Dynamic Dog Assessments

A Dynamic Dog Assessment is an in-depth evaluation of a dog’s gait, posture, and everyday movement patterns, with the goal of identifying compensatory strategies that may indicate underlying pain or physical discomfort. It is estimated that a significant percentage of behavior cases, often cited as high as 80%, have a pain-related component, making it critical to consider the body alongside behavior. When managing behavioral concerns, addressing any underlying causes is one of the most important steps you can take.

In some cases, progress may plateau despite consistent training or even the use of behavior medications. When this happens, it can indicate that discomfort or pain has not yet been fully identified or addressed. A Dynamic Dog Assessment helps bridge that gap by evaluating how the dog moves and functions in its normal environment, where subtle signs of discomfort are often more apparent than they may be in a clinical setting.

This type of assessment can also be valuable before beginning a training program for behavioral concerns. Starting with a clear understanding of the dog’s physical state allows you, your trainer, and your veterinarian to work as a cohesive team with a complete picture of what is going on. By identifying and addressing discomfort early, you reduce the risk of working against unseen physical limitations and set your dog up to get the most out of training from the start.

Dynamic Dog Assessments are beneficial for dogs displaying behavioral concerns such as reactivity, aggression, anxiety, or have undergone sudden changes in behavior, especially if progress has been slow, inconsistent, or has stalled despite training efforts. They are also valuable for dogs showing subtle physical changes, such as altered posture, reluctance to perform certain movements, changes in gait, or difficulty settling comfortably.

This type of assessment is also ideal for owners who suspect their dog may be experiencing pain and want to approach their veterinarian with clear, structured observations. It provides concise, documented evidence of what the dog is showing at home—details that may not be visible in a clinical setting where dogs often mask discomfort.

Additionally, Dynamic Dog Assessments can be helpful for owners who have already raised concerns with their veterinarian but feel those concerns were not explored as thoroughly as they would have liked. In these cases, the assessment offers a more detailed foundation for further veterinary discussion and advocacy, helping ensure that potential pain-related factors are not overlooked.

A Dynamic Dog Assessment includes a comprehensive 90-minute deep dive into your dog’s behavior, lifestyle, and activity patterns across their life. This allows for a full-picture understanding of past and current history. You will receive virtual coaching on how to gather the necessary videos and photos, ensuring that the footage captures meaningful, usable information. For those who prefer a more hands-on approach, there is also an option for an in-person session where I come to you to help collect the required images and video for the evaluation.

The assessment itself is delivered as a detailed two-page report. This includes a relevant behavioral history, along with an in-depth analysis of all observed concerns identified in the provided evidence. Static posture, dynamic movement, and functional activities are all evaluated, with clear documentation of any compensatory patterns or abnormalities noted. Supporting evidence is included in the form of marked-up images and video , giving both you and your veterinarian a clear, visual reference of the findings.

In addition to the written assessment, I will personally email the evaluation to your primary veterinarian. This communication highlights behaviors of concern, explains why those behaviors may suggest underlying pain, and includes supporting research to help guide further discussion and investigation.

Follow-up support is also included as part of the process. I remain available as a member of your dog’s care team, assisting you in advocating for your dog with your veterinarian and collaborating with your trainer if they have questions about the findings. This ensures that everyone involved is working from the same information, helping you move forward with clarity and confidence.

$500-$600

90 minute intake $200

Evaluation and Report $300

Optional In-Person Recording session $100

Follow-up Support - Included