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!

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!

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 :)

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!