68Behavioural AuditEddieCocker Spaniel. Excited greetings, traffic responses and unreliable recall.
Eddie's assessment brought the focus back to foundations that would work during an ordinary walk, as well as at home.
Case stageBehavioural Audit
ProfileCocker Spaniel. Excited greetings, traffic responses and unreliable recall.
01 · The presenting picture
The history described strong pulling, reactions to loud traffic, unreliable recall and excited jumping. Eddie was reported to be comfortable with people and dogs.
Barking on arrival subsided, but jumping continued after the assessor sat down. A short wait at the front door was demonstrated.
02 · What the audit identified
On the walk, the assessor recorded traffic reactivity and strong attention to birds. A familiar cue in one part of the routine did not mean that engagement and control were reliable once the environment became more interesting or demanding.
03 · The Canine UK strategy
- Rebuild engagement and clear lead handling.
- Develop recall and maintained positions in manageable settings.
- Use consistent cues and reward timing.
- Progress towards controlled distractions and everyday owner practice.
04 · Recommended pathway
- The report recommended an individual foundation pathway with gradual progression and owner involvement.
- It does not document completed sessions or establish that Eddie's recall, pulling or traffic responses subsequently improved.
05 · Owner transfer and maintenance
The proposed owner work was to repeat the same communication in daily routines, balancing purposeful activity with rest and manageable practice. Skills needed to become useful around the distractions identified in the assessment.