This is a "GOOD DOG POSITIVE OBEDIENCE TRAINING SCHOOL" PUPPY TEST. Puppy, test like this are not new, but so many of our students "impulse buy" a puppy. Because you may spend 10 to 14 unrewarding years with a troublesome dog, we felt it imperative to reiterate the need for astute buyer evaluation. Basically, there are three types of Dogs for the purpose of this test. "Alpha, Beta and Omega." There are various levels within in each category, and we suggest seeking to own a good BETA Dog. What then is the basic differences between categories? Primarily, an Alpha dog is one that will incessantly try to a pack-leader. You may be in store for years of constant confrontation and challenges as to who will lead the pack. Size of dog does not matter, as we have seen toy terriers run the house. Alpha dogs require strong leadership. Unfortunately, not only from the owner, but from the rest of family, else an Alpha will continually work its way up the pack, at the chagrin of lower echelon members, who are most likely to be the children. An Omega is then the exact opposite. Sometime you can tell an Omega dog by the following (although it also can be a socialization problem). Lightening or Thunder strikes, and the animal is found hiding under a bed, you go to pet an omega dog, it may cower, or yell at it and it may roll over and urinate. One of the dangers of an Omega dog is "fear biting". That is the purpose we have put this test together for you. It is by no means foolproof, but hopefully it will help you find a better companion. Don't disregard structure, health and who you are buying your dog from, as well. In the pack, Alpha, Beta and Omega dogs get along fairly well. It's humans that have a problem. For example, take a Macho-type personality that wants a PIT BULL, and the PIT BULL tuns out to be a sweetheart Omega. The Macho-type will want an aggressive animal as opposed to a gentle one. We then have a very unhappy marriage.

Remember, during the next Seven tests, you are looking for a dog that scores as a HIGH "B". Chances are that this dog will work with you, forgive your errors, and respect you as pack leader, without being overly insecure in its role. Try to observe your new pup on more than one occasion, and during different times of the day. We suggest running these tests on at least two separate occasions. These test do not need to be run in numerical order. These tests are no guarantee, but your chances of getting a good dog do improve.       

Legend: A: ALPHA TENDENCIES B: BETA TENDENCIES O: OMEGA TENDENCIES

NUMBER I TEST:
In all the following tests, bring the puppy to a quiet, neutral ground site, away from the litter if possible. (Your home might be a good choice, if the breeder will allow it, and if there are not any other dogs at home). Watching your puppy, walk away without saying anything. Score the results.
A: Puppy follows with tail up and bites at your feet or leg.

AB: Puppy follows with tail up and get in your path, or between you legs.

B: Puppy follows with tail down.

BO: Puppy follows, but uncertainty.

O: Does not follow, or wanders away.

NUMBER 2 TEST:
Wad up a piece of white paper into a ball. Shake it in front of the puppy,, then throw it a short distance away.
A: Puppy takes the paper and runs off.

AB Puppy runs to the paper, sniffs but does not pick it up.

B: Puppy runs to paper and brings it back.

BO: Puppy runs to paper, picks it up and waiting on your movement.

O: Puppy ignores the paper or wanders off.

NUMBER 3 TEST:
Pick the pup up until the feet are off the ground approximately 6 inches. Hold it for approximately half a minute or so, then gently place it on the ground.

A Struggles, growls and bites.

AB: Struggles or growls.

B Struggles a little while, then settles in, maybe licks your hand.

BO: Minimal struggle. then goes limp.

O Hangs limp without a struggle. May lick you throughout the ordeal.

NUMBER 4 TEST:
Firmly, without hurting the pup, stroke it from head to rump. Do this for about 15 to 20 seconds.

A: Puppy jumps on you, bites or growls.

AB: Jumps on you or paws your hand.

B: Squirms or licks you hand

BO: Rolls over.

O: Goes away and doesn't come back. (If this happens, wait 10 to 15 minutes before starting new tests)

NUMBER 5 TEST:
Watching your puppy, walk away without saying anything. Gently hit your thigh with enthusiasm, or wave your hands toward you.
A: Puppy comes with tail up and bites at your hands, feet or leg.

AB: Puppy comes with tail up and paws your hand.

B: Puppy comes with tail down, and licks your hands.

BO: Puppy comes uncertainly, or rolls on its back.

O: Does not come. or wanders away

NUMBER 6 TEST-.
Gently, roll the puppy on its back, and hold it down by the chest for 15 to 20 seconds.
A: Vehemently struggles, and may bite.

A-B Strongly struggles.

B: Struggles a little while, then settles in.

BO: Minimal struggle, then submissive.

O: No struggle. May lick your hands.

NUMBER 7 TEST:
Step back and observe the puppy. Evaluate structure and enthusiasm. Use your sixth sense or intuition. Is this puppy

A: One that would be difficult to bond with.

AB: One you are uncertain about bonding.

B -. One you sense you can readily bond with.

BO: One you sense will be a little too dependent.

O: One that will require to be with you constantly because of insecurity.

We sincerely hope that you have as much success and joy with your new puppy that we have had in our last three. Lady, Mink, and Midnight are the loves of our life. They have never given us a bit of trouble, even though each has its own personality. We attribute our good fortune, in part, to the above tests. WE WISH YOU LUCK IN YOUR CHOICE, for we know what joy it is to have a GREAT COMPANION.

THE GOOD DOG POSITIVE OBEDIENCE TRAINING AND AGILITY SCHOOL OF FORT WORTH