On another pet board I read, there is a woman that adopted a 3 year old chow from a rescue organization. She has had the pup for 6 weeks and it has been displaying aggressive behavoir to both other animals as well as her husband. The way she described it is very sudden with little or no advance warning. Apparently the dog has become very fixated and protective of her (which chows are prone to do). She also has a 6 year old daughter and although the dog has not shown any aggression to the little girl, she is very upset and worried that it could turn on the baby as well. (With good reason I think) She called the rescue organization and they would not take the dog back and suggested she muzzle and keep him crated!

She is now faced with a dilemma - what to do. She is apparently a very good hearted person and is in agony about this. She is in the process of calling Chow rescue organizations for help/advice and possible placement. My heart just goes out to her - I pray that she will find a solution.

My question is this - I know there are several people on this board that do rescue. I am always reading on Petfinder things like "Not good with children" or "will not be placed with children under 12" or "not good with other dogs or cats". What kind of behavioral testing do most rescues do on placements? and what kind of screening process do you use for potential adoptive families. I know when my sister adopted from a GSD rescue, they did all kinds of reference checks as well as a home visit. They also asked a great many questions about their lifestyle so they could match her what they felt was the best dog for her.

I know this is a sticky subject and I am totally aware that most rescue organizations make sure that dogs are placed in appropriate households. I ask because if I decide to adopt from a rescue organization in the future - how can I tell the difference between a good one and one like the woman with the Chow went to - with people with more heart than common sense.