Medium Engagement
Balanced assertiveness with polite manners. Enjoys close proximity, often sitting alongside or gently seeking the lap. May show light, respectful mouthing while honoring boundaries.
Puppy Testing:
Puppy Evaluation & Score Interpretations
| Trait | Description | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Social Attraction | Approaches, follows, solicits attention | Measures desire to interact with humans |
| Following | Follows tester, stays close | Assesses loyalty, bonding tendencies |
| Restraint | Held gently for 30 seconds | Evaluates tolerance to control and grooming |
| Social Dominance | Responds to petting after release | Indicates desire to seek approval |
| Elevation | Held suspended for 30 seconds | Reveals trust and handling confidence |
| Retrieving | Chases and returns crumpled paper | Shows willingness to please and trainability |
| Touch Sensitivity | Pinch between toes—timed response | Determines sensitivity to physical stimuli |
| Sound Sensitivity | Response to sudden sound | Evaluates reaction to noise and potential deafness |
| Sight Sensitivity | Follows a moving object | Measures curiosity and prey drive |
| Stability | Reaction to sudden visual stimulus | Tests startle reflex and recovery speed |
| Structure | Examines bone alignment and gait | Checks for physical soundness and conformation |
Stokeshire Designer Doodles
Therapy Dog Candidate Profile
Confidence
Proactive and eager in novel settings; explores with curiosity, tail carried higher. Embraces challenges and engages readily during testing.
Motivational Drive
Forward-leaning teamwork mindset. Sustains attention, aims to please, responds to requests, and will retrieve/return items when asked.
Nerve Strength & Resilience
Composed under stimulus. May startle briefly but recovers quickly, resuming exploratory behavior. Maintains calm, steady demeanor.
Tender-hearted Nature
Compassionate and empathetic; offers cuddles/licks and proximity during human distress, building strong human bonds.
Candidate Considerations
High touch toleranceLow sight/sound sensitivityHuman-focused
Avoid: high prey drive, extreme energy or assertiveness, overly tender-hearted (overwhelmed), low nerve strength, low confidence.
Evaluation Timing: At 6–7 weeks, a professional trainer conducts BAB Puppy Evaluations. Litters may include specialty modules (e.g., breeding/therapy emphasis). Each activity is scored based on the puppy’s first natural response.
Evaluation Criteria
Assertiveness with Humans
Comfort around people; self-initiated approach vs. natural deference. Watched via spontaneous approach to tester without prompting.
Confidence
Self-assurance entering an unfamiliar area; response to new objects/environments.
Motivation Level
Willingness to “work” with humans (fetch, tug, engagement). Is the puppy following reasonable requests without heavy coaxing?
Nerve Strength
Stress coping and recovery across situations. Low = easily stressed; High = adapts and rebounds quickly.
Touch Tolerance
Response to handling (tail tug, toes, etc.). Low = discomfort; High = relaxed/enjoys touch.
Energy Level
Overall arousal during the test. Steady engagement vs. nonstop zooming or frequent shutdowns.
Sound Sensitivity
Startle and recovery to loud, unexpected noise. Low score = tolerant; High = sound-sensitive.
Sight Sensitivity
Reaction to sudden visual motion (e.g., umbrella). Low = unbothered; High = easily stressed/avoidant.
Prey Drive
Interest in chase/stalk/pounce behaviors. Low = little interest; High = watch around small pets.
Human Focus
Preference for people vs. independent exploration; sustained attention to handler.
Tenderhearted
Emotional attunement to humans. Moderate–High is best for emotional support; extreme tenderness can be overwhelming for clinical therapy roles.
Dog Friendliness
Social style with unfamiliar dogs (assertive vs. submissive greeting) observed via controlled introduction.
Interpreting Scores
1–2: Big leadership energy; best with experienced handlers.
3: Higher drive/energy; great with jobs and active homes.
4: Balanced & adaptable; ideal general family companion.
5–6: Softer/sensitive or independent; thrives with gentle, predictable routines.
| Home Type | Desired Traits | Potential Obstacles |
|---|---|---|
| With Young Children | Human focus, low sight & sound sensitivity | High prey drive, high energy, low touch tolerance, low resiliency, highly tenderhearted |
| Young Adult(s) | Varies based on couple’s needs | Varies on lifestyle and experience |
| Retired | Human focus, low sight & sound sensitivity | High prey drive, high energy |
| ESA (Emotional Support Animal) | Low energy, highly tenderhearted, low sound/sight sensitivity | Low resiliency, low confidence, low touch tolerance |
| Service Dog | High confidence, high motivation, low sound/sight sensitivity, high resiliency | High prey drive, low confidence, low resiliency |
| Therapy Dog | High touch tolerance, human focus, low sound/sight sensitivity | Extremely tenderhearted dogs may not handle intense emotional environments well |
| Facility Dog | High touch tolerance, human focus, low sound/sight sensitivity | Low assertiveness, extremely tenderhearted dogs may struggle |
Stokeshire Designer Doodles
What Is Volhard’s Puppy Aptitude Test?
The Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test (PAT) helps predict a puppy’s future behavior and training needs. First developed for guide dogs in the 1930s and refined through the 1950s–60s, PAT evaluates key traits at the ideal age of 49 days—when puppies are neurologically mature but not yet shaped by learned behaviors.
Why 49 Days? Testing before or after this age can affect accuracy because early experiences begin to influence responses.
How PAT Works
PAT uses a simple 1–6 scoring scale across ten short activities. Each test is scored individually (no winners or losers); the goal is to match the right puppy with the right home and lifestyle.
- Social Attraction – interest in people, confidence vs. dependence
- Following – willingness to follow a person
- Restraint – tolerance of gentle handling
- Social Dominance – response to human leadership
- Elevation – comfort with no control (e.g., vet exam)
- Retrieving – willingness to work/play with humans
- Touch Sensitivity – reaction to tactile pressure
- Sound Sensitivity – response to loud or sudden noises
- Sight Sensitivity – reaction to moving objects
- Stability – startle recovery & overall steadiness
Reading the Results
Scores help families choose a puppy that fits their activity level and experience. 1–2 = strong leadership drive (needs experienced owner), 3 = high energy/working drive, 4 = well-balanced for most homes, 5–6 = softer, sensitive or independent (needs gentle, structured environments).
Note: We also observe heart rate, stress recovery, and energy level. Puppies won’t “grow out” of major structural traits seen at 49 days.
| Score Range | Best Fit Home Type | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Mostly 1s | Working or experienced handler | High drive, confident, dominant. Needs a firm, consistent handler. May challenge authority if not guided. |
| Mostly 2s | Active family or structured home | Outgoing and trainable, but needs guidance. Can do well with children and socialization. |
| Mostly 3s | Average family or first-time owners | Adaptable, easy-going temperament. Moderate energy and social needs. Great for most homes. |
| Mostly 4s | Quiet, calm, gentle homes | Submissive and sensitive. Thrives in calm environments. Not suited to loud or chaotic households. |
| Mostly 5s | Experienced handlers only | Very shy or fearful. Likely needs special training or therapy work to overcome trauma or low confidence. |
| Mixed | Needs individual analysis | Mixed scores require looking at specific categories. Could be adaptable or show inconsistencies needing further evaluation. |
Stokeshire Designer Doodles
Puppy Aptitude Evaluation — How We Test
Goal: match each puppy’s natural temperament with the right home, training plan, and lifestyle.
Ground Rules
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Neutral Location | Test in a room unfamiliar to the puppies (a ~10 ft square area works great). Not necessary to leave the home. |
| One Puppy at a Time | Only the tester and scorer are present. Puppies do not know the tester. |
| Independent Scorer | A disinterested third party records responses and stays unobtrusive. |
| Timing | Test before feeding and when puppies are lively. Skip testing if a puppy feels unwell or within 24–48 hrs of vaccination. |
| First Response Counts | Score only the initial, natural response (watch tail position: up vs. down influences interpretation). |
Top Dog Tip: Keep your demeanor upbeat and friendly. Encourage engagement to reveal the puppy’s best, natural response.
The Tests (10)
1) Social Attraction
Place puppy ~4 ft from tester; caretaker leaves. Tester kneels and encourages puppy to approach (clap softly, call name) away from entry point.
Hint: Lean back (on heels), keep hands close to body to invite approach rather than reaching.
2) Following
Tester stands, slowly walks away using light claps/verbal cues. Puppy’s willingness to follow indicates sociability and handler focus.
Hint: Ensure eye contact first; don’t lean over the puppy.
3) Restraint
Tester gently rolls puppy on back and holds for ~30s. Observe tolerance to handling and recovery after release.
Hint: Use minimal pressure; the goal is the reaction to position, not overpowering.
4) Social Dominance
With puppy standing/sitting, tester crouches beside and strokes head to back; note acceptance, licking (forgiving nature), or avoidance.
Hint: Stay beside the puppy, facing the same direction; avoid looming overhead.
5) Elevation Dominance
Cradle under chest and lift ~2 ft for ~30s. Gauge acceptance of no-control positions and trust in handler.
6) Retrieving
From a crouch, show a crumpled paper ball, toss ~4 ft, encourage retrieval. Measures willingness to work with humans and object engagement.
7) Touch Sensitivity
Pinch webbing of a front paw with thumb/index, increasing pressure while counting to 10; stop at withdrawal or discomfort. Indicates tactile threshold.
8) Sound Sensitivity
With puppy centered, assistant makes a sharp noise (e.g., spoon on pan). Observe startle, recovery, and curiosity vs. avoidance.
9) Sight Sensitivity
Drag a towel on a string ~2 ft from puppy. Note curiosity, approach, play bow vs. caution, avoidance.
10) Stability
Open an umbrella ~5 ft away and set it down. Measure startle response and recovery speed (fight/flight).
Energy Level Screen
Explore preferred play: fetch, rope/tug, squeaker, or social play with dogs. Note stamina (tires quickly vs. goes until handler ends game).
Scoring & Interpretation (1–6)
| Score | Guidance |
|---|---|
| 1–2 | Strong leadership tendencies; can test boundaries. Best with experienced handlers and clear structure. |
| 3 | High drive/energy; thrives with jobs, training outlets, and active homes (good for 2nd-time owners). |
| 4 | Balanced and adaptable; a great fit for most families and first-time owners. |
| 5–6 | Softer, more sensitive or independent; benefits from gentle handling, patient socialization, and predictable routines. |
Stokeshire Puppy Temperament Glossary
Tenderhearted
Emotionally attuned; great for therapy-inclined homes seeking a compassionate companion.
Confident
Self-assured in new situations; adaptable and often a natural leader.
Playful
Joyful, game-oriented, engages readily — ideal for active families and kids.
Curious
Exploratory and investigative; signals intelligence and trainability.
Calm
Composed in stimulation; soothing presence for quieter homes.
Adaptable
Transitions smoothly between environments, routines, and people.
Affectionate
Seeks closeness and touch; bonds deeply with family members.
Independent
Comfortable solo; appreciates space and self-directed time.
Sensitive
Heightened response to touch/sound; needs gentle handling.
Observant
Watches before acting; thoughtful, sometimes cautious.
Disclaimer
We aim to produce healthy, well-socialized puppies with predictable coat types and sizes. Each puppy, however, is an individual; genetics, environment, and training all shape outcomes. We do not guarantee temperament, trainability, coat/hypoallergenic properties, or adult size/weight. Our observations and scores inform matching but are not guarantees. Ongoing training, socialization, and veterinary care are recommended to help every puppy thrive.
Stokeshire Designer Doodles Aptitude Evaluation
Stokeshire Designer Doodles
Aptitude Evaluation
Welcome! We’ve curated a comprehensive assessment to help match our delightful Designer Doodles with their perfect homes. Drawing from decades of research and refinement, our evaluation offers insight into each puppy’s unique traits and tendencies.
Testing Methodology
Our evaluation uses a series of ten tests at a key developmental stage, each focusing on different aspects of behavior and temperament. This timing helps us read future characteristics with greater accuracy.
The Tests (10)
1) Social Attraction
Measures attraction to people and levels of confidence or dependence.
2) Following
Assesses willingness to follow a person, indicating independence vs. reliance.
3) Restraint
Evaluates response to handling and submission under brief restraint.
4) Social Dominance
Determines acceptance of light social dominance and forgiveness cues (e.g., licking).
5) Elevation
Gauges tolerance of no-control positions when gently lifted and held.
6) Retrieving
Measures willingness to work with a human partner and object engagement.
7) Touch Sensitivity
Evaluates tactile threshold to inform gentle handling and training tools.
8) Sound Sensitivity
Assesses startle, recovery, and curiosity after an unexpected noise.
9) Sight Sensitivity
Measures response to a moving visual stimulus (curiosity vs. caution).
10) Stability
Evaluates startle recovery and fight/flight tendencies to novel objects.
Scoring & Interpretation
Each test is scored from 1 to 6; higher scores indicate stronger tendencies. We use composite patterns to match puppies with compatible homes and lifestyles.
| Score | Guidance |
|---|---|
| 1–2 | Strong leadership tendencies; may test boundaries. Best for experienced handlers with structured training. |
| 3 | Higher drive/energy; thrives with jobs, outlets, and active homes. Often ideal for second-time owners. |
| 4 | Well-rounded and adaptable; a great fit for first-time families. |
| 5–6 | Softer, more sensitive or independent; benefits from gentle handling, patient socialization, and predictable routines. |
Choosing Your Designer Doodle
Use the evaluation alongside overall structure and everyday demeanor to select your companion. Our team is here to help match temperaments to your goals, home life, and experience level.
Our Commitment
We prioritize the well-being of our puppies and their future families. While our evaluation informs matching, every puppy is an individual shaped by genetics, environment, and training. Ongoing socialization, positive-reinforcement training, and regular veterinary care will help your puppy thrive.
Stokeshire Designer Doodles
Puppy Temperament Glossary
1. Tenderhearted
Emotionally attuned; responds sensitively to human cues. Great for families seeking a compassionate companion or therapy prospects.
2. Confident
Self-assured in new places and situations; adaptable and may take natural leadership roles at home.
3. Playful
Joyful, energetic, and game-oriented; readily initiates interaction. Ideal for active families or homes with children.
4. Curious
Keen to explore and investigate; signals intelligence and a strong learning mindset.
5. Calm
Relaxed and composed, even amid stimulation; a soothing presence for quieter households.
6. Adaptable
Transitions smoothly between environments, routines, and people; versatile across household settings.
7. Affectionate
Seeks closeness and touch (cuddling, petting); bonds deeply with family members.
8. Independent
Comfortable spending time solo; doesn’t require constant interaction. Suits owners who value a self-reliant companion.
9. Sensitive
Stronger responses to touch or sound; benefits from gentle handling and calm, predictable environments.
10. Observant
Watches before engaging; thoughtful and sometimes cautious, with measured decision-making.
Disclaimer
We take pride in careful pairings, health testing, and early socialization. Still, each puppy is an individual shaped by genetics, environment, and training. We do not guarantee specific outcomes, including temperament, trainability, coat characteristics/hypoallergenic properties, or adult size/weight. Observations and evaluations inform matching but are not guarantees; puppies may change as they mature and adjust to new homes.
- No guarantees regarding temperament or disposition
- No guarantees regarding trainability/obedience
- No guarantees on coat color/texture or hypoallergenic traits
- No guarantees on adult size/weight
We encourage prospective owners to research dog ownership responsibilities and commit to ongoing positive-reinforcement training, socialization, and veterinary care. By adopting from Stokeshire Designer Doodles, you acknowledge and accept these terms. We’re here to support you throughout your journey with your new companion.
| Test | Score 1 | Score 2 | Score 3 | Score 4 | Score 5 | Score 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Social Attraction | Came readily, tail up, jumped, bit hands | Came readily, tail up, pawed, licked hands | Came readily, tail up | Came hesitantly, tail down | Came hesitantly, no tail movement | Did not come at all |
| Following | Followed readily, tail up, got underfoot | Followed readily, tail up | Followed readily, tail down | Followed hesitantly, tail down | Reluctant to follow | Did not follow |
| Restraint | Struggled fiercely, flailed, bit | Struggled fiercely | Struggled, then settled | Struggled a little, settled | No struggle, relaxed | No struggle, froze |
| Social Dominance | Jumped, bit, growled | Jumped, pawed, licked | Cuddled up to tester | Rolled over, licked hands | Rolled over, no licking | Ignored tester |
| Elevation | Struggled fiercely, tried to bite | Struggled fiercely | Struggled, then relaxed | No struggle, relaxed | No struggle, no interest | Frozen, no response |
| Retrieving | Chased object, returned it | Chased object, stood over it | Chased object, played with it | Started to chase, lost interest | Looked, did not pursue | No interest at all |
| Touch Sensitivity | 8–10 seconds before response | 6–8 seconds | 5–6 seconds | 3–5 seconds | 2–3 seconds | 1–2 seconds |
| Sound Sensitivity | Listens, locates sound, barks, walks to it | Listens, locates, barks | Listens, locates, walks curiously | Listens, locates sound | Cringes, backs off | Ignores sound |
| Sight Sensitivity | Looks, attacks and bites | Looks, paws and mouths object | Looks curiously, investigates | Looks curiously, tail down | Runs away or hides | Hides behind tester |
| Stability | Runs to strange object, bites | Walks to object, sniffs | Watches, wants to investigate | Sits, looks, no approach | Little/no interest | Runs away from object |