Dog Suitability & Assessment
Our temperament assessment has been developed by leading animal trainer and behaviouralist David Ryan and all our volunteer assessors are highly qualified, either Kennel Club Accredited Instructors, or members of the Animal Behaviour and Training Council including members of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers.
If your dog is at least 18 months old and you've had him or her for at least 6 months, then take this quick suitability test to see if it's likely he or she will pass the assessment and enjoy a role as a Friendship Dog.
Remember, most Friendship Dogs are normal, cuddle monsters not obedience champions, but it's important they're under control and can pass our assessment.

- Does your dog enjoy meeting and greeting new people?
- Is your dog comfortable with being handled by new people?
- Does your dog walk on the lead without pulling?
- Can your dog walk on a fixed lead using a comfortable, flat neck collar or properly fitted body harness? (No chain or half check collars can be used). It is possible to visit in a head collar if absolutely necessary, but your dog must be assessed without it.
- Will your dog "sit" and "settle" when asked?
- Can your dog sit politely and happily accept a pat from friendly strangers without jumping up or barking repeatedly?
- Can your dog walk past people with minimal reaction to unusual noises or distraction?
- Does your dog show little reaction to clumsy or heavy stroking?
- Does your dog react well to unexpected or unusual noises?
- Will your dog take food gently and leave dropped food when asked?
- Can your dog walk past another dog on a lead and show no more than a passing interest?
- Can you confirm that your dog has never bitten anyone?
- Do you and your dog work well together as a team?
If you answered YES to all of these questions, then your dog stands a good chance of passing our assessment and becoming a Wag Friendship Dog.
If you answered NO to any of these questions, you may want to undertake some training before attending one of our assessments.
Our assessors
Cris Brown
North Shields
I am a dog trainer with over ten years experience. I offer training classes in Walker and…
Karen Gibson
Brandon, Durham
I have been lucky enough to share my life and love with many dogs and also to…
Mechelle Jacques
Consett, County Durham
I have run training classes for the last eight years, ranging from pet obedience to fun agility…
Caroline Penistone
Leeming, North Allerton
I am a dog trainer with over 20 years experience. I offer training in Leeming, Northallerton. I…
Kay Richardson
Stockton
KAY UNAVAILABLE UNTIL MID APRIL : CONTACT THE OFFICE PLEASE I have always valued the enjoyable time…
Heather Stevens
Richmond, North Yorkshire
For around 40 years, I have been a trainer and behaviourist and specialise in all forms of…
Vicky Welsh
Chester le Street
I have been a dog trainer and animal behaviour consultant in the County Durham area for the…