Dynamic Dog consultancy supporting ethical, collaborative behaviour work

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What is a Dynamic Dog assessment?

And what makes it so awesome?

Dynamic Dog is a hands-off, functional assessment that is designed to be used alongside the behavioural assessment of a trainer/behaviourist.

This means that I take in all aspects of a dog’s day-to-day life, including their physical health, which can be a major contributing factor to a dog’s problematic behaviour.

By following the Dynamic Dog protocol the functional analysis ascertains a dog’s comfort levels, to ask whether physical discomfort is adding to, or causing behavioural issues.

Trainers are often able to tell there is something ‘not quite right’ with the dogs they work with, but it can be hard to pinpoint or action without knowing where to start.

Hi, I’m Victoria 👋

I’m a qualified Dynamic Dog practitioner who works collaboratively with dog trainers and behaviour professionals, helping them look beyond training alone through whole-dog assessment to support ethical, welfare-led behaviour work.

About Me

I’ve seen the benefits of Dynamic Dog assessments. Owners can feel confident when entering a vet exam room, knowing they have a report written in vet-speak with evidence to signpost any problem areas I have identified.

How does it help?

My assessments are hands off, meaning this is perfect for dogs with strong feelings about strangers, new places, or physical handling. The evidence gathered is also ideal for dogs that cannot attend in-person vet visits.

Would a complimentary therapy such as physio or hydro benefit the dog you’re working with? A Dynamic Dog assessment might uncover evidence suggesting the need for trialling pain medications ahead of time to best support the dog whilst they’re engaging in their physical therapies.

What does the process look like?

  • 1. Trainer books a consult with me

    You’ve decided the dog you’re working with could benefit from a Dynamic Dog assessment, drop me a message and get the ball rolling.

    We can have a free 15 minute chat over zoom to go over what’s involved.

  • 2. Owner collects photos & videos

    The owner collects a number of videos and photos of their dog taken in a specific way. Don’t worry, I have a ‘How To’ guide and I can support with this if needed.

  • 3. Images analysed, report written for vet

    Once I have everything I need I put together a comprehensive written report, with supporting evidence - annotated photos and videos highlighting specific findings.

    I’ll present this back to you and the owner over zoom where I’ll answer any questions and help plan next steps.

    The owner can have the confidence to approach the vet knowing the evidence is to a high standard and in terms they will understand.

  • 4. Vet visit with my report

    I will email the Dynamic Dog report and supporting evidence to the vet ahead of the appointment - this gives the vet opportunity to go through it before the dog enters the room. I can also be on hand to answer any questions the vet may have.

    The owner then takes the dog for a thorough health assessment, where the vet has the benefit of the Dynamic Dog findings.

  • 5. Future support if desired

    So the dog has seen the vet… what next?

    I can help with this! Monitoring behaviour change, liaising with supportive therapies, and much more.

    We can also arrange a second, comparative Dynamic Dog assessment to look for changes over time (especially if there has been medications, diet change, or hydro/physio involvement).

“Victoria was the first person to really see that Luna’s behaviour was coming from pain. After over a year of struggling with walks, she took the time to look at every part of Luna’s life and movement, carrying out the most thorough and thoughtful assessment. She listened carefully to everything I shared, was always available by text, and never made me feel that any question was silly.

Everything she flagged was later confirmed by X-rays, which were only done because of her input, leading to a diagnosis of hip dysplasia and arthritis. An ortho vet has now seen a narrowing in her lumbar spine which is pinching the nerves going to her legs which is what is sore. Without Victoria, Luna’s pain might never have been identified.

She’s now on the right medication and feeling so much better, and I’m incredibly grateful for Victoria’s insight, care, and commitment.”

Luna's Mum

Collecting evidence away from the vet room

We know adrenalin helps with masking pain, so as soon as our pets set paw in the vet room small, niggly issues can miraculously vanish!

By looking at dogs away from the vet room, we see how they really move, without influence. Our vet’s time is valuable, it’s essential to collect all the evidence, analyse it thoroughly, and only present the areas of interest to the vet with the aim of aiding their assessment.

“I knew there was something off with Evie, but exactly what, or without invasive testing, it’s hard to know what to do. I felt confident that the report provided the vet with evidence meaning a slightly easier and less invasive examination for Evie.”

Evie's Mum

Dynamic Dog assessments can be the missing piece of the jigsaw

Contact me

Interested? Intrigued? Want to talk about dogs? I’m here for that!

You can send me an email or fill in the contact form and I’ll get back to you.

Swindon area, UK

victoria@victoriabirch.co.uk