JulesP Posted November 9, 2007 Share Posted November 9, 2007 How does one go about testing a puppy (6 weeks) for drive?? I am not usually that scientific in my puppy selection! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tonymc Posted November 9, 2007 Share Posted November 9, 2007 Jules firstly observe the drive level of Dog and Bitch. When you approach pups look for Pups that are active,outgoing and curious.I always watch the Pups who out and about exploring ahead of the rest.Also one can drag a piece of cloth around at Pups level,gently simulating a prey item and see which pups switch on. Tony Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maverick Posted November 9, 2007 Share Posted November 9, 2007 When I picked up Vienna, she was not at all interested in the toys I gave all the puppies.. more interested in me. But when I got her home, I found her to be totally toy obessed. Very high drive and loves tug and retrieve. I have her waiting for the 'Get it' cue to run and get her toy, to tug. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JulesP Posted November 9, 2007 Author Share Posted November 9, 2007 Thanks Tony. I nearly didn't buy my border bitch because she was the most outgoing pup! She had the nicest markings but I had also been told to go for a middle pup. She was a brilliant obedience dog though! My old male border picked me! And Brock was picked for me by the breeder. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve K9Pro Posted November 9, 2007 Share Posted November 9, 2007 K9: It isnt so much how you test as it is how you interpret what you see..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bordacollies4me Posted November 9, 2007 Share Posted November 9, 2007 its been interesting for me lately, watching a litter of BC pups grow up, mum and dad are both high drive dogs, and at 4 weeks all pups are very active all interact with toys, it is hard to pick the laid back one, anytime i think yep that pup is a bit laid back, next thing it is on the go and very active.... when i picked my youngest girl, she wasn't the most outgoing in the litter but i knew she had the potential to be a med-high drive dog... which she has turned out to be now just got to focus all her energy onto agility equipment, she is doing well... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wylie Posted November 9, 2007 Share Posted November 9, 2007 Volhard Puppy Aptitude testing is carried out at 7 weeks See here: http://www.volhard.com/puppy/pat.htm Having recently had a fairly high drive litter in terms of performance on both sides of the pedigree, I dont agree that the pups were always busy and thus were high drive. My litter were exceptionally laid back and were busy when things were offered to them to be busy with. They all had a natural settle and still at 4 months can settle and relax and will wait till they are asked to be busy. 5 of these pups are in performance homes where they are expected to perform at the highest levels there new owners can achieve. All are well aware that a dog with a high drive also needs an "off switch" and these pups have that. In discussion with working/herding owners and breeders they dont want a pup that can not settle and has to be busy all the time. They are looking for a dog that can think and will be calm. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JulesP Posted November 9, 2007 Author Share Posted November 9, 2007 That was a good article. Thanks Wylie! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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