Week One Task: SEE — Observe Your Dog

This week, your job is simply to watch your dog more closely.

Film a few short clips of ordinary, everyday moments. This could be your dog getting up after resting, walking around the house or garden, going up or down steps, getting into the car, playing, eating, settling or moving during a normal walk.

Watch the footage back and consider:

• What does my dog normally do?
  Think about their usual movement, posture, behaviour and willingness to take part in everyday activities.
• What, if anything, has changed?
  Look for small differences — hesitation, stiffness, altered posture, slowing down, avoiding certain movements, increased sensitivity or changes in behaviour.
• In what context do I see the change most clearly?
  Is it after resting? After exercise? On certain surfaces? When turning one direction? During handling? Around particular triggers or situations?

You are not trying to diagnose pain. You are learning to recognise your dog’s normal patterns and identify anything that may be worth investigating further.

Keep your videos and share them in the WhatsApp Group, they can also become a useful reference point for comparing your dog’s movement and behaviour over time.