Hand-shy Test:
Has your puppy been hit or punished by a hand or rolled up newspaper? You need to know because the result of hitting a puppy could be biting. You need to know this so you won’t frighten your puppy with movements of the hand.

Instructions: This test should not be administered if the dog has shown any aggressive behavior. This is a two-part test to determine if your dog has been hit or punished by a hand or rolled-up newspaper on any part of his body. The results of hitting can be biting. In fact, hitting abuse is one of the major causes of biting dogs. During this test, do not ever hit the dog.
Part One: Stand one or two feet from the dog, raise your hand (with or without a newspaper) and PRETEND to hit the dog. Do not hit the dog but make the gesture seem threatening. If your dog shows immediate fear, discontinue the test immediately.
Part Two: Stand one or two feet away from the dog and yell at him in pretend anger, “Bad dog. What did you do? No. No! Never do that again.” Try to sound convincing because if you don’t, the test is useless.