HOMELESS dogs are being scientifically matched to their perfect owner using an innovative personality test created by a Brunel University researcher.
Rebecca Ledger, an animal behaviourist at Brunel University, designed psychometric tests for the RSPCA to match dog temperaments to prospective owner's expectations.
Dr Ledger said: "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."
She carried out her research in eight RSPCA centres across the country and gave tests to potential owners and homeless dogs. So far, trials have seen a 27 per cent reduction in returns.
Dr Ledger's work appeared on the BBC's Tomorrow's World programme last Wednesday and this project follows an earlier study completed in November 1998.
The RSPCA is considering using the dog matching assessments in all of its centres. Each year the RSPCA rehomes more than 25,000 dogs, some of which are returned within weeks.
The animal welfare group's spokesman Chris Laurence said: "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."
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