-
physiological
-
social &
-
cognitive
FAT (Functional Assessment Tracking) is an online assessment tool that views the dog as a functional being across these dimensions:
Functional behaviors defined: the functions of daily life necessary for a dog’s well-being.
Functional behaviors contribute to the animal’s quality of life and are—in the immediate as well as cumulatively—important to health and well-being both physical and emotional.
FAT provides a consistent framework for assessment, and concrete, objective language based in observable behavior.
Sign Up for a Free Trial
Functional Behavior
PHYSIOLOGICAL
COGNITIVE
SOCIAL
EATING
DRINKING
URINATION
DEFECATION
SLEEP/REST
MOBILITY & PAIN
LEARNING
PERFORMANCE
PLAY
SOCIAL FAMILIAR
SOCIAL UNFAMILIAR
ABSENCE
SOCIAL FAM. DOGS
SOCIAL UNFAM. DOGS
Specifics Assessed
Basic bodily functions reflect well-being, and can provide important warnings.
- Eating
- Drinking
- Urination
- Defecation
- Rest & Sleep
- Mobility
- Pain
Basic bodily functions give us a wealth of information about a dog. In addition to being the representatives of overall well-being, physiological functions can also be our best early warning system that something is going awry. Top quality care depends on a keen eye for even the smallest changes in basic functions.
How a dog learns, works and plays is highly individual.
- Learning
- Work & Performance
- Play with People
Cognitive function is highly individual, with no “normal”that can be defined. Instead, FAT uses “typical” for the individual’s cognitive style.
Cognitive scores reflect the complex factors involved in learning, performance and play: arousal; focus & distractibility; persistence; and sensitivity to handler, environment, and other dogs and animals.
The companionship of others is key to the well-being of social animals.
- People – Familiar & Unfamiliar
- Absence of Preferred Person(s)
- Dogs – Familiar & Unfamiliar
Sharing our human world, dogs face many expectations about their social interactions with people and with other dogs.
Humane, safe handling requires a detailed understanding of the dog’s social skills and social interactions, as well as his ability to function in the absence of a preferred person.
Heart & Mind
Our relationships with dogs are complicated. While our emotions are always involved, dogs also require clear-eyed understanding.
FAT offers the clarity to see the dog objectively, and to do so in a way that can be shared with others.
FAT also provides a perfect starting point for conversations about the dog, some as simple as “needs raised food bowl,” or the difficult quality of life issues.
