3B Behavior Assessment

Navigating behavioral challenges with an adult small dog requires a precise, empathetic, and structured approach. Because small dogs experience the world from a unique physical perspective—and often develop distinct coping mechanisms like barrier frustration, leash reactivity, or touch sensitivity—our evaluation dives deep beneath the surface.

We utilize our proprietary 3B System—evaluating Biome, Boundary, and Bridge—to uncover the root causes of behavioral friction and build a customized roadmap for success.

Step 1: Before the Appointment

Comprehensive rehabilitation starts with thorough data collection. Before we meet, you will complete our detailed Behavior History Questionnaire (approx. 20–30 targeted questions) covering:

Background & Environment: Your dog's history, rescue/breeder background, household dynamics, and daily structure.
Biological Maintenance: Feeding schedules, sleep quality and quantity, physical exercise, and scent-based mental enrichment.
Triggers & Patterns: Specific behavioral triggers, frequency of outbursts, previous training methods tried, and your typical responses.
Care & Handling: Tolerance for grooming, veterinary exams, nail trims, and everyday handling.

Video Submissions: You will also submit 3 to 5 short, unedited video clips to give us a window into your daily life:

Your dog navigating a normal home routine and settling.
Walking behavior on leash in your standard environment.
The problem behavior in action (only if it can be safely and ethically captured).
A short interaction demonstrating how you cue or handle your dog.

Please do not deliberately trigger dangerous or explosive behavior just to obtain video. Your safety, your dog’s emotional well-being, and physical safety always take absolute priority.

Step 2: The In-Depth Assessment Appointment

Our structured, low-stress evaluation is meticulously paced to assess your dog’s state of mind without causing flooding or overwhelm:

History Review (15–20 min): We review your questionnaire responses, discuss your dog's timeline, evaluate medical history, and align on your primary goals.
Observation (20–30 min): We observe your dog's unprompted body language, baseline nervous system arousal, environmental curiosity, and self-soothing or recovery capacity in a novel space.
Owner/Dog Interaction & Mechanics (15–20 min): We evaluate the communication loop between you and your dog, examining handling mechanics, timing, and cooperative engagement.
Initial 3B Analysis (15 min): Our specialist synthesizes all behavioral observations through the Biome, Boundary, and Bridge framework to identify structural, environmental, or communicative breakdowns.
Questions & Immediate Management (10 min): We answer your questions, provide immediate physical or environmental management strategies to stop rehearsal, and outline the next steps.

Step 3: Your Customized 3B Behavior Map

Following the assessment, you will receive a comprehensive, written 3B Behavior Map tailored specifically to your dog:

DOG: [Dog's Name] & PRIMARY CONCERN: [e.g., Leash Reactivity / Handling Aggression / Resource Guarding]
BIOME: An evaluation of physiological, structural, or pain-related contributions to stress, alongside physical stamina and sensory sensitivities.
BOUNDARY: An audit of current environmental management, spatial rules, crate/settle routines, and learned reinforcement patterns.
BRIDGE: An assessment of owner timing, mechanical clarity, communication signals, and the emotional connection between you and your dog.

Your Tailored Training Priorities

Priority #1: Cease rehearsal of explosive, unwanted, or highly ingrained behaviors to give your dog's nervous system a chance to decompress.
Priority #2: Establish workable physical and emotional distance from known triggers.
Priority #3: Build reliable, low-stress handler engagement and focus.
Priority #4: Begin controlled, safe exposure, desensitization, and counterconditioning protocols.

The First 7 Days: Specific, easy-to-implement homework designed to create immediate stability and relief in your home environment.

Investment & Program Details

Assessment Investment: $250 plus applicable sales tax
Program Credit: Your $250 assessment fee is fully credited toward your recommended 3B Intensive Residency program if you enroll within 2 days of your evaluation.

Our specialist reserves the right to modify training protocols based on each dog's individual sensitivity, temperament, physical stamina, and enjoyment of human interaction. We prioritize your dog’s mental and emotional well-being to ensure they remain a willing, confident, and happy participant in their work.