Rescue centre temperament testing for young children

Hi - I live in a house with a four year old and would like to find a dog that would be a good fit for such a young child. I'm aware that Dogs Trust, Blue Cross and Jerry Green's all offer temperament testing for their rescues, to include suitability with young children. I'm just wondering if these are the only rescue centres to offer this - or if there are others who offer this facility. Many thanks! Rachel

I'd also look for a rescue that has dogs in foster homes rather than kennels - if you're lucky you'll find a dog that has already lived with young children. I know Lurcher Link does this - they are based in the north and obviously just have lurchers and occasionally other sighthounds, but there will be others.

Bear in mind that a lot of rescues will be reluctant to let people with young children adopt.

I think you might need to ask them directly. There are many many rescues. It would also be worth asking what follow up support they offer. Some are fabulous with behaviourist advice available but we have heard some tragic stories of people being given dogs that are clearly unsuitable because the rescue is just too keen to get them moved on. Be particularly careful if you are looking at an Eastern European rescue - it's tragic but some of the street dogs are feral and can't adapt to domestic homes.

Also a rescue can only do so much. There are no guarantees to any dog's behaviour (rescue or bought as a puppy from even the best breeder) towards children in the home apart from total adult vigilance. I've had a friend's child nipped by my own very laid-back dog in our home. My fault- I took my eye off the ball for a second.