We provide independent behaviour and temperament assessments for dogs where clear, evidence-based information is needed to support decisions about risk, welfare and management.

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These assessments are most commonly requested for:

• Dangerous and menacing dog matters

• Shelters and rescues assessing suitability for adoption or transfer

• Councils and rangers managing community safety and legislative requirements

• Legal professionals and insurers requiring independent opinion

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Our aim is to provide clear, balanced information that supports fair, defensible and welfare-focused decision-making.

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When is an assessment recommended?

A formal behaviour or temperament assessment is often recommended when:

• A dog has caused injury to a person or another animal

• A dog has been declared dangerous, menacing or restricted and further information is needed

• There is ongoing concern about risk but limited clarity about triggers or prognosis

• A shelter or rescue is unsure whether a dog is suitable for adoption or specific types of homes

• A legal dispute, tribunal or court matter involves questions about a dog’s behaviour, risk or management options

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If you’re uncertain whether a full assessment is appropriate, we can help you work through what is actually needed (e.g. risk review, file review, full assessment, or expert opinion based on existing records).

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What our assessments involve

Assessments are grounded in contemporary behaviour science and current research on canine behaviour, welfare and risk. While each case is individual, they may include:

• Comprehensive history review

  • Incident reports and statements

  • Veterinary and behaviour history

  • Previous training or management strategies

• Structured behavioural testing (where safe and appropriate)

  • Observations in relevant environments

  • Carefully controlled exposure to triggers or situations

  • Assessment of recovery, coping strategies and handler influence

• Context and environment analysis

  • Housing, handling, equipment and management

  • Human–animal interactions

  • Contributing environmental and welfare factors

• Clear written report

  • Behavioural formulation (what is happening and why)

  • Consideration of risk and welfare

  • Practical recommendations for management, training and environmental change

  • Where relevant, comment on prognosis and suitability for particular outcomes (e.g. certain home types, work roles)

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Dangerous & menacing dog matters

For dangerous, menacing or restricted dog cases, assessments may be requested by:

• Dog owners

• Local councils or ranger services

• Legal representatives

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These assessments focus on:

• The dog’s behavioural presentation and triggers

• The context of past incidents (including human factors and management)

• Current risk under different conditions (home, public spaces, specific triggers)

• Realistic management and modification options

• Welfare considerations and long-term sustainability of proposed plans

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Where needed, we can provide expert reports and oral evidence for hearings and tribunals.

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Shelters, rescues & adoption suitability

For shelters and rescues, we offer behaviour and temperament assessments to support:

• Intake and triage decisions

• Behaviour modification planning for individual dogs

• Decisions about adoption, behaviour waiver use and placement criteria

• Review of dogs with concerning or ambiguous histories

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The focus is on balancing welfare, safety and rehoming potential, and integrating assessments into existing shelter processes rather than replacing them.

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Information for councils & legal professionals

For councils, rangers and legal teams, our role is to:

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• Review and interpret behavioural information in the context of current evidence

• Provide clear, written reports that address the specific questions being asked (e.g. risk, management options, suitability for conditions or orders)

• Assist with understanding how environment, management and human behaviour have contributed to incidents

• Provide independent expert opinion where appropriate

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Reports are written in a clear, structured format that can be used in internal decision-making, negotiations, or formal proceedings.

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How the assessment process works

1. Initial enquiry

   • We clarify who is requesting the assessment (owner, council, shelter, legal representative).

   • We identify the primary question(s) that need answering (e.g. “What is the current risk?”, “Is continued community living appropriate?”, “What conditions are needed?”).

2. Document review

   • You provide relevant documents (incident reports, declarations, veterinary records, training notes, previous assessments, video where available).

   • We review and advise if a direct dog assessment is required or if an opinion can be formed from records alone.

3. Assessment / observation (where appropriate)

   • If a direct assessment is recommended and safe, we schedule structured observations in suitable environments.

   • Safety and welfare are prioritised for all parties.

4. Report preparation

   • Findings are integrated into a clear, balanced written report.

   • The report addresses the agreed questions and includes practical recommendations.

5. Follow-up / expert opinion

   • Where needed, we can provide follow-up clarification, case conferences, or expert testimony for hearings and tribunals.

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Relationship with clinical behaviour services

These assessments are not the same as a clinical behaviour consultation for treatment planning.

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• Clinical behaviour consults for pet dogs (behaviour modification, medication planning, ongoing treatment) are delivered through our partnered clinical behaviour service, Future Proof Training Academy (FPTA), on veterinary referral.

• AABA Consultants focuses on behaviour and temperament assessments, expert reports, education and research/statistical support.

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We can advise whether a case is best served by a clinical behaviour consult via FPTA, a formal behaviour/temperament assessment through AABA, or a combination of both.

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What we need from you

When enquiring about an assessment, please include:

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Dog owners:

• Your dog’s age, breed and sex

• Your local council area and any current declarations or orders

• A brief summary of incidents or concerns

• Copies of any council notices, behaviour reports or legal documents (if applicable)

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Councils, shelters & legal professionals:

• The context (dangerous/menacing/restricted dog matter, shelter case, legal dispute, etc.)

• The specific questions you need answered

• Relevant incident reports, declarations, statements, veterinary records and any previous assessments

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Enquiries

To discuss a potential behaviour or temperament assessment:

Email: aabaconsultants@gmail.com

Please provide a brief outline of the case and attach any key documents.
We’ll review the information and advise on the most appropriate assessment option and next steps.