Puppy Personality Testing at KooeeKeis

At KooeeKeis Australian Cobberdogs, one of the most important parts of our process is matching the right puppy with the right family. To help us do this, we use a gentle and well-known method called the Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test (PAT).

We carry out our puppy testing at around six to seven weeks of age, when puppies are neurologically mature but haven’t yet learned habits that could influence the results. This timing gives us a clearer picture of each pup’s natural temperament and tendencies.

What Is Puppy Aptitude Testing?

Puppy aptitude testing has been around since the 1930s, originally used in early guide-dog programs. Over time it has been refined to help predict some future behavioural traits in adult dogs when done at around 49 days of age.

At KooeeKeis, we use the PAT as a guide, along with our own experience and daily observations, to help place each Cobberdog into the home where they are most likely to thrive – whether that’s a busy family, a quieter household, or future therapy or support work.

What We Look For

The Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test is made up of ten simple exercises. There are no winners or losers – it simply helps us understand each puppy a little better. We look at:

• Social Attraction: Does the puppy happily seek out people and enjoy contact?
• Following: Will the puppy willingly follow a person, showing connection and interest?
• Restraint & Social Dominance: How the puppy responds to gentle handling and human guidance.
• Elevation: Comfort when briefly held off the ground, such as at the vet or groomer.
• Retrieving: Willingness to chase and bring back a small object – a great clue for trainability.
• Touch Sensitivity: How responsive they are to light pressure or handling.
• Sound Sensitivity: Response to safe, sudden sounds like a tap or soft noise.
• Sight Sensitivity: Reaction to a moving object – can indicate chasing or high alertness.
• Stability: How quickly they recover after a mild startle from an unusual object.

How We Run the Test

To keep things fair and meaningful, testing is done:

• In a quiet area the puppies have not explored before.
• One puppy at a time, with no other dogs or people nearby.
• With a tester the puppy does not know, and a quiet observer recording the responses.
• When the puppies are bright, lively, and before they have been fed.
• On a day when they are well and not directly after vaccinations.

We also note each puppy’s overall energy level and body structure. What you see at this age – straight legs, balanced build, and natural movement – is usually what they will grow into, given a good diet and healthy environment.

Why It Matters

Our testing is never about “grading” puppies. It is about honouring who they are and making sure they land in homes that are a great match for their temperament and lifestyle needs.

It’s all part of our belief that “The best Australian Cobberdog is the one that is suited to your family.”