- 1). Observe the puppy with littermates if possible to determine dominance. In a group of dogs, the most dominant ones will eat first, initiate play and explore new items before the others. Submissive dogs will hesitate more, allowing the other puppies to lead the charge when feeding, playing and exploring. If the puppy doesn't belong to a litter, observe how it approaches you. If it carries its head and tail lower, it is more likely to be submissive while a dog that approaches with ears, head and tail up is probably more dominant. Dominant dogs are more likely to be aggressive while submissive ones are much easier to control.
- 2). Pet the puppy in firm strokes from its head down to its tail. Puppies that jerk away, nip or growl are more likely to be mean.
- 3). Test the puppy's reaction to different stimuli. Make a loud noise such as sudden clapping. If the dog barks aggressively, it may be mean. When taken outside, meaner dogs will lunge, bark, growl and strain at their leash, while gentle dogs should wag their tail and show quiet curiosity.
- 4). Remove the puppy's food bowl while it is eating. This is a test to determine how a dog may react when a child comes close while it is eating or plays with its food. Mean dogs may snap, growl or bark. Gentle dogs should look at you with curiosity and expectation, waiting for the food to be returned.
- 5). Tug the puppy's ears and tail gently. Don't hurt the puppy, but simulate the kind of uncoordinated play that may occur with small children. If the puppy nips or growls, it probably has a mean temperament.
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