Sociability
Test:
Is your puppy a social animal? Friendly? Responsive to people? Or does
he need socializing in order to be a safe, happy dog? The results of
this test will help you deal with your dog when visitors come to your
home and when you and your dog encounter people away from your home.
Instructions: You and the puppy should be in a quiet area with the dog
about six feet away from you while you stand or kneel. Using a high-pitched
tone, whine like a puppy (make puppy noises) or talk to the puppy affectionately
until you get a reaction. Reactions indicate whether or not the dog is
socially acceptable and also indicates how he deals with curiosity.
Reactions |
Personality |
| Cocks head to one side or the other. Ears alert.Tail wags. Has a happy expression on his face. He runs to you playfully and gets excited. Barks And talks to you. Jumps all over you. | Responsive |
| A positive response. Cocks head to one side.Gets very excited. Does not pay attention right away because he is distracted. Jumps all over you. Barks. Runs back and forth. Puppy nips or mouths your hands (not bites). Yips a lot. | High Energy |
| Looks very alert. Stands and looks at you.Barks at you. Barks at you and backs away. Runs up to you. Lies down near you but not next to you. Looks challenging. | Strong Willed |
| Whines back
at you. Backs away. Barks at you.Looks timid but curious. Crawls to you. Tail goes down. Ears back. Looks frightened. Submissive posture. Licks your hands and seeks reassurance. |
Shy, Insecure,
timid |
| Looks at you
but does not move. Becomes alert but loses interest quickly. Comes to you slowly. Snuggles up to you. Turns away. |
Calm / Easygoing |
| f the dog lunges at you. Curls lips. Growls. Acts bold or barks and backs away. Acts aggressive but defensive, please visit our comprehensive “aggressive” area of this training center for information you need immediately. | |
|