7 Week Puppy Aptitude Test (PAT)

The PAT

The Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test is a standardized way to evaluate a puppy’s temperament when they’re about 7 weeks old. It includes a series of small exercises like following a person, retrieving, handling, and reacting to sudden noises to see how confident, social, independent, or sensitive each puppy naturally is.

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Each response gets a score from 1 to 6, and the overall pattern helps predict what kind of home or lifestyle a puppy might thrive in.

• Mostly 3s and 4s are considered ideal
  Puppies scoring in the 3–4 range tend to be well-balanced: confident but not dominant, willing to learn, social, and adaptable. They’re usually the easiest for the average family or first-time dog owner to raise and train.

• Lots of 1s or 2s can show a more dominant, strong-willed personality.

• Lots of 5s or 6s can show a more timid or very soft, sensitive puppy.

An occasional score of 1's, 2's, 5's or 6's do not indicate any issues. Just be on the look out for tests that contain MOSTLY 3's and 4's to suggest a more well-balanced pup!

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The test doesn’t “label” a puppy forever—it just gives a helpful snapshot of their natural tendencies so owners can set them up for success.