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.

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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?