Temperament Testing: My Take and How I Match Families With the Right Puppy
You’ve probably heard breeders talk about temperament testing. In the Badass Breeder® program (which I love and use), temperament testing is one of the tools for matching puppies with the right families. It’s a great concept — but here’s my honest take:
I don’t believe any single test, on any single day, can tell you everything about a puppy’s personality for life. Puppies, just like people, can have good days and off days. The results are a snapshot in time, not a crystal ball.
Why I Don’t Rely on Temperament Testing Alone
I live with my puppies every single day. I’m not just watching them for 10 minutes in a controlled setting — I see them when they’re sleepy, when they’re hungry, when they’re playing, when they’re learning, when they’re pushing boundaries, and when they’re cuddled up in my lap.
This hands-on time means I get to know who they really are and how they might fit into your life.
Matching the right puppy with the right home is part science, part art — and a whole lot of heart.
My Approach to Puppy Placement
I guide families based on weeks of daily observation, not just one test.
I always advocate for my dogs first. If I believe a certain puppy won’t thrive in a specific environment, I will say so — kindly, but clearly.
My responsibility is to make sure both you and the puppy are set up for success.
When I Bring In an Expert
I’m the first to admit: you can’t be an expert in everything, nor should you try.
If a family has very specific needs — and I have even a hint of concern about whether a puppy will be the right fit — I’ll call in someone I trust completely: Jacob Fowler, here in Middleton, Idaho.
Jacob trains dogs for a living. He’s worked with military dogs and has a deep, daily expertise in evaluating behavior that I will never pretend to match. If I ever need that level of insight, I bring him in and I pay for the evaluation myself.
The Bottom Line
Temperament testing can be a helpful tool — but it’s not the whole story. I believe in using my daily, hands-on knowledge of each puppy, combined with trusted expert input when needed, to make the best match possible. My role is to be the puppy’s voice and the family’s guide, and I take that responsibility seriously.
At the end of the day, this isn’t just about selling a puppy. It’s about creating a lifelong match where both sides thrive. And that, to me, is worth far more than any test score.
