When choosing a new puppy, it's absolutely crucial to consider more than just their adorable looks. In fact, one of the most important factors to consider is a puppy's temperament. This is where puppy temperament evaluations come into play. These evaluations are conducted when puppies are 7.5-8.5 weeks old, a crucial stage in their development where their personalities are becoming more defined. Choosing a puppy based on temperament rather than looks ensures that the pup will be a good fit for your lifestyle and family.  Puppy Selections do not take place until Go Home Day at 8 weeks for standards/moyens and 9 weeks for minis. Each family will be given access to a video of each of the puppy's evaluations as well as access to each puppy's evaluation sheet prior to selection 

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These evaluations are designed to gauge a puppy's personality traits, such as their level of confidence, human assertiveness, motivation level, nerve strength and resiliency, touch tolerance, energy level, human focus, prey drive, tenderheartedness, sight and sound sensitivity as well as their dog friendliness. The evaluation includes a series of tests simulating real-life scenarios and observing the puppy's responses. Examples include seeing how the puppy reacts to loud noises, and to the sight and sounds of  an umbrella popping open. Why conduct these evaluations at 7.5-8.5 weeks? Puppies are at a key developmental stage at this age. They've spent enough time with their mother and littermates to develop certain behavioral traits, but they are not yet fully formed and still open to new experiences. Waiting until 7.5-8.5 weeks allows for a more accurate assessment of the puppy's personality than if the evaluation were conducted earlier.

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While it's easy to fall in love with a puppy based on its appearance, selecting a puppy based on looks alone can lead to issues down the line. A puppy's temperament is a far more significant factor in determining how well they will fit into your family life. For example, a shy puppy might not do well in an active and busy home, while a more energetic puppy might be too much for a more laid-back family or elderly couple. The goal of puppy temperament evaluations is to ensure proper puppy placement. By matching a puppy's temperament to a suitable home, we increase the chances of a successful placement where both the puppy and the owners are happy and satisfied.

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At BHK9 we understand the importance of temperament evaluations and conduct these tests before allowing selections and placing puppies in their new homes. They provide valuable insights into each puppy's individual personality and potential compatibility with your lifestyle. Remember, our top priority is the well-being of our puppies, and we want to make sure you and your new pup are a perfect match.

 

While it's easy to get swept away by a puppy's appearance, remember: looks fade, but temperament lasts a lifetime. By waiting for a puppy temperament evaluation at 7.5-8.5 weeks, you can make an informed decision that ensures a lasting, loving bond between you and your new pup. It's not just about finding a puppy; it's about finding the right puppy for you and your family. 

 

Remember, the goal of owning a pet is to create a lifetime of happiness and companionship. By prioritizing temperament over appearance, you're setting the stage for a successful, happy relationship with your new companion.