by Rachael Joseph

Created on: August 21, 2009   Last Updated: August 22, 2009

When adopting a young or adult dog from a local rescue or featured pet shelter day, there are many ways to test the temperament of your new canine companion. Adopting a dog is a lifetime commitment and you need to be sure that your new pet is the proper size, has the right energy level and is of the proper temperament and exercise requirements for your lifestyle.

My husband and I recently rescued a small, 20 lb. mixed breed from a local shelter. I'd like to share with you all of the things we did to test our new companion's temperament as we observed other potential adopters rushing cages holding attractive breeds, snatching them up, and walking to the checkout counter.

He was a small, fearful looking white dog. He sat in his own urine in the kennel, trying to make himself as small and hidden as possible. From the way he was behaving, I knew he had been poorly socialized to animals and people. To avoid an injury in this scenario, I asked his foster owner to retrieve him from the kennel for us and place him on a short leash. After she did so, I noticed that the dog did not know how to walk on a leash or was paralyzed by fear because he cowered to the ground and wouldn't move. I placed a hand close to his face, as he had shown no signs of aggression and he sniffed it slowly and looked away. These are both signs of interest and submission. Had he barred teeth or lunged toward me, I would have known this was not our dog. I knew that it would be best to get him out of the boisterous area of the adoption fair where there were many loud noises, people and dogs. I lifted him very slowly, talking in a quiet, soothing voice as I did. I removed the dog to a very quiet area of the pet store where the adoption fair was being held, ready to test him with several different obstacles.

First, I wanted to see if he would demonstrate any trust in me, a strange human. I took a few treats from my pocket and held them slowly out to the scared, little dog. He again sniffed, interested in the treats, and lightly licked my hand but did not eat. I then decided to see how he would do for a mock veterinary exam. I stood him up and because he was so submissive, I reached between his hind legs and un-tucked his tail, holding it high toward the ceiling like a confident dog. A sudden miracle happened when he was placed in this confident body posture and he took a treat from my hand. I made sure to talk calmly and gently to him all along as I prepared him for his "exam". I palpated his

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