Dog risk Assessments for foster and Adoption agencies
dog risk Assessments Throughout Scotland and the North of england
Ensuring a safe environment for children is crucial when dogs are present in a home. Daniel is a highly qualified and experienced dog behaviourist, and provides professional behaviour assessments for social services, and foster and adoption agencies across Scotland and the North of England primarily (travel from EH16).
Daniel provides comprehensive behaviour, welfare, and risk assessments for dogs for dogs living alongside children His detailed behavioural reports offer expert insights and professional recommendations, evaluating the potential risks to children, including those with social, emotional, or behavioural difficulties.
What does an assessment involve?
Daniel’s assessments for foster/adoption agencies and Local Authorities provide a comprehensive evaluation of a dog’s behaviour, welfare, and suitability for placement within a family environment. Assessments consider a range of key factors, including:
• The dog’s behavioural history, previous training experiences, and any known or suspected health factors that may influence behaviour.
• An assessment of whether the dog can safely live alongside children, taking into account the dog’s behavioural responses, coping ability, and the predictability of behaviour in child related contexts.
• An evaluation of the risk of the dog displaying aggressive behaviour in situations where a child may be exposed to risk, alongside consideration of likely triggers and environmental factors.
• An assessment of the risk of accidental injury to a child, including factors such as size, strength, arousal levels, and typical interaction patterns.
• An assessment of the home environment, with practical recommendations for management strategies or environmental changes required to support safety and welfare.
• An evaluation of the dog’s temperament and behaviour in relation to household members, visitors, unfamiliar adults, and children across different age groups.
FEES
• For Internally Directed Assessments - £350 (plus VAT and Travel)
• For Court Directed Assessments Please Contact Us Directly For A Quote
Travel is from EH16. We offer assessments throughout Scotland, England, and Wales. For more information contact +44 7496 312905 or email info@dogbehaviourspecialist.co.uk
About daniel
DANIEL SHAW BSC (HONS), MSC, CDBC
Daniel Shaw BSc (Hons), MSc, CDBC is an experienced animal behaviourist and expert witness in canine behaviour. His expertise is frequently sought by solicitors and local authorities in cases under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 (Sections 1 & 3), as well as in personal injury cases and family court cases where dog behaviour is a relevant factor. Daniel is a member of the UK Register of Expert Witnesses and has had evidence accepted in behaviour assessments in cases of dogs seized under section 1 and section 3 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 as well as cases in the family court and other civil matters such as personal injury claims.
Daniel Shaw has run a behaviour practice in the South East of England since 2019 before moving to Scotland in 2026. His work focuses on dogs with serious behavioural issues, including aggression, trauma, and fear-related conditions. He also conducts expert assessments for foster and adoption agencies, ensuring that dogs are suitable for environments with children. In addition to his professional practice, Daniel is a member of the welfare team at Spirit of the Dog Rescue, where he assists with behavioural assessments, developing behaviour plans, and supporting the rehoming process for dogs in their care.
Daniel holds an MSc in Neuroscience from King’s College London and a BSc (Hons) in Psychology from London South Bank University. He is a Certified Dog Behaviour Consultant (CDBC) with the IAABC, a Graduate Member of the British Psychological Society (BPS), and a registered test user in human occupational, ability, and personality assessments. In 2018, Daniel Shaw completed a canine behaviour qualification with the Natural Animal Centre. Since then, he has obtained several well-recognised certifications in dog behaviour and training, including an Applied Ethology course with the Family Dog Mediation Centre, the Aggression in Dogs Master Course, and a Forensics of Aggression course. He also engages in continuous professional development (CPD) to further his expertise in dog behaviour and dog law.
Daniel is experienced in breed identification and has completed the Kennel Club Conformation & Movement Seminar and passed the Kennel Club Points of the Dog Assessment. In addition, he has further developed his understanding of canine conformation by completing the Canine Anatomy and Physiology Accredited Certificate with Canine Principles. In 2025, Daniel attended an American Bully dog show in Antwerp which included numerous show bred XL bully type dogs.
Daniel is a leading educator in the field of dog behaviour and training, regularly presenting internationally at in-person and online conferences on topics related to canine behaviour, neurobiology, and training methodologies. He has been invited to speak at leading industry events, including the LEGS in Motion Conference, Trauma in Animals Conference, and the Emotional Wellbeing in Animals Conference, as well as delivering webinars and seminars for organisations such as the Aggressive Dog, APBC and Grisha Stewart Academy. In March 2023, Daniel presented to the All-Party Parliamentary Dog Advisory Welfare Group (APDAWG) in UK Parliament on the rise in dog bites, focusing on the role of neurobiology in bite behaviour.