are they a soft or hard type dog?
- Will they do well with small children?
- Are they forgiving?
- etc etc
There is no reason not to temperament test but a plethora of reason to test. When a breeder does not test and opts to allow the families to pick their own puppy; every puppy/guardian pairing can be wrong. It can start with the first choice to the last. Most people have no idea what they are looking for; they go on a visual choice and who comes to them first. Nothing can be gleaned from a onetime visit in among a litter of puppies.
Each puppy must be looked at alone and offered many different experiences to show who they are as an individual. Why not give each a chance for the best life that they can live. Much more coming on temperament testing, stay tuned.