Crouch down, and from a few feet away, coax the puppy to you by clapping your hands or making “kissy” sounds.

To test overall confidence
and level of interest in social interaction

Came readily, tail up and/or wagging

Came readily, tail in a neutral position

Came readily, but jumped all over you and nipped at your hands, clothes, etc.

Came readily, but urinated submissively upon approaching you

Seemed indifferent and distracted and did not come at all

Stand up and walk away from the pup in a normal manner. Make sure the pup sees you walk away.

To test the level of dependence. Not following indicates a more independent dog - possibly stubborn and/or indifferent to human companionship.

Followed readily, tail up

Followed with a little bit of coaxing, tail up

Followed readily, tail up, but jumped up on you and bit at your feet/ankles/pant legs.

Followed hesitantly, seemed wary

No follow at all and/or went in opposite direction

Crouch down and gently roll the pup on his back and hold down with one hand for a full 30 seconds.

Alternatively, you could cradle the pup in your arm on its back. Try to hold eye contact.

To test the degree of dominant or submissive tendencies and how it accepts stress, when socially/physically challenged and dominated

Relaxed body

No struggle

Lots of eye contact

Fierce struggling

Growling

Biting

No eye contact

Rigid body

Let pup stand up and gently pet him from the head to back while you crouch beside him.

Continue petting until a recognizable behavior is established

Degree of acceptance of social dominance.

Pup may try to dominate by jumping and nipping or display independence by trying to walk away.

Cuddles up to you and tries to lick your face.

Cuddles up to you and leans into you

Sits quietly and enjoys the petting

Growling

Biting

Squirming nonstop

Rigid body

Cowering

Runs away

Bend over and cradle the pup under its belly, fingers interlaced, palms up and elevate it just off the ground.

Hold it there for 30 seconds

Degree of accepting dominance while in position of no control

No struggle

Relaxed

Limp body

Fierce struggling

Growling

Biting

Crouch beside pup and attract its attention with a toy

When the pup shows interest and is watching, toss the toy 4-6 feet in front of pup

Degree of interest and willingness to work with a human

Chases toy and returns it to you

Chases toy and returns to you without it

Chases toy, stands over the toy but does not return it

Chases toy, picks it up and runs away

Starts to chase toy, loses interest

Does not chase toy

Runs away

Hold the pup in your lap or sit next to it. Gently manipulate the pup’s paws by touching its pads, separating its toes and pressing on the webbing in between.
 

Degree of sensitivity to touch.

Allows this touching exercise

Accepts the touching, but slightly squirms

Fierce struggling

Growling

Biting

Place pup in the center of area, you or an assistant make a sharp noise a few feet from the puppy

For example, drop something heavy onto the floor or hit two metal items together

Degree of sensitivity to sound

Also can be a basic test for deafness

Listens, locates sound, shows curiosity and walks toward sound

Listens, locates the sound, does not bark

Brief barking

Listens, locates sound, walks toward it barking uncontrollably

Cringes, backs off, hides

Ignores sound, shows no curiosity