49 Day Temperament Test (7 weeks) Litter #1 observation
Note: The ideal age to test the
puppy is at 49 days of age when the puppy is neurologically complete
and it has the brain of an adult dog. With each passing day after
the 49th day the responses will be tainted by prior
learning. I did this on my first
litter and will continue for every litter that is produced.
Starting from 4wks to 9wks I wrote mental notes on my observations
of each pup. Those notes, combined with the temperament test,
still stand today on who they are. I encourage all breeders to
do this. It was and has been, an invaluable tool for me and
the owners. More on APT
This test is done on the 49th day to help breeders understand
which puppy is best for new owners and their own needs. The
results of the puppy temperament test can help new owners determine which manchester
puppy will be the best fit for the family. If properly performed,
these tests are reasonably reliable in predicting the dog’s
personality, sociability and trainability when mature. (click
here
for litter #1 results) Although the temperament test can advise
where the puppy will best fit in, developing the puppy’s personality
is mostly up to the new owners. At this young age, it’s not
easy to say that a certain trait is not genetic as opposed to a
learned trait. (test developed by
Wendy Volhard)
For Astar's 1st litter, below are Aiko’s personal observations for the
past 7 weeks…No comments will be added about body or show potential
until after the 25th of July (8 weeks).
At that time, another temperament test will be reviewed and
added or modified as necessary.
Green
enjoys playing alone.
She enjoys choosing a particular toy and walking away from others
(very proudly) and spending time with it alone.
She enjoys her time. She
also likes to investigate in a very slow and casual way.
She is not quick to react.
However if she has energy she enjoys using it and running
under the coach after Teal is her favorite game.
She has patients.
She will watch others and make the decision later to join in or
participate. I enjoy watching her in a sit position watching the
world go by. She is
also placed with the smaller pups (pink and teal) when traveling due
to her not wanting confrontation with the more aggressive pups.
Although she is not submissive, she prefers to choose her
battles.
Teal
enjoys time alone and does not feel required to participate in group
activities. She feels
comfortable to lie around anywhere even if mass puppy play is
happening. If she wants
to just relax, she just relaxes.
However, she is no push over and has energy to burn.
She loves to scramble under the couch and play with Tan.
There is nothing funnier than watching little butt and legs
scrabble as fast as they can under a small area LOL.
When she is playing she loves to run around and play.
However, Teal is on the more timid side when out of her
comfort zone and will need more socialization activities then
others. Teal will not be
breed due to her bite (missing baby teeth but level bite).
Red
was first to do many of the early newborn activities (walk, teeth,
investigate, etc). Red
showcases high attitude and bossiness when with other pups, but
alone shows uncertainty and lack of confidence.
Looks and needs support when not in control.
When she is in a comfortable environment she is very
investigative and curious without fear.
She has a very long energy cycle.
But after energy is burned off, she is a very loving and
caring dog and will always be a
mommies type dog. She enjoys
human interaction and although not fully comfortable will greet
strangers on her own.
Tan is Red’s partner in crime.
Tan is also Teals partner in
play and mischief. At 6
wks, Tan has started to be the first to show signs of being a
Manchester. She was
first to start cleaning herself and extend her legs out and lay on
her belly as Manchester do .
She is also the first to do the moonwalk after pooping,
digging under things.
She really enjoys investigating things under grass, rocks, your butt
or leg if you are sitting on the grass and under couches.
She needs, and throughout the day, she looks for human
attention. She will get
bored playing with her litter mates and look for you to hang with
her. Like Red, high
attitude (can go over the top and not back down).
But she does not have the bossiness as seen in Red with other
pups. But alone shows
uncertainty and lack of confidence.
She also would prefer not to confront her concerns and go the
other way. (A strong
sign of high independence)
Looks and needs support when not in control.
When she is in a comfortable environment she is very
investigative and curious without fear.
She has a very long energy cycle.
But after energy is burned off, she is a very loving and
caring dog.
Tri
(male) is very persistent.
His persistence includes a one track mind.
He is always late for the train and enjoys playing on his
back. He enjoys playing
but does not appreciate being bullied or too much rough housing and
will fight back with strong vigor.
He also is not in a rush to do things.
He is on the timid side and likes to go slow.
He is also one to enjoy his own time away from the other pups
with his toy or watching the world go by.
When he plays he enjoys playing hard with others and tug is one
of his favorite games.
He is easy to give in to the stronger ones but enjoys the time.
