Info > Breeding > The campbell test

Set the puppy on the ground and walk away from him, about ten feet. Kneel and clap your hands together a few times. Be attentive to the way he reacts to this clapping. See if he comes to you, tail, high or low. The puppy will show you right away the level of trust he has placed upon you. Note the result.

B- Test his willingness to follow

Set the puppy on the ground, beside you. Then walk away from him, using a regular pace. If the puppy stays put, it could mean he tends to be independant. If he follows you, it is a sign of obedience. Note the result.

C- Restraining test

Flatten the puppy and roll him on his back. Hold a hand upon its sternum for at least thirty seconds. His attitude should tell you whether he is accepting or refusing this physical domination. Note the result.

D- Social dominance test

Again, flatten the puppy against the ground. Stroke him, from head to back, a few times. A dominant dog will resist such fondling, he will even try to bite you. An independant puppy will go away. You may repeat this test many times. Note the result.

E- Lifting test

Raise the dog, hands accross the puppy's belly. Hold him at a reasonable level. At this point, the puppy has lost all control. The way he reacts will tell you how submissive he his. Note the result.

SCORE

Mark off the letter wich seems most appropriate to the dog's reactions

TEST A

1- Comes easily, tail high, hopping and nibbling hands ___A

2- Comes easily, tail high, while yelping toward your hands__B

3- Comes easily, but with the tail lowered __C

4- Comes hesitantly __D

5- Does not come at all __E

TEST B

1- Follows easily, tail high, hopping and nibbling feet__A

2- Follows easily, tail high only __B

3- Follows easily, tail lowered __C

4- Follows hesitantly, tail lowered __D

5- Does not follow, keeping it's distance __E

TEST C

1- Struggles vigorously, wants to get away, bites __A

2- Struggles vigorously, wants to get away __B

3- Struggles a moment, but surrenders __C

4- Does not struggle, licks hands __D

TEST D

1- Jumps, yelps, scratching, bites, growls __A

2- Jumps, yelps __B

3- Squirms, licks hands __C

4- Welters, licks hands __D

5- Gets away, does not budge __E

TEST E

1- Ferocious, bites, growls, cries __A

2- Kicks a lot, cries __B

3- Struggles, soothes himself, licks __C

4- Does not struggle __D

Test results

2 A's or more, with B's.

Agressive dominant dog (will bite if manipulated). Not recommended for babies and third age persons. Excellent watchdog if trained with calm and gentleness.

3 B's or more.

Dominant pup or has a tendency to dominate. Strong aptitude for training; not recommended if children are close by.

3 C's or more

Excellent familly dog. Perfect for children and third age persons. No major problems.

2 D's or more, especially if with an E or more

Puppy is very submissive. Has a great need of love and tenderness. Will suit to children, if you keep an eye open in order to prevent minor bites.

2 E's or more (including one in the D Test)

Has a hard time socializing. Can attack due to fear, stress, especially if punished. Not recommended where babies or third age persons live.

A and E's mixed.

Start over the test elsewhere. If the result is the same,
the puppy is unpredictable.

Resource:
http://sites.rapidus.net/dangers/campbelltest.htm