Puppy Aptitude Test
Understand your puppy's social tendencies, sensitivities, and responses to new experiences.
Use Bulli Ray's structured assessment to observe each puppy and consider how its traits fit your home and lifestyle.
Download the Test (PDF)
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Find the right fit.
The goal is to understand each puppy's behavior and match its traits to your family's lifestyle.
Before you begin
Prepare for the evaluation
- The Bulli Ray guide recommends testing at 7 weeks of age (49 days).
- Use a tester unfamiliar to the puppies and their mother.
- Identify each puppy with a ribbon color or number.
- Record one observed response per test category.
Your testing kit
- Clipboard, pen or pencil, and identification ribbons
- Newspaper
- Metal cooking pot and metal spoon
- Kitchen garbage liner
- Regular-size umbrella
Follow the complete guide for handling instructions. If a puppy panics and does not recover, end the evaluation and return it to its litter.
The 10 test sections
Observe the puppy's response during each exercise. Keep a separate scoring form for each puppy.
01Social Attraction
Put the puppy down in the testing area. Walk in a circle around the puppy, no more than 5 feet away. Stay close, keep moving and stay quiet; you don't want to trigger learned behavior by calling the puppy. Then stop, crouch down and call the puppy to you.
Observed responses (select one, scored 1-6)
- 1Came readily, tail up, jumped, bit at hands
- 2Came readily, tail up, pawed, licked at hands
- 3Came readily, tail up
- 4Came readily, tail down
- 5Came hesitantly, tail down
- 6Didn't come at all
02Following
This test assesses the puppy's social drive: how much it seeks human companionship and how confidently it interacts with strangers. This exercise should last approximately 3 minutes.
Observed responses (select one, scored 1-6)
- 1Followed readily, tail up, got underfoot, bit at feet
- 2Followed readily, tail up, got underfoot
- 3Followed readily, tail up
- 4Followed readily, tail down
- 5Followed hesitantly, tail down
- 6Did not follow, went away or found something more interesting
03Restraint
Gently place the puppy on its back and hold it securely for 30 seconds. Position your thumb and forefinger on the left side of the neck and shoulder, with the remaining three fingers supporting the right side. The hold should be firm but not forceful. Maintain direct eye contact and observe how long the puppy resists before relaxing. If the puppy does not relax, return it to its litter, as this response may indicate the need for an experienced handler rather than a home with children or older individuals. This exercise should last approximately 1 minute.
Observed responses (select one, scored 1-6)
- 1Struggled fiercely, flailed, bit
- 2Struggled fiercely, flailed
- 3Settled, struggled, settled with some eye contact
- 4Struggled, then settled
- 5No struggle
- 6No struggle, strained to avoid eye contact
04Social Dominance
Sit on the ground and allow the puppy to approach and interact with you at its own pace. Keep your hands open and resting on your legs. Avoid petting or encouraging the puppy; calmly observe how it responds to your passive presence. This exercise should last approximately 3 minutes.
Observed responses (select one, scored 1-6)
- 1Jumped, pawed, bit, growled
- 2Jumped, pawed
- 3Cuddled up to the tester and tried to lick the face
- 4Squirmed, licked at hands
- 5Rolled over, licked at hands
- 6Went away and stayed away
05Elevation Dominance
Lift the puppy securely using both hands positioned evenly around its rib cage. Bend slightly forward as you raise the puppy about one foot off the ground, keeping its body horizontal. Hold it safely suspended for about 30 seconds and observe how much it struggles. The entire exercise should last around one minute.
Observed responses (select one, scored 1-6)
- 1Struggled fiercely, tried to bite
- 2Struggled fiercely
- 3Struggled, settled, struggled, settled
- 4No struggle, relaxed
- 5No struggle, body stiff
- 6No struggle, froze
06Retrieving
Crumple a piece of newspaper into a ball and toss it a few feet ahead. Observe the puppy's reaction. This test reveals play and social drive, and whether the puppy has any sight issues. The entire exercise should last around two minutes.
Observed responses (select one, scored 1-6)
- 1Chased the object, picked it up, and ran away
- 2Chased the object, stood over it, and did not return
- 3Chased the object, picked it up, and returned with it to the tester
- 4Chased the object and returned it to the tester
- 5Started to chase the object, lost interest
- 6Does not chase the object
07Touch Sensitivity
Hold the puppy and gently lift its paw. Place your thumb and forefinger on either side of the toe webbing. Apply pressure starting at 0 (none), then 1 (very light), then 2 (a slightly firmer squeeze), gradually increasing until you reach a count of 10. The entire exercise should take about 30 seconds.
Observed responses (select one, scored 1-6)
- 18-10 count before response
- 26-8 count before response
- 35-6 count before response
- 43-5 count before response
- 52-3 count before response
- 61-2 count before response
08Sound Sensitivity
Place the puppy on the ground and let it explore freely. Be patient and allow as much time as needed. Once the puppy is distracted elsewhere, strike a metal spoon against the inside of a metal pot three or four times, then set both on the ground. The entire exercise should take about one or two minutes.
Observed responses (select one, scored 1-6)
- 1Listened, located the sound, and ran toward it barking
- 2Listened, located the sound, and walked slowly toward it
- 3Listened, located sound, and showed curiosity
- 4Listened and located sound
- 5Cringed, backed off, and hid behind the tester
- 6Ignored sound and showed no curiosity
09Sight Sensitivity
Place the puppy on the ground and step away three steps in any direction. Pick up a kitchen trash liner, unfold it and shake air into it. Hold the open bag close to the ground so the puppy can investigate if interested, and observe. Do not let the puppy tear or chew the bag, as swallowing plastic can be dangerous.
Observed responses (select one, scored 1-6)
- 1Looked, attacked, and bit the object
- 2Looked at and put feet on the object and put the mouth on it
- 3Looked with curiosity and attempted to investigate, tail up
- 4Looked with curiosity, tail down
- 5Ran away or hid behind the tester
- 6Hid behind the tester
10Stability
Place the puppy on the ground and use a standard-sized umbrella (not a mini) that opens quickly. Practice the opening beforehand and avoid fumbling in front of the puppy. Step back, call the puppy toward you, open the umbrella and observe its reaction.
Observed responses (select one, scored 1-6)
- 1Looked and ran to the umbrella, mouthing or biting it
- 2Looked and walked to the umbrella, smelling it cautiously
- 3Looked and went to investigate
- 4Sat and looked, but did not move toward the umbrella
- 5Showed little or no interest
- 6Ran away from the umbrella
Understanding the results
Review the responses across all ten categories alongside your observations. Consider social drive, handling tolerance, and sound or sight sensitivities in relation to daily life in your home.
“You're matching traits to lifestyle, not forcing a personality into your world.”
Get the full scoring form and interpretation guide.
Download the Puppy Aptitude Test