Hi Jennifer,
Its tough to find what you're looking for these days, you might be able to find info re BARK?
About ten to fifteen years ago, several organizations were doing research to attempt to validate a behavior evaluation test - demonstrate that the test predicts what we want it to test, such as aggressive behavior. Research has demonstrated that behavior evaluation tests aren't great at reliably predicting aggressive behavior after adoption. They are better at predicting friendly and fearful behavior.
Because of this, the ASPCA no longer actively promotes the SAFER test and the Animal Rescue League of Boston took down the Match Up II portal in February of 2024.
Here's the ASPCA position statement on this topic: https://www.aspca.org/about-us/aspca-policy-and-position-statements/position-statement-shelter-dog-behavior-assessments. and the Association of Shelter Veterinarians talk about assessments in the behavior section of the Guidelines for Standard of Care in Animal Shelters.
So, while its super important to get to know our dogs, we recommendations are a little different.
Here are links to a few webcasts you might be interested in:
Risk Assessment
Welfare Assessment
| June |
30 |
2022 |
Devan Amundsen |
During this session, we heard from Devan Amundsen about a tried and true method of evaluating patients: applying the problem-oriented approach to dog behavior. |
https://youtu.be/HkkN1EF-J9Y |
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|
| July |
28 |
2022 |
Sheila Segurson |
A discussion of risk assessment in animal shelters |
https://youtu.be/xnRtvTm-DTM |
|
|
| August |
25 |
2022 |
Carley Faughn |
A discussion of functional assessment of animal behavior |
https://youtu.be/MQOVSKpE7kg |
|
|
Sheila
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Sheila Segurson, DVM, DACVB
Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorist
Director of Community Solutions
Maddie's Fund
Pleasanton CA
9258608284
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Original Message:
Sent: 03-07-2024 09:20 AM
From: Jennifer Nemec
Subject: Temperament Assessment Tests
I'm looking for where I can get manuals for different behavior/temperament assessment tests that are used on shelter dogs. I already have manuals for SAFER and Assess-A-Pet, but I'm also looking for B.A.R.K., Match-Up II, or any other formal behavioral assessments that exist. I'm specifically looking for 'how to' manuals that explain the set ups for conducting the tests, each individual test in the assessment, how to conduct each test, how to score each test, etc. I've been trying to comb through the resource library in Maddie's Fund and other organizations but haven't found what I'm looking for. Does anyone have any links, forms, or similar that they would be willing/able to share?
#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment
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Jennifer Nemec
Animal Behavior Specilist
Sioux Falls Area Humane Society
SD
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