The litter was taken to a place they've never been before and evaluated one by one by someone they've never met.  This is a very important part of temperament testing, as it will provide unbiased information for how every pup does out of his or her element.  While a temperament test is only a snapshot of a specific moment in a puppy's life, and can be effected by whether a pup is awake or sleeping, full or hungry, if it has to eliminate, etc. I still find it invaluable in providing me with additional knowledge about my dogs.

As fellow poodle breeder, Columbia Poodle Club and Versatility in Poodle member Jac Harbour was on holiday in the U.K., Lisa Harper, founder and owner of Pup-A-Razzi and professional temperament tester evaluated my pups.  Lisa teaches agility, obedience, herding, water work and is also a certified AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator.  She is a breeder of Spanish water dogs and it was a delight to have her give me her expert opinion on every one of this year’s babies.  Her comments were, "I like you." " really like you."  "I don’t think I've ever met a puppy quite like you before and I'd like to take you home." "Well aren't you clever." "You are going to make someone a very happy owner."  "Whoever gets you is going to be a lucky person" and these comments were sprinkled with giggles as the puppies retrieved, hopped, pounced, sat attentively, licked, talked and as one even followed her with their eyes in the mirror rather than followed her around as she walked. 

She said to me, "I really like your litter.  You’ve done a great job with them."  We talked specifics about owners and pups and I found I was right back to where I was before coming in, far as who would be placed with whom.  This was so good to know and quite wonderful to feel like I knew more "for sure" than before having had my thoughts validated by someone with the same observations.  She finally said, "Really, it would be impossible for you to even make a bad placement with this bunch."  My daughter Osanna came with to observe and she praised the puppies the whole ride home.