06/17/2026
TEMPERAMENT TESTING: What Is It and Why Does It Matter? Let’s Talk!**
You’ve probably seen us mention **temperament testing** in our posts over the years — but many people don’t actually ask what it means or why it matters.
So, what *is* temperament testing?
Temperament testing is the process of evaluating a puppy’s **behavior, confidence, cognitive ability, reactions, strengths, challenges, and overall disposition**. It helps us understand each puppy as an individual and make the best possible placement for their future.
And honestly? It’s something **every responsible breeder should be doing.**
At GOW, **every parent dog and every puppy** goes through extensive temperament evaluation from birth all the way to **Gotcha Day**. These assessments are done in stages throughout development and include behavioral observations, cognitive tasks, simulations, activities, and early training exercises.
Why is this so important?
Because temperament testing helps us:
- identify each puppy’s natural strengths and weaknesses
- understand their personality and learning style
- match them with the right home and lifestyle
- build a strong foundation for future training and success
Our goal is to set every puppy up to become an incredible companion — whether that means growing into a **safe, trustworthy family dog**, working toward **Canine Good Citizen certification**, or eventually pursuing advanced paths such as **service work, protection, or other specialized training**.
Temperament matters. Early evaluation matters. And responsible placement matters.
That’s why we take it so seriously.
responsibility
