76Behavioural AuditHollieAged 16 months at assessment. Sensitivity, lead reactions and handling.
Hollie's assessment considered a sensitive dog whose reactions and handling difficulties required a careful, staged approach.
Case stageBehavioural Audit
ProfileAged 16 months at assessment. Sensitivity, lead reactions and handling.
01 · The presenting picture
The history described reactions to people and dogs, strong pulling, unreliable recall and sensitivity to noise or movement.
The equipment already in use was reported to prompt scratching severe enough to cause bleeding, adding a welfare concern to the walking picture.
02 · What the audit identified
The trainer described fearful or sensitive behaviour during the assessment. Two attempted nips were recorded after returning home and receiving affection. Contact or injury from those attempts was not established, but the observation qualified the initial report of no previous bites or nips.
03 · The Canine UK strategy
- Begin with manageable familiarisation and foundation work.
- Develop engagement and clearer lead communication.
- Review handling and consider appropriate muzzle preparation.
- Introduce controlled visitor work only through a staged plan.
04 · Recommended pathway
- The report proposed individual sessions with initial trainer familiarisation and shared walking before increasing the demands.
- No later evidence establishes attendance, improved reactions or resolution of the attempted nipping.
05 · Owner transfer and maintenance
The proposed owner pathway focused on consistency, recognising sensitivity and using a manageable pace for practice. Direct observations and any further incidents would remain relevant when deciding how to progress.