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Picking the Puppy for your family.
Lakeview Veterinary Clinic Presents Dr Raymond J Ramirez DVM 1986 graduate of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine Worked in Animal ER in Chicagoland Worked at over 100 different clinics doing fill in work in Wisconsin and Illinois Current owner of Lakeview Veterinary Clinic, across the street from Par-A-Dice Introduction Dog breeds have definite temperament /personalities that will make a good or bad fit for a family. You will learn what questions to ask yourself and family before looking for a specific breed. How many looking for puppy? Adult dog? For self ? Friend ? Do they want that dog? Dog Breed Selection If Peter Piper, instead of picking pickled peppers, had to pick a puppy for Peppermint Patty, what breed of puppy would Peter Piper pick? Would he pick the same puppy for his parents? In relation to the 156 registered AKC breeds They all have distinct ‘temperament characteristics’ that influence how well they fit into the family: Reactivity Trainability Aggression Social Physical characteristics Coat Quality: Shedding grooming – how much time Height Weight Bulkiness Lakeview Veterinary Clinic, LLC 1122 North Main St., East Peoria 61611 across the street from Par-A-Dice 309-699-6443 Aggre React ivity Traina ssion bility Social Coat Weight Bulki ness Height Pupadult email newsletter and Facebook at www.LakeviewVeterinaryClinic.com Page 1 of 18 Reactivity Activity level – in or outdoors – yours and dogs – Always on the go “restless” or 50/50 or “lazy” Vigor – Always with great force regardless of situation another name might be boisterous. Trainability Learning rate Obedience Problem solving – Open doors, dig out of fence… Aggression Dominance Territoriality Watch/Guard dog “Emotional” stability Lakeview Veterinary Clinic, LLC 1122 North Main St., East Peoria 61611 across the street from Par-A-Dice 309-699-6443 How Hyper of a dog do I want? Do I like getting dog kisses? I am outside more than inside. I am home – 4-7 hours / day – 1-3 hours / day – Sometimes several days in a row I am not home How trainable or lazy do I want the dog? How many tricks would I like my dog to be able to learn? 1-5, 6-10, more than 20 Do I want a dog that obeys my command within seconds, or maybe 3 minutes later? Do I want a dog that sees an obstacle and sits perplexed? The headstrong dog? Am I very familiar with dog behavior to be able to handle a dog that wants to dominate the ‘pack’ Can I train a fearful dog that is so afraid it will bite someone? Over 800,000 bites needing hospital attention in US Barks at every thing, but not going to attack/ or a dog that will ‘back up the bark’ email newsletter and Facebook at www.LakeviewVeterinaryClinic.com Page 2 of 18 Social Dogs can find very easy friends and go to anyone who shows a treat Dog shows limited interest in strangers – very attached to you Dog is aloof even to owner – described like a cat that does not socialize or play. Bulkiness This is height of dog and weight – Whippet vs bulldog Greyhound vs Mastiff Coat quality/ grooming Groomed or not Short or long hair Brushing coat Lakeview Veterinary Clinic, LLC 1122 North Main St., East Peoria 61611 across the street from Par-A-Dice 309-699-6443 How outgoing of a dog? I want a dog that never meets a stranger. I want a dog that is responsive to my activity and moods. I like a dog that enjoys a lot of people. I would like my dog to be around when we have company at our home. Solitary dogs: Chihuahua, Pekingese, Pomeranian Moderate: English Bulldog, Standard Poodle, German SH pointer Very Social: Golden Retriever, Newfoundland, Bichon Frise Questions to ask about size True/ false – I want a big dog. – I do not care how much it will cost to feed a dog. – I am physically capable of walking a strong dog. – I live in a place with enough space for a large dog. – I am most interested in the “bulkier” breeds of dogs. Questions to ask about coat Can I afford to have the dog groomed every 6 weeks? Do I want to spend 15 – 30 minutes a day brushing the dog? Is it easier for me to sweep short hair or big fur balls? – long /short hair email newsletter and Facebook at www.LakeviewVeterinaryClinic.com Page 3 of 18 DVM breed preferences Golden Retriever Bouvier de Flandre Portugese Water Dog Shih tzu Pugs French bulldog Schnauzers Cluster of breeds based on Reactivity, Trainability, Aggression Lhasa apso Pekingese Reactivity - High Trainability - Low Aggression – medium Note: some individuals may be exceptions to the rule. Pomeranian Maltese Cocker spaniel Boston terrier Beagle Yorkshire Weimeraner Pug Irish setter Boxer From JAVMA June 1,1985 Note: some individuals may be exceptions to the rule. Lakeview Veterinary Clinic, LLC 1122 North Main St., East Peoria 61611 across the street from Par-A-Dice 309-699-6443 Malamute Husky St Bernard From JAVMA June 1,1985 Cluster of breeds based on Reactivity, Trainability, Aggression English bulldog Reactivity - Low Trainability - Low Aggression – Low Note: some individuals may be exceptions to the rule. Old english sheepdog Norwegian elkhound Bloodhound Basset hound From JAVMA June 1,1985 Cluster of breeds based on Reactivity, Trainability, Aggression Samoyed Afghan hound Reactivity - Low Trainability - Low Aggression – High Cavalier king charles spaniel Boxer Miniature poodles Boston Terriers. Beagle Sheltie English setter Dalmatian Great dane Chow chow Cluster of breeds based on Reactivity, Trainability, Aggression Shetland Bichon frise Reactivity - High Trainability - High Aggression – medium Note: some individuals may be exceptions to the rule. sheepdog Shih Tzu Poodle-min Poodle-toy Poodlestandard English springer Welsh corgi From JAVMA June 1,1985 email newsletter and Facebook at www.LakeviewVeterinaryClinic.com Page 4 of 18 Cluster of breeds based on Reactivity, Trainability, Aggression Lab retriever Keshound Reactivity - Low Trainability - High Aggression – Low Note: some individuals may be exceptions to the rule. Viszla Brittany Short hair pointer Newfoundland Collie Golden retriever Australian shepherd Cluster of breeds based on Reactivity, Trainability, Aggression German Chesapeake Reactivity - Low Trainability - Very High Aggression – Very High Note: some individuals may be exceptions to the rule. From JAVMA June 1,1985 shepherd Akita Doberman pinscher Rottwieller bay retriever From JAVMA June 1,1985 Cluster of breeds based on Reactivity, Trainability, Aggression Cairn terrier Fox terrier Reactivity - High Trainability Medium Aggression – Very High West highland white terrier Chihuahua Note: some individuals may be exceptions to the rule. Scottish terrier Dachshund Schnauzer, min Silky terrier Airdale From JAVMA June 1,1985 Cross breed dogs New cross breed dogs Collie + Lhasa Apso = Collapso – a dog that folds up for easy transport Golden Retriever x poodle mix – Goldendoodle Labrador x poodle mix – Labradoodle Cocker Spaniel x poodle – Cockapoo Lakeview Veterinary Clinic, LLC 1122 North Main St., East Peoria 61611 across the street from Par-A-Dice 309-699-6443 Pointer + Setter = Poinsetter – a traditional Christmas pet Pekingnese + Lhasa Apso = Peekasso – an abstract dog Irish Water Spaniel + English Springer Spaniel = Irish Springer – a dog fresh and clean as a whistle Bull Terrier + Shitzu = Oh, never mind... email newsletter and Facebook at www.LakeviewVeterinaryClinic.com Page 5 of 18 Why recommend certain breeds Experience, and experience of other objective individuals Knowing time is limited in training & socializing Breeds that are impossible to socialize into ‘nice’ dog Breeds that parent selected & socialized properly Breeds that “train themselves” Summary Knowing what we want in a dog will help to pick the right dog. Breed does matter Mix breed is a roll of the dice in terms of temperament and of physical characteristics. Where to Get More Information Online – LakeviewVeterinaryClinic.com Where we go online – animal.discovery.com/breedselector/dogselector.do – www.canismajor.com/dog/chbreed.html – CDC.gov – dog bite statistics – avoid those breeds. Lakeview Veterinary Clinic, LLC 1122 North Main St., East Peoria 61611 across the street from Par-A-Dice 309-699-6443 Puppy or adult – which is best? Advantage of puppy 6-16 weeks of age – Can train to suit – Can socialize to be used to what you will do – Can teach bad habits if not familiar with dog training and do not correct right away Advantage of adult – beyond 16 week old – Can see habits and behavior and pass – Can see size better – Training ‘old dog’ not impossible, but harder Summary There can be variations between puppies in a litter. While ‘Puppy Aptitude tests’ are helpful, most puppy’s temperament is modified by the training they receive from 6-16 weeks (socialization period) Adult temperament and physical characteristics are more predictable. Where to Get More Information Books – “The Right Dog for You” Daniel Tortora, Simon & Shuster. – “Paws to Consider”, by Brian Kilcommons Warner books. Consult your veterinarian email newsletter and Facebook at www.LakeviewVeterinaryClinic.com Page 6 of 18 Puppy Aptitude Test Social Attraction Place puppy in test area. From a few feet away the tester coaxes the pup to her/him by clapping hands gently and kneeling down. Tester must coax in a direction away from the point where it entered the testing area. 1 Degree of social attraction, confidence or dependence. 2 3 4 5 6 Puppy Aptitude Test Following Stand up and walk away from the pup in a normal manner. Make sure the pup sees you walk away. Degree of following attraction. Not following indicates independence. Puppy Aptitude Test Restraint 1 2 3 Crouch down and gently roll the pup on his back and hold it with one hand for a full 30 seconds. 1 Degree of dominant or submissive tendency. How it accepts stress when socially/ physically dominated 2 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 Puppy Aptitude Test Let pup standup and gently stroke him from the head to back while you crouch beside him. Continue stroking until a recognizable behavior is established Lakeview Veterinary Clinic, LLC 1122 North Main St., East Peoria 61611 across the street from Par-A-Dice 309-699-6443 Social Dominance Degree of acceptance of social dominance. Pup may try to dominate by jumping and nipping or is independent and walks away . -Jumped, pawed, 1 bit, growled. -Jumped, pawed. 2 -Cuddles up to testor and tries to lick face. -Squirmed, licked at hands. 3 -Rolled over, licked at hands. 5 4 -Went away and 6 stayed away. Puppy Aptitude Test Elevation Dominance Bend over and cradle the pup under its belly, fingers interlaced, palms up and elevate it just off the ground. Hold it there for 30 seconds. Degree of accepting dominance while in position of no control. Struggled fiercely, bit, growled. -Struggled fiercely. -No struggle, relaxed -Struggled, settled, licked -No struggle, licked at hands. -No struggle, froze. 1 2 3 4 5 6 email newsletter and Facebook at www.LakeviewVeterinaryClinic.com Page 7 of 18 Obedience Aptitude Test Retrieving Crouch beside pup and attract his attention with crumpled up paper ball. When the pup shows interest and is watching, toss the object 4-6 feet in front of pup. Degree of willingness to work with a human. High correlation between ability to retrieve and successful guide dogs, obedience dogs, field trial dogs. Obedience Aptitude Test Touch Sensitivity -Chases object, picks up object and runs away. 1 -Chases object, stands over object, does not return. 2 -Chases object and returns with object to testor. 3 -Chases object and returns without object to testor. 4 -Starts to chase object, loses interest. -Does not chase object. 5 -Listens, locates 1 Degree of sound, walks toward sensitivity it barking. to sound. (Also can -Listens, locates 2 sound, barks. be a rudimentary -Listens, locates 3 test for sound, shows deafness.) curiosity and walks toward sound. -Listens, locates the sound. 4 -Cringes, backs off, hides. 5 -Ignores sound, shows no curiosity. 6 Interpreting scores – Mostly 1’s A puppy that consistently scores a 1 in the temperament section of the test is an extremely dominant, aggressive puppy who can easily be provoked to bite. His dominant nature will attempt to resist human leadership, thus requiring only the most experienced of handlers. This puppy is a poor choice for most individuals and will do best in a working situation as a guard or police dog. Lakeview Veterinary Clinic, LLC 1122 North Main St., East Peoria 61611 across the street from Par-A-Dice 309-699-6443 *Do NOT use fingernail. 8-10 counts 1 before response. 6-7 counts 2 before response. 5-6 counts 3 before response. 2-4 counts 4 before response. 1-2 counts 5 before response. 6 Obedience Aptitude Test Sound Sensitivity Place pup in the center of area, testor or assistant makes a sharp noise a few feet from the puppy. A large metal spoon struck sharply on a metal pan twice works well. Take puppy' s webbing Degree of of one front foot and sensitivity to press between *finger touch. and thumb lightly then more firmly till you get a response, while you count slowly to 10. Stop as soon as puppy pulls away, or shows discomfort. Obedience Aptitude Test Sight Sensitivity Place pup in center of room. Tie a string around a large towel and jerk it across the floor a few feet away from puppy. Degree of intelligent response to strange object. -Looks, attacks and bites. -Looks, barks and tail up. -Looks curiously, attempts to investigate. -Looks, barks, tail-tuck. -Runs away, hides. 1 2 3 4 5 Interpreting scores - Mostly 2’s This pup is dominant and self-assured. He can be provoked to bite; however he readily accepts human leadership that is firm, consistent and knowledgeable. This is not a dog for a tentative, indecisive individual. In the right hands, he has the potential to become a fine working or show dog and could fit into an adult household, provided the owners know what they are doing. email newsletter and Facebook at www.LakeviewVeterinaryClinic.com Page 8 of 18 Interpreting scores – Mostly 3’s Interpreting scores – Mostly 4’s This pup is outgoing and friendly and will adjust well in situations in which he receives regular training and exercise. He has a flexible temperament that adapts well to different types of environment, provided he is handled correctly. May be too much dog for a family with small children or an elderly couple who are sedentary. A pup that scores a majority of 4' s is an easily controlled, adaptable puppy whose submissive nature will make him continually look to his master for leadership. This pup is easy to train, reliable with kids, and, though he lacks selfconfidence, makes a high-quality family pet. He is usually less outgoing than a pup scoring in the 3' s, but his demeanor is gentle and affectionate. Interpreting scores – Mostly 5’s Interpreting scores- Mostly 6’s This is a pup who is extremely submissive and lacking in self-confidence. He bonds very closely with his owner and requires regular companionship and encouragement to bring him out of himself. If handled incorrectly, this pup will grow up very shy and fearful. For this reason, he will do best in a predictable, structured lifestyle with owners who are patient and not overly demanding, such as an elderly couple. A puppy that scores 6 consistently is independent and uninterested in people. He will mature into a dog who is not demonstrably affectionate and who has a low need for human companionship. In general, it is rare to see properly socialized pups test this way; however there are several breeds that have been bred for specific tasks (such as basenjis, hounds, and some northern breeds) which can exhibit this level of independence. To perform as intended, these dogs require a singularity of purpose that is not compromised by strong attachments to their owner. Summary For most owners, a good companion dog will score in the 3 to 4 range in this section of the test. Puppies scoring a combination of 1' s and 2' s require experienced handlers who will be able to draw the best aspects of their potential from them. The second half (Obedience Aptitude Test) of the puppy test is an evaluation of obedience aptitude and working ability and provides a general picture of a pup' s intelligence, spirit, and willingness to work with humans. Lakeview Veterinary Clinic, LLC 1122 North Main St., East Peoria 61611 across the street from Par-A-Dice 309-699-6443 email newsletter and Facebook at www.LakeviewVeterinaryClinic.com Page 9 of 18 What to expect when getting a puppy Finding a ‘Breeder’ Never buy from a pet store Good breeder – Considers how the breeding will improve the breed Backyard breeder – No matter what they tell you the pet store bought the puppy from a puppy mill – See backyard breeder Breeder – Expect them to ask you questions Where will dog sleep/ live? Have owned dog before? What happened? Is your yard fenced? Why do you want this breed of dog? Will you take your dog to training classes? – Anyone bringing two dogs together – Sell puppies – see the miracle of birth Questions you should ask breeder Why did you breed these 2 dogs? Can I meet both parents? – What do you like about each of them? What health checks do you do? If there is a health problem, will you take dog back? When will you have a litter available? – this may be 12 – 24 months – Be patient! How to find a good breeder Lakeview Veterinary Clinic receives a breeder book from the IKC Illinois Valley Kennel Club or Corn belt Kennel club for referrals online at national breed clubs Breed specific rescue groups Go to dog show and ask exhibitors If you know someone whose dog you like, ask where they got their dog Breeder information from – Judy Jurgens Top Dog Obedience Training 309-645-8993 Adult Dog Test – Kennel Aproach Adult Dog Test – Hand Walk up to kennel. Do not speak, but look at dog for 5 seconds in neutral manner, neither smiling nor stare in threatening way. Then kneel or sit, talking pleasantly in friendly tone of voice. Place hand against kennel, fingers outside cage. Lakeview Veterinary Clinic, LLC 1122 North Main St., East Peoria 61611 across the street from Par-A-Dice 309-699-6443 Green Green ## % ! $ " Dog Fancy February 2004 Pgs26-31 Yellow Yellow $ Red Red ## Dog Fancy February 2004 Pgs26-31 email newsletter and Facebook at www.LakeviewVeterinaryClinic.com Page 10 of 18 Adult Dog Test – Stand Adult Dog Test – Strokes The following tests done in quite room with no other dogs present Stand and hold dog on loose leash. Remain completely neutral – stand still and do not talk to dog. Observe dog for 60 seconds. Green & ( With dog on leash, stroke him, starting at neck, and going to base of the tail. Do 3 times, standing for brief pause between strokes. Green Yellow + Red ) Yellow * Red & % ' Dog Fancy February 2004 Pgs26-31 Dog Fancy February 2004 Pgs26-31 Adult Dog Test – Chair Sit in chair, and don’t say anything. Green ## Yellow , Adult Dog Test – 20 second of attention For 20 seconds, remain sitting, keeping dog on loose leash but not restraining him. Pet, stroke, and talk pleasantly to the dog for 20 seconds. Green Yellow * $- Red Dog Fancy February 2004 Pgs26-31 Dog Fancy February 2004 Pgs26-31 Adult Dog Test – Listening To get sense of how dog will listen to you . Start on loose leash, When he is busy investigating something, clap sharply and say loudly (not scolding) “Hey”. Lakeview Veterinary Clinic, LLC 1122 North Main St., East Peoria 61611 across the street from Par-A-Dice 309-699-6443 Red + Adult Dog Test – Test Drive Green Yellow Taking the dog for a walk. Testing around children is good at this stage. Green . Yellow * Red Red Dog Fancy February 2004 Pgs26-31 Dog Fancy February 2004 Pgs26-31 email newsletter and Facebook at www.LakeviewVeterinaryClinic.com Page 11 of 18 Picking a puppy presentation Puppy Aptitude Test (PAT) This test is helpful in determining the natural temperament of a puppy. Many of these tendencies can be changed through a lot of training and socialization. However, that training takes a lot of time as the puppy grows up, and may not be what your family is prepared to do at this time. PAT – Social Attraction Objective: Degree of social attraction, confidence or dependence. Test: Place puppy in test area. From a few feet away the tester coaxes the pup to her/him by clapping hands gently and kneeling down. Tester must coax in a direction away from the point where it entered the testing area. PAT – Following Objective: Degree of following attraction. Not following indicates independence. Test: Stand up and walk away from the pup in a normal manner. Make sure the pup sees you walk away. PAT – Restraint Objective: Degree of dominant or submissive tendency. How it accepts stress when socially/ physically dominated Test: Crouch down and gently roll the pup on his back and hold it with one hand for a full 30 seconds.. PAT – Social Dominance Objective: Degree of acceptance of social dominance. Pup may try to dominate by jumping and nipping or is independent and walks away. Test: Let pup standup and gently stroke him from the head to back while you crouch beside him. Continue stroking until a recognizable behavior is established. PAT – Elevation Dominance Objective: Degree of accepting dominance while in position of no control. Test: Bend over and cradle the pup under its belly, fingers interlaced, palms up and elevate it just off the ground. Hold it there for 30 seconds. Obedience Aptitude testing OAT Retrieving Objective: Degree of willingness to work with a human. High correlation between ability to retrieve and successful guide dogs, obedience dogs, field trial dogs. Test: Crouch beside pup and attract his attention with crumpled up paper ball. When the pup shows interest and is watching, toss the object 4-6 feet in front of pup. OAT Touch Sensitivity Objective: Degree of sensitivity to touch. Test: Take puppy' s webbing of one front foot and press between *finger and thumb lightly then more firmly till you get a response, while you count slowly to 10. Stop as soon as puppy pulls away, or shows discomfort. *Do NOT use fingernail. OAT Sound Sensitivity Objective: Degree of sensitivity to sound. (Also can be a rudimentary test for deafness.) Test: Place pup in the center of area, testor or assistant makes a sharp noise a few feet from the puppy. A large metal spoon struck sharply on a metal pan twice works well. OAT Sight Sensitivity Objective: Degree of intelligent response to strange object. Lakeview Veterinary Clinic, LLC 1122 North Main St., East Peoria 61611 across the street from Par-A-Dice 309-699-6443 email newsletter and Facebook at www.LakeviewVeterinaryClinic.com Page 12 of 18 Picking a puppy presentation Test: Place pup in center of room. Tie a string around a large towel and jerk it across the floor a few feet away from puppy. Interpreting scores Mostly 1’s A puppy that consistently scores a 1 in the temperament section of the test is an extremely dominant, aggressive puppy who can easily be provoked to bite. His dominant nature will attempt to resist human leadership, thus requiring only the most experienced of handlers. This puppy is a poor choice for most individuals and will do best in a working situation as a guard or police dog. Mostly 2’s This pup is dominant and self-assured. He can be provoked to bite; however he readily accepts human leadership that is firm, consistent and knowledgeable. This is not a dog for a tentative, indecisive individual. In the right hands, he has the potential to become a fine working or show dog and could fit into an adult household, provided the owners know what they are doing. Mostly 3’s This pup is outgoing and friendly and will adjust well in situations in which he receives regular training and exercise. He has a flexible temperament that adapts well to different types of environment, provided he is handled correctly. May be too much dog for a family with small children or an elderly couple who are sedentary. Mostly 4’s A pup that scores a majority of 4' s is an easily controlled, adaptable puppy whose submissive nature will make him continually look to his master for leadership. This pup is easy to train, reliable with kids, and, though he lacks self-confidence, makes a high-quality family pet. He is usually less outgoing than a pup scoring in the 3' s, but his demeanor is gentle and affectionate. Mostly 5’s This is a pup who is extremely submissive and lacking in self-confidence. He bonds very closely with his owner and requires regular companionship and encouragement to bring him out of himself. If handled incorrectly, this pup will grow up very shy and fearful. For this reason, he will do best in a predictable, structured lifestyle with owners who are patient and not overly demanding, such as an elderly couple. Mostly 6’s A puppy that scores 6 consistently is independent and uninterested in people. He will mature into a dog who is not demonstrably affectionate and who has a low need for human companionship. In general, it is rare to see properly socialized pups test this way; however there are several breeds that have been bred for specific tasks (such as basenjis, hounds, and some northern breeds) which can exhibit this level of independence. To perform as intended, these dogs require a singularity of purpose that is not compromised by strong attachments to their owner. Note: After looking at the test and the possible responses, mark how your ideal puppy would respond before you go to perform the test on a litter of puppies Do not be embarrassed if none of the puppies respond to the test to your preference. Be prepared to be patient…. you will live with your decision for 12 – 15 years! Lakeview Veterinary Clinic, LLC 1122 North Main St., East Peoria 61611 across the street from Par-A-Dice 309-699-6443 email newsletter and Facebook at www.LakeviewVeterinaryClinic.com Page 13 of 18 Picking a puppy presentation 1 Puppy Aptitude Test 2 3 4 5 6 Social Attraction Test: Place puppy in test area. From a few feet away the tester coaxes the pup to her/him by clapping hands gently and kneeling down. Tester must coax in a direction away from the point where it entered the testing area. Following Test: Stand up and walk away from the pup in a normal manner. Make sure the pup sees you walk away. Restraint Test: Crouch down and gently roll the pup on his back and hold it with one hand for a full 30 seconds. Social Dominance Test: Let pup standup and gently stroke him from the head to back while you crouch beside him. Continue stroking until a recognizable behavior is established. Elevation Dominance Test: Bend over and cradle the pup under its belly, fingers interlaced, palms up and elevate it just off the ground. Hold it there for 30 seconds. Lakeview Veterinary Clinic, LLC 1122 North Main St., East Peoria 61611 across the street from Par-A-Dice 309-699-6443 ! ! " % # $ & email newsletter and Facebook at www.LakeviewVeterinaryClinic.com Page 14 of 18 Picking a puppy presentation 1 Obedience Aptitude Test 2 3 4 5 6 OAT Retrieving Test: Crouch beside pup and attract his attention with crumpled up paper ball. When the pup shows interest and is watching, toss the object 4-6 feet in front of pup. OAT Touch Sensitivity * Do not use '()* +(, -(+ .(/ OAT Sound Sensitivity Test: Place pup in the center of area, testor or assistant makes a sharp noise a few feet from the puppy. A large metal spoon struck sharply on a metal pan twice works well. 0 0 0 0 OAT Sight Sensitivity Test: Place pup in center of room. Tie a string around a large towel and jerk it across the floor a few feet away from puppy. (0 0 0 0 )(. fingernail Test: Take puppy' s webbing of one front foot and press between *finger and thumb lightly then more firmly till you get a response, while you count slowly to 10. Stop as soon as puppy pulls away, or shows discomfort. Lakeview Veterinary Clinic, LLC 1122 North Main St., East Peoria 61611 across the street from Par-A-Dice 309-699-6443 1 # ( email newsletter and Facebook at www.LakeviewVeterinaryClinic.com Page 15 of 18 Dog Fancy February 2004 Pgs26-31 Page 1 of 3 Do it your self-testing If the group you want to adopt from doesn’t do temperament or behavior testing, you still have ways to find out if a particular dog will be a successful match for you, with good chances of remaining in your home. “If the shelter in your area doesn’t temperament test, consider contacting a local trainer for help and guidance,” said director of SPCA in Virginia “Their experience working with dogs can help you find the right pet for your household”. Head to the www.apdt.com for a trainer in your area. In addition, “talk to staff members or volunteers who have worked with the dog you are interested in adopting,” says Courtney Dunn, manager of public relations, special events, and volunteers at wayside waifs in KC, MO. Their insights can be extremely valuable since they have spent one-on-one time with the dog. Plus ask to see or have read to you the surrender form of a particular dog you are interested in. Information on the form can help give you an idea of the dogs background. Finally you can conduct your own testing to help determine the personality of the dog you are considering. The eight simple tests below can give you a good impression of potential adoptee’s sociability and overall personality. However you proceed, before you head into a shelter or rescue organization, make sure you know what you’re looking for in a dog and what you can realistically provide. Vow to keep your criteria intact even when confronted with charming faces and seemingly imploring eyes. “Go to the shelter with a clear idea of the things you are looking for in a dog. Advises Jean Donaldson, director of the Academy for dog trainers in the San Francisco SPCA. “Often the rational brain is checked at the door of the shelter, and once a connection is made with a dog, people forget their criteria.” Eight tests speak volumes. Read through the tests a few times before performing them. Responses you might see are in the chart. A green response means you can proceed with the next test. It suggests the dog is sociable and relatively well adjusted- a good candidate for adoption. If the dog gives a yellow response, use caution. A dog exhibiting this response is less interested in people and may have trouble with bonding and training. * Dr Ramirez note- if your goal is a dog that you can trust around your children or your children’s friends, then do not consider dogs that exhibit a yellow response. If you get a red response, stop. Dogs in this category may have insoluble aggression and fear issues that only a professional can manage. Tips for successful testing Ask when the dog you are considering arrived at the shelter or rescue organization. Delay testing until the dog has been at the shelter for a couple of days and has had a chance to acclimate to his surroundings. (Find out how long the dog will be available though, so you don’t miss your window of opportunity to check him out) Handling strange dogs has a certain amount of risk, so if you feel uncomfortable at any time, trust your instincts, and ask the shelter or rescue personnel for help. Take along a friend to help you observe the dog’s responses. Two pairs of eyes will see more. If the dog passes your tests, ask the shelter to help you do further testing to assess food guarding and reactions to other animals. If the dog fails a test, move on to another dog. Lakeview Veterinary Clinic, LLC 1122 North Main St., East Peoria 61611 across the street from Par-A-Dice 309-699-6443 email newsletter and Facebook at www.LakeviewVeterinaryClinic.com Page 16 of 18 Dog Fancy February 2004 Pgs26-31 Page 2 of 3 1.) Kennel approach This test helps determine the sociability. Walk up to the kennel. Don’t speak, but look at the dog for five seconds in a neutral manner, neither smiling nor staring in a threatening way. Then kneel or sit down, and talk pleasantly in a friendly tone of voice. 2.) Hand Place your hand against the kennel, fingers outside the cage. According to the web site of American Humane, a Denver based organization that works to prevent cruelty abuse neglect and…, “ Social dogs will respond quickly by coming to you even rubbing their bodies up against you. You want a dog that seeks out people and want’s contact.” Conduct tests 3-7 in a quiet room, without other dogs present. 3) Stand Stand and hold the dog on a loose leash. Remain completely neutral (stand still and don’t talk to the dog). Observe the dog for 60 seconds, again, you are looking for sociable behavior (see chart). 4) Three back strokes. With the dog on leash, stroke him, starting at the neck and going to the base of the tail. Do this three times, standing up for a brief pause in between strokes. This test helps show how a dog reacts to handling. 5) Chair Sit in a chair, and don’t say anything. “A truly social dog, even one who has lived outside his whole life, recognizes a human in a chair as an excellent opportunity to come over for some affection and attention.” 6) Twenty seconds of attention For twenty seconds, remain sitting, keeping the dog on a loose leach but not restraining him. Pet, stroke, and talk pleasantly to the dog for 20 seconds. 7) Listening To get a sense of how well the dog will listen to you, start with him on a loose leash. When he is busy investigating something, clap sharply, and say loudly (but not scoldingly), “Hey!” 8) Test Drive Taking the dog for a walk will give you an idea of his reactions to every day stimuli. Donaldson advises, “ this would be a good time to test the dog around your children. What we would like to see is a proactive friendliness, wagging, wiggling, and attempts to kiss the kids.” 9)* Try to take food away while eating This is assessing “further testing to assess food guarding” mentioned above. As you start this test, watch body clues very closely. You may want to have someone who can read dog behavior do this test, as you can get bit.*- Dr Ramirez added this test. Adding a dog to your life should be a wonderful experience, but hasty decisions can mar it. Testing helps make matches that were made in heaven. Lakeview Veterinary Clinic, LLC 1122 North Main St., East Peoria 61611 across the street from Par-A-Dice 309-699-6443 email newsletter and Facebook at www.LakeviewVeterinaryClinic.com Page 17 of 18 Dog Fancy February 2004 Pgs26-31 Test Kennel approach Hand Stand Strokes Chair Page 3 of 3 Green Dog holds his body lengthwise along the kennel but glances away, wagging and wiggling. Ears are back, and eyes are soft and squinty. Dog approaches your hand and noses, nuzzles or licks it. Or, he turns sideways for you to pet more of him. Look for contact to last longer than two seconds. Dog initiates contact, licking or nudging your hand, continuing for two or more seconds. Jumping should be gentle. Attempts to engage you at least three times. Dog moves closer or licks and nudges your hand. Dog sits between your legs, nuzzles you, or rests his head on your lap. Attention Dog licks you sniggles, or crawls in your lap. Listening Dog stops what he’s doing and comes close, licking your hand or lowering his body. Dog is interested in the Test Drive environment but often looks back to you. * Food away * Dog watches you waiting to get food back. Yellow Red Dog stares at you for a few seconds then stops. Dog stares, growls, and lunges, possibly barking the whole time. Dog loses interest before two seconds Dog ignores your hand, barks or growls, or sniffs but doesn’t nuzzle or lick. Dog initiates interactions but stops after only a second or two. Dog gets mouthy. Dog starts to come close but doesn’t, or remains where it was. Dog jumps up and makes you move back, gets in your space, or waits longer than five seconds to approach you. Dog approaches you but gets very excited, gets mouthy, takes a while to come over, or leaves before the 20 seconds ends. Dog stops, looks at you, and then continues to explore. Dog lunges at other dogs but can be redirected by voice or food treat. As you approach- dog stares, stops eating, looking at you, may lunge/bite at you. Dog ignores you the whole time or sniffs, but offers no other initiating behavior. Jumping is not gentle. Dog comes closer only one time or not at all. May turn and stare at your hand, or become excited but move away. Dog ignores you and does not approach. Dog ignores you and does not approach. Dog continues what he is doing or stops but doesn’t look at you. Dog growls. Dog lunges at humans and other dogs. Dog aggressively guarding food with growling, threatening stance, trying to bite. ** Print one of these for each dog you will be evaluating when you go to a shelter. Lakeview Veterinary Clinic, LLC 1122 North Main St., East Peoria 61611 across the street from Par-A-Dice 309-699-6443 email newsletter and Facebook at www.LakeviewVeterinaryClinic.com Page 18 of 18
