The temperament evaluation is an evaluation that must be completed before beginning classes in the TOUCH Program. The evaluation is designed to ensure that the dog is appropriate for the program. Because of the diversity of our TOUCH visitation sites and clients, we perform this 20 minute evaluation to not only evaluate the dog, but how well the dog and handler work together.

The evaluation consists of two phases. The first phase of the evaluation is designed to see how well the handler and dog work well together. There are some basic obedience exercises, as well as situations to test the dog's reactions to sight, smell, and noise reactions. The second phase of the evaluation is essentially the same as the first, except that the handler waits in the lobby and the dog is put through the same exercises without its handler. This is done to test the stability of the dog in strange surroundings and situations.

Once completed, the evaluator will discuss the results of the evaluation. It is important to remember that it is perfectly acceptable for the dog to be nervous, unsure, and even frightened in some situations. What Support Dogs, Inc. is concerned with is that the dog can recover from these effects and be stable in any environment. The evaluation also lets our trainers know what the dogs needs work on so that those issues can be addressed in class.