K9Kapers Dog Training is now offering a puppy and adult dog temperament testing service, as well as entire litter testing for breeders. Testing the litters helps the breeder to place the babies into the appropriate lifestyle for each pup as well as the prospective buyers to choose a pup that is suitable for them.
Why Temperament test?
Shortly after arriving home with your new puppy, (who seemed so quiet and sweet at the breeder's home), suddenly become Kujo! That outgoing pup you chose suddenly becomes fearful and shy when away from his littermates and will not come out from under the chair or let the children pet him.
Temperament for each pup is a combination of inherited traits gotten from the sire and dam, as well as environmentally learned behaviors. Temperament is inherited and innate. His drive, instincts, thresholds (how much can he tolerate) can tell us a lot about his overall temperament. The ideal family pup will have a steady temperament and be able to deal with normal life routines (sounds, sights, and activities) in a fairly calm manner with out over reacting or panicking.
A good breeder will make notes about each pup from the time they are born and then at about 7 weeks we do temperament testing and it is a good idea to repeat the test as the pup may be tired or not feeling good on the day of the test and this will affect the results. Better to take 2 and be sure you get accurate results. These results should be actively shared with the pup buyers to help them understand why buying that really active pup with a 2 year old at home may not be a good idea. It is also a good idea for the buyers to stay in contact with the breeder to share the life of the dog as it ages. The breeder then can compile the notes and determine how closely the dog followed the forecast.
Another reason temperament testing is valuable is that it can direct specialized socialization programs for the puppy owners if the dog is determined to have an issue, such as sound sensitivity. As the pup grows he can have special lessons to sensitize him to what ever he is fearful of.
During the test we look at social skills, emotion, problem solving skills, motor skills and group dynamics. Generally the testing confirms what the breeder already know about the pups and what their inclinations are. For instance show dogs, obedience dogs, service dogs, and just plain couch dogs. The testing will help to identify the strengths and weaknesses of each pup.
The test consists of a pre set group of tests in each categories such as social attraction, following, restraint, social dominance, elevation, retrieving, sound sensitivity, touch sensitivity, stability as well as basic structure. The pup is graded on a set scale and then it is all put together for a complete picture. The testing is done by a person unknown to the pups and in a safe but strange environment.
K9Kapers has been doing puppy testing for other breeders for quite a few years and has just recently decided to offer it to puppy owners who would like to know more about their pups or would like testing done before purchasing a pup.
Please contact us directly for cost structure.
PLEASE NOTE: There will be no refunds after the start of first class.
You must pre-pay for the class to guarentee your spot in the class
There is a $3.00 fee for all credit card, PayPal or Google purchase to cover thier fees.
If you present a bad check there will be a $35.00 fee for recovery.
If you miss a class, makeup classes will be available in the next session of the class. Please call ahead to make arrangements. 1 missed class per session for makeup unless otherwise arranged with trainer, 3 months allowed to complete any makeups.
We reserve the right to refuse admission to any person or Dog.
We will evaluate for possible aggression and work with you toward the goal of being able to have your dog in class if there is a problem.
There are no stated or implied guarantees, as the success of your training depends on how much work you do on your own time and how well you follow your trainer's instructions.
