The following article appeared in the February issue of Texas Dogs, 1994. The following is the evaluation that I use as an initial evaluation of a prospective rescue. It started out based on puppy testing, the only model I had available at the time, and grew with my experience and knowledge. Remember that you will need to disinfect anything you use on a strange dog.
History Write down as much of the dog's medical and behavioral history as is known.
Try to get the veterinarian's name and permission to call that vet. In the case of housetraining problems or chewing, try to determine whether they are manifestations of separation anxiety. Find out about the dog's diet, the amount of exercise they get, and whether or not they are crate trained. In the case of an owner who is relinquishing their dog, judge their dog knowledge by asking what actions they took to try to resolve their dog's problems. If possible, have a chair available in the area you will be evaluating the dog.