Introduction to <strong>the</strong> ASPCA MYM SAFER Assessment not certify <strong>the</strong> organization that <strong>the</strong> person is employed by; ra<strong>the</strong>r it is certification <strong>of</strong> an individual to show that he or she has <strong>the</strong> skills necessary to conduct <strong>the</strong> assessment. Interestingly, we have noted several instances where shelter behavior job descriptions included a requirement <strong>of</strong> SAFER certification. Certification helps ensure that an Assessor has <strong>the</strong> knowledge and skills to maintain her safety when handling a potentially aggressive dog. Improper handling and technique makes <strong>the</strong> Assessor vulnerable to a bite should <strong>the</strong> dog choose to aggress. Equally as important, proper handling ensures that <strong>the</strong> dog is exhibiting behavior that is more likely predictive <strong>of</strong> future behavior. Inappropriate handling can provoke responses that are not reliable, resulting in potential inappropriate choices regarding placement <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> animal. So We Assessed <strong>the</strong> <strong>Dog</strong> and <strong>the</strong>re are Some Concerns – Now What? Once a dog is assessed and his behavior responses noted, <strong>the</strong> assessment team should review his SAFER worksheet. If any <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> behaviors displayed were reason for concern, <strong>the</strong> team should first review <strong>the</strong> video <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> dog’s assessment to ensure <strong>the</strong>re was nothing improper in <strong>the</strong> way <strong>the</strong> assessment was conducted or <strong>the</strong> way <strong>the</strong> dog was handled by <strong>the</strong> Assessor that attributed to <strong>the</strong> dog’s particular response. Simply put, sometimes mistakes can happen during <strong>the</strong> assessment that might affect <strong>the</strong> dog’s behavior. If all was done correctly, <strong>the</strong> dog’s assessment should be brought to <strong>the</strong> attention <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Animal Behavior or Animal Care Supervisor to determine next steps. Videotaping is a vital piece <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> SAFER assessment. Each and every assessment should be videotaped to help ensure consistency, increase safety, and assist with behavior modification progress assessment. The behavior identified in <strong>the</strong> assessment should be repeatable and connected to context. Minimally, <strong>the</strong> behavior team should cross-check <strong>the</strong> information ga<strong>the</strong>red from o<strong>the</strong>r sources (owner relinquishment information, etc.) before a decision regarding adoptability is made. As each shelter is unique and has different resources available, next steps will vary from shelter to shelter. The MYM SAFER aggression assessment may help supervisors make euthanasia decisions, but <strong>the</strong> assessment alone should never be <strong>the</strong> only input considered. Relinquishment surveys done at intake, veterinary reports from <strong>the</strong> health check, and input from animal care technicians, volunteers, and foster parents should also be considered whenever a life or death decision must be made. For shelters that have <strong>the</strong> resources, staff and have already supported <strong>the</strong> medically challenged and o<strong>the</strong>r at-risk populations <strong>of</strong> animals in <strong>the</strong>ir care, behavior modification for identified behavior can be a great tool. In my next article, I will be writing about some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> behavior modification programs we have developed to help support dogs with identified issues—including our research on a food aggression behavior modification program. To learn more about <strong>the</strong> ASPCA Meet Your Match SAFER program, visit www.aspcapro.org and click on <strong>the</strong> Meet Your Match link. Photos courtesy <strong>of</strong> Hea<strong>the</strong>r Mohan. Dr. Emily Weiss is a Master <strong>of</strong> Science, Ph.D. and Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB). Her expertise includes <strong>the</strong> selection <strong>of</strong> service dogs from shelters, <strong>the</strong> welfare <strong>of</strong> animals in zoos, and equine behavior and training. In addition, Dr. Weiss has developed <strong>the</strong> highly acclaimed adoption program ASPCA Meet Your Match® which includes SAFER. These programs are making lifesaving differences for dogs, cats and puppies in shelters all over <strong>the</strong> United States and beyond. Dr. Weiss makes frequent media appearances and is <strong>the</strong> ASPCA Senior Director <strong>of</strong> Shelter Research and Development. 12 w The APDT Chronicle <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Dog</strong> w November/December 2008 www.APDT.com
www.APDT.com November/December 2008 w The APDT Chronicle <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Dog</strong> w 13
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