71Behavioural AuditMiloLabrador, aged 16 months at assessment. Engagement, recall and arousal.
Milo's assessment considered energetic behaviour and unreliable responses alongside an individual health history that mattered to the plan.
Case stageBehavioural Audit
ProfileLabrador, aged 16 months at assessment. Engagement, recall and arousal.
01 · The presenting picture
The history described pulling, unreliable recall, mouthing and difficulty settling. Milo could bark and lunge towards dogs and become absorbed in sniffing.
Food was a strong motivator, but familiar cues were less dependable without it. Previous puppy classes and crate experience had not resolved the wider everyday difficulties.
02 · What the audit identified
The assessment identified a need for clearer communication, useful engagement and more consistent boundaries. The source also recorded elbow dysplasia and medication, so generic exercise advice could not simply be applied without regard to Milo's own circumstances.
03 · The Canine UK strategy
- Build engagement and responses to clear, consistent cues.
- Develop manageable lead skills and recall practice.
- Use suitable mental activity and structured routines.
- Carry the handling system into owner practice.
04 · Recommended pathway
- A daily KickStart pathway was proposed, with individual sessions offered as an alternative.
- The source records recommendations rather than programme attendance. It does not establish later improvement in walking, settling or responses around other dogs.
05 · Owner transfer and maintenance
The proposed owner role was to repeat the same communication, reward useful responses and develop practical routines that reflected Milo's individual needs. The training picture and welfare context needed to remain connected.