Understand why comprehensive dog training evaluations matter in the BASSO METHOD. Learn how detailed questions lead to a Structured Needs Analysis and Owner Implementation Plan for better results
Discovering the full story behind your dog’s journey is the foundation of effective training, and that’s why the BASSO METHOD begins with a comprehensive evaluation tailored to uncover every relevant detail. By sharing insights into your dog’s history, daily routines, and specific challenges, we gain a complete picture that makes everything click—allowing us to develop a Structured Needs Analysis (our prioritized list of key areas to address) and a customized Owner Implementation Plan (a step-by-step roadmap of humane, ethologically informed action pathways). This thorough approach ensures we’re not guessing or applying generic fixes; instead, we’re building a personalized path to lasting success, respecting your dog’s unique background while empowering you as the handler. It’s an investment in understanding that pays off in calmer, more reliable behaviors—let’s dive in and start transforming your partnership today.
Important Information
- Why do you have a dog?
- Why did you choose this dog?
- Where did you get your dog?
- At what age did you get your dog?
- If from a rescue or shelter or being re-homed by someone, and not a breeder, why was the dog in rescue, a shelter, or being rehomed?
- What, if any, behavioral or medical issues were identified by the rescue or shelter?
- Any medical issues?
- Explain any traumas this dog has experienced
- Do you get a lot of guests, and what type?
- Do you work from home and does your dog interfere with that?
- Are you planning a vacation, and what will you be doing with your dog, bringing it with or leaving it here; provide details
- Let’s say I snap my fingers, your dog is now a perfectly well mannered, obedient dog and I have solved all your dog’s issues and everything is perfect; and it is a perfect day off; tell me about your ideal future with your dog? what would you do on perfect days with your dog? and if you tried to do those things today, would that be a problem; how so?
- What does your dog get in trouble for?
More specific questions:
- Accepts being left home alone without distress
- Accepts being told to get off furniture
- Accepts collar and leash being put on and off
- Accepts examination by friendly stranger with and without owner present
- Accepts food bowl taken away
- Accepts friendly stranger greeting with owner
- Accepts friendly stranger with owner close and 10 years away
- Accepts friendly yelling in the vicinity
- Accepts grooming, from owner and friendly stranger
- Accepts guests into the home
- Accepts guests into the vehicle
- Accepts other dogs near owner
- Accepts owner receiving a friendly hug by stranger, friend and family member
- Accepts people and dogs on and near all furniture
- Accepts petting by owner and friendly strangers
- Accepts petting of another nearby dog
- Accepts presence of persons with disabilities
- Accepts sleeping in a crate
- Accepts toy or object taken away
- Acts differently at night
- Afraid of traffic
- Bites
- Bored
- Chases large animals
- Chases small animals
- Comes when called
- Describe your dog’s Interactions with Other Pets or Animals
- Describe your home setup (e.g., yard access, urban vs. rural, noise levels) or daily schedule (e.g., crating duration, alone time specifics)
- Doesn’t jump on people
- Doesn’t listen
- Doesn’t pull on walks
- Dog rivalry in the home
- Easily goes up and down stairs
- Friendly greeting with other dogs
- Friendly play with other dogs
- Good relationships with everyone in the home
- Good with all children
- Good with men and women
- Has never escaped the home
- Highly energetic; playful; always on the go
- Highly trainable
- Housetrained
- Irritable
- Is free from medical conditions
- Never forgives
- No aggression
- No anxieties
- No barking problems
- No destructive behaviors
- No fears
- No mouthing
- No neighbor problems
- Not afraid of thunder or fireworks
- Not aggressive towards owner
- Not touch sensitive
- Overly sensitive
- Panics
- Play: independently; nicely with you; nicely with other dogs; nicely with other pets; fetch and tug
- Readily adapts to new environments
- Readily eats food when bowl is put down
- Responsive off leash
- Rides peaceably in the vehicle
- Safety and Legal Concerns: Does your dog have a bite history (e.g., severity, triggers) or local laws (e.g., breed restrictions)?
- Sleeps peaceably all through the night
- Stop barking on command
- Stressed
- Takes treats gently
- Very excitable
- What is your dog’s daily physical/mental stimulation (e.g., walks, playtime, toys, etc.)?
- What is your dog’s feeding schedule, type/quality of food, treats, or any food-related behaviors (e.g., resource guarding, picky eating, or allergies)
- What is your dog’s prior training (e.g., classes attended, tools used like clickers or e-collars, or consistency).
- What is your dog’s vaccination/spay-neuter status, current medications, or recent vet visits
- What is your prior dog experience, family roles (e.g., who handles training/feeding), and stress levels in the home.
- Will do Place command
- Will drop any non-food item from its mouth on command
- Will eat if the owner isn’t present
- Will leave any item, person or animal on command
- Will self-entertain
- Won’t persistently keep trying to play with others
- Won’t run out the front door
In Closing
Taking the time to complete this detailed evaluation is more than a formality—it’s the key to unlocking a truly effective partnership with your dog. In the BASSO METHOD, every question serves a purpose: to reveal patterns, identify unmet needs, and highlight strengths we can build upon. Once submitted, your responses allow us to create a clear Structured Needs Analysis—prioritizing what matters most—and a practical Owner Implementation Plan that guides you step by step toward the calm, reliable companion you envision. This thoughtful foundation means faster progress, fewer setbacks, and results that last. You’re investing in understanding, and that understanding leads directly to the joyful, stress-free life you and your dog deserve. Ready to get started?
This content incorporates AI-assisted drafting based on the BASSO METHOD framework and has been reviewed for accuracy, alignment with ethological principles, and adherence to established parameters.Note: This is not legal or medical advice. For health-related concerns, consult a veterinarian.