PADA, or Personality Assessment for Dogs in Animal-Assisted Interventions, is a tool used to evaluate the personality of dogs that are being trained for animal-assisted interventions (AAI) such as therapy and service work. The assessment is designed to identify a dog's strengths and weaknesses, as well as any potential behavioral issues, in order to ensure that the animal is well-suited for the work it will be performing. The assessment looks at various aspects of the dog's behavior, including its sociability, trainability, and level of activity, as well as its reactions to different stimuli and environments. By using PADA, trainers, breeders and handlers can make informed decisions about which dogs are best suited for AAI work, and can provide appropriate training and support to help these animals succeed in their roles.
