Nerve is a sine qua non for the working dog. The canine nervous system provides the deep inner core of calmness and confidence upon which all the working dog's strength depends. The nervous system of a young pup may be evaluated early in life, long before it is required to face a changing environment which might be frightening and is often full of surprises. However, the final judgment on a dog's character cannot be made before all of its components have matured into a solid functioning system. The solidity of a strong nervous system is the puppy's first defense against the challenges life will place in its path.
Nerve is the ability to roll with the punches.
Unexpected changes in the pup's environment will not shake its calm and youthful curiosity if these are housed in a strong nervous system to begin with. As it grows, the puppy with sound nerve will emerge as a confident dog, willing to please its owner. Panic it unknown to this dog and fear does not bring a bite reaction. Nerve is the critical factor in working dog temperament. Because of its significance in the whole working temperament, no excuse should be tolerated when it is lacking.