The puppy evaluation 

 finding your perfect match!

Whether you're seeking a family pet, a therapy partner, or a service dog, we have the perfect puppy to meet your needs.  Our Habibi Bear dogs were created and lovingly developed for this sole purpose!  
Experience the Habibi Bear Magic.





Puppy Assessment 

Our puppy evaluation is the moment we delve deep into discovering the essence of our puppies. Having studied numerous assessment programs over the years, I am truly passionate about this aspect, as it elevates our selection process to new heights. The result is the Habibi Method Assessment, a unique blend of the best practices I've encountered, enriched with my own insights.

Through this comprehensive process, we gain valuable insights into your puppy's soul. We explore their learning style, delve into their personality, and uncover the temperament traits that make them unique. The ultimate goal is to find the perfect match for your home and family. Let's explore the various facets of the Habibi Method Assessment together.


Whether you are looking for a family companion or therapy companion, 
we have you covered! 



our Evaluation process

Personality & Temperament Assessments
Give Our Puppies A Voice In Their Placement

Each puppy has its unique personality and temperament traits and its our job to give them a voice in their placement.  Through a comprehensive evaluation of these aspects, we believe we gain the optimal advantage in finding the perfect match and securing a joyous ending for our puppies and their families.  Do you have young children? Certain dog temperaments are more suitable for households with kids. Are you dealing with anxiety or depression? Or perhaps a family member experiences meltdowns? Some dog temperaments struggle with intense human emotions and may not be the best fit, while others excel in providing support. Do you desire a running companion or prefer a relaxed evening with a book and TV? Dogs vary in energy levels. Do you have physical limitations or health concerns like diabetes or seizures? Are you a teacher in search of a school facility dog?  Our evaluation will help us give you the best recommendations to fulfill your needs. 

We firmly believe that many dogs end up in shelters because people often lack a clear understanding of what they are getting in a dog. We take every possible measure to prevent this. Each dog is extraordinary and deserves to be acknowledged and respected for its unique qualities.




Can we choose our puppy when they are born?


At Habibi Bears, we recognize the significance of timing in the process of selecting your perfect furry companion. While the allure of newborn and 4-week photos is undeniable, we believe that picking a puppy based solely on appearance doesn't do justice to these unique beings or to our prospective families. That's why we've meticulously crafted the Habibi Method program, covering the developmental journey from birth to 8 weeks. We honor every milestone, ensuring that by the time they reach full bloom, they are ready to be matched to their forever homes.

Between 6-7.5 weeks, we conduct an interactive temperament evaluation to precisely match our puppies with the perfect families. The real excitement begins post-testing, with photos, scorecards, and detailed write-ups for each puppy. This provides our clients with a profound understanding of their potential furry family member at a soul level. Waiting until the 7th week allows us to accurately assess the puppies, setting them and our clients up for a successful, lifelong companionship.

We understand that different temperaments thrive in various environments, and our testing process ensures the perfect match, giving each puppy a voice and honoring the type of home where they will thrive. Join us on the thrilling journey of discovering your ideal furry companion through our meticulous temperament testing process!

The personality assessment

We are your puppy matchmakers!


habibi method evaluations make the pawfect match!


During this crucial phase of the assessment, we delve into the intricate details of your puppy's personality. Meticulously paired with the puppy parent questionnaire, this aspect enables us to discern which puppies in the litter are ideally suited for your unique lifestyle. We unravel the layers of your puppy's temperament, uncovering traits that define their individuality. From their playfulness to their level of adaptability, we strive to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of each puppy's personality. This harmonious pairing of assessment insights and your preferences ensures that the chosen puppy not only fits seamlessly into your life but also becomes a cherished member of your family.
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Bold & Confident:

- Traits: Fearless and curious, these puppies exude self-assurance, embracing new experiences with enthusiasm.
- Training & Socializing: Foster their curiosity through positive exposure to various environments. Encourage interactive play to build confidence, and provide consistent training to channel their boldness in a positive direction.
- Well Suited For: Active families or individuals seeking an adventurous and spirited companion. Ideal for those who enjoy outdoor activities, exploration, and interactive play. Great choice for seasoned puppy parents who enjoy interaction and training with their canine partner.

Friendly & Sociable:

- Traits: Naturally welcoming, these puppies thrive on social interactions and playfulness, making them delightful companions.
- Training & Socializing: Encourage positive interactions with diverse people and animals. Regular social outings, puppy classes, and interactive playdates contribute to their social development. Reinforce obedience training with positive reinforcement.
- Well Suited For: Families, singles, or anyone desiring a social and outgoing companion. Perfect for households with children, as their playful nature makes them excellent playmates.

Gentle & Cooperative:

- Traits: Calm and cooperative, these puppies offer easy companionship and a willingness to please. 
- Training & Socializing: Focus on gentle exposure to various stimuli to maintain their calm demeanor. Obedience training should be consistent and positive. Reinforce their cooperative nature through activities that enhance the bond between the puppy and the Guardian.
- Well Suited For: Families looking for a calm and easygoing addition. Well-matched for those seeking a loving and cooperative companion, suitable for various living situations, including new puppy parents.

Shy &Timid:

- Traits: Reserved and cautious, these puppies may need extra encouragement to build confidence in new situations, as they are very aware of the energy around them. Our gentle, intuitive little souls. 
- Training & Socializing: Gradually expose them to new environments, people, and stimuli in a controlled and positive manner. Patience is key; use positive reinforcement to boost their confidence, while honoring their empathic nature by not pushing them too far.  Gentle socialization with other well-behaved dogs can aid in overcoming shyness.  
- Well Suited For: Patient and understanding families or individuals willing to provide gentle support. Ideal for quieter households where they can build confidence gradually and enjoy a laid back companion. May be well-suited for homes with older children or adults, or new puppy parents.

humans guide to
the dog galaxy Course

It's like Montessori....for puppies!
a step by step guide to help you raise your puppy with confidence! 

Each puppy has own vibe, unique to them, with an ideal home to suit them.   The real magic kicks in when we match up that puppy's temperament & personality with your lifestyle and what you're looking for. It's all about finding that sweet spot. But here's the deal – when your new fur baby joins the family, they've got potential as we have set them up for success, and now, it's your time to shine.  If you want to do therapy work or simply have a well-behaved family companion - your puppy's success is in your hands. 

That's where our course comes in!  
 You can get there with ongoing training, socializing, and heaps of love!  By following our Human's Guide to the Galaxy program, you've got the tools to make that sweet spot a reality. Each puppy is like a fresh canvas, and you're the artist shaping the masterpiece.
Get ready for a journey filled with tail wags and genuine connections!


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Temperament explained

Stable and Adjustable Traits 

Puppies exhibit a combination of stable and adaptable traits, with observations and tracking commencing as early as 6 weeks old and solidifying by 8 weeks old. 
The following traits are meticulously assessed:

STABLE TRAITS:

  • Assertiveness (with humans and dogs)
  • Motivation
  • Energy Level
  • Prey Drive
  • Human Focus
  • Tenderhearted

Adjustable Traits:

  • Confidence
  • Nerve Strength/ Resiliency 
  • Touch Tolerance (compliance only-not if they like it)
  • Sound Sensitivity
  • Sight Sensitivity

Temperament Test Traits

What is assertiveness with humans?
How comfortable a puppy is with humans. Do they try to impose their way (high) or naturally submit to human authority (low)? To test this, we observe if the puppy comes to the tester on their own initiative without the tester interacting with them.
What does confidence in puppies mean?
How confident is the dog in its own abilities in new environments? When entering the testing area, how does the puppy respond to the unfamiliar place and objects?
What does motivation level mean?
Does, the dog naturally want to work for humans? This portion of the test involves asking the puppy to do something like play fetch, tug, and engage with the person. Is the puppy following what the tester asked them to do or is the person having to work really hard to get the puppy to do what they've asked? 
What does nerve strength mean?
How does the dog handle stress and react in different situations? Low is easily stressed, and high means they are able to adapt more easily in stressful situations. Nerve strength is observed throughout the test and we watch to see how the puppy handles stress and if they are able to overcome their fears. 
What does touch tolerance mean?
How does the puppy react when they are roughly touched (have their tail tugged, toes touched, etc.)  Low scores mean the puppy doesn’t handle unwanted touch well, and high scores mean the puppy wasn’t stressed and enjoyed being touched the whole time. A lot of puppies will even enjoy this portion of the test.
What does energy level in puppies mean?
How energetic is the puppy is moving throughout the test? Do they take breaks and rest or constantly run around? This is graded on an overall comparison of the entire litter as a whole.  
What does sound sensitivity mean in puppies?
Does the puppy startle easily with loud, unexpected noises? Low scores mean the puppy has a high tolerance for loud noises, and high scores mean the puppy is sensitive to loud unexpected noises. 
What does sight sensitivity in puppies mean?
How stressed is the puppy when there’s an unexpected movement? Low means they are not stressed by visual stimuli and high means they are more easily stressed and may hide when they see something surprising, like an umbrella open.
What does human or envirnonmental focus mean in puppies?
How interested are they in ‘following the pack’ and giving attention to the human? Do they like to get the lay of the land first before interacting?  Are they keenly aware of environment and less of human?  Both?  Low means they want to discover on their own, Medium means they are a mix of both, and high scores mean they are attentive to people and focus on them.  Knowing this helps us understand our puppy's needs and how to work with them!
What does tenderhearted mean in puppies?
Here’s a revised version of the content, incorporating your additional point and the information about anxiety and sadness:
Understanding Tenderhearted Temperament in Puppies
The concept of "tenderhearted" in puppies is often misunderstood. It's not about how much a puppy will bond with or love you. Instead, it refers to how puppies are influenced by unpredictable human emotions.
During our temperament tests, we conduct a unique exercise to assess this trait. The tester dramatically falls to the floor and throws a fit (it's quite entertaining to watch and even more fun to perform!). As we observe the puppy's reaction, we look for several key behaviors:
  • Does the puppy interpret the tester's behavior as play?
  • If so, do they engage by pulling hair, tugging socks, or approaching the tester's face?
  • How long does this engagement last? Do they quickly lose interest?
  • Do they show concern initially, then return to their toys?
  • Do they ignore the situation entirely and focus on their toys?
  • Does the puppy become overwhelmed by the emotions and cower or try to hide?
Understanding this temperament trait is crucial, especially when placing puppies in families with children who have special needs, such as autism or Down syndrome. In situations where a child might have difficulty articulating their needs and experiences emotional outbursts, a puppy's reaction becomes significant.
For instance, if a puppy interprets emotional outbursts as play, it could lead to challenging situations. Puppies that show initial concern but then return to their activities, or those that remain focused on their toys, are considered moderately tenderhearted or not tenderhearted at all.
It's important to note that highly tenderhearted puppies may not be suitable for environments with frequent emotional fluctuations. Homes where there's extreme anxiety or persistent sadness might not be ideal for a tenderhearted puppy. These sensitive dogs can become stressed or overwhelmed in such environments, which could negatively impact their well-being.
This assessment helps us match puppies with the right families and environments. A less tenderhearted puppy might be better suited for a household with more emotional variability, while a highly tenderhearted puppy might thrive in a calmer, more emotionally stable setting.
By evaluating this trait, we ensure that each puppy finds a home where they can flourish and provide the best companionship possible, tailored to the unique dynamics of their new family. Our goal is to create harmonious matches that benefit both the puppy and their human companions, promoting long-lasting, joyful relationships.
What does forgiving or non-forgiving mean in puppies?
This often contradicts what most puppy parents might initially believe they need. A forgiving puppy tends to attribute all mistakes, whether yours or theirs, as their own fault and is eager to rectify them. This quality becomes especially significant when considering placement in homes with  young children or adults prone to emotional outbursts.  A forgiving puppy may respond by trying to gain favor and becoming overly submissive, or reactive in the wrong home.  On the other hand, an unforgiving puppy recognizes instances where you lose your cool or a child accidentally hurts them, taking this into consideration and understanding the responsible party without taking it on as their problem. Both reactions provide valuable insights and are equally lovely puppies with different needs. By giving our puppies a voice in their placement, it allows us to better understand and respond to our puppy's emotional needs.
What does the healing power mean in puppies?
This is a distinctive segment of the test that we've crafted over years, drawing insights from observing puppies' responses during evaluations and tracking their long-term progress with their families. Within the framework of the Habibi Method, we refer to this as the "healing power." Each evaluation is individual and exceptional. When coupled with the forgiving and tenderhearted aspects, this component elevates our evaluation, offering a profound understanding of our puppies at a soul level, helping our clients become the ultimate puppy parent of their little Habibi.
 
Earth, Air, Water, Fire
What do the personality types mean in puppies?
This facet of the assessment is derived from a specialized formula crafted by Dr. Meg Howe. We integrate this with your Owner Questionnaire to offer tailored recommendations for the ideal personality that aligns with your requirements.

Bold/Confident
Social/Friendly
Gentle/Cooperative
Shy/Timid




Healing power

how your puppy processes emotions & energy

This is a distinctive segment of the test that we've crafted over years, drawing insights from observing puppies' responses during evaluations and tracking their long-term progress with their families. Within the framework of the Habibi Method, we refer to this as the "healing power." Each evaluation is individual and exceptional. When coupled with the forgiving and tenderhearted aspects, this component elevates our evaluation, offering a profound understanding of our puppies at a soul level, helping our clients become the ultimate puppy parent of their little Habibi.  
Most Habibi Bears are Earth and Water elements, and the rare Air or Fire are only seen occasionally.

Earth Element

Earth elements can provide stability and comfort, and some are known to absorb emotions. They often need to take a nap after a healing session to release the energy. 

These natural healers are well-suited for environments such as doctor's offices, schools, and nursing homes, and thrive with balanced guidance.


Fire Element

Fire Elements naturally navigate their environment and provide energetic support. In times of distress, they instinctively engage in behaviors to bring joy and excel at redirecting human energy for emotional equilibrium. They make ideal companions for children or individuals with mild anxiety, as they actively seek to distract during difficult moments, encouraging activities like walks or playing with a ball. Remember not to take their ability to roll with the punches for granted; they too thrive best with balanced parents :)


Air Element

The empaths of our breed: These intuitive companions thrive with balanced, calm owners.  They are perfect for energy healers, artists,  gentle kids, remote workers, and retirees seeking a gentle, supportive presence. With their keen instincts, these puppies offer both comfort and an extra layer of protection, as they are very keen at reading the energy of other dogs and people.



Water Element

Water Element animals reflect the energy you have, and adjust to their surroundings. They make great support animals for people with a calm and easygoing nature. These adaptable creatures blend into different environments like flowing water. Just remember that if you're feeling moody, your water element pet may mirror your mood, giving you a chance for self-reflection!  


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