Objective Behavioural Assessment
With Welfare at the Core
Objective Behavioural Assessment
With Welfare at the Core
Introduction to Dog Behaviour & Risk Scotland
Dog Behaviour & Risk Scotland was created to support owners, professionals, and organisations through serious behavioural concerns. We focus on dog bite incidents, reactivity, and complex risk cases, always in a calm, non-judgmental, evidence-based manner.
Behaviour is a product of stress physiology, pain, environment, learning history, handling, genetics, and nervous system state. Our method is about understanding the whole picture, not reducing dogs or owners to labels or assumptions.
Our Work & Approach
We combine detailed behavioural assessment, practical rehabilitation, owner support, and risk evaluation. Welfare, safety, and realistic, humane outcomes are at the core of all our plans. We do not sensationalise behaviour or make unrealistic promises; our commitment is to assess honestly and support informed decision making.
We work with a range of cases involving bites or aggression, supporting families, organisations, and professionals with clear communication and practical guidance grounded in behavioural science.
Jessica Probst
Jess is an accredited behaviourist with the CBFA, working professionally with dogs and their people for over 23 years. Her background brings together practical casework and academic study covering biochemistry, animal welfare science, canine behaviour and motivation, and stress physiology.
Jess has completed animal welfare certification with the University of Edinburgh and continues ongoing study in herbalism, neurobiology, and behaviour. She has worked extensively with complex cases, including:
• Reactive dogs
• Aggression cases
• Resource guarding
• Fear-based behaviour
• Predatory behaviour
• Complex household dynamics
• Significant handling and environmental challenges
Our Philosophy
We believe:
• behaviour should be understood before it is judged
• safety and welfare can coexist
• emotional regulation matters
• management and rehabilitation should be realistic and humane
• owners also require support, education and guidance after incidents.
Objective behavioural assessment and practical support are the foundation of our work, with pathways forward for both dogs and humans.
Who We Work With
We work with:
• dog owners
• solicitors
• veterinary professionals
• rescue organisations
• trainers and behaviourists
• families navigating reactive or concerning dog behaviour
A Calm, Practical Approach
Behavioural cases involving bites or aggression are often emotionally charged, with fear, stigma, and conflicting advice. Our priority is to provide honest assessment, reduce risk, and support welfare-based decision making.
We are not here to sensationalise or offer unrealistic promises. We focus on real-world support, helping people understanding behaviour beyond the incident and always empathetic to both dog and human.
