Puppy choice: Campbell's test

RAJ Canin FCI, specialized in Wirehaired rabbit size Dachshund, it uses Campbell Test in conjunction with other tests to ensure the quality and emotional balance of your puppies. The following is a detailed description of the phases of the Campbell Test, explaining each one in greater depth:

Phases of the Campbell Test

1. Social Attraction

Goal: To measure the puppy's level of sociability and its natural inclination to interact with people.

Execution: The evaluator places the puppy on the ground and moves a few meters away, crouching down to be at his level. With a soft voice, the puppy is called, without offering rewards or punishments. This phase seeks to observe if the puppy feels a spontaneous attraction towards humans, which is fundamental to foresee its capacity to develop affective bonds.

Possible results:

• A: Puppy immediately comes to you with enthusiasm, tail up and wagging in a confident manner. This indicates a sociable, outgoing and confident character, ideal for active families or owners looking for a loving companion.
• B: The puppy comes smoothly, though not so enthusiastically, suggesting a dog that will be comfortable with humans, but perhaps not so demanding of attention.
• C: Comes with tail down and less confident. Indicates a somewhat shy or cautious puppy, but could adapt with patience.
• D: Puppy approaches hesitantly, suggesting insecurity. Requires an experienced owner to offer confidence.
• E: No response to call, reflecting an independent or shy puppy that may have socialization problems.

2. Follow the Owner

Goal: To measure the puppy's level of dependence and predisposition to follow a leader. This phase indicates if the dog tends to be more independent or if it has a natural inclination to follow the indications of a human figure.

Execution: The evaluator stands close to the puppy and begins to walk slowly, observing if the puppy follows. No verbal instruction is given, simply wait for the puppy to react to the action of the movement.

Possible results:

• A: The puppy follows with enthusiasm, tail raised, and even tries to play by biting the evaluator's feet. Indicates a strong willingness to follow and adapt to human direction, which is ideal for tasks requiring obedience.
• B: Follows the evaluator with tail up but without biting, showing interest without needing much stimulation. A good balance between independence and collaboration.
• C: Come, but with the tail down, suggesting a more submissive and somewhat insecure attitude.
• D: Follows at some distance, hesitating, showing hesitation to adapt to instructions.
• E: Does not follow or moves away, suggesting extreme independence or lack of interest in following a human figure.

3. Obligation (Submission)

Goal: Evaluate the puppy's response to physical submission. This phase measures whether the puppy resists or readily submits to restraint, which may be indicative of his reaction in stressful situations or when limits are imposed.

Execution: The evaluator places the puppy on its back on the floor and holds it in that position for 30 seconds, observing whether it struggles or stays still. This is a test of how the puppy accepts physical control.

Possible results:

• A: Struggles vigorously, attempting to bite. This suggests a very dominant puppy with little tolerance for submission, which may require a firm and experienced owner.
• B: He fights vigorously, but does not bite. The puppy has a strong sense of independence, but with proper training could be a good companion for activities such as hunting.
• C: Struggles at first, but then calms down, indicating that, although initially reluctant, he can accept submission and adapt to stressful situations.
• D: No fighting, stays still. A submissive puppy that accepts human control without resistance, ideal for families or owners looking for a quiet companion.

4. Social Dominance

Goal: Evaluate how the puppy responds to physical contact and handling, which is key to determine if it will be a dog that accepts petting, handling and human care without showing resistance or aggression.

Execution: The evaluator strokes the puppy along the back and head for 30 seconds, observing the puppy's reaction. This type of physical contact simulates how the puppy would react to being touched by children or other family members.

Possible results:

• A: Biting, growling and wriggling. This indicates a dominant character that may show resistance to being touched or controlled.
• B: Jumps and barks, suggesting a slight resistance to handling, but not aggressive.
• C: Squirms a little, but then calms down and licks the evaluator's hands, suggesting a character that, although initially distrustful, is able to accept control and human contact.
• D: Lies on its back and licks the hand of the evaluator, which denotes total submission and acceptance of human contact, ideal for a home with children or people looking for a quiet and affectionate dog.
• E: Wanders away and does not return, suggesting an independent or insecure nature that may require further socialization.

5. Dignity

Goal: To evaluate the puppy's reaction to the loss of physical control and its response to an imposed social obligation.

Execution: The evaluator lifts the puppy off the ground by holding it under the thorax for about 30 seconds. This simulates a situation in which the puppy loses control of its own movement.

Possible results:

• A: Squirms, bites and growls. This puppy has a strong personality and does not easily accept loss of control.
• B: Squirms but does not bite, indicating discomfort but not aggression.
• C: Squirms at first, but then calms down and licks the evaluator's hands, showing ability to accept controlling situations with some time and patience.
• D: He does not wriggle, remains relaxed, and can lick hands. An extremely submissive and confident puppy that accepts situations calmly.

Interpretation of Campbell Test Results

Scores A:

• Interpretation: A puppy that responds mostly with “A” is aggressive dominant. Struggles for control, does not accept submission easily, and may exhibit behaviors such as biting or growling.
• Advice: This puppy is ideal for experienced owners and is not suitable for homes with children. He will make a good watchdog or working dog, but needs a firm and consistent education.

Scores B:

• Interpretation: Predominance of “B” suggests a extroverted dominant, independent but accepts authority with proper handling. Sociable, confident and with good potential for jobs such as hunting.
• Advice: These puppies need consistent and disciplined owners, but without being harsh. They are perfect for people looking for an active dog with a strong character.

Scores C:

• Interpretation: A puppy with a majority of “C” answers is balanced. He is sociable, neither dominant nor submissive, and has a docile disposition. He adapts well to a variety of environments, including homes with children and other animals.
• Advice: Ideal for families, as its character is stable and friendly. Requires basic education, but does not present great behavioral challenges.

Scores D:

• Interpretation: If the “D” answers predominate, the puppy is submissive. He feels comfortable in situations where authority is imposed on him and tends to avoid conflict. He is shy and seeks to avoid confrontation.
• Advice: Ideal for seniors or those looking for a calm and easy to handle dog. However, he needs an environment that gives him security and confidence, as he can be sensitive and fearful of unfamiliar situations.

Scores E:

• Interpretation: "E” answers indicate a puppy is independent or poorly socialized. Disinterested in human interaction, and can be difficult to train. Prefers to act on its own and does not follow its owner easily.
• Advice: These puppies require experienced owners, as their independence can be difficult to handle. In hunting, they can be effective, but are not recommended for households looking for a submissive or affectionate dog.

How RAJ Canin FCI Applies the Campbell Test

In its selection process, RAJ Canin FCI uses the Campbell Test to ensure that puppies have the right character for their future homes. For example:

• Puppies for families: Those showing balanced results in the test are selected, which ensures that they will be docile and friendly companions.
• Puppies for work or hunting: Extroverted dominance: Dogs exhibiting extroverted dominance characteristics are ideal for tasks requiring more independence and assertiveness.

RAJ Canin FCI's careful and professional approach ensures that the test is administered in a controlled environment, with impartial testers and under appropriate conditions, which guarantees the validity of the results obtained. Through this commitment, prospective owners can be assured that the puppy they receive will not only be in optimal health, but also perfectly adapted to their family or work environment.

Trust and Commitment to Responsible Breeding

RAJ Canin FCI, authorized by the RSCE and the Dachshund Club of Spain, is a kennel that is distinguished by its commitment to ethical and responsible breeding. In addition to using the Campbell Test, RAJ Canin FCI performs extensive genetic and morphological testing to ensure that the puppies not only meet breed standards, but are also healthy and balanced in character.

The kennel ensures that prospective owners are carefully selected, so that the puppy goes to a suitable home where it will receive the care and attention necessary for its development. This level of commitment creates a relationship of trust between breeder and owner, and ensures that each puppy develops in an environment that allows it to flourish physically and emotionally.

Conclusion

The Campbell test, along with genetic and morphological testing, is an essential tool to ensure that puppies have the right temperament for their future homes. RAJ Canin FCI, with its ethical and professional approach to the breeding of Wirehaired rabbit size Dachshund, uses this evaluation as part of its commitment to the health, well-being and emotional balance of its puppies. This kennel ensures that each puppy is delivered in the best possible condition, providing ongoing support to new owners to ensure a lasting and satisfying relationship with their new canine companion.