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Test #1: Restraint
Sit on the floor. Wrap your arm around the puppy’s chest, gently keeping him from moving. Hold him – if possible – like this for a full 30 seconds.
You’ll score him low if any of the following occurs: the puppy panics and struggles, scratches or tries to bite you (and in this case, let him go right away!), or shakes and trembles out of fear.
Give him a moderate score if he struggles initially, but then relents and relaxes in your arms.
Score him the highest possible score if he immediately relaxes in your arms. You may even notice that he moves a little closer. He scores off the top of the gauge if, in addition to all of this, he licks you as well.
Test #2: Handling
Sit on the floor. Pet the pup. Start at the head and the ears, then continue with his back. Stroke his tail too as well as each foot and leg. During this you can talk to him in a pleasant, inviting soft voice.
If the pup actively resists this action or nips at you, he gets a low score.
He gets a moderate score if he initially resists this action, but then relents.
And yes, score that dog a 3 – the highest possible score – if he relaxes and not only allows you to do all of this, but actually likes it as well.
Test #3: Sound Sensitivity
Remember those keys you brought with you? Drop the set of keys some 12 feet behind him, so he can’t see it happening and he doesn’t know what has caused the noise. Observe his reaction.
If he jumps, shakes, or otherwise acts startled or frightened give him a low score. He also gets a low score if he attacks the keys, growling and biting at them or if he barks uncontrollably.
He’ll receive a moderate score if he is startled, but recovers within 20 seconds. He’ll also receive the same score if he goes to sniff at the keys but acts very cautiously.
The puppy receives the highest score possible if he is fearful or startled initially, but recovers within 10 seconds, checking the situation out!
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