ABO Puppy Aptitude Test
Basically, there are three types of dogs for the purpose of this test —Alpha, Beta, and Omega. There are various levels within each category, and we suggest owning a good Beta dog. What, then, is the basic difference between the categories?
Alpha
Primarily, an Alpha dog is one that will incessantly try to be a pack leader. You may be in store for years of constant confrontations and challenges as to who will lead the pack. The size of the dog does not matter, as we have seen toy Terriers run the house.
Alpha dogs require strong leadership, not only from the owner but also from the rest of the family. Otherwise, an Alpha will continually work its way up the pack, to the chagrin of lower echelon members (who are most likely to be the children).
Omega
An Omega is the exact opposite. They are skittish and may bite out of fear.
Sometimes, you can identify an Omega dog by the following (although it also can indicate a socialization problem):
Sometimes, you can identify an Omega dog by the following (although it also can indicate a socialization problem):
- The dog hides under a bed when lightning or thunder strikes.
- It may cower when you go to pet it.
- If you yell at an Omega dog, it may roll over and urinate.
Importance of Identifying Dog Types
Don’t disregard structure, health, and who you are buying your dog from. Within the pack, Alpha, Beta, and Omega dogs get along fairly well. It’s humans that have a problem. For example, a macho-type personality gets a Pit Bull that turns out to be a sweetheart Omega. The macho-type will want an aggressive animal as opposed to a gentle one. We then have a very unhappy marriage.
How to Identify a Dog’s Personality Type
We have created the ABO puppy aptitude test to help you determine the personality type of the dog you are considering. It is not foolproof, but hopefully, it will help you find a better companion.
Remember, when performing the test, you are looking for a dog that scores a high B. This dog will likely work with you, forgive your errors, and respect you as pack leader without being overly insecure. Try to observe your new pup on more than one occasion and during different times of the day. We suggest performing these tests on at least two separate occasions.
In all of the following tests, bring the puppy to a quiet, neutral ground site away from the litter if possible. (Your home might be a good choice if the breeder will allow it and if there are no other dogs at home) These tests do not need to be performed in numerical order.
Remember, when performing the test, you are looking for a dog that scores a high B. This dog will likely work with you, forgive your errors, and respect you as pack leader without being overly insecure. Try to observe your new pup on more than one occasion and during different times of the day. We suggest performing these tests on at least two separate occasions.
In all of the following tests, bring the puppy to a quiet, neutral ground site away from the litter if possible. (Your home might be a good choice if the breeder will allow it and if there are no other dogs at home) These tests do not need to be performed in numerical order.
TEST
Legend
- A: Alpha Tendencies
- B: Beta Tendencies
- O: Omega Tendencies
Test Number 1
Watching your puppy and walk away without saying anything.
A: The puppy follows with its tail up and bites at your feet or leg.
AB: The puppy follows with its tail up and gets in your path or between your legs.
B: The puppy follows with its tail down.
BO: The puppy follows but with uncertainty.
O: The puppy does not follow or wanders away.
A: The puppy follows with its tail up and bites at your feet or leg.
AB: The puppy follows with its tail up and gets in your path or between your legs.
B: The puppy follows with its tail down.
BO: The puppy follows but with uncertainty.
O: The puppy does not follow or wanders away.
Test Number 2
Wad a piece of white paper into a ball. Shake it in front of the puppy, then throw it a short distance away.
A: The puppy takes the paper and runs off.
AB: The puppy runs to the paper and sniffs it but does not pick it up.
B: The puppy runs to the paper and brings it back.
BO: The puppy runs to the paper, picks it up, and waits for you to move.
O: The puppy ignores the paper or wanders off.
A: The puppy takes the paper and runs off.
AB: The puppy runs to the paper and sniffs it but does not pick it up.
B: The puppy runs to the paper and brings it back.
BO: The puppy runs to the paper, picks it up, and waits for you to move.
O: The puppy ignores the paper or wanders off.
Test Number 3
Pick the puppy up until its feet are approximately 6 inches off the ground. Hold the puppy for around half a minute, then gently place it on the ground.
A: The puppy struggles, growls, and bites.
AB: The puppy struggles or growls.
B: The puppy struggles for a little while, then settles in and maybe licks your hand.
BO: The puppy struggles minimally and then goes limp.
O: The puppy hangs limp without a struggle and may lick you throughout the ordeal.
A: The puppy struggles, growls, and bites.
AB: The puppy struggles or growls.
B: The puppy struggles for a little while, then settles in and maybe licks your hand.
BO: The puppy struggles minimally and then goes limp.
O: The puppy hangs limp without a struggle and may lick you throughout the ordeal.
Test Number 4
Firmly, without hurting the pup, stroke it from head to rump. Do this for about 15 to 20 seconds.
A: The puppy jumps on you, bites, or growls.
AB: The puppy jumps on you or paws your hand.
B: The puppy squirms or licks your hand.
BO: The puppy rolls over.
O: The puppy goes away and doesn’t come back. (If this happens, wait 10 to 15 minutes before starting new tests.)
A: The puppy jumps on you, bites, or growls.
AB: The puppy jumps on you or paws your hand.
B: The puppy squirms or licks your hand.
BO: The puppy rolls over.
O: The puppy goes away and doesn’t come back. (If this happens, wait 10 to 15 minutes before starting new tests.)
Test Number 5
While watching your puppy, walk away without saying anything. Gently hit your thigh with enthusiasm or wave your hands toward you.
A: The puppy comes with its tail up and bites at your hands, feet, or leg.
AB: The puppy comes with its tail up and paws your hand.
B: The puppy comes with its tail down and licks your hands.
BO: The puppy comes uncertainly or rolls on its back.
O: The puppy does not come or wanders away.
A: The puppy comes with its tail up and bites at your hands, feet, or leg.
AB: The puppy comes with its tail up and paws your hand.
B: The puppy comes with its tail down and licks your hands.
BO: The puppy comes uncertainly or rolls on its back.
O: The puppy does not come or wanders away.
Test Number 6
Gently roll the puppy on its back and hold it down by the chest for 15 to 20 seconds.
A: The puppy vehemently struggles and may bite.
AB: The puppy strongly struggles.
B: The puppy struggles a little while, then settles in.
BO: The puppy struggles minimally and is then submissive.
O: The puppy does not struggle and may lick your hands.
A: The puppy vehemently struggles and may bite.
AB: The puppy strongly struggles.
B: The puppy struggles a little while, then settles in.
BO: The puppy struggles minimally and is then submissive.
O: The puppy does not struggle and may lick your hands.
Test Number 7
Step back and observe the puppy. Evaluate its stature and enthusiasm. Use your sixth sense or intuition. What do you think of this puppy?
A: It would be difficult to bond with it.
AB: You are uncertain about bonding with it.
B: You sense you can readily bond with it.
BO: You sense it will be a little too dependent.
O: It will need to be with you constantly because of insecurity.
A: It would be difficult to bond with it.
AB: You are uncertain about bonding with it.
B: You sense you can readily bond with it.
BO: You sense it will be a little too dependent.
O: It will need to be with you constantly because of insecurity.