What is a Temperament Test?

Before your dog joins our daycare pack, we perform a temperament and behavior assessment to make sure they’ll be a good fit for a group-play environment. This isn’t a “pass or fail” test—it’s simply a way for us to get to know your dog’s personality, play style, and comfort level around other dogs and people. This usually will take about 15-20 minutes.

What We’re Looking For

During the test, we’ll slowly and carefully introduce your dog to:

• Our staff, to see how they respond to new people

• A neutral space, to observe how they adjust to the new environment

• Other dogs, starting with calm, balanced dogs and gradually increasing interaction

We’re watching for things like:

• Confidence vs. fearfulness

• Comfort with being handled

• Body language and stress signals

• Play style (gentle, rough, assertive, etc.)

• Reactivity (barking, lunging, resource guarding, etc.)

• How they respond to corrections or guidance

Our goal is safety and enjoyment for everyone—your dog, the other dogs, and our team.

If Your Dog Isn’t a Group Play Pup…

If your dog doesn’t pass the group play portion of the assessment, that’s totally okay! It just means they’re probably more of a 1-on-1 pup than a “party pup.” Not all dogs love the daycare setting, and we respect that. It’s not a reflection of whether your dog is “good” or “bad”—just what makes them comfortable.

We’ll always be honest with you and may suggest alternatives like:

• 1-on-1 enrichment sessions

• Walks or outdoor time away from the group

• Recommendations for training or behavior support (if needed)