How to “Read” Your Puppy: 4 Simple Temperament Tests (And What the Results Mean)

Choosing a puppy is emotional. You see a fluffy face and your heart melts. But to build a happy, lasting relationship, you need to look beyond the cuteness and understand the personality inside.

A puppy’s temperament—their core nature—is the blueprint for the dog they’ll become. Will they be a confident explorer or a cautious observer? An independent thinker or a velcro companion?

The good news is, you don’t need to be a professional. With a few simple, observational tests, you can get a clear snapshot of a puppy’s natural tendencies. Think of it less like a pass/fail exam and more like a first conversation.

A Crucial Note: These tests are a tool, not a crystal ball. They give you insights to work with. A puppy’s future is shaped by genetics, your training, socialization, and life experiences. Always use gentle handling and perform these tests in a calm, safe environment.

The 4 Simple Temperament Tests

Perform these tests one after another, giving the puppy a moment to reset in between. Have a notepad handy to jot down your observations.

Test 1: The Gentle Hold (Assessing Confidence & Reactivity)

• What to do: Gently cradle the puppy and lift them a few inches off the ground. Hold them securely for 30 seconds.
• What to watch for:
  • The Balanced Pup: Struggles briefly, then settles. They might look around curiously but remain fairly relaxed. This suggests adaptability.
  • The Assertive Pup: Struggles persistently, may squirm, vocalize, or even mouth your hands. They’re telling you they want control back. This points to confidence and potential dominance.
  • The Submissive/Sensitive Pup: Goes completely limp, avoids eye contact, or worse, trembles or urinates. This indicates a softer, more sensitive nature that will need extra-gentle handling and confidence-building.

Test 2: The Cradle (Assessing Trust & Handling Tolerance)

• What to do: While sitting, gently roll the puppy onto their back in your lap, like a baby. Maintain light, gentle pressure on their chest and speak in a soft, reassuring voice for 30 seconds.
• What to watch for:
  • The Balanced Pup: Resists a little, then relaxes. They may lick your hand or accept a belly rub. This shows trust and a lack of defensiveness.
  • The Assertive Pup: Fights the position intensely, trying to flip over immediately. They may grumble or nip. This pup values autonomy and may challenge rules.
  • The Submissive Pup: Accepts the position without a fight, may even expose their belly readily. They are showing deference, which can make training easier but requires you to build their confidence.

Test 3: The Toy Toss (Assessing Prey Drive & Possessiveness)

• What to do: Set the puppy down. Crumple a piece of paper or use a soft toy. Toss it a few feet away in plain sight.
• What to watch for:
  • The Playful Partner: Chases it, pounces, plays, and brings it back or lets you take it easily. This is ideal—showing play drive and no resource guarding.
  • The Possessive Pup: Snatches the toy and runs away, stiffening or growling if you approach. This signals potential resource guarding issues that need early, careful management.
  • The Uninterested/Shy Pup: Watches it land but doesn’t engage, or approaches cautiously and then retreats. This could indicate low drive or timidity.

Test 4: The “Come Here” Check (Assessing Social Attraction & Independence)

• What to do: Move a few feet away from the puppy, crouch down, and enthusiastically call them or pat your knees. Don’t use their name yet (they don’t know it!).
• What to watch for:
  • The Social Butterfly: Bounds over happily with a wagging tail, likely jumping on you. They are people-oriented and eager to connect.
  • The Independent Thinker: May come, but slowly or indirectly. They might ignore you, choosing to sniff something instead. This pup may be less biddable and more self-motivated.
  • The Hesitant Pup: Crawls over submissively, rolls over at your feet, or doesn’t come at all, perhaps retreating to a corner. This shows insecurity and a need for positive, patient social bonding.

Leveling Up: The Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test

If you want a more detailed, formal assessment—especially for working, service, or sport dog prospects—the Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test (PAT) is the gold standard. It expands on the concepts above into a 10-part test scoring:

1. Social Attraction
2. Following
3. Restraint
4. Social Dominance
5. Elevation Dominance
6. Retrieving
7. Touch Sensitivity
8. Sound Sensitivity
9. Sight Sensitivity
10. Stability

Download the Volhard Puppy Aptitude test and scale and scoring system.

Your Action Plan After the Test

So you’ve got your notes. Now what?

• Match the Temperament to Your Lifestyle: An assertive, energetic pup might be great for an active runner but challenging for a first-time owner. A sensitive, submissive pup will thrive in a calm home but might be overwhelmed by noisy kids.
• Start Training on Their Terms: Use the insights to guide early training. A confident pup needs clear, consistent boundaries. A shy pup needs short, joyful, reward-heavy sessions.
• Socialize Strategically: Don’t just flood them. A bold pup needs to learn calmness around stimuli. A timid pup needs slow, positive exposures.
• Talk to Your Breeder or Shelter: They know the puppies best. Share your observations and ask for their insights. A good breeder will have been doing this since the litter was born.

The Bottom Line

Taking 15 minutes to do these tests isn’t about labeling a puppy “good” or “bad.” It’s about starting your journey together with eyes wide open. It’s the first, most important step in understanding how to communicate with, train, and love your new dog in the way they need.

By choosing a puppy whose natural wiring complements your life, and by using their temperament as your training guide, you’re not just getting a pet—you’re building a truly compatible partnership. Now go have that first conversation.

FAQ – How to Determine a Puppies Temperament

How to Determine a Puppies Temperament Infographic