Assessment of Childminders' Dogs
In addition to the BSAVA guidelines on this subject we offer the following guidance notes with respect to section iii:
All veterinary surgeons should certify only "what they know to be true" and so temperament certificates should not be issued. A full report including all examinations and observations made, should be completed with any recommendations. This should be concluded with a statement to the effect that the report is of observations made under the conditions prevailing at the time of examination and not a certification of the animal's temperament.
A full clinical examination is to be recommended with special reference to any history or indication of the following:
- Deafness
- Blindness and/or retinal degeneration
- Musculo-skeletal and joint pain
- Epilepsy
Note should be made of the following:
Any signs of hypersexuality The dog's reaction to the removal of its food bowl and a toy. The dog's reaction to your arrival and the ringing of the door bell. The dog's tolerance of a complete physical examination including palpation of all parts and forced rollover restraint. The owner's ability to groom the dog with the owner absent. Obedience by the dog to commands from the owner and strangers. The dog's response when being put on lead and taken for a walk. The dog's willingness to approach you of its own free will or any tendency to shy away from strangers. The dog's reaction to a novel stimulus. Where the dog chooses to settle, including its ability to relax with people. The dog's reaction to it's owner being approached by a stranger. The dog's general level of activity including any tendency to obstruct the actions of anybody eg by jumping up or "pawing".
It is recommended that any hair overhanging and obscuring the pet's vision should be trimmed.
If the dog is registered as a PAT dog or Therapet this indicates that it is taken by its owners to hospitals etc for visits. Here it is handled by patients or other individuals who it is considered would benefit from canine companionship. In addition PAT dogs are given another assessment of temperament before being accepted onto the scheme. In some cases it may be advisable to suggest that registration and active involvement in such a scheme may be beneficial.
Further information:
Write to the CABTSG seceretary
Therapet, c/o Canine Concern Scotland Trust, Administrator Mrs M J Henley Price, East Lodge, Caldarvan, Gartocharn, Dunbartonshire G83 8SA.