Physical health checklist - Excerpt from my unpublished book.

1.1 - Physical health

Before we start to think about the learning framework, we should first make sure that the dog's physical well-being is in order. This is something that is almost just as important as the safety, rapport and motivation needed for optimal learning. To put it bluntly; you must check the physical health and wellbeing of the dog, which can be arranged with a veterinarian if there are any concerns but for a basic check that you can perform alone the checklist provided can be of some use (you should be able to check all of the boxes before starting any training plan and if you find an issue then you should consult with a licensed veterinarian). 

Once you have confirmed that the dog that you wish to train is completely healthy, then you can move on to building the learning framework. 

You shouldn’t dismiss the importance of this. Even something as simple as good sleep is important to whether learning will be easy or more difficult. If the dog is sleeping in a kennel with ten other dogs in kennels next to it that are making a lot of noise and not settling down, then this is not an optimal sleeping environment. One clear reason why sleep is important is that our mood, focus, and energy levels are never optimal without it. But another critical factor is the role sleep plays in memory consolidation. While we sleep, the brain actively processes information gathered during the day. Short-term memories, which are first stored in the hippocampus, are gradually transferred and integrated into long-term storage in the neocortex. This process (known as memory consolidation) strengthens learning and makes new skills more stable and accessible in the future. Without sufficient, good-quality sleep, consolidation is disrupted, meaning we retain less of what we practised or studied. As a result, training or learning not only becomes more time-consuming but also less effective.

Another thing that is often overlooked is the dog’s internal body clock. Dogs are crepuscular, meaning they are naturally more alert and active at dawn and dusk, a trait inherited from their ancestral wolves. Two o’clock in the afternoon is not an optimal time to introduce something new to a dog that is reserved or less active and curious. If you are, for example, trying to get a more reserved dog to play, then the ideal times are going to be at dawn and dusk.

* This checklist is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary advice. I am not a licensed veterinarian. Always consult with a qualified veterinary professional regarding any concerns about your dog’s health or well-being.

Dog Physical Health Checklist

Body Condition

☐ Body is lean but not emaciated

☐ Ribs are easily felt with minimal fat covering [In some breeds (e.g., Malinois, Greyhounds), visible ribs may be normal. In most other breeds, ribs should be felt but not prominently visible.]

☐ Waist is visible when viewed from above 

☐ Abdomen tucks up when viewed from the side 

☐ No sudden or unexplained weight gain or loss

Skin & Coat

☐ Coat is shiny, clean, and free of mats 

☐ No bald patches or excessive shedding 

☐ Skin is free of redness, scabs, bumps, or sores 

☐ No excessive scratching, licking, or biting

Eyes

☐ Eyes are clear and bright 

☐ No redness, discharge, or cloudiness 

☐ Dog is not squinting or rubbing eyes

Ears

☐ Ears are clean and odour-free 

☐ No redness, swelling, or discharge 

☐ Dog is not shaking its head or scratching its ears

Nose

☐ Nose is moist (not dripping) and free from crust 

☐ No excessive sneezing or nasal discharge

Mouth & Teeth

☐ Gums are pink and moist (not pale or overly red) 

☐ No bad breath, drooling, or bleeding 

☐ Teeth are clean with no heavy tartar buildup 

☐ No loose or broken teeth

Paws & Nails

☐ Pads are free from cuts, cracks, or swelling 

☐ Nails are trimmed and not curling 

☐ No limping or favouring a paw

Digestion

☐ Appetite is normal 

☐ No vomiting or diarrhoea 

☐ Stool is firm and well-formed

Urination

☐ Urinating regularly without straining 

☐ No signs of blood or unusual odour in urine 

☐ No signs of incontinence or excessive thirst

Energy & Behavior

☐ Energy level is normal for your dog’s age and breed 

☐ No sudden changes in behaviour or mood 

☐ Sleeping and interacting normally