I wonder what kind of testing they do to determine such things ... how often do they test?
Animal shelters are like mickey d's. They may have one in every county, and you know what you're going to get, you just don't know how you're going to get it.
We have pissed some people off due to our requirements. Personal references, verbal interview and home inspection at the very minimum. However, you can have a "trial run" with the dog at a home, no strings attached, and if the dog ever has to come back to us, we take it back NO questions asked. Since most dogs are with us for at least 6 months, we have a VERY good idea of the animals behavior and what kind of placement would be a good fit for the animal (someone living on the third floor in an apartment wouldn't be a great fit for a high energy dog LOL). However, in all honesty, a woman coming in looking for a dog with children and no husband (if she is married) wouldn't get very far without having us meet the husband first and making sure he is "on board" with the idea. A pet for us a part of the family, which requires a family decision. You'd be amazed that some people will actually lie to get an animal.
Hard part about dealing with a shelter is knowing the animals past history. Dogs can't talk. Honestly, a shelter environment isn't a great place for a dog to show you it's true potential.
If you're father in law looks older, it could be the dogs previous owner was about the same age as the previous owner or something along those lines.
For what it's worth, I don't think I can remember a dog ever having a problem with a woman, it's usually ALWAYS men.
Tim said dogs are animals and we tend to forget that, the sad fact is that men can be animals as well. Dogs can't speak, but I've seen plenty of men who treat their dogs like shit.
Highly suggest the baby gates. Spend the money and get the ones that bolt to the door frame. Also seriously consider getting a training collar (one that can vibrate as well as shock). Our dogs don'e even need a shock, a vibrate warning will usually suffice. Like anything else, you can get what you pay for. For a bully breed, spend the money and get a good collar.
Do you have a fenced in yard? How much room do you have for the dog outside? If you don't have a fenced in yard, ALWAYS keep the dog on a lead on OR off your property (remember that prey instict I mentioned about?)
I suggest feeding the dog twice a day, just don't leave a full bowl of food on the floor all day long. Always feed the dog separately from your children. NEVER leave your children around a dog unsupervised.
Although I may be screaming caution, after 7 years, the BEST dog I ever have "owned" is a pit bull (not really what she was, but it's what every calls her LOL). You do however have a higher responsibility now due to the dogs breed. Too many people think it's "cool" to have a "tough" dog and are clueless, and it's the breeds reputation that pays for it.
Heck, some people don't even have a clue how much you can increase the chances of aggression by keeping a dog on a chain. That said, if you have a fence out back, beware. Kids can be mean and some like to screw with a dog behind a fence. Problem is, dogs can associated that "screwing" with small children. Heck, parents don't even know how to let their children approach a strange dog, let alone even asking the owner if it's ok.
