From time to time, reports of anthelmintic trials are published indicating that a compound is, or is not, effective against Echinococcus granulosus in dogs. In some of these reports, an attempt is made to assess the efficacy of the compound from inadequate data. This paper reviews the problems associated with selecting, screening and defining the therapeutic dose-rate of a compound against E. granulosus. From this evaluation, a programme is defined, which, if followed, should result in the selection of promising compounds and the rejection of unsuccessful compounds at specific stages during the programme.