PRESS RELEASE FROM BRUNEL UNIVERSITY.

Read this and note in the last line that "The RSPCA is now considering implementing the dog matching assessments in all of its centres."

Then this is also new to the RSPCA too, isn't it?

I am now convinced the BCSPCA is not implementing this assessment for the purpose it was intended.

Public Relations
PR 343 13 November 2001

Matchmaking for homeless dogs Success of new research highlighted on “Tomorrow’s World”

Finding your perfect canine companion could be easier in the future thanks to a series of psychometric tests, for both dog and owner, devised by animal behaviourists at Brunel University for the RSPCA. The research has found new and improved ways to match the right dog with the right owner, saving millions of pounds and considerable distress to both dogs and owners.

Dr Rebecca Ledger, an animal behaviourist at Brunel University, has devised the tests that aim to match a dog’s temperament with the prospective owner’s expectations, helping to cut down on the numbers of dogs returned to animal centres because of personality clashes. Dr Ledger’s work is being highlighted exclusively on the BBC Tomorrow’s World programme tonight (Wednesday 14 November).

Every year the RSPCA rehomes more than 25,000 dogs, but sadly some are returned within weeks because the owners feel that the dog does not ‘fit in’. This often leads the animal to suffer more stress as it is passed from home to home.

Dr Ledger carried out her research at eight RSPCA rehoming centres across the country. The scientific study involved dogs undertaking a series of ‘personality tests’ which determined their likely behaviour when rehomed. Potential owners who showed an interest in rehoming a dog were also given assessment tests. So far, trials have seen an average reduction of 27% in returns.

According to Dr Ledger, “The problem of returned dogs comes down to owner perception - what some owners think is a behaviour problem, others will see as a behaviour asset. For example, what is boisterous and uncontrollable to one, is playful, entertaining and good fun to someone else. This is why the research has focused on identification of the key factors that determine ownership success for different types of people. By measuring a prospective dog owner's expectations, attitudes and experience of dog ownership, we can advise them which dogs we have in our animal centres that will meet their requirements.”

An initial study by Dr Ledger completed in November 1998, funded by Friskies Petcare, Nestec Ltd. explored the effects of particular characteristics of pets and owners on the success of the pet/owner relationship, and this gave her the basis for the current, larger scale project.

“Simply, the bigger the difference between how owners expect their new dog to behave, and how it actually does behave when they get it home, the more likely the dog is to be returned to the animal centre. We have also learnt that first time dog owners are three times more likely to return their dog to the centre than owners with previous experience of owning a dog, and five times more likely to have considered returning their dog to the centre. Inexperienced owners frequently underestimate the time and commitment that taking on a new dog requires. By understanding these factors more thoroughly, we can advise owners more effectively on the right dog for them, so reducing the problem of returns later on.”

RSPCA Chief Veterinary Officer Chris Laurence, said: “We are excited about Dr Ledger’s work. Dogs and owners often suffer unnecessary stress because of an unsuccessful homing. We hope that these tests will not only cut down on the distress caused to both dogs and their potential owners but will also save the RSPCA time and money.”

The RSPCA is now considering implementing the dog matching assessments in all of its centres.