Selection Criteria Items That Were Tested for Effectiveness in Predicting Future Behavior and Training Aptitude
Many (not all) dog shelters (as opposed dog pounds) have employees or volunteers who have been trained to administer this test. This is to make certain the dogs they place for adoption are safe and won't end up biting someone or worse.
If the shelter or recovery agency has no such person, then it is best to pay for an hour of a qualified dog trainer's time to come to the shelter and thoroughly test a dog who seems to you and the attendants to be a potential good client to pass this test. Having a professional do this keeps YOU from possibly being bitten on the pain, pinch and the settle down test (where the dog is held in a submissive position).
If you decide to do this test yourself with a shelter employee nearby and helping with the test (don't forget the halloween or party mask), then print out these test procedures so you do them correctly and grade them exactly as directed.
Controlled walk
Spend up to 5 minutes working on a controlled walk, correcting the dog for pulling on the leash by using a collar correction and using high praise.
Pass - The dog should walk by the handler for the majority of the time, be friendly, and tolerate corrections.
Fail - Sustained lack of attention toward handler; no improvement in pulling or walking position during the 5 minutes.
Fetch
Take the dog to a small fenced in area (6.1 meters × 6.1 meters) and using a brightly colored soft rubber toy or tennis ball, get the dog’s attention by swinging it back and forth in front of you. Once the dog is attending to the toy throw it in front of you and then get involved in the catch—clap your hands, smile and use a lot of energy. If the dog brings the item back toward you, try to engage the dog in a bit of pulling and then repeat the sequence once you have removed the toy from the dog’s mouth.
Pass - Dog engages in any sort of game with handler. Ideally the dog retrieves the toy repeatedly.
Fail - Ignoring the handler; investigating area relentlessly throughout test.
The Pinch
The test requires a person to pinch between the dog’s toes and wait for a response, slowly pinching harder and harder until the dog responds.
Pass - Dog gently withdraws its paw; no response
Fail - Yelping; submissive urination; growling, or biting
Sensitivity
The handler should sit in an armless chair in a quiet area away from distractions and place the dog in front of him/her. Beginning at the haunches and working up towards the ears pinch the loose skin lightly all over the dog. The pinch should have some pressure, but should not cause pain.
Pass - Dog leans into the touch; dog solicits more interaction; dog accepts touch without moving.
Fail - Dog in constant movement; dog not interacting with handler; dog growls or bites.
The Stranger
While the handler is walking the dog, a stranger wearing a mask suddenly pops up from behind an object—or around a corner and walks toward the dog without looking at it.
Pass - Dog approaches stranger in calm and friendly manner; dog initially startles but quickly recovers and continues to walk.
Fail - Dog remains strongly focused on stranger; dog startles and does not recover after 10 seconds; dog growls or barks.
Umbrella Test
In a closed room, drop the leash and with a closed umbrella stand in front of the dog and open it. Place the opened umbrella on the floor on its side.
Pass - Dog initially startles but quickly recovers and approaches umbrella.
Fail - Dog startles and does not recover in 10 seconds.
Sound Sensitivity
While in an enclosed room, drop the leash and bang a spoon against a pan once, wait 5 seconds and then bang continuously every half second.
Pass - Dog approaches pan or handler in a calm manner; dog initially startles but quickly recovers.
Fail - Dog startles and does not recover in 10 seconds.
The Stare
Kneel down in front of the dog’s cage. While the animal is calm, look directly into its eyes without speaking. Continue for 30 seconds.
Pass - Dog stays in the front of the cage trying to interact with the handler while avoiding direct eye contact.
Fail - Constant direct eye contact; dog stays in the back of the kennel; dog does not solicit interaction.
The Object
While the handler is walking the dog, they should come across an unusual object such as a large animal figure.
Pass - Dog seems to ignore object; dog initially startles but quickly recovers and walks on.
Fail - Dog startles and does not recover.
Other Dog
While the handler is walking the dog on a leash, have another dog (large and of the same sex as the dog being walked) tied on a long leash near by. The handler should walk the dog past the tied dog staying about 5 feet from it.
Pass - Dog ignores other dog; dog approaches in play position; dog approaches in a submissive posture.
Fail - Dog approaches while barking and/or growling; dog is fixated on other dog, and the handler is unable to distract or continue walking the dog; dog approaches tail high and flagging, ears in forward posture and body stiff.
Settle
This test will always be the last test given. Gently but forcefully place the dog on its side and hold it down by bracing one hand on the neck, and the other on the haunches. Remain in this position for 40 seconds or if earlier, when the dog is still.
Pass - Dog calmly collapses into position.
Fail - Dog struggles; dog submissively urinates; dog growls or attempts to bite.
The following are observations gathered over the entire time of all the tests.
Activity Level Observation
The tester will walk the dog into a empty room, quickly remove the leash and exist the area. Observation should begin immediately after handler has exited. The dog’s activity should be recorded or observed thru a 1-way mirror during one 4 minute session. Activity Level amounts consists of "ground covered", amount of vertical elevations or rearings (such as risising up on chairs, tables, the doors, windows or walls, and the amount of sniffing done around the room.
Pass - Average level of activity; little to no vertical activity.
Fail - Excessively high or low activity; high vertical activity; panic behavior.
Jumping at People
A record will be kept of the number of times the dog jumps on anyone at any time during the testing sessions.
Pass - Dog does not jump on tester, or jumps on tester only one time.
Fail - Repeated jumping on tester.
Play Aggression
A record of any play aggression (i.e., barking at handler while wagging tail, play nips, etc.) at any time during the testing sessions will be kept.
Pass - Little to no play aggression
Fail - More than one instance of play aggression
The Gut Level Impression
Once all items have been administered, the tester/handler, and the videotaper/observer make a record of their “gut prediction” for the success of the dog they just tested.