The Importance of Volhard Temperament Testing When Choosing a Puppy

Choosing a puppy is one of the most exciting—and important—decisions your family can make. Beyond the adorable fluff and sweet puppy kisses, every dog has a unique personality that will shape how they interact with your family, children, other pets, and daily routines. That’s where the Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test (often called Volhard Temperament Testing) becomes incredibly valuable.

At Bailey Mountain Doodles, we’re committed to raising puppies that are not only healthy and well-socialized, but also matched with the right families. That’s why we include Volhard temperament testing as part of our process when helping future owners choose their new furry companion.

What is Volhard Temperament Testing?

The Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test was developed by Jack and Wendy Volhard as a standardized method to assess a puppy’s behavior and predict how they’ll mature. The test is typically performed around 7 weeks of age, when puppies are mentally developed enough to show clear behavioral responses but haven’t yet formed strong habits based on external influences.

The test consists of 10 exercises that evaluate a puppy’s responses in areas such as:

• Social attraction (does the puppy approach humans willingly?)

• Following (does the puppy stay with a human when they walk away?)

• Restraint (how does the puppy react when gently held?)

• Social dominance (how does the puppy respond to gentle correction?)

• Elevation dominance (how do they react to being held off the ground?)

• Retrieving (interest in fetching and cooperation)

• Touch sensitivity (reaction to being touched or handled)

• Sound sensitivity (response to a sudden noise)

• Sight sensitivity (reaction to visual stimulation)

• Stability (response to unusual situations or surprises)

Each area is scored, giving insight into whether the puppy is independent, people-oriented, assertive, shy, calm, trainable, or reactive.

Why It Matters for Puppy Buyers

While all puppies are cute, not all are suited for every home. Some families may want a calm, affectionate puppy to snuggle with children. Others might want a highly trainable pup for therapy work or agility sports. Without temperament testing, matching a family’s lifestyle with the right puppy becomes a game of guesswork.

Volhard testing removes that guesswork.

This assessment helps breeders and families:

• Match puppies with ideal homes based on energy levels, assertiveness, and sensitivity.

• Reduce the chance of behavior problems caused by mismatches between puppy temperament and family expectations.

• Support successful lifelong placements, reducing the risk of rehoming.

• Select future service or therapy dogs by identifying puppies with ideal qualities early on.

How We Use the Results at Bailey Mountain Doodles

At Bailey Mountain Doodles, we don’t just rely on how a puppy acts on one day—we combine Volhard testing results with weeks of observations, socialization, and interaction. It’s just one of the tools we use to ensure our puppies go to homes where they will thrive.

Choosing a puppy is about more than love at first sight. With temperament testing, you’re setting your family—and your puppy—up for a lifetime of harmony, understanding, and joy. When you adopt from us, you can feel confident that we’ve done everything possible to match you with a puppy who’s the perfect fit for your home.