Volhard Puppy Test

[BlackShadowCaneCorso]

I am interested in hearing others thoughts in regards to this test for testing the temperament of mastiff breeds. I have been told it is a good starting point and I have been told that it is not at all suited to mastiffs.

Read over what the test entails and see what you think and if you can give reasons why or why not for it being alright for mastiff breeds.

Volhard Dog Training and Nutrition: Behavior and Training: Behavior

 

[Sadies Mom]

I was going to use this to pick out Sadie, but she chose me before I had a chance to do it. I guess I could have done it, but puppy love is blind sometimes. I went in with a clear head, knowing what I was going to do to pick the right pup, but the rest is history and I would not change it for the world. To answer your question, I think it is a good start. I also watched a lot of videos online of how the test is conducted.

 

[ruthcatrin]

Hm, I'd not have a problem with having that test done on any mastiff pup I can think of. BUT, I'd want to see a list of the scores and what each one "means" to go over as I don't know that their predicted results (ie: all 1's means a dominent pup) would fit my conception of what those numbers mean for a mastiff....if that sentence makes sense....

 

[angelbears]

If I remember right Cane was 2 and 6's. I totally disagree with the bonding bit. However, we did question if Cane had bonded with us as a puppy. Going as far as to go visit the breeder over Thanksgiving to get her opinion(he was 6 months and we had had him for 3 months). She saw many things that pointed to him bonding to us. It still took a few months after that until we saw it. Now there is no doubt, it is the strongest bond that I have had with any animal. Hell, stronger than 90% of the humans as far as that goes. LOL

 

[BlackShadowCaneCorso]

I have talked it over with a few different people to get their perspectives and I believe this test was developed for lab puppies (if I remember the site correctly). I think that it has some valid things it tests but some like the social aspect when dealing with most of the more reserved mastiff breeds I would think aren't as accurate. The following, again for the same reason as these dogs would be bonded to the breeder and can take time to bond to a new owner so I don't know that a puppy that doesn't follow the evaluator I would consider either dominant or stubborn or nervous as I might with a lab.

I also had an evaluator that uses this tell me that he thinks doing this on most large breed/giant breeds that are slower to mature (both mentally and physically) at 49 days as the test calls for does not believe it would give accurate results.

 

[ruthcatrin]

The following, again for the same reason as these dogs would be bonded to the breeder and can take time to bond to a new owner so I don't know that a puppy that doesn't follow the evaluator I would consider either dominant or stubborn or nervous as I might with a lab.

Yah, thats kinda what I meant. I wouldn't use what they say the numbers totals mean, instead I'd want to see the actual results list so I could see the total reactions. and yah, it'd not surprise me if mastiffs should be done older....

 

[Duetsche_Doggen]

I did't get to choose any of my dogs really, but if I ever got a chance to see a litter in person did consider using this.

 

[CowboyBebop]

It didn't really work too much for Castle at 8 weeks when we got him. He was quite indifferent and just wanted to sleep. 2 years later he still loves his sleep, but he is quite a momma's boy and he loves me too! He is an extremely social, dog and human wise. If he had lived up to his puppy disposition he would be “guarding a gas station”. He isn't dominate and his recall was non-existent as a puppy; now it is about typical of a mastiff. He'll come for food and when you actually encroach into his space to make him, but from a distance, it’s anyone’s guess. If pushed by another animal he will now stand his ground but does not ever initiate challanges. In short, I think the test isn’t going to be as useful for mastiff pups if you assume that most people will be getting there dog between 8 to 10 weeks. Perhaps its better when they are older as an earlier poster suggested.