Volhard Puppy Aptitude Tests

[Longcoat]

I am wondering if anyone uses the Volhard aptitude test to select potential working puppies and interested to know from anyone experienced with the Volhard test if the procedure is an effective process???. We are contemplating to use the Volhard test on a working line GSD litter as a guage having the pick of the 3 males from the litter to help select the puppy with the best working/sporting potential.

Any opinions on puppy testing or the Volhard system would be greatly appreciated

[angelsun]

I have used the Volhard testing in the past and althought it does give you a good idea (if done correctly) about the pup and what could be apparent as to personality and workable traits, like all methods of grading, it's not infallible.

There are a number of similar testing proceedures out there that can claim similar results. Although I have seen pups assessed in certain ways that have come to pass as adults, I have also seen an equal number assessed to be one thing or another and at maturity, this not to be the case.

It is important to remember that although genetics play a part in what makes any dog, who it is....enviroment is a huge factor....all too many dogs assessed as strong minded with good work ethic, can easily be ruined in the wrong home. Likewise, dogs assessed to be laid back, not dominant or with lower working drives, can turn out to be full on and amazing when it comes to some performance disciplines....it comes down to the motivation and committment of the trainers in that case. There are many stories of dogs that this sort of thing happens...going against the 'grading'. I myself have had a few pups in the past that graded low (when looking for the next performance prospect) only to find a month or so later, be amazing workers and go on to great things....if I put total stock in these grading tests, these dogs would never have achieved titles in performance as they would have been placed in non performance homes as couch potatos etc.

Over the years I've graded pups for myself or taken part in other breeders grading days with different breeds, I can honestly say while I don't dismiss these tests and I will agree that they do provide some basic information, they should not be taken as the 'gospel' as to stating that the pup would turn out to be one way or another.

[Longcoat]

I have used the Volhard testing in the past and althought it does give you a good idea (if done correctly) about the pup and what could be apparent as to personality and workable traits, like all methods of grading, it's not infallible.

There are a number of similar testing proceedures out there that can claim similar results. Although I have seen pups assessed in certain ways that have come to pass as adults, I have also seen an equal number assessed to be one thing or another and at maturity, this not to be the case.

It is important to remember that although genetics play a part in what makes any dog, who it is....enviroment is a huge factor....all too many dogs assessed as strong minded with good work ethic, can easily be ruined in the wrong home. Likewise, dogs assessed to be laid back, not dominant or with lower working drives, can turn out to be full on and amazing when it comes to some performance disciplines....it comes down to the motivation and committment of the trainers in that case. There are many stories of dogs that this sort of thing happens...going against the 'grading'. I myself have had a few pups in the past that graded low (when looking for the next performance prospect) only to find a month or so later, be amazing workers and go on to great things....if I put total stock in these grading tests, these dogs would never have achieved titles in performance as they would have been placed in non performance homes as couch potatos etc.

Over the years I've graded pups for myself or taken part in other breeders grading days with different breeds, I can honestly say while I don't dismiss these tests and I will agree that they do provide some basic information, they should not be taken as the 'gospel' as to stating that the pup would turn out to be one way or another.

Thanks for your advice Angelsun. The puppies we are looking at are only 5 1/2 weeks old, essentially a bit young as recommended with the Volhard test, but getting pressured a bit with other prospective buyers to make a choice out of the three. I know that some develop faster which can also provide a false indication comparing the puppies energy levels at a young age also.

[angelsun]

I think it's always important when trying to figure out if a pup has potential for whatever sport you are wanting to do, to do the testing to get a rough idea, but in the end, you must use common sense to help you decide in the end. As well, remember that a good trainer and good consistancy in training will be far more important than a score on a piece of paper when all is said and done.

[jconlon]

I am wondering if anyone uses the Volhard aptitude test to select potential working puppies and interested to know from anyone experienced with the Volhard test if the procedure is an effective process???. We are contemplating to use the Volhard test on a working line GSD litter as a guage having the pick of the 3 males from the litter to help select the puppy with the best working/sporting potential.

Any opinions on puppy testing or the Volhard system would be greatly appreciated

we picked a puppy using K9 force method which to me seemed logical as we were told the Volhard test has varied ways to interpret the results

[bedazzledx2]

Can you expand on that a little please jconion. At what age did you do the first testing and what type of tests did you do? It's been eleven years since I've had a puppy and he was the pick of litter but that was pretty obvious for that litter. With a fairly even litter the choices would be more difficult I think.

I am wondering if anyone uses the Volhard aptitude test to select potential working puppies and interested to know from anyone experienced with the Volhard test if the procedure is an effective process???. We are contemplating to use the Volhard test on a working line GSD litter as a guage having the pick of the 3 males from the litter to help select the puppy with the best working/sporting potential.

Any opinions on puppy testing or the Volhard system would be greatly appreciated

we picked a puppy using K9 force method which to me seemed logical as we were told the Volhard test has varied ways to interpret the results