The gold-standard 10-item evaluation that reveals whether a shelter dog has service dog potential — explained step by step, scored like a professional.
The Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test is the industry benchmark for evaluating a dog's trainability, stability, and service potential. This course breaks every item down so you can apply it confidently in a real shelter setting.
A deep dive into every item in the Volhard PAT and what each one actually measures:
The 1–6 scale isn't arbitrary — each number tells a story. Learn exactly what it means for service work:
Watch and follow along as we walk through a complete, real shelter dog evaluation:
No fluff, no filler. Just the exact knowledge and tools you need to evaluate a shelter dog's service potential using the Volhard system.
Every test item explained with behavioral cues to watch for and how to administer each one correctly.
The 1–6 scale with service work context built in — go beyond the raw numbers to understand what they mean.
Follow a complete evaluation from start to finish — see how a professional handles each moment in real time.
Map any score profile to a service potential verdict. Includes the composite 0–100 calculator.
Earn a shareable certificate upon completion — recognized within the PawForward veteran service dog network.
Your $49 is a direct stepping stone. Enrolling in the $299 Masterclass later? Your progress carries forward.
This course is designed as the on-ramp to the
$299 Shelter Dog Evaluation Masterclass.
Complete the Intro and you'll know exactly what the Masterclass builds on —
the scoring nuances, multi-dog comparisons, placement decisions, and
the full evaluation-to-training pipeline.
Finish this first, and you'll walk into the Masterclass ahead of everyone else.
Everything above, at one flat price.
One-time only — no payment plan needed at this price.
Enroll Now — $49 →Already confident in the fundamentals?
Already ready for the full course? → Shelter Dog Evaluation Masterclass ($299)