Ah you too have the big engraved S on your forehead :-) When I told my vet I
thought it stood for Sucker he just looked at me a moment and said 'nope
Softie' :-)
What I would do
First the handle the dog all over test - combining this with a flea bath can
make it worthwhile :-) do something rude like emptying ***glands if you
are going to do a bath or use a Q-tip on an ear to clean it a bit - taking
the dog's temperature can be in this category too. I look at teeth check
neuter status and everything I can think of to see if there are any 'bad'
spots on the dog that will trigger aggression
Second introduction to neutral dog on neutral turf (friendly dogs can be too
unsettling so you do one of those second if you can) on lead and see how
that goes
Thirdly introduction on lead to friendly kids and then have the kids run
past hollering a distance away from the dog - that will tell you what the
dog really thinks about active kids :-) a bike can be good for that one too
Fourthly introduction to a safely caged cat on lead - a drooling dog who
tries to get into the crate is probably not a good choice unless your cat
like mine is named Rambo for good reason :-)
Fifthly see if he is neutral or friendly to a strange friendly man - some
dogs have good reason to like everyone but a man who has had a beer for
example or just men in general.
Sixthly offer something yummy in a small bit between fingers and see if the
dog will take the food gently. This can be an indication of bite inhibition.
Lastly - trust your dog knowledge as to how the dog will be with the rest of
your household but plan a safe area to separate the kids dogs etc if need be
(a big crate can work)
Nancy
Quote:
>I am not only soft hearted but I must be stupid too. Here is why. I got an
>email today from lady needing to place her daughters rottie. It seems that
>daughter and boyfriend got the dog and have broken up and yadda yadda
yadda.
>The dog is 2yrs , neutered (yay) and very friendly. The lady doesn't want
>to put ad in the paper because we are in the heart of red-neck city. ( lady
>& I are in the same town)
>Here are my questions: How would I go about evaluating dog's temperment
>w/kids, cats and other dogs w/o putting everybody in danger? I have
>experience with Rotts just not evaluating an *** dog.
>2) Is it totally insane to even think about taking the dog ? I have already
>asked for vet references and have asked the lady about any and all
>temperment problems . We all know that people lie, I don't expect to take
>the lady's word. Just,maybe if she is honest things would be easier... I
>have contacted rescue and they are covered up with *** males. I also
have
>an all-breed rescuer contact and I will need to do the evaluation of the
dog
>for them any way.
>Help.
>Kim
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