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Copyright 0 1997 SORT.

 

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Making the Grade

Puppy Testing

 

When testing a puppy for search work, we use a standard Puppy Aptitude Test as well as examine some additional characteristics. These tests are best given at 7 weeks of age and evaluate a puppy’s attachment to people and willingness to work for and accept a person’s leadership. In addition, we also examine the intensity of their play/prey drives, problem solving ability, confidence in unfamiliar circumstances, and dog aggression.

 

There may be other sources of a good Puppy Aptitude Test, but one of the best reprints is in Bill Tolhurst’s book, The Police Textbook for Dog Handlers. Not only does it give a thorough explanation of how to test puppies, it’s got other valuable training information. We didn’t see it in the NASAR bookstore list but the publisher is Sharp Printing in New York State.

 

Remember that any test result is dependant upon the ability of the tester and that there is no pass or fail; the results indicate behavioral tendencies. All dogs are a work in progress and success in training is due to a consistent and accurate training regimen.

 

These photos are of a litter of Belgian Malinois puppies that were recently tested by our Canine Training Director, David Brownell. Some of these puppies are destined for work in police, search and rescue, and drug detection.

 

Going downstairs is a test of the puppy’s confidence on heights as well as his problem solving ability.

 

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  Walking across unstable footing gives a good picture of this puppy’s sensitivity and confidence.

 

Conquering obstacles is a must and walking across uneven boards demonstrates this puppy’s desire to work through this problem.

 

 

Another test of confidence involves confronting an unfamiliar, noisy surface.