Unveiling Rumi's Potential: Volhard Temperament Testing
🐾 "Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love. It will not lead you astray." ~ Rumi 🐾
When we met Rumi and learned more about her, we knew she had the potential to be more than just a beloved family member. Volhard Temperament Testing showed that Rumi is not only an ideal family dog for our busy family of 4 young boys, but also has the makings of a therapy dog. Join us as we dive into the world of temperament testing and what it means.
What is Volhard Temperament Testing?
Before we delve into Rumi's story, let's shed some light on Volhard Temperament Testing. Developed by renowned trainers and authors, Joachim and Wendy Volhard, this testing method assesses a dog's behavior, personality traits, and suitability for various roles, including being a family pet or a therapy dog. It's a comprehensive evaluation that measures several key traits:
Social Attraction: Does the dog approach people willingly and show affection?
Following: Will the dog follow you around willingly, indicating a desire to bond?
Restraint: How does the dog react when gently restrained? Does it become submissive or struggle?
Social Dominance: Is the dog confident and self-assured, or does it exhibit fearful or dominant behavior?
Elevation Dominance: How does the dog react when placed in a position of vulnerability, like being held off the ground?
Retrieving: Does the dog show an interest in playing fetch or retrieving objects?
Touch Sensitivity: How does the dog react to various stimuli, including petting and handling?
Sound Sensitivity: Does the dog respond calmly to sudden noises or become startled and anxious?
Rumi's Temperament Test Journey
Our journey began with Rumi's participation in the Volhard Temperament Test. The results illuminated her personality and potential:
Social Butterfly: Rumi displayed an innate social attraction to people. She approached the tester eagerly, tail wagging and full of affection.
Loyal and Bonding: During the "Following" assessment, Rumi stuck close by.
Calm Under Restraint: Even when gently restrained, Rumi remained calm and cooperative. She didn't show signs of anxiety or resistance.
Confident and Easygoing: In social and elevation dominance evaluations, Rum was neither overly dominant nor fearful.
Playful: Rumi's playful nature emerged during the retrieving assessment. She eagerly engaged in a game of fetch, demonstrating her enthusiasm for interactive play.
Gentle and Tolerant: Rumi exhibited a delightful touch sensitivity, welcoming petting and handling with gentle tolerance.
Resilient to Noise: Loud noises and sudden sounds didn't faze Rumi. She remained composed and unflustered.
The Path Ahead for Rumi
With the Volhard Temperament Testing results in hand, we discovered that Rumi possesses the qualities needed for a perfect family dog and a promising therapy dog. Her social nature, resilience, and playfulness make her an ideal companion for our family, while her calm demeanor and adaptability set the stage for a fulfilling career as a therapy dog.
As Rumi continues to grow and learn, we are excited to witness her blossoming into a source of comfort and joy for those in need. Stay tuned for more updates on Rumi's adventures.