I've puppy tested a few shepherd litters, dozens of sheltie litters, and assorted other herding and working breeds. IMO, the test confirms much of what an experienced breeder will have noticed from observing the litter from birth. Unfortunately a lot of the information that I want to know about a future dog can't be learned in a puppy test. (Hips, elbows, aggression, willingness to persist at a difficult task) What I *can* see is basic structure, interest in people, interest in the world around them, and sound sensitivity. The most important thing I'm looking for is following behavior. I don't personally want a puppy who isn't interested in following me. It's a big plus if the pup will chase the paper ball, and an even bigger plus if puppy brings it back. A pup that shows no interest in the ball at all is usually more difficult to motivate as an adult. My pick pup will be the obnoxious, outgoing, "into everything" bold pup. The puppy test will confirm who this puppy is, but breeders have already spotted that puppy. There are, btw, a number of breeders on this list who put mini agility obstacles into the puppy play area -- little tunnels, things to climb on -- thank you! :-) That makes for a more confident puppy! - Cheryl May http://www-personal.ksu.edu/~may/dog.html __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - Easier than ever with enhanced search. Learn more. http://info.mail.yahoo.com/mail_250 ============================================================================ POST is Copyrighted 2005. All material remains the property of the original author and of GSD Communication, Inc. NO REPRODUCTIONS or FORWARDS of any kind are permitted without prior permission of the original author AND of the Showgsd-l Management. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ALL PERSONS ARE ON NOTICE THAT THE FORWARDING, REPRODUCTION OR USE IN ANY MANNER OF ANY MATERIAL WHICH APPEARS ON SHOWGSD-L WITHOUT THE EXPRESS PERMISSION OF ALL PARTIES TO THE POST AND THE LIST MANAGEMENT IS EXPRESSLY FORBIDDEN, AND IS A VIOLATION OF LAW. VIOLATORS OF THIS PROHIBITION WILL BE PROSECUTED. For assistance, please contact the List Management at admin@xxxxxxxxxxxx VISIT OUR WEBSITE - http://www.showgsd.org ============================================================================