Choosing an Adult Dog With the Right Temperament

Understanding a dog's temperament helps determine how much training he may need. If you don't have the time, interest, patience or knowledge to work with a dog who is poorly socialized, suffers from separation anxiety, does not get along with children, or is nervous and excitable, it is not fair to the dog -- or to you -- to take him home. It is better for that dog to be adopted by someone who can put in the extra training effort and for you to select a dog who is a better fit for your lifestyle. To help determine a dog's temperament, try these tips:

~ Check the dog's sociability. If you want your dog to be your best pal and an integral part of your family, look for one who loves people. Ask to visit with the dog privately in a quiet area. If he is a people dog, he will solicit your attention by approaching you with tail wagging and licking or nudging you. He should also approach your child in a friendly manner. This is a good sign that he is at least tolerant of children.

~ Check the dog's tolerance of physical affection. To determine how much contact a dog will tolerate, pet him about a dozen times. Does he lean in for more or does he pull away?

~ Test the dog's excitability level. Jump around and make noise for several seconds. How excited does the dog get? How long does it take for him to calm down? If he gets excited, jumps on you, and takes a long time to settle down, he probably requires an owner with some patience who can give him extra attention. If he becomes aggressive or predatory, he requires a home where he can receive special training. If he gets excited and playful but calms down quickly, he could be an excellent choice for a family with young children.

~ Determine if the dog suffers from separation anxiety. Leave the dog alone for a few minutes. When you return, observe his behavior. If the dog seems out of breath, he may suffer from separation anxiety, which requires additional training.

~ Check the dog's response to new situations. Take the dog for a short walk and observe how he reacts to noise and traffic. Is he frightened or curious? Does he try to chase moving objects? Dogs who are fearful in new situations often need socialization and training or even medication to remain calm. Car, bicycle, or cat chasers are a danger to themselves and sometimes to others -- they can be killed by traffic or they can injure small animals. These dogs need special training, secure fencing, and a good leash and collar.