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A snapshot of who Bruce is and what we’re working towards together.

This section provides an overview of who Bruce is as an individual, what may be influencing behaviour right now, and where we’re focusing support at this stage of the journey.
If you’re short on time, this is the best place to start. It highlights the most important information from your assessment and the key areas we’re prioritising together.
Current Priorities

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Bruce
Breed: Golden Retriever
Sex: Male
Neuter status: Entire
DOB (Age): 22nd May 2019 (7 years)
Weight: 35.7 kg
Vets: Cedar Veterinary Practice, Ringwood
This is a snapshot of who Bruce is as an individual - not a diagnosis, simply context.
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Social, affectionate, and deeply people-focused
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Bruce genuinely wants connection and seeks proximity when he feels unsure
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Bright, observant, and highly aware of what is happening around him
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Food motivated, oral, and action-driven - carrying, mouthing, and grabbing are all very natural Labrador behaviours that become bigger when he feels overloaded
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More anxious underneath than he first appears. The outward friendliness sits on top of a nervous system that is still working hard
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Movement sensitive - Bruce notices shifts in posture, changes in routine, and people moving around the home almost immediately
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Capable of lovely co-regulation with support, but independent self-settling is still a new skill
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Bruce does not seek closeness to manipulate, control, or “get his own way”
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Right now, closeness, movement, and food appear to be some of the main ways Bruce helps himself feel safe and organised
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Part of our work is helping him discover that safety can also come from within.
What's Going On Right Now
This section maps the patterns we’re seeing. It helps you spot the moments that matter before behaviour escalates.
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Unfamiliar dogs are Yogi’s primary trigger, particularly larger dogs, direct approaches and off-lead encounters.
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Reactivity typically follows a predictable sequence of trigger detection, fixation, staring, freezing, vocalisation and then lunging.
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The behaviour appears to function primarily as distance-increasing behaviour.
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Yogi often notices dogs long before they reach him due to his high level of environmental monitoring.
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Recovery following stressful events appears slower than ideal.
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Multiple stressors close together can result in trigger stacking and lower coping ability.
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Neighbouring German Shepherd activity contributes to ongoing environmental load.
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Novel or unpredictable situations appear harder for Yogi than familiar routines.
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Buzzing insects remain a specific trigger following a previous sting incident as a puppy.
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Grooming and veterinary procedures create anxiety despite generally compliant behaviour.
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Yogi appears highly aware of Dawn’s movements around the home and may rely on her presence as part of his sense of safety.
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The bedroom currently functions as an important safe haven and recovery space.
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There are possible indicators of physical discomfort which may be reducing overall resilience.
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Smooth flooring may reduce confidence and comfort when moving around the house.
What We're Working Towards
Rather than focusing on stopping behaviour, this plan focuses on how we want life to feel for Bruce
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Bruce can rest during the day without needing food, movement, or human contact every time he feels unsettled
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Bruce can watch daily life happen around him without feeling he needs to join in or control it
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Bruce can recover more quickly after excitement or activity
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Bruce has more options than barking, grabbing, or following
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Bruce feels safer with separation and movement cues
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Bruce can enjoy calm outings without needing to be “worn out”
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Bruce feels physically comfortable moving through his day
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Home feels calmer and more predictable for everyone
These are realistic outcomes. Progress may not be linear, and that’s expected. We’re aiming for steadier, not perfect.

