--- title: Why We Use Volhard Testing at Project 2 Heal description: "At Project 2 Heal, every decision we make is rooted in one goal: giving each puppy the best possible chance to succeed in service work." image: https://project2heal.org/hubfs/Rosie%202nd%202025%20Litter/suki-volhard-7.jpg --- [![logo-1](https://project2heal.org/hubfs/Website%20Photos/logo-1.png)](https://project2heal.org/) - [About Us](https://project2heal.org/about-us) - [Our Mission](https://project2heal.org/our-mission) - Local Impact - [Chaperone Program](https://project2heal.org/chaperone-program) - [Puppy Raising Program](https://project2heal.org/puppy-raising-program) - [Stress Down Days](https://project2heal.org/stress-down-day-visits) - [Volunteer Program](https://project2heal.org/volunteer-opportunities) - [National Impact](https://project2heal.org/national-impact) - [Ways to Give](https://project2heal.org/ways-to-give) - [Contact](https://project2heal.org/contact-us) [DONATE](https://project2heal.org/blog/why-we-use-volhard-testing-at-project-2-heal#XJSJFUZM) - [About Us](https://project2heal.org/about-us) - [Our Mission](https://project2heal.org/our-mission) - Local Impact - [Chaperone Program](https://project2heal.org/chaperone-program) - [Puppy Raising Program](https://project2heal.org/puppy-raising-program) - [Stress Down Days](https://project2heal.org/stress-down-day-visits) - [Volunteer Program](https://project2heal.org/volunteer-opportunities) - [National Impact](https://project2heal.org/national-impact) - [Ways to Give](https://project2heal.org/ways-to-give) - [Contact](https://project2heal.org/contact-us) [DONATE](https://project2heal.org/blog/why-we-use-volhard-testing-at-project-2-heal#XJSJFUZM) Catch up on Project 2 Heal in the News — Click to See Our Stories Making Headlines! [Watch now](https://project2heal.org/in-the-news) ![Why We Use Volhard Testing at Project 2 Heal](https://project2heal.org/hubfs/Rosie%202nd%202025%20Litter/suki-volhard-7.jpg) [Labrador Puppy](https://project2heal.org/blog/tag/labrador-puppy) [Services Dog](https://project2heal.org/blog/tag/services-dog) [Training](https://project2heal.org/blog/tag/training) [Puppies](https://project2heal.org/blog/tag/puppies) [Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test](https://project2heal.org/blog/tag/volhard-puppy-aptitude-test) # Why We Use Volhard Testing at Project 2 Heal By [Project 2 Heal](https://project2heal.org/blog/author/project-2-heal) on January 21, 2026 ![Project 2 Heal](https://3067823.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/3067823/author.png) ###### Project 2 Heal [Back to main blog](https://project2heal.org/blog) Share [mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https://project2heal.org/blog/why-we-use-volhard-testing-at-project-2-heal%20&body=Check%20out%20https://project2heal.org/blog/why-we-use-volhard-testing-at-project-2-heal&media=https://43836172.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/43836172/Rosie%202nd%202025%20Litter/suki-volhard-7.jpg](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https://project2heal.org/blog/why-we-use-volhard-testing-at-project-2-heal%20&body=Check%20out%20https://project2heal.org/blog/why-we-use-volhard-testing-at-project-2-heal&media=https://43836172.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/43836172/Rosie%202nd%202025%20Litter/suki-volhard-7.jpg) At Project 2 Heal, every decision we make is rooted in one goal: giving each puppy the best possible chance to succeed in service work. While all of our puppies are raised with the same care, structure, and early socialization, we also recognize an important truth. Not every puppy is meant for the same role. That’s where Volhard Puppy Aptitude Testing comes in. At six weeks of age, each of our litters completes a Volhard test. This assessment gives us valuable insight into each puppy’s natural temperament, confidence, sensitivity, and problem-solving style. When paired with our daily observations and the specific needs of our partner organizations, Volhard testing helps us thoughtfully match each puppy to the environment and type of work where they are most likely to thrive. ## **What Is Volhard Puppy Aptitude Testing?** The Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test is a standardized series of short evaluations designed to assess a puppy’s behavioral tendencies at a critical developmental stage. Around six weeks of age, puppies are old enough to show emerging personality traits but young enough that learned behaviors have not yet overshadowed natural instincts. The test does not label a puppy as “good” or “bad.” Instead, it helps us understand how a puppy may respond to new environments, human interaction, mild stress, problem-solving challenges, and physical handling. ## **Why We Test at 6 Weeks** Six weeks is an intentional and important window. At this age: - Puppies are developmentally ready to interact independently - Fear periods have not fully set in - Natural confidence, curiosity, and sensitivity are easier to observe Testing earlier can miss key behaviors, while testing later may reflect training or environmental influence rather than innate temperament. ## **How Volhard Testing Supports Our Partner Organizations** Each organization we work with has unique needs. Some are looking for dogs with higher confidence and environmental stability, while others prioritize emotional sensitivity, handler focus, or adaptability. Volhard testing allows us to: - Identify puppies who are naturally confident and resilient - Recognize puppies who are more people-focused or emotionally tuned in - Understand sensitivity to touch, sound, and pressure - Match energy levels and problem-solving styles to program requirements By combining Volhard results with our hands-on knowledge of each puppy, we can make placement decisions that set both the dog and the organization up for long-term success. ## **The Volhard Test: Step by Step** Each puppy is tested individually in a neutral environment by a tester they have not previously interacted with. The test evaluates several key areas: social attraction, where the puppy is encouraged to approach the tester; following, assessing willingness to stay with a human; restraint, where the puppy is gently held on its back to gauge stress tolerance; social dominance, observing how they re-engage after restraint; elevation, gently lifting the puppy to evaluate comfort with handling; touch sensitivity, noting reactions to gentle paw pressure; retrieving, seeing how the puppy engages with a tossed object; sound sensitivity, measuring reactions to sudden noises; and sight sensitivity, observing responses to moving visual stimuli. Together, these steps provide a full picture of each puppy’s temperament, confidence, curiosity, and resilience.  ## **Looking at the Whole Puppy** While Volhard testing is a valuable tool, it is never used in isolation. At Project 2 Heal, we pair test results with daily handling, socialization experiences, early neurological stimulation, and input from our breeding and puppy program team. Temperament is just one piece of the puzzle. Our goal is not perfection, but alignment. When a puppy’s natural tendencies align with the needs of an organization, training becomes clearer, communication becomes easier, and the path to placement becomes smoother. ## **Setting Our Puppies Up for Success** Volhard testing helps us honor each puppy as an individual. By understanding who they are early on, we can advocate for placements that support their strengths, respect their sensitivities, and give them the best opportunity to grow into confident, capable service dogs. This thoughtful approach is one of the many ways Project 2 Heal works to build strong foundations, support our partner organizations, and ultimately place dogs who are ready to change lives. ### ***Want to Stay Up-to-Date On Where The Volhard Test Lands Our Puppies?*** Click below to sign up for our newsletter! It's full of updates on where your favorite Project 2 Heal pups are heading next! 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