“My dog is stubborn” sounds like an explanation, but it does not describe what is actually happening. “He stops as soon as we enter the stairwell” is more specific. This allows you to examine which conditions play a role and, if needed, seek more targeted help.
This article shows you how to systematically record everyday situations. It is not about a remote diagnosis, but about creating a useful basis for decisions.
Your goal for this article
You can separate observable behavior from your interpretation, write a brief entry, and decide whether to examine a condition further or seek professional support.
First describe what you can see or hear
Note movements, body position, vocalizations, and the sequence of events as specifically as possible. “He barks three times and takes two steps back” is more informative than “He wants to annoy me.”
You may have a theory. Mark it as a theory, however, and remain open to other possibilities. Even a recurring pattern does not automatically prove its cause.
A brief entry requires five details
- Situation: Where and when does it happen? Who is present?
- Immediately before: What had just been visible, audible, or happening?
- Behavior: What exactly does your dog do, how often, and for approximately how long?
- Immediately afterward: What do people or other animals do? What changes in the environment?
- Special circumstances: Was there any unusual activity, changes in care, or possible discomfort?
The MSD Veterinary Manual lists specific behavior descriptions, preceding and subsequent events, as well as everyday life and the environment as components of a behavioral history. Your brief entry follows this logic, but does not replace a professional history.
An example of your own: Stopping in the stairwell
Situation: Tuesday morning, entrance to the stairwell, on the way out.
Before: A metallic rattling can be heard in the stairwell.
Behavior: The dog stops, looks toward the stairs, and takes a step back.
Afterwards: The accompanying person also stops. The noise ends. The dog continues walking later.
Hypothesis, not yet proven: The noise could be related to stopping.
A single entry is not enough to establish fear of a noise. The floor, an encounter, or physical discomfort may also play a role. Record what can be observed in naturally occurring situations. Do not deliberately recreate the noise to test the hypothesis.
Compare situations instead of labels
On further occasions, check: Does the behaviour also occur without the noise? In the same place or in other locations? When going down, going up, or both?
Also note when the behaviour does not occur. These differences can help narrow down a question. Keep comparable details and do not change many conditions at the same time.
Practical tip: One line is enough to start
“Location - preceding event - behaviour - subsequent event - special feature” is a useful short format. A small record that you can use regularly is more helpful than long entries that you cannot keep up in everyday life.
What decision follows from your notes?
An association appears repeatedly without acute difficulties
Formulate a specific question and consider a safe, low-stress change. For example: Is there a suitable alternative access route? Continue to treat the observation as an association, not a proven cause.
The entries differ significantly
Add missing details instead of choosing an explanation too quickly. The location, accompanying people, or preceding events may not have been described sufficiently.
The behaviour is suddenly new or associated with possible symptoms
Seek veterinary advice. Do not wait for a specific number of entries. Your existing notes may support the assessment.
Fear, threatening behaviour, or a safety risk occurs
First create safe conditions and seek qualified support. Observation does not mean allowing a difficult situation to continue.
What you can bring to a consultation
Bring a brief overview: When did the change begin? In which situations does it occur? What happens before and afterward? What health-related or everyday changes are known?
An existing video can supplement what is difficult to describe. Film only when it is safe to do so, without delaying necessary help. Do not provoke behavior for a recording.
Limitations and professional help
A record alone explains neither motivation nor diagnosis. Health-related causes can influence behavior and should be included in veterinary assessment when changes are noticeable. In cases of fear or pronounced behavioral problems, qualified behavioral expertise can help. Acute symptoms and the safety of everyone involved take priority over collecting further observations.
Frequently asked questions
How long should I record behavior?
There is no general required duration. Seek help early in the event of acute or significant changes. For a consultation, specific existing records are already useful.
May I use terms like fear or stress?
You can note it as a hypothesis. Always add the observable behavior and context so that the assessment remains verifiable.
Does a pattern prove the cause?
No. Repeated co-occurrence can narrow down a question, but it does not prove a cause.
Should I recreate the situation?
Not if it causes fear, distress, or a risk. Use naturally occurring observations and have difficult questions assessed by a professional.
Expert source
Gary M. Landsberg: “Diagnosing Behavior Problems in Dogs,” MSD Veterinary Manual. Basis for the components of a behavioral history mentioned and the consideration of medical causes. The brief record and the stairwell example are original practical illustrations.
English-language source, accessed on October 4, 2026.
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