Behaviour Dog Assessment
Course Summary
Dynamic Dog Practitioner Services:
Enhancing Canine Well-Being Through Observation and Collaboration
Dogs are naturally stoic creatures, often masking discomfort or pain, which makes it challenging for veterinarians to identify issues in a clinical setting.
When dogs are worried at the veterinary office they may release one or hormone that act as pain reliever. This makes it hard for your veterinarian to make an assessment.
As a certified Dynamic Dog Practitioner, I have the advantage of observing dogs in their natural environments via video, assessing their movement over multiple interactions, and gathering valuable insights from caregivers.
These observations can highlight potential concerns that may warrant further veterinary examination.
What is the Role of a Dynamic Dog Practitioner?
Dynamic Dog Practitioners are trained to provide detailed, structured observations that support veterinary professionals in identifying subtle physical discomforts that may otherwise go unnoticed.
Our role is not to diagnose but to bridge the gap between behaviour concerns and medical assessments by:
✔ Assessing posture and movement in real-world settings over time.
✔ Documenting subtle signs of discomfort through video evidence.
✔ Providing structured reports that help veterinarians focus their investigations.
✔ Assessing behaviours that could indicate discomfort, such as reluctance to jump, hesitation on stairs, changes in sitting or lying posture, or avoidance of handling.
✔ Collaborating with veterinary teams to ensure dogs receive the care they need.
This process does not replace veterinary care; instead, it enhances the investigative process, helping to bring clarity where concerns might otherwise be dismissed due to a lack of clear evidence.
Does Dynamic Dog Analysis Delay Veterinary Care? Absolutely not. The Dynamic Dog process accelerates the pathway to appropriate care rather than delaying it.
Many dogs are referred to vets with vague concerns such as, "I think my dog is in pain," but without objective observations, they may be sent home without further examination.
Our structured approach provides meaningful data that can encourage a second look or a referral to a specialist. It’s crucial to emphasise that: If a dog is displaying clear signs of pain or behavioural changes, they should see a vet immediately.
The Dynamic Dog process is for cases where signs are subtle or intermittent, helping to quantify concerns for the veterinary team. At no point does a Dynamic Dog Practitioner diagnose medical conditions.
Commitment to Professionalism & Ongoing Learning Dynamic Dog Practitioners are highly trained professionals committed to continuous education and accountability. We work alongside veterinarians, physiotherapists, and other canine specialists to ensure that dogs receive the best possible care. While specialist veterinary referral centres provide exceptional care and in-depth assessments, many general practice vets operate within tight consultation timeframes (typically 15–30 minutes per visit). This can make it difficult to gather comprehensive movement histories.
Dynamic Dog Practitioners help by offering additional insights to support the entire veterinary team.
Why Choose a Dynamic Dog Practitioner? By integrating movement and behaviour analysis into your dog's care plan, we help ensure that pain, discomfort, or biomechanical issues are not overlooked. This collaborative approach can be life-changing for dogs who may have otherwise gone undiagnosed for months or even years. If you're concerned about subtle behavioural changes, stiffness, or mobility issues in your dog, I invite you to reach out. Together, we can gather meaningful insights and work towards a plan that prioritizes your dog's comfort and well-being.
📩 Contact me today to learn more about how the Dynamic Dog assessment can support your dog’s health.
Need to know more...
A Dynamic Dog assessment is very different from most canine behavioural assessments.
ALL aspects of both you and your dogs day to day life are taken into consideration from their behaviour, to what they eat, to the way they move, sleep, play and routine. Working with a sound knowledge of the inner structures and systems of the dog, we understand the impact that emotional and physical health may have on a dogs behaviour. Everything is connected, and that is why we insist on a
FULL and DETAILED assessment when working with you & your dog.
What to expect on top of the standard behaviour assessment?
All About your Dog - Deep Dive It starts with a intake behaviour assessment form. After that I want to meet with your on a Zoom Call ( you get to be comfy) and go through the information in this form. Lasting approximately up to 90 minuntes maximum I take a look at what life is like for you and your dog. Be warned I will want to know EVERYTHING which often leads us down previously unexplored territory.
Data Gathering Additional information in visual form - photo's and video's of your dog doing various activities of daily life so we can assess any physical issues. This is only hands off only.
Evidence Analysis I then spend 48hrs going over all the data & information given to us in the consult so we can build the full picture of what is going on for your dog.
Veterinary Report & Liaison I can then construct a comprehensive veterinary report with corresponding evidence and liaise with your dogs vet with our findings to ensure that any underlying health issues are diagnosed and supported so that they lesson the impact on your dogs behaviour.
Behaviour Management Plan This may be a short term to help you micro manage behaviour while additional Veterinary support is given or longer term help can be discussed depending on assessment outcomes.
Either way I make sure you have full support during the initial Dynamic Dog Assessment.
Why is pain the name of the game? It's not always a limp or a whine! Pain related behaviour is extremely complex. Dogs don't often show that they are in discomfort in ways we would usually expect, it is often subtle and goes unnoticed for weeks, months and even years! It can be seen in behaviour changes or even slight behaviours we would not think about as contributing to the dogs discomfort.
A common trigger for reactivity is pain or discomfort. It is important that all reactive dogs are checked thoroughly for pain and illness, especially where reactive behaviour develops suddenly. Pain may be joint pain, muscular pain, gut pain etc. It may also be temporary pain or the memory of pain. Note that one of the purposes of adrenaline is to reduce our perception of pain so if your dog gets stressed at the vet you may not get an accurate assessment of pain because of this. Symptoms of discomfort are many so I want to help you and your dog so by getting this type of assessment done we can be armed with evidence to bring to your next veterinary appointment so as a team we can help you and your dog.
In a recent study carried out in Lincoln University by Daniel Mills, it was found that approximately 80% of dogs that presented with behavioural issues had some form of undiagnosed pain that was a direct cause or adding to a problematic behaviour.
A Dynamic Dog Practitioner has been taught the skills to confidently spot potential signs of discomfort and relay them to the vet so that you and your dog find relief sooner, whilst simultaneously helping you manage your dogs behaviour. Why wait for your dog to go lame, before you consider they are in pain?
Sylvia Koczerzuk Koczerzuk
Sylvia is your professional instructor. Proud to be a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, Fear Free Certified Professional, and Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer, Dynamic Dog Practioner as well as a Traumatic Incident Reduction Facilitator. I have completed the Canine Arthritis Management course on learning about canine arthritis along with attending their yearly pain symposium. And still learning more to help you and your dog. Presently continued learning about behaviour , health and how nutrition can affect our dogs physical and mental health.
Check out my Blog to learn more about who I am and what the difference is between a Dog Trainer and a Behaviour Consultant. https://www.walkaboutcaninecon...
I have been in the field of helping pet parents for over 30 years this includes various roles working in veterinary hospitals, working in shelters, volunteering for rescues and shelters, and then in my own business providing a variety of pet services which include caring for dogs in my home, dog walking, grooming, group classes, private and virtual training and behaviour consults and sessions. I am always learning how to do better so I can help you know better and ultimately I help you and help your dog/s.
Motivation and creating a desire for your dog to create that connection is what I love to do. I want to create clarity for you and your dog. Are you ready to motivate your dog and be motivated to see them shine? Caution though, some things take time like a fine wine.
I understand the complexities of behaviours and this is my specialty, my assessment process and behaviour training enable me to learn more about you and your dog. Reach out, my passion is helping you and your dog.
I look at environmental effects, who your dog is, previous learning, and your dogs health, then add in your and your dog's learning so I know how to help you get real-life results. As we work together adjustments can be made in the process for you and your dog.
I am committed to you 51 % and you bring the rest so you can work with your dog in an easy, practical, fun, humane, and positive way in order to gain confidence and have a great relationship with your dog. I know you want to understand your dog so you can live happily so you get 49% of the responsibility when we work together.
Course Pricing
Dynamic Dog Assessment
$250 CAD
-
All About your Dog - Deep Dive This is carried out on Zoom so its easy and you can be comfortable. Lasting approximately 90 mins I
-
- A deep Dive into your dogs behaviour with a questionaire
- A completed dynamic assessment with report for you and your vet.
- Suggestions for the start of a change process.
