Hello Everyone,

2 years ago I bought a 4 month old lab puppy. I did a standard puppy test eg umbrella test,
come when called ( did so-so) , finger pinch. But she failed the rolled over on the back test.
Anyway since the pup already in my possession before I learned of these tests , the dog was
chaotic. I perused the internet, bought books and was able to get it under some degree of control
within 2 months. But.....

1) Since it lives in the plant, other people can't control her. Definitely an alpha female.
2 Leerburg forum already exist so I bought a prong and would try to login and post.

But things did not work out....

In 2002 I woke with my right side paralysed. Doctor found an AVM (brain) had ruptured.
After the operation, I already knew things will knew be the same. The would read but couldn't
write. 2 months later had 1st of many Grand Mal seizures. Knew I wouldn't have a quality
of life. Dog was only 8 months so I opted to have it adopt by a dog hobbyist.

It was 1.5 yrs before I got seizures under control and right now will probrably get a pup.
either min pinscher or corgi. I would like to use it has therapy dog.
Is a standard puppy test really a good and fail
safe method in choosing a pup? Thanks!!!!

Jefferson

Go to my list of training articles and read the articles on selection testing litters. They work. Notice there isa no UMBRELLA.

These tests tell you if the dog has good nerves. They give an indication of drive. Thats all you can expect from them unless you have a lot of experience to read subtle issues.

Get my DVDs on Raising a Working Puppy and Your Puppy 8 Weeks to 8 Months. Even if people are not going to train sport dogs they have a lot to gain from the information in the working puppy DVD

Thanks Ed,

I will look at the articles. I maybe I am just overly anxious to succeed in picking the right one. Eventhough my lab had issues to deal with, I never wanted to give her up.

I knew I wanted a pup a year ago but haven't taken the leap I guess. Thanks.

Jefferson Ong

Hey Ed,

Thanks for the article. My old book had 4 ( 1 with umbrella) <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> Your article has 9. Will definitely use yours. Thanks again.

Jefferson