40Behavioural AuditDarceyFemale Westie type, aged one at assessment. Everyday manners and confidence.
Darcey's assessment focused on turning scattered everyday responses into a clear system her owners could maintain.
Case stageBehavioural Audit
ProfileFemale Westie type, aged one at assessment. Everyday manners and confidence.
01 · The presenting picture
Reported difficulties included mouthing, stealing objects, jumping and returning for a treat before moving away again. She could also become uncertain around dogs, noise and unfamiliar situations.
The plan had to account for her routine, opportunities beyond the garden and physical comfort, rather than treating each behaviour as a separate problem.
02 · What the audit identified
Darcey walked successfully with both the assessor and an owner during the session. This provided a useful foundation for owner transfer, although it did not show that the same response was established across everyday settings.
03 · The Canine UK strategy
- Use consistent cues and clear releases for walking, recall and settling.
- Prevent stealing from becoming a chase game and teach appropriate exchanges.
- Build short, manageable experiences outside the familiar environment.
- Adapt activity and handling to comfort and recovery needs.
04 · Recommended pathway
- The recommended route began with household foundations, predictable rest and gradual confidence building.
- The source records an assessment and proposed owner plan. It does not establish later programme attendance or a completed outcome.
05 · Owner transfer and maintenance
Owners would practise a complete return and pause before release, maintain the same response to mouthing and record how Darcey handled public situations. Progression depended on her ability to recover comfortably.