An in depth analysis of your dog's gait, posture and daily life. 

Identifying probably indicators of pain that may be slowing down your training or interfere with you and your dog's quality of life. 

$450 +gst

Does it feel like you've tried everything?

At least everything that fits within your values.

And yet, the behaviour issues still aren't improving? It still feels like the world isn't safe or comfortable for your dog?

Maybe you've seen multiple trainers, even trainers you liked, with minimal results.

Tried everything the internet told you to do? 

Even gone to the vet, as suggested by some of those trainers and internet friends, gotten the "all clear" (and maybe a sideways look), and it still feels like your dog is struggling to learn?

There's a good chance your dog is in pain, and my job is to work with you to get to the bottom of it. 

What is an assessment?

An assessment is the collection, analysis and presentation of  evidence of pain in your dog.

At the end of an assessment you will have a ton of new knowledge about your dog, as well as an easy to read report, perfect for advocating for your dog anywhere from the vet to your next training session.

What are the steps to completing an assessment?

1. Info Gathering
First things first, we need to gather as much information as possible!

All the little details about your dog's life, collected through a combination of an in depth questionnaire, an investigative zoom call and footage of your dog in their daily life. 

After our call you will be given detailed, specific instructions outlining the footage collection process. Once you've had time to read it through, a second short zoom call will be scheduled to support you in getting the needed footage in a timely manner.

2. Footage Analysis
Once all of the data is collected, analysis begins!

The photos and videos are studied frame by frame to identify issues in gait, posture, structure and movement.

The information from your call and questionnaire is carefully combed through to identify patterns of probable pain. 

3. Finished Report
Once your report is completed, we schedule a call to discuss and explain our findings and recommendations.

This call usually also contains some feelings, discovering that your dog is likely in pain is a big mixed bag of emotions that we know too well!

From here we may offer specific continued support, or recommend that this report is shared with your veterinarian and or trainer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Don't you need to see my dog in person?

No, I do not have to see your dog in person!

A key part of the assessment is collecting specific footage of your dog in their daily life. Adding in big distractions (like a whole new person) can drastically change the way your dog moves and rests while the distraction is present, distorting our view of their gait and postures. 

Don't worry, just because we work virtually doesn't mean that I won't be with you every step of the way! In some instances we may even enlist the help of an already familiar trainer or savvy dog walker to help us collect what we need.
Can you provide rehab or fitness exercises?

No. I cannot instruct you on specific exercises. These should only be provided by a rehabilitation veterinarian or canine fitness instructor in collaboration with a specialist veterinarian. 

I will help you modify your typical routine (walks, home life, etc.) to better fit your dog's current needs.

​Click here to see an example assessment report.
Can you diagnose my dog?

No. I am not a veterinarian and cannot diagnose your dog. Please be extremely wary of anyone who is not a vet offering specific diagnosis.

What I can do is analyze your dog's posture and movement, and compile a list of abnormalities and probable indicators of pain that can be used to advocate for the right diagnostics with the support of a veterinarian. 

You report can also be used as the foundation for tracking changes in mobility and behaviour (it's easier to spot issues when you know exactly what to look for!) and to track progress when introducing interventions. 
How often do your client's dogs turn out to be in pain?

Unfortunately all of the dogs I have assessed have shown probable indicators of pain. 

Fortunately, I have also been able to help each of those dogs live a less painful life! 

Whether through supporting and advocating for my clients through diagnostics (most often diagnostic analgesic trials), helping them to modify their home (often on a budget) to better suit their dog's needs or by adapting their training plans.