All pups (sold & available) were examined and vaccinated by the vet today. Everyone did well & passed inspection. :) I've used the Volhard test for these scores, tests were done at 7 weeks of age, Nov 16th. Please keep in mind when reading the descriptions given on the Volhard page that the Volhard test was designed for pet rather than working dogs. Any working dog worth its salt will have more drive than a pet dog. That doesn't make them nasty, just true to their working background. And the great thing about English Shepherds is that MOST of them have a fantastic 'off' switch so they can settle calmly at your feet or in the house when they're not working. Such a fantastic and useful trait! Some of the pups below are more suited to working homes, others will be fine in active companion homes.
We have herding test videos available which give further insight into their dogalities. Blue - Available
Not surprisingly, he was confident and playful in his new surroundings for the test. At 6 weeks he was top dog (see post here) among the pups, however at 8.25 weeks he has traded places with Silver in the litter hierarchy, below her & Red. His temperament test scores show that he has the potential to be willing to test his owner for leadership. However, he is one of the most gentle in taking food from my hands when I'm training him. He is a hoot to work with, often causing me to laugh with his antics. He likes to turn the work into a game. This boy is going to be amazing in the hands of an experienced owner who wants a gritty working or active companion dog.
Not suitable for inexperienced homes, or those with young children unless it's an experienced, structured home. (shown here at 6.5 weeks during herding test)
Blue Scored: Social Attraction (Degree of social attraction, confidence, or dependence) : 2
Follow (Degree of following attraction. Not following indicates independence.) : 2
Restraint (Degree of dominant or submissive tendency. How it accepts stress, when socially/physically dominated.) : 2
Social Dominance (Degree of acceptance of social dominance. Pup may try to dominate by jumping and nipping or is independent and walks away.) : 2 Elevation Dominance (Degree of accepting dominance while in position of no control.) : 4
Retrieve (Degree of willingness to work with a human. High correlation between ability to retrieve and successful guide dogs, obedience dogs, field trial dogs.) : 3 - is considered a perfect score.
Touch sensitivity (Degree of sensitivity to touch.) : 3
Sound Sensitivity (Degree of sensitivity to sound.) : 4
Sight Sensitivity (Degree of intelligent response to strange object.) : 1 Great in a working dog, may preclude having young children around just b/c of the extra drive and possible nippiness. Although, if experienced owner/parent, it is something that can be managed.
Stability: 3
Four 2's, four 3's, two 4's, and a 1.
Red - Available
Red loves the tunnel that I use sometimes in training. She voluntarily goes through it, and through it again. She is smart and loves to be with her people. She can be vocal at times when not allowed to be with them. Normally a pup that gets a lot of twos should be placed in an experienced home that doesn't have young children. However, while this girl got quite a few 2's they're ALL in the areas that have to do with herding instinct. She is a sweetheart who is not dominant towards people. She is, at 8.25 weeks, the 2nd highest pup in the litter hierarchy. While she *could* be placed in a younger family since the 2's are not in the dominance arena, I believe that due to her higher herding instinct- which could lead to chasing, jumping and playful nips unless properly supervised- she'll be best placed either in a dog savvy family (preference to one with older children) or in a working home. Her herding test shows natural instinct and drive.
Scored:
Social Attraction: 2
Follow: 2
Restraint: 4-5 (5) almost no struggle
Social Dominance: 3 Elevation Dominance: 4
Retrieve: 2
Touch sensitivity: 3
Sound Sensitivity: 3
Sight Sensitivity: 2 (Great in a working dog. If in a home with children, will need to monitor & teach her the appropriate manners).
Stability: 2 Pounced onto it, no bite (Again, fine in a working dog. If in a home with children, will need to monitor & teach her the appropriate manners).
Five 2's, three 3's, one 4, one 5
Silver - Available
Like Gold, Silver can be a bit cautious in new situations, but quickly acclimatizes to the surroundings with curled, wagging tail. She's a sweet, playful girl. In training she does most things well. She still needs to be reminded about what 'down' is, but does capitulate and do so. Overall she's a pretty even keeled pup who should do well in a structured family setting.
Scored:
Social Attraction: 3-4 paused to investigate area briefly first before going to tester, somewhat crouched, tail 1/2 mast (4)
Follow: 3-4 somewhat crouched, wagging (3)
Restraint: 3
Social Dominance: 2, 4 Walked away, came back, jumped up on lap, got off, licked hands (3) Elevation Dominance: 4
Retrieve: 3
Touch sensitivity: 3
Sound Sensitivity: 4
Sight Sensitivity: 1-2 (2) (Great in a working dog. If in a home with children, will need to monitor & teach her the appropriate manners).
Stability: 2 feet on, not cautious (Again, fine in a working dog. If in a home with children, will need to monitor & teach her the appropriate manners).
Two 2's, five 3's, three 4's