I have volunteered at the spca shelter in Williams Lake, and I am familiar with the temperment tests that they use there. I know that the reason that they use "harsh" temperment tests is because they want to try to push the dogs buttons a bit, to see if it is going to be agressive. I feel that their tests are useful, and I don't think that tests should be given by people who know the dogs well. By being at the shelter the dogs are already quite stressed usually, and if they are going to be mean with someone that they don't know, then how can you send them out into public?? Evewn if they are ok once they know someone, you can't take that dog out anywhere, because you never know if it will bite again. Is it fair then to adopt a sog out that will have to be left behind all the time, because it may be agressive to someone, some stranger on the street, some little girl, or some unsespecting dog?? I don't think so. Then you are right back at having a dog left tied up all day by itself, and that is no life for a dog. It may be harsh in the short run, but effective I think in the long run to prevent dogs that are unsuitable for a home, or unsafe!