There are 8 Tests to assess a dog from a shelter or Rescue. The results of the test are describe as GO means it is a good and normal response, CAUTION means this dog is on the shier side and may have some emotional stress.  This can be because being in the shelter. You can proceed with this dog, but watch out for aggressive behavior. If you have young kids, move on.  STOP means this dog is showing signs of aggression and is not suitable as a family dog or a dog that will be with other pets.  Best if a trainer or behaviorist adopts these dogs to work through their issues.  If you have any questions, please send me an email.

You will want to know if the dog has been at the shelter at least a couple of days.  This ensures that the dog has settled in and not still adjusting.  This can cause bad readings on a dog since he is likely stressed about being there.

DO NOT EVER attempt to approach a dog that makes you uncomfortable or nervous.  Ask for help of a shelter worker when you go through the tests the first few times or every time. 

Test 1 The Kennel Approach: This test helps determine if the dog is social. Walk up to the kennel, say nothing but look, not stare, at the dog for five seconds. Then crouch and offer baby talk.

Go Dog glances away, wagging and wiggling. Ears are back and eyes soft and squinty Holds his body lengthwise along the kennel.  Move to the next test with this dog.

Caution Dog stares for a few second then stops. If you have small children, then skip this dog.  If you are willing to take on a bit of a challenge, then move forward with this dog.  All others, skip this dog.

Stop Dog stares, growls, lunges. Dog barking the whole time. Move on and skip this dog quickly.

Test 2 The Hand Test: Place your hand against the kennel, fingers outside of the cage. Be prepared to move your hand in case the dog goes to snap.

Go Dog approaches your hand, nose, nuzzle or lick, or turn sideways for you to pet more of him. Look for contact to last over 2 seconds. Move to the next test with this dog.

Caution Dog loses interest before two seconds. If you have small children, then skip this dog.  If you are willing to take on a bit of a challenge, then move forward with this dog.  All others, skip this dog.

Stop Dog barks, ignores hand, growls, sniffs but no nuzzling or licking. Move on and skip this dog quickly.

Test 3 Stand: In a quiet room, stand and hold the dog on a loose leash, and remain completely neutral. Observe the dog for 60 seconds; again you are looking for sociable behavior.

Go Dog initiates contact, licks or nudges hand, continues for two seconds. Jumping should be gentle. At least three attempts to engage you.  Move to the next test with this dog.

Caution Dog initiates interactions but not for two seconds. Dog gets mouthy  If you are willing to take on a bit of a challenge, then move forward with this dog.  All others, skip this dog.

Stop Dog ignores you the whole time. Jumping is not gentle. Dog sniffs but nothing else. Move on and skip this dog quickly.

Test 4 Three Back Strokes: Stroke the dog starting at the neck and to the base of the tail. Do three times, standing back up for a second in between. This test shows how dogs react to handling.

Go Dog moves closer or snuggles closer or licks and nudges your hand. Move to the next test with this dog.

Caution Dog starts to come close but doesn’t, or remains where it was. If you are willing to take on a bit of a challenge, then move forward with this dog.  All others, skip this dog.

Stop Comes closer only one time or not at all. The dog turns and stares at your hand, or becomes excited but moves away. Move on and skip this dog quickly.

Test 5 Chair: Sit in a chair and don’t say anything.

Go Dog sits between legs, nuzzles you or rests his head on your lap. Move to the next test with this dog.

Caution Dog jumps up and makes you move back ,gets in your space ,doesn’t come over in five seconds. If you are willing to take on a bit of a challenge, then move forward with this dog.  All others, skip this dog.

Stop Dog ignores you and doesn’t come over. Move on and skip this dog quickly.

Test 6 20 Seconds of Attention: For twenty seconds remain sitting, with a loose leash and no restraining the dog. Pet, stroke or talk in baby talk for 20 seconds

Go Dog licks you, snuggles or crawls in your lap. Move to the next test with this dog.

Caution Dog comes over but gets very excited, gets mouthy, takes a while to come over or leaves before the 20 seconds ends.  If you are willing to take on a bit of a challenge, then move forward with this dog.  All others, skip this dog.

Stop Dog doesn’t come over, ignores you. Move on and skip this dog quickly.

Test 7 Listening Test: To learn how well the dog will listen have him on a loose leash. When he is busy investigating something, clap sharply and yell Hey.

Go Dog stops comes to cuddle, licking your hand or lowering his body. Move to the next test with this dog.

Caution Dog stops, looks at you softly and then continues to explore. If you are willing to take on a bit of a challenge, then move forward with this dog.  All others, skip this dog.

Stop Dog continues what he is doing, or stops but doesn’t look back. Dog growls. Move on and skip this dog quickly.

Test 8 Test Drive: Taking the dog for a walk will give you an idea of the dog’s reactions to ordinary everyday stimuli.

Go Dog interested in environment but often looks back to you. Move to the next test.

Caution Dog lunges at other dogs but can be redirected by voice or food treat. If you are willing to take on a bit of a challenge, then move forward with this dog.  All others, skip this dog.

Stop Dog lunges at humans. Lunges at other dogs. Move on and skip this dog quickly.

Adding a dog to your life should be a wonderful experience and testing can help make matches for a lifetime!