Evaluation

Spent my Saturday learning about the methods used to Evaluate/Assess Shelter Dogs for Placement or Rescue. Basically these are Temperament Tests used to determine if a dog is a Safe candidate for Adoption. We learned of Signs and Behaviors to watch for during the assessment.

One of the assessments is to determine if the dog will be safe around infants in the home. In the photo, this is a doll, so no babies were put in danger! The doll is Very life-like and this dog was Very Gentle even when the Baby was placed on the floor.
Other tests involved Reaction to a Stranger, Being Handled, Resource Guarding (toy, chew, food), Toddler Test, Cat Test, and a Dog to Dog Test.

I Participated in this Workshop because I volunteer with a local organization, handling their dogs at Adoption Events. Stephanie Bell, CPOT-KSA, was the presenter and dogs from our local shelter were live subjects. This Behavior Assessment is based on Sue Sternberg's Assess-A-Pet-Test...for any of you who might be interested in more info.

It was a very informative, if just a bit stressful day!