Behavioural Audit
Understand the behaviour.Build the right plan.
The behavioural audit is the first step to success. It helps us understand what is happening, why it is happening and which training pathway is right for your dog.
Price on enquiry
A clear starting point
Audit before assumptions
Dog behaviour assessment for aggression and reactivity
If your dog barks, lunges, guards or has a bite history, the Behavioural Audit helps us assess the behaviour in context and identify the next steps.
A Behavioural Audit is a structured assessment for owners who need clarity before committing to a training programme. It is not generic advice or a one-size-fits-all plan.
We assess your dog in context, considering their behaviour, medical history, learning history, environment, lifestyle, handling and the factors that may be maintaining the problem. From there, we identify priorities and recommend the most appropriate way forward.
Is an audit right for you?
Start here when you need to understand what’s driving the behaviour
You don’t need to know which Canine UK service is right for you before getting in touch. Our Behavioural Audit allows us to assess your dog’s behaviour, identify the underlying factors and recommend the most appropriate way forward.
Aggression or reactivity
Behaviour involving barking, lunging, threats, aggression or conflict around dogs or people.
Guarding or household conflict
Resource guarding, tension between dogs or behaviours that make everyday life difficult or unsafe.
Chase, recall or impulse control
Persistent chasing, unreliable recall, environmental fixation or poor behavioural control.
Anxiety or over-stimulation
Dogs that struggle to settle, manage their responses or cope with everyday environments.
Previous training has not worked
When previous training or generic advice hasn’t delivered meaningful or lasting improvement.
Unsure where to begin?
We identify the right pathway instead of expecting you to diagnose the problem yourself.
The first step to lasting change starts here.
What you can expect
Understanding the behaviour and planning the way forward
Following your Behavioural Audit, you’ll have a better understanding of your dog’s behaviour, the factors contributing to it and the most appropriate steps to take.
- A clearer understanding of your dog’s behaviour
- Immediate management recommendations where appropriate
- A recommended Canine UK training or rehabilitation programme
- Realistic expectations of the work and commitment required to achieve progress
Frequently asked questions
Before you book
Do I need a Behavioural Audit before booking training?
A Behavioural Audit is the required first step for all Canine UK training and behavioural services. Exceptions apply to puppies under six months and our Predation & Chase Rehabilitation programme, which can be booked directly, subject to eligibility. It allows us to understand your dog, the behaviour you’re experiencing and what support is actually appropriate before recommending further training.
Do I bring my dog to the audit?
Yes. We need to see your dog as part of the assessment. However, we will never ask you to deliberately provoke dangerous behaviour simply so that we can observe it. Your dog’s history, behaviour during the audit and the information you provide all form part of our assessment.
What if my dog is aggressive or has a bite history?
That’s absolutely fine. We regularly work with aggression and higher-risk behavioural cases. Please give us an accurate history when booking, including any previous bites or incidents, so that we can plan your appointment appropriately.
Will you actually work with my dog during the audit?
Yes, definitely. Your Behavioural Audit is practical as well as investigative. We’ll work with you and your dog during the session, begin addressing the behaviours and show you what to do moving forward. You’ll also be given clear homework to continue at home, so you can start putting what you’ve learned into practice straight away.
Will I be told what training my dog needs?
Yes. You don’t need to choose a programme beforehand. Following the audit, we’ll explain our assessment, identify the priorities and recommend the most appropriate training or rehabilitation pathway for your dog.
Does booking an audit commit me to further training?
No. The Behavioural Audit stands alone. You’ll leave with our assessment and recommendations, but there is no obligation to book further services with Canine UK.
How can I prepare for my Behavioural Audit?
A few clear notes about everyday life, relevant history and the support you need are useful. Read what to record before your dog’s Behavioural Audit. Written observations are enough; do not stage behaviour or create an unsafe situation to record it.
Do I need to know whether my dog is reactive or aggressive before booking?
No. You do not need to choose a label or a programme before contacting us. We consider your dog’s history, the situations in which the behaviour occurs, risk and handling before recommending the next steps.
Assessment in practice
Behavioural Audit case records
Poppy: handling and bite risk. A Behavioural Audit covering handling sensitivity, contextual biting and risk management.
Nala: dog reactivity and handler development. A Behavioural Audit covering established dog reactivity, prey drive and the development of practical handling and management skills.
These case records demonstrate our assessment process, the behaviours identified and the individual training and management recommendations developed for each dog.
Ready to begin?
Tell us what is happening and we will help you take the right first step.