Volhard Test (PAT) in Puppies: Complete Evaluation of Temperament and Aptitudes
The Volhard Test, also known as the Puppy Aptitude Test (PAT), is one of the most comprehensive methods for evaluating a puppy’s temperament.
Unlike more traditional tests, this system looks not only at the puppy’s immediate reactions, but also at its ability to adapt, its sensitivity, and its response to stress.
This type of assessment is especially valuable in intelligent breeds like the Toy Poodle, where temperament directly influences training, daily life, and overall development.
What Is the Volhard Test?
The Volhard Test is a structured set of exercises designed to evaluate a puppy’s temperament in greater detail.
It is typically carried out between 6 and 7 weeks of age, in a controlled environment, without the presence of the mother or external influences.
Through a variety of situations, it assesses aspects such as:
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sociability
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independence
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sensitivity
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response to stress
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learning ability
Origin of the Volhard Test
The test was developed by canine behavior specialists Jack and Wendy Volhard with the goal of creating a more precise evaluation of a puppy’s temperament.
Their approach is based on structured observation of behavior and on interpreting the responses as a whole, which allows for a more complete profile than simpler tests.
Over time, the Volhard Test has become a widely used tool among professional breeders, especially in working lines and in the careful selection of puppies.
What Is the Volhard Test Used For?
This test allows you to:
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evaluate temperament more precisely
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detect sensitivity or reactivity
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analyze adaptability
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predict ease of training
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choose the most suitable puppy for each environment
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tailor the training approach from the beginning
Volhard Test Exercises
1. Social Attraction
This observes whether the puppy seeks human contact when called.
2. Following
This evaluates whether the puppy follows the evaluator.
Interpretation
-Approaches confidently → sociable and confident.
-Hesitates → more sensitive.
-Does not approach → independent.
Interpretation
-Follows actively → strong connection.
-Follows but gets distracted → moderate temperament.
-Does not follow → independence.
3. Response to Restraint
The puppy is placed on its back for a few seconds.
Interpretation
-Relaxes → balanced temperament.
-Resists → strong personality.
-Becomes stressed → high sensitivity.
4. Social Dominance
This evaluates the puppy’s response to physical contact.
Interpretation
-Accepts it → stable.
-Seeks more → very sociable.
-Avoids → independent.
5. Elevation
The puppy is gently lifted.
Interpretation
-Remains calm → good adaptability.
-Moves → active.
-Becomes stressed → sensitive.
6. Touch Sensitivity
This evaluates the puppy’s reaction to light pressure.
Interpretation
-Low reaction → tolerant.
-Moderate reaction → normal.
-Strong reaction → sensitive.
7. Sound Sensitivity
An unexpected sound is introduced.
Interpretation
-Curiosity → good balance.
-Hesitation → moderate sensitivity.
-Fear → high sensitivity.
8. Response to Visual Stimuli
This observes the puppy’s reaction to a moving object.
9. Overall Stability
This assesses the puppy’s ability to recover after exposure to stimuli.
Interpretation
-Recovers quickly → balanced.
-Takes time → more sensitive.
-Does not recover → needs additional support and work.
How to Interpret the Volhard Test
The value of the test does not lie in any single exercise, but in the overall set of results.
A puppy may show different traits, and what matters is understanding its general profile in order to adapt training and environment.
This approach allows for more precise work and helps avoid mistakes in training.