Service Dog Selection Test Ideas - These are general ideas about what to look for when selecting a dog from a shelter or private re-home candidate.

A note of caution: some tests on the form are controversial and there are some who don't think the tests are valid. The Stare test and the Noise test using a penny can are two of these. My justification for including them is that a service dog will have similar things happen all the time. Children walk up staring directly at dogs and shopping carts etc can be much noisier than a penny can. The pinch test is also not without controversy. Again, it can be very useful, but not all agree it should be done. If you are testing an adult dog, safety first!

In my opinion, it is better to pass over a dog that is iffy in any area than to spend months working with a dog only to find that you can't change the dog.  Good luck, be careful and observant!

Downloadable forms:

Service Dog Selection Test

Test descriptions

WHEN LOOKING FOR AN OLDER (6 MONTHS - 3 YR OLD) DOG FROM A SHELTER OR PRIVATE INDIVIDUAL:

Take this form with you when you go looking. It is hard to resist those big, pleading eyes and smiling faces, and the staff/owner can get very insistant that THIS is the right dog. It is also highly advisable to take a professional with you, or someone that will look out for your best interests, not be swayed by cuteness or need of the dog, and be honest and observant enough to be able to remind you of what you are looking for!

I do not want a dog that is (one or two major issues): ___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

I DO NOT want a specific color/type of dog: ___________________________________________________________

I DO NOT want a dog that is(mark personality traits you least want in a dog):

__ Serious, no-nonsense       __ Independent          __ Stubborn

__ Distant and cat-like       __ Fearful          __ Submissive

__ Excitable and bouncy       __ Jealous of me    __ Playful 

__ Assertive and pushy        __ Happy-go-lucky       __ Goofy

__ Dependent and needy        __ Calm, quiet      __ Slow

I want a dog that is about: ________ Height   ________ Weight

I want a dog with hair: __ Short      __ Medium       __Long

                   __ sheds a little       __doesn’t shed at all

              __sheds a lot(I like brushing every day)

I want a dog that is (choose several personality traits that best describe the dog you would like to have):

__Serious                         __Dependable          __ Responsible

__Slow and methodical         __ Energetic          __ Playful

__Fun-loving and goofy            __ Brave             __ Forgiving   __Attentive                  __ Smart        __ Trusting  __Assertive                  __ Talkative      __ Happy/cheery

__Excitable and bouncy         __ Protective     __ Stable   __Confident                      __ Sweet,loving   __Loves to work     __Easy going, laid back      __Calm   

I WANT a dog that requires (choose one):

__ A lot of exercise so I will be outside often

__ A moderate amount of exercise and playtime

__ A short walk or two    

__ Lots of play time

I WANT a dog that has these traits (these are DESIRED traits for ALL service dogs):   

- Looks at me a lot

- Comfortable with all sorts of people

- Gets along with cats and small animals

- Recovers quickly from a startle

- Likes dogs but prefers people             

- Gives me the ball, or at least wants to play

- Lets me win at tug or at least plays nicely

I DO NOT WANT a dog that has these traits (these are UNWANTED traits for ALL service dogs):

- Is afraid of thunder or loud noises        

- Approaches the fence stiffly

- Stares hard back at me, shows any aggression or fear of me

- Drops its head and stares at another dog 

- Barks incessantly

- Startles easily

- Is protective of food or toys            

- Does ‘stand tall’ around dogs

- Is stiff when handled(be careful, stiffness

     is indication of a possible bite)

- Is constantly climbing of top of me