Campbell's Test

Before explaining the methodology to apply the test, it is more appropriate to make some indications:

It can be taken to effect by the breeder or any other person

It has to be applied the day after the litter has reached its 7 weeks since born.

The place in which the test is going to take place has to be clear from any kind of object that may attract the attention of the pups.

The test has to be done individually and without the presence of any other dog or person.
The person in charge of doing the test, must be present at all times, unmoved and without showing his emotions in front of the puppy.

Test
The test consists of 5 completely different sections through which, and by virtue of the results obtained, you will count with enough elements of judgment to establish the general lines of character of the puppy.

SECTION 1: Submission

Put the dog in a ventral position, keeping him firmly in that position, and while putting your hand on its chest, make him stay that way for a 30-second period.

Answer:

Tries to abandon this posture trying to bite you
Fights back, but without trying to bite you
Fights back for a while, but finally, ceases and stays still
Keeps still from the beginning to the end of the test

SECTION 2: Social predominance

Holding the pups head by the lower part of the jaw and forcing him to clearly expose his throat. Use your free hand to slide it longitudinally over the dogs loin doing this during for 30 seconds.

Answer:

The pup tries to loosen himself, growls and tries to bite you
Tries to get loose, but without any aggression
Tries to get loose, but only for a short time
Assumes a ventral position
Frees himself and avoids any kind of contact

SECTION 3: Security

Get near the puppy from his behind, raise him by surprise holding him by the chest. Hold him without letting him have any contact with the floor. Keep this position during 30 seconds.

Answer:
a. The pup fights back and tries to bite you to free himself

Fights back, but without being aggressive
Fights back, but only for a short period of time
The pup stays still

SECTION 4: Social attraction

Place the dog in the middle of the room, get away from him ( never towards the door); kneel down and call him towards you with your voice and by clapping your hands.

Answer:

a. The pup comes to you happily, with its tail raised and looking at you to establish contact
He comes to you with its tail raised, but without trying to establish contact
He comes to you, but with his tail down
Doubts, but comes near to you.
Doesn't want to establish any contact

SECTION 5: Following the owner

Put the pup by your side, and start walking making sure that the dog and you always have visual contact.

Answer:

The pup follows you trying to play
It follows you without its tail raised
It follows you, but with its tail down
Doubts, but follows you
Doesn't follow you

Dog Behaviorist Choosing a Male or Female Dog Campbell's Test Qualifications The adoption process Dog Adoption Socializing your Dog Dog and Family The acquisition of an adult dog Adult dogs for adoption Breed classification Needs of exercise Need for affection Tolerance to children Tolerance to other dogs Dominant character Territorial character Activity Level Obedience education Dog psychology Association power Conditioning Reflex Family environment Dog's Views Dog's Education Positive conditioning Negative conditioning Training and education Training Program for your Dog Dog Fear How to Overcome Dog Fear Attenuating conditions Dog Aggressiveness Aggressiveness by depredation Aggressiveness by dominance Territorial aggressiveness Self-defense aggressiveness When your dog attacks in self defense Injuries in dog attacks Second case of Injuries in dog attacks Sensibility suppression Dog sensibility issues Territorial Factors Expression canals Complete body language Your Dog's Diet Phobia or fear to the collar or leash Collar and Leash usage Dog understanding Other Strategies Jealousy with Dogs Non traumatic introduction Correct location of the child in the family hierarchy Progressive raise of rank of the child Vehicles: excitement or fear Exercises with your Dog Dogs Fear of Cars Starting your dog with real experiences Not mixing new experiences with meals Vehicles and dogs Dog Hyperactivity Frequent Dog Owner Mistakes Excessive barking Indoor dog rules Controlling your barking dog Anxiety pattern Lack of confidence Socializing with the outside world Excessive dominance Lack of dominance in dogs At home Excessive biting To personal objects, furniture, etc Space the dog is allowed to have Aggressions to other dogs Self-defense aggressions Bossy aggressions Aggressions between two dogs from the same home Aggressions to strangers due to territory Backing out from a dog attack Aggressions to family members First time aggressions Not enough exercise in relation to age and breed Scarce contact with other dogs Punishment to a late response Emphasizing conditions and appeasing to evasive behavior Lack of control over feeding and going out schedules Lack of self-confidence Lack of attention from the owners Marking their territory Coprophagy Ingestion of its own feces Agoraphobia Dog Depression How to prevent depression Psychological pregnancy Pulling the leash excessively Corrective methodology Ingestion of strange substances Destruction of gardens Bathing struggles Practical Guide to Canine Behavior Site Map