How to Observe Your Dog: Build Connection and Understand Their Behaviour
Sonia Catherall 
Supporting a dog, whether through behaviour change or simply by trying to understand them better, begins with one simple but essential skill, observation. By noticing small details, you start to understand the “why” behind behaviour, helping you make choices that truly support your dog’s comfort and wellbeing.
Observation doesn’t need to be complicated. It isn’t about analysing every movement or turning your dog’s day into a checklist. It’s about slowing down, being present, and giving yourself the time to see what your dog is already communicating.
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Why Observation Matters
Behaviour is communication. Every movement, every stillness, every choice a dog makes tells a story. Sometimes that story is clear, excitement when you reach for the lead, joy when a familiar friend arrives, but often the story is quieter.
Pain, stress, or discomfort are often expressed in whispers rather than shouts. A dog may begin to slow down on walks, shift their weight subtly when lying down, or hesitate before jumping onto the sofa. These tiny changes are easy to miss, especially when life is busy or when we’ve grown used to seeing a behaviour and assumed it’s just “what they do.”
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Building an Observation Baseline
From a behavioural perspective, observation allows us to build a baseline, a clear picture of what is normal for your dog. Once you understand what your dog’s “everyday” looks like, changes become easier to spot.
Observation is also about context. A dog may move with confidence at home but appear stiff or cautious in a new environment. They may be relaxed and engaged during quiet walks but hypervigilant near traffic or when meeting unfamiliar dogs.
By watching without judgement, you’re able to spot patterns:
- What happens before the behaviour?
- Where does it occur?
- How does your dog respond after?
This kind of pattern-spotting is what turns a moment of curiosity into meaningful insight.
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Free Work as an Observation Tool
Observation is not just part of ACE Free Work, it is the foundation of Animal Centred Education (ACE). Ongoing observations, alongside Free Work, provide insight into how we can support dogs more effectively and form the starting point for every interaction and learning experience. Created by Sarah Fisher, ACE Free Work creates a calm, low-pressure environment where your dog can explore, make choices, and interact with items at their own pace.
When dogs are not being asked to perform or respond, their natural preferences and behaviour patterns become easier to observe and understand. This makes ACE Free Work an invaluable activity for noticing:
Movement patterns - A dog who consistently avoids stepping on certain textures, hesitates before stepping onto a platform, or shifts their weight unevenly may be showing early signs of discomfort, reduced range of motion, or postural imbalance.
Sensory preferences - During Free Work, you may notice your dog engaging fully with their environment: spending extra time with familiar scents, exploring softer or more varied textures, or stepping back from strong or overwhelming odours. Observing these interactions helps you understand not just individual likes and dislikes, but how your dog experiences their world through scent, touch, and exploration.
Emotional and motivational responses - Exploratory motivation, together with emotions such as fear, anxiety, frustration, or relaxation, becomes easier to recognise when a dog has the space and autonomy to interact with their environment at their own pace.
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Videoing your dog during Free Work or walks can be invaluable, helping you spot subtle signs and patterns you might miss in real time. Subtle details, a slight head tilt, a change in stride, or a momentary hesitation in movement, often become clearer when reviewed in slow motion. Observing without assumption is key; note what you see rather than interpreting what you think your dog “feels.” Over time, patterns begin to emerge that deepen your understanding of your dog.
Guardians often describe having “lightbulb moments” during Free Work. They’ll say things like, “I hadn’t noticed how stiff he looks on one side until now.” Insights like this, made in a calm and supportive space, often become the first step towards meaningful change, whether that’s adjusting exercise, seeking veterinary support, or simply recognising and respecting your dog’s unique needs.
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Observation in Everyday Life
Observation isn’t just for Free Work. It’s something you can weave into daily life, both at home and on walks.
At Home
- Observe how your dog moves when they get up from rest, are they slow to rise, or do they stretch more than usual?
- Notice if they hesitate before jumping onto furniture or if they avoid certain rooms or flooring.
- Observe small changes in posture, facial tension, or breathing during downtime.
On Walks
- Observe how they carry their head and tail during the walk, a lowered head or tense tail may tell you they are unsure or uncomfortable.
- Observe how they sniff, are they deeply engaged in scenting, or is their sniffing shallow and distracted?
- Take note of surfaces or inclines that seem to make them pause, slow, or avoid an area.
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The more familiar you are with your dog’s natural movement and behaviour, the sooner you will notice when something changes.
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Building Your Observation Skills
Observation is like a muscle, the more you use it, the stronger it becomes. Here are some practical ways to build your skills:
Video moments: Record short clips during Free Work or walks. Watching them back often reveals details you missed in real time.
Use an observation journal: Note down what you see without adding interpretation.
Slow down: Give your dog time and space to show you what they need. Stillness often reveals more than movement.
Try watching your dog during your next Free Work session or quiet walk. Write down three things you noticed that you hadn’t noticed before.
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When to Seek Help
Your observations are not just useful, they are essential. Subtle changes in movement, behaviour, or engagement can be early signs of pain or discomfort. If you notice changes that worry you, or if your dog’s behaviour changes suddenly, share your observations with your vet. You know your dog best, and your insight can make a real difference in getting them the support they need.
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What This Means Going Forward
Observation isn’t about finding problems. It’s about deepening your understanding of your dog, building a clearer picture of what they are telling you, and responding with care and empathy.
Through Free Work and everyday observation, you create a foundation of trust, one where your dog feels seen, heard, and supported. Over time, and with practice, developing this quiet skill becomes one of the most effective ways to strengthen your connection and support your dog’s sense of safety and wellbeing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I observe my dog?
Observation works best when it’s part of your everyday life, at home, during walks, and during Free Work sessions. Small, consistent observations build the clearest picture over time and help you recognise changes more quickly.
Q: Can observation help me spot pain early?
Yes. Small changes in movement, posture, or engagement are often the earliest signs of discomfort. Keeping simple notes or videos makes it easier to share accurate information with your vet or behaviour professional.
Q: Do I need special skills to start observing?
Not at all. Observation starts with slowing down and watching without expectation. As you spend more time noticing your dog’s everyday patterns, you’ll naturally become more attuned to the details that reveal how they are experiencing their world.
Q: How does ACE Free Work help with observation?
ACE Free Work creates a calm, low-pressure environment where your dog can move freely and make their own choices. This freedom makes it easier to notice changes in their movement, preferences, and emotional responses that might otherwise be overlooked.
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If you would like to explore ACE Free Work and learn more about developing your observation skills, the Confident Canine Hub is a great place to start. You’ll find resources, guidance, and support to help you observe your dog with confidence, understand what you’re seeing, and use those insights to more fully support their comfort, confidence, and wellbeing.