Family placements dog assessments - Dog Behaviourist, dog trainer

Fostering & Adoption - Family Placement Teams
Canine Behaviour & Temperament Assessments

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Ross McCarthy Dog Assessments family placement Social services dog assessment dog behaviourist

We conduct canine behavioural assessments for and on behalf of various fostering and adoption agencies.

  • Assessment of General Dog Behaviour
  • Psychological profile of dog and owner
  • Establish canine status using specifically designed tests
  • Recommendations and results presented in formal report
  • Advice relating to new child/baby introduction if required

When placing children in to temporary or permanent new homes where a dog already resides, it is often useful to have the dogs temperament professionally assessed as to the stability and suitability of the dog when considering placing a child.

Our canine assessment appointments generally last for two hours. Prior to a meeting in the potential carers homes, we ask that our specifically designed psychological profile forms are completed in regard to owner, dog, environment and attitudes. During the assessment meeting; we conduct a variety of tests designed specifically that replicate as closely as possible the child's likely handling in a variety of ways that potentially would provoke a response in the dog.

Owner attitude towards the dog, knowledge of canine care and responsibilities are also looked at as a matter of course as well as the standard of care for and wellbeing of the dog and social conscience.

fostering and adoption dog assessments - Dog Behaviourists, Dog Training LondonWe also frquently conduct assessments when a child has already been placed in a home. This is most useful to observe child and dog interacting together. Some young people through previous experiences can be unwittingly and occassionaly knowingly antagonistic towards family pets. This can be discerned and worked with.

Our findings are then presented in a formal report to the relevant person (social worker/other).

For further information or to book in an assessment, please contact Ross McCarthy by telephone or via e-mail.

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Ross McCarthy London Dog Behaviour & Training Social Services Dog Assessments - Family Placement Teams