daniel shaw - dog behaviour expert witness
expert witness for LEGAL ASSESSMENTS FOR DOGS IN SCOTLAND AND THE NORTH OF ENGLAND
Daniel is based near Edinburgh (EH16) in Scotland and supports dogs involved in legal cases primarily throughout Scotland and the North of England. Daniel can support in cases under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, the Control of Dogs Act 2010 (Scotland), other animal related law, as well as supporting with civil matters such as personal injury claims, and cases in the family court.
BREED TYPE IDENTIFICATION - XL BULLY TYPE
Daniel is experienced in the identifcation of breed type and can provide an expert opinion as to whether dogs conform to prohibited breed types under section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, specifically whether a dog has substantial characteristics of the XL Bully type.
BEHAVIOUR ASSESSMENT FOR DOGS INVOLVED IN LEGAL CASES
Daniel Shaw BSc (Hons), MSc, CDBC is an animal behaviourist with extensive experience in the assessment of canine aggression, with his work informed by current research and contemporary scientific understanding of canine behaviour.
Daniel provides expert assessment of dogs for legal cases involving dangerous dog and animal welfare legislation. Providing in-depth behavioural reports compliant with the relevant court rules, including Part 35 of the Civil Procedure Rules in England and Wales.
Reports will typically consider the following:
• Assessment of risks the dog poses of displaying aggressive behaviour towards the owners, other dogs and animals, and the general public.
• Assessment of the suitability of the dog's environment and recommendations regarding safe management practices.
• Assessment of animal welfare and recommendations regarding appropriate management and training interventions required to meet an animal's welfare needs.
Fees
Daniel offers assessments for both private clients and cases funded by the Legal Aid Agency. Please contact us directly for a quote at +44 7496 312905 or email daniel@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 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 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.
