What type of tests may a dog undergo before being selected for service work?

The selection process for service dogs is comprehensive and aims to ensure that the animals are suitable for the demanding roles they will perform. Temperament tests, behavior assessments, and capability evaluations are critical components of this selection process because they provide insight into the dog's personality, response to various situations, and overall suitability for service work.

Temperament tests help assess how a dog reacts to different stimuli, which is important for understanding their capacity to handle the variety of environments they may encounter in service roles. Behavior assessments allow handlers to observe the dog's ability to follow commands, maintain focus in distracting environments, and interact appropriately with humans and other animals. Capability evaluations further assess the dog's specific skills, such as the ability to perform tasks important for their designated service work, whether that be support for individuals with disabilities, search-and-rescue operations, or therapy work.

Including these tests in the selection process ensures that only dogs with the right combination of temperament, behavior, and skills are chosen for service work, which contributes to successful partnerships between dogs and their handlers.