Volhard Temperament Training

Volhard Temperament Testing at
Pacific Northwest Doodles

Choosing the right puppy isn’t always easy—especially when you’re face to face with a group of wagging tails and irresistible eyes. Every puppy is adorable, but not every puppy is the right fit for every family. That’s where temperament testing comes in.

At Pacific Northwest Doodles, we use our own version of the Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test—a well-respected evaluation that helps us understand your puppy’s natural tendencies and how they may respond to life in your home.

Why We Use
Temperament Testing

Whether you’re looking for a therapy dog, an active sidekick for agility, or a gentle companion for your young children, temperament matters. The puppy that runs straight into your lap might not be the best match for a busy home, and the one that rolls over immediately when touched might not be confident enough for service work.

Using the Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test—combined with our daily observations—we're able to thoughtfully guide each family to a puppy that aligns with their lifestyle, energy level, and goals.

What the Volhard Test Measures

We test puppies around seven weeks of age, a key developmental window when personality traits begin to solidify. The test includes ten exercises designed to measure qualities such as:

Sound + Touch Sensitivity

Trainability

Stress Response

Dominance + Submission

Social
Attraction

Confidence

Curiosity + Recovery

It’s important to note: Volhard was designed with puppies who had minimal handling in mind. Since our puppies are raised with the Puppy Culture method and are highly socialized from birth, we adapt the testing slightly to get more accurate and relevant results.

Our Process

  1. Social Attraction – How eager is the puppy to engage with people?

  2. Following – Will the puppy track and stay with a person?

  3. Restraint – How does the puppy respond to being gently held on their back?

  4. Social Dominance – How does the puppy handle touch and praise?

  5. Elevation Dominance – What happens when the puppy is held with no control?

6. Retrieving – Is the puppy willing to work with and for a person?

7. Touch Sensitivity – How sensitive is the puppy to physical sensation?

8. Sound Sensitivity – How does the puppy respond to sudden noise?

9. Sight Sensitivity – How curious or cautious is the puppy around moving objects?

10. Stability – How does the puppy respond to startling visuals like an umbrella opening?

How the Scores Help

Each response is scored, giving us a fuller picture of your puppy’s instincts, temperament, and tendencies. While no dog is just a number, these insights are incredibly helpful when matching puppies with the right homes.

Example interpretations:

  • Puppies scoring mostly 3’s are adaptable, eager to learn, and often ideal for therapy or service work.

  • Puppies scoring mostly 4’s are a great fit for families with young children and make easygoing companions.

  • A mix of 2’s and 3’s might indicate a confident, high-drive pup perfect for agility or advanced training.

Understanding your goals—whether it’s a cuddly lap dog or an outgoing adventure buddy—helps us recommend the right puppy from the right litter.

The Pacific Northwest Doodles Difference

Our experience with training, temperament testing, and daily hands-on care gives us a unique ability to read puppies and guide families. We don't rely on one moment or test alone—we watch our puppies grow and interact from the day they’re born, giving us a full picture of who they are.

The Volhard Test is just one of many tools we use to ensure our puppies are placed in homes where they’ll thrive—and where they’ll bring joy, connection, and companionship for years to come.