Animal Welfare Professionals

Is there a scale/graphic somewhere that I can't seem to find that is similar to the FAS scale or expands the FAS scale to include arousal behaviors?

We are using the FAS scale as an easy way for volunteers and staff to report on stress levels of the dogs but I've noticed and several of our volunteer mentors have pointed out that there are a number of dogs who would rank a between 0 and 1 based on avoidance behaviors listed on the FAS scale but are barking constantly or even biting at fences on occasion- clear signs of stress and over arousal.

Surely something like this exists somewhere? The value in the FAS scale/graphic is that it's so simple baby volunteers can look at the chart and assign the value and the law of averages should get us at least some idea of trends. But this one is eluding me without adding additional instructions that would complicate the process.

Thanks!

#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment

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Matt Montes
Behavior and Training Specialist
Rancho Coastal Humane Society
CA
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Hi Matt,

I don't have the answer you're looking for at the moment. However, I was just talking to my staff and volunteers about this yesterday!! I am currently working on creating something like this if you'd want to work together on this. :)

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Blair Voltz
Kennel Technician
Lewis Clark Animal Shelter
ID
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Hello Matt,

The Fear Free program also has a scale called "Dog FAS and Frustration Scale for Shelters" that covers some of the behaviours you are describing. You con find it in the resources section of their website (once logged in) or through a google image search. There is also a cat version :)

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Jacklyn Ellis
Director, Behaviour
Toronto Humane Society
ON
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Yes, I did see that in my searches (after posting) and we can definitely use that merge with the other I suppose. Thank you!

Copy attached for those following.

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Matt Montes, CBCC-KA
Behavior and Training Specialist
Rancho Coastal Humane Society
Encinitas CA
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Original Message:
Sent: 10-17-2024 08:08 AM
From: Jacklyn Ellis
Subject: FAS Ladder that includes arousal behaviors

Hello Matt,

The Fear Free program also has a scale called "Dog FAS and Frustration Scale for Shelters" that covers some of the behaviours you are describing. You con find it in the resources section of their website (once logged in) or through a google image search. There is also a cat version :)

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Jacklyn Ellis
Director, Behaviour
Toronto Humane Society
ON
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