The Things I Notice

When people think about a behavioural assessment, they often focus on the obvious things.

·         The barking.

·         The growling.

·         The lunging.

·         The behaviours that attract attention.

I find myself paying attention to different things.

·         Does the dog explore a new area immediately or gradually?

·         Do they revisit the same places repeatedly?

·         How long do they spend observing before moving closer?

·         Do they choose height, distance or proximity?

·         What do they do when given options?

·         What do they do when nothing is expected of them?

·         What captures their attention?

·         What doesn't?

Often, the smallest observations help build the clearest picture of the individual dog. A dog who repeatedly chooses to watch may be telling us something different from a dog who immediately investigates.

A dog who seeks out elevated spaces may be giving us information about their preferences.

A dog who revisits the same scent repeatedly may be demonstrating what is important to them in that moment.

None of these observations is particularly dramatic. But together they help us understand the dog rather than simply assess the behaviour.

When working with rescue dogs, indeed, any dog, I am not only looking for behaviours of concern. I am looking for patterns, preferences, choices and interests. Sometimes those observations go on to shape enrichment, walks, environmental set-up and behaviour support. Sometimes they simply help me understand the individual a little better.

What is one small thing your dog does regularly that tells you something about who they are as an individual?