The Puppy Aptitude Test (PAT) is a widely used method for selecting the right puppy for the right home. This 2003 copyrighted version  was developed by Joachim and Wendy Volhard. The score sheet below has been prepared for those who have the Volhards' book, Dog Training For Dummies, which has the information required for accurate results and correct score interpretation. The Volhard Top Dog Training and Nutrition website has resources on acquiring a puppy or older dog, training your dog and the Volhard Motivational Method, understanding your dog's behavior, feeding your dog, and complementary approaches to health care. For more information from Wendy on selecting the breed right for your lifestyle and when and how to initiate training, click here.
 

  Puppy (color, sex) ________________________    Litter __________________________    Date _______________________  

      Interpreting the Scores

• Mostly 1's — A puppy that consistently scores a 1 in the temperament section of the test is an extremely dominant, aggressive puppy who can easily be provoked to bite. This puppy is high in Fight Drive. His dominant nature will attempt to resist human leadership, thus requiring only the most experienced of handlers. This puppy is a poor choice for most individuals and will do best in a working situation as a guard or police dog.
  
• Mostly 2's — This pup is dominant and self-assured, also high in Fight Drive. He can be provoked to bite; however he readily accepts human leadership that is firm, consistent and knowledgeable. This is not a dog for a tentative, indecisive individual. In the right hands, he has the potential to become a fine working or show dog and could fit into an adult household, provided the owners know what they are doing.
  
• Mostly 3's — This pup is outgoing and friendly and will adjust well in situations in which he receives regular training and exercise. High in Pack Drive, he has a flexible temperament that adapts well to different types of environment, provided he is handled correctly. May be too much dog for a family with small children or an elderly couple who are sedentary.  
  
• Mostly 4's — A pup that scores a majority of 4's is an easily controlled, adaptable puppy whose submissive nature and high Pack Drive will make him continually look to his master for leadership. This pup is easy to train, reliable with kids, and, though he lacks self-confidence, makes a wonderful family pet. He is usually less outgoing than a pup scoring in the 3's, but his demeanor is gentle and affectionate.
  
• Mostly 5's — This is a pup who is extremely submissive, high in Flight Drive and lacking in self-confidence. He bonds very closely with his owner and requires regular companionship and encouragement to bring him out of himself. If handled incorrectly, this pup will grow up very shy and fearful. For this reason, he will do best in a predictable, structured lifestyle with owners who are patient and not overly demanding, such as an elderly couple.
  
• Mostly 6's — A puppy that scores 6 consistently is independent, low in Pack Drive and uninterested in people. He will mature into a dog who is not demonstrably affectionate and who has a low need for human companionship. In general, it is rare to see properly socialized pups test this way; however there are several breeds that have been bred for specific tasks (such as basenjis, hounds, and some northern breeds) which can exhibit this level of independence. To perform as intended, these dogs require a singularity of purpose that is not compromised by strong attachments to their owner.