Few puppies will test with all 2’s or all 3’s - there will be a mixture of scores.

For that first time, wonderfully easy to train, potential star, look for a puppy that has quite a few 4’s and 3’s. Don’t worry about the score on Touch Sensitivity - you can compensate for that with the right training equipment.

Avoid the puppy with a score of 1 on the Restraint and Elevation tests. This puppy will be too much for the first time owner.

It’s hard not to become emotional when picking a puppy - they are all so cute, soft and cuddly. Remind yourself that this dog is going to be with you for 8 to 16 years. Don’t hesitate to step back a little to contemplate your decision. Sleep on it and review it in the light of day.

It’s a lot more fun to have a good dog, one that is easy to train, one you can live with and one you can be proud of, than one that is a constant struggle.

Following are the responses you will see and the score assigned to each particular response. You will see some variations and will have to make a judgment on what score to give them.