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This test will help you gauge a dog’s assertive or passive tendencies — very important to understand, because an assertive dog may be more difficult to control.

You may not see the full extent of a dog’s assertive tendencies in her foster home, because she’s one of many brought into a temporary environment. When she develops a sense of “home,” she may begin to become territorial. Dogs test their boundaries as they’re settling in.

There are several ways to test for assertiveness. Following is a list of all three tests.

Always begin with the least-invasive test (Step 1) and work your way to the more difficult (Step 2 and then Step 3). If you’re at all unsure and the dog is reacting negatively, you may want to find another dog to bring home.

1 Pick up the dog’s front end, holding just behind the front legs (see Figure 4-3).Illustration by Barbara FrakeFIGURE 4-3: Lifting the dog’s front legs is a way to test her dominance.Possible reactions you may see in the dog include the following:The dog struggles, growls, and tries to bite or mouth you. This reaction shows a very insecure and possibly assertive dog. If you adopt her, you must remain consistent at all times and make sure you and she go through a lot of obedience work.The dog struggles, but eventually gives in. This reaction shows a bold dog, but not an overly assertive one. She still needs a consistent household and might do okay with older children who won’t be afraid of her if she jumps on or chases them.The dog shows extreme fear, exhibits walleye (where you can see the whites of the eyes), and yips. This reaction shows a very fearful dog. This dog should live in a quiet home where her guardians will be patient and understanding. I’ve seen dogs who have this reaction turn from being fearfully submissive to being in charge of their household. This can happen when overly permissive guardians give the dog a lot of leeway because she seems afraid. Dogs are smart — she may be displaying the fearful reaction because she wants to be allowed a dominant role. The bottom line: Let her make the first approach, but don’t let her run the household.The dog gives in readily, but moves away when released. This reaction shows an insecure dog. This dog just may not feel at home in her current environment.The dog submits and relaxes, remaining with you when released. This reaction shows a secure dog. This dog would likely do well in any environment, with conscientious children of all ages. She’ll learn quickly and enjoy every minute with you.If you were able to perform Step 1 without the dog showing any aggression, and you feel comfortable with the dog, move on to Step 2.

2 Sit and stare into the dog’s eyes. Don’t look away first.Possible reactions you may see in the dog include the following:The dog stares back at you and growls. This reaction is one of a very confident, and possibly assertive, dog. This is not a dog you’ll want to live with — she’ll challenge you every chance she gets. If she’s showing assertive behavior at this point, you most definitely don’t want to move on to Step 3. She may just be stressed in her current location, but you have no way of knowing that she won’t be similarly stressed at some point after you bring her home.The dog stares back at you and doesn’t look away. This reaction is still an assertive dog, but one who can be. Doing so will take consistency and diligence, as well as a consistent guardian who will make the dog work for everything. This dog will be happiest in a very structured environment.The dog stares at you a moment and then looks away. The dog who stares and looks away is unsure of her position. She may be testy in specific situations, such as when she really wants something, but she’ll easily back down if her guardian remains assertive and insistent.The dog never looks you in the eye. The dog who never looks in your eyes is very submissive and accepting. This dog will do well in most environments.If you were able to perform Step 2 without the dog showing any aggression, you can give Step 3 a try. If the dog has shown any assertive behavior in the other tests, do not move on to Step 3. Step 3 puts the dog in a totally submissive position where she feels vulnerable.

3 Gently roll the dog over onto her back.Possible reactions you may see include the following:The dog struggles, growls, and tries to bite you. This is the reaction of a very assertive dog. She’s not a good candidate for anyone with children or an active home. She will do best with a single, consistent owner who will work with her and maintain a structured environment.The dog struggles but eventually gives in. This is the reaction of a dog who has some assertive tendencies but who understands when she’s not in charge. She’ll do well in a home with consistent owners, but not with young children.The dog has no reaction and remains on her back without any struggle. This dog will do well in any home. The dog feels comfortable and secure in her environment.The dog gives in quickly, cries, and moves away when released. The dog who gives in but cries and moves away is submissive, possibly fearful. She should live in a quiet home.The dog gives in quickly and remains with you when released. This dog should work well in any home, though she should always be approached in a positive manner and be given lots of praise for everything she does.