Choosing a Basset Hound: Temperament Testing

Sizing up an eight-week-old Basset Hound pup to see what kind of dog he will be when he grows up is a sketchy science, but one that is practiced regularly nonetheless. In fact, many trainers and breeders believe that by performing a few simple temperament tests at the kennel, you can tell what type of dog you are bringing home.

Many have done this with a great deal of success. But are they really choosing the best pup of the litter or are they just getting lucky? The truth is that even though evidence points to the fact that early temperament testing is plausible, there is no hard-core research regarding puppy testing. And dog personalities are bound to waiver all throughout the puppy years and into adolescents. This means that your dog could realistically change his temperament up to 18 months of age.

But even with that said, there are those that would swear to the reliability of puppy temperament testing. And who’s to say that they’re wrong? Besides what harm is it going to do to take a few minutes to size up each pup at the kennel? So, if you want to increase your chances of getting a well mannered pup, why not try out these few simple tests when you search for your next Basset Hound puppy?

Fear and sociability – This is the first test that you will perform since it involves walking up on the pup as a stranger. When you meet the pup for the first time, look for signs of fear. Signs of balking and cowering could be signs of a fearful nature that will be hard to overcome during socialization.
Connectivity and reliability on humans – Once you have met the pup put it down and walk away. If the pup follows you, it means that it has a strong attachment to humans, wants to please them and will be easier to train and a lovable pet.
Dominance – The test for dominance at eight weeks is very simple. Simply cradle the pup on its back with your fingers under its armpits. Hold the pup high in the air. Watch for the puppy’s reaction. If it struggles to be let free, this is supposed to signify a dominant streak that may surface later in life. If the pup remains limp and passive, this is supposed to point toward a submissive adult personality.
Noise sensitivity – As the pup is walking away, drop your keys or something that will make a loud noise on the floor behind him. If the pup acts in a fearful way and attacks the keys, this pup is believed to have an innate fear of noise and will become startled easily. If the pup is merely curious, on the other hand, it is believed to be calm natured and fearless.

While the reliability of these tests has not been scientifically tested, they are a good marker of how well your pup will become adjusted to its new home, at least in the initial stages. To test your dog’s true temperament, you will have to monitor your dog’s personality well into adulthood.