pg_dump return status..

hi guys

I am trying to create a shell script which dumps my db to a flat file ..

To dump the database i use the pg_dump command..

I find that irrespective of the fact whether pg_dump managed to connect
to the db or not the return status ($?) is always zero.. This throws the
shell script in a spin which continues even when pg_dump is not able to
connect ..

Is there anyway around this. I thought of one way was to check stderr
for the occurence of the word "failed" and then exit..

Ur suggestions are most welcome

version postgresql 702

Regards
Anand Raman