Here at the shelter we put the dogs through a series of tests to determine the dogs temperament.
Our testing is controlled & the situations are deliberate & set up. There are many dogs who have a very high thresh hold when it comes to kids & dogs who actually prefer kids than adults! However, every dog no matter how perfect their temperament, has the ability to bite.
In our evaluation process we look at the dogs responses to thresh holds to normal everyday circumstances for example receiving pats, being approached while eating, tolerance of body handling, being hugged for longer periods than normal, being restrained, excitement levels, stimulation & arousal, play, gentleness, affection & more.
Bare in mind we are trying to evaluate how the dog may behave in a home WHILE HE LIVES IN A KENNEL. The ability to accurately predict future home-environment behavior is unproven.
While temperament testing helps us learn more about the dog, it by no means guarantees against the dogs ability to bite.