Test each puppy that interests you separately. Take him to a room alone, away from other animals and people. Handle him gently and give no spoken praise during the test.
Restraint Reaction
Crouch down and gently roll the puppy onto his back; hold him down with one hand on his chest for a full 30 seconds. A puppy who struggles fiercely is likely to be dominant. One who doesn't struggle at all and licks your hand is extremely submissive. One who resists at first and then relaxes is in between.
Following
Stand up and walk away from the puppy in a normal manner. Make sure the puppy sees you walk away. If he doesn't follow, he tends to be independent. If he follows readily with tail up and bites at your feet, he's likely very dominant. If he follows with tail down, he's subdued. The in-between pup will follow hesitantly with tail up.
Social Attraction
Place the puppy in the centre of the room; step away from him, kneel and clap your hands to attract his attention. Coax him in a direction other than the one from which he entered. A puppy who comes readily with tail up and jumps and paws at your hands will likely have a dominant personality. One who comes readily with tail down and doesn't jump up is probably more submissive. The in-between pup will come readily with tail up.
