Rate your dog's behavior

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How Behaviorally Healthy Dogs Act

Always Sometimes

Never

My dog is friendly toward people she meets – including well- behaved children      
My dog can get along with other friendly dogs, both those she lives with and those outside the family      
My dog can be left alone for reasonable time periods without becoming anxious or panicked      
My dog will relieve herself only where and when I want her to      
My dog will readily give up control of food, toys, and other objects To me, and share her sleeping and resting places with me      
My dog is relaxed during normal, everyday handling and touching Such as when I wipe her feet, brush her teeth, look in her ears, pet her, Look in her eyes, or touch her collar      
My dog calms down quickly after being startled or getting excited      
My dog is not overly fearful of normal, everyday events      
My dog barks when necessary or appropriate, but not excessively      
My dog plays well with people without becoming uncontrollable or too rough      
My dog plays well with other dogs, without becoming uncontrollable, too Rough or threatening      
My dog plays with her toys, and doesn’t often damage my possessions      
My dog is affectionate without being needy, clingy or annoying      
My dog can adapt to changes, such as travel, moving, or confinement In a carrier, with minimal problems      
My dog usually responds when I tell her to sit, down, come or stay      

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Results:

Remember - how you raise, train, and socialize your dog, and how well you meet her behavioral needs all have a huge impact on her behavioral health. All dogs, regardless of breed, have the potentially to be behaviorally healthy. It may be more difficult with some dogs, than others, depending on their natural tendencies.

Use this quiz as a positive guide to tell you what you need to work on, and don’t be discouraged or judgmental if your dog’s behavior isn’t everything you want it to be.

If your dog is in peak behavioral health, you answered Always to every question. Congratulations – you and your dog have a great relationship, your dog is sure to be a joy to be around and a welcome addition to your community.

If you answered Always to more than half the questions you likely have a good dog whose behavior needs a little tweaking.

If you answered Always to less than half the questions, your dog’s behavioral health definitely needs some attention.

BUT – not all questions are of equal importance. If your dog is not friendly, and has snapped or bitten people, even if you answered Always to all the other questions, your dog’s behavior definitely needs immediate help.

The other behaviors may be more or less important to you, depending on your expectations and lifestyle. For example, if you have children, it’s important that your dog not guard his possessions, but you may be willing to tolerate too much barking if your neighbors are not complaining.  

 

ANIMAL BEHAVIOR ASSOCIATES, Inc.
Copyright 2002 All Rights Reserved

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