Selection Testing Puppies for SchH / Working - Page 1

Hello all -

  I ran a search on this and didnt find anything so I thought I would pose the question.

  I was wondering what kind of tests you all did when you were looking through litters for that "perfect" working puppy.  I have been looking up different selection tests that can be done...and mainly I have found Flinks' selection test, the PAWS test, and the Volhard PAT test, but I was wondering what each of ya'll did.

  For me right now I am trying to find that 'right' dog, and while I imagine I might go through several litters and it may take some time for me, I really want to be able to formulate the best test I can to meet my needs :)

  I look forward to seeing what ya'll have to post...this is kind of an interesting subject for me :)

~Cate

Personally, I don't do any of the traditional tests.  I think pups generally develop at very different rates, even within the same litter.   I am more interested in pedigree as well as performance of sire & dam.  Of course, the pups must be outgoing, etc.; but really it's more of an instinctual thing when picking pups.  There is like a zillion examples of the last picked going on to be the best in a litter, anyway.  What's that old saying - pups are a crapshoot !!

Puppies are a gamble.  I like to test them by having them chase a rolled up towel on a string to see their prey drive and which one naturally wants to bite.  Also you might see how genetically full the bite is also if he shakes his head in fight drive.  also se if he wants to be with people so I like to walk slowly away from the puppies too see which one follows. Like said before lots of tests can be done.  Another good one is sound sensitivity tests.  Look for a high drive pup if you want to do work.  also watch the parents work and study them both.  How they respond to things both in training and when just around people.  Good luck with the pick.

I do not do anything scientific either, if the dogs have the right proven bloodlines and the litter is even I doubt that it makes much difference.

It is more important to me that the breeding stock is sound, the breeders have provided sufficient opportunity for socialising and habituation to optimise their environmental soundness.

At the end of the day I have to spend a lot of time looking at my dog, training it, feeding it so I pick the one I like!

Also, how is a puppy in a new situation.  At the pet food store, other peoples houses, the shopping complex.  I want one that shows no fear. It's okay to stop and look for a second, if looking alertly, as long as they move forward. It's okay to get mad as long as they work through and continue.  When they hide behind you and won't go see, you need to think how that will transfer to being on a field they don't know.