Woman using a laptop on the sofa with her dog beside her during a remote consultation
Snout & About · Behaviour Assessment

The ABC
Triage Service

The most comprehensive behaviour assessment process we offer — built to create real, meaningful change by supporting the whole dog first. When a dog's physical, physiological or emotional state is out of balance, training alone can be ineffective — and sometimes make things worse.

Whole-dog approach Clinical first Team support Welfare-centred Hosted by Catherine Griffin · Founder

Most ABC Triage consultations begin remotely. Remote assessment means your dog stays calm, we see real behaviour in context, and we have time to think clinically before making any recommendations.

Why remote is the best first step — learn more →
What is ABC Triage?

Treating the animal in front of us,
not just the behaviour

ABC Triage helps us identify what's really happening and why — before asking your dog to perform through training when they're not yet able to.

This is our most thorough assessment pathway, bringing together behaviour, clinical, and welfare expertise in the right order — so that every step builds on solid ground.

A
Advisory
Assess what's really happening
B
Behaviour
Build the right foundations
C
Consultation
Collaborate & progress together
Catherine Griffin, Founder of Snout & About
Catherine Griffin
Founder & Lead Behaviourist

"We believe in progressing models of behavioural and clinical investigation to the highest standards of rigour and analysis. Emotional regulation always comes first — we support the animal's inner world before we ever attempt to teach new behaviours through training. That commitment to progressive assessment is what sets this process apart."

Exclusively with Catherine Supporting team included
Investment
€200
Full ABC Triage Consultation

This is one of the most in-depth behaviour consultations available in Ireland — and one of the most significant things you can do for your dog's long-term wellbeing.

Hours of behind-the-scenes work

Before your session, Catherine and the support team review all footage, records and history in depth — this analysis alone takes several hours per case.

A whole team, not just one person

You benefit from our collective expertise — behaviourist, clinical liaison, and support team — all working on your case before you meet Catherine.

Saves time and money long-term

Clients who start here avoid months of trial-and-error, dead-end referrals and repeated appointment costs by getting the right plan from the start.

Insurance may cover this

Many clients find behaviour consultations are eligible under pet insurance (including some Allianz policies). Always confirm with your insurer directly.

Book ABC Triage — €200 →
The complete process

The ABC Triage process,
step by step

Our most comprehensive and successful consultation process to date — 8 steps across 3 phases, in the right order, with the right people.

Phase 1 Assess
01

Intake

You're provided with clear instructions on what to send in and fill in a detailed intake form. Then the analysis begins.

You complete
02

Analyse

A deep investigation into what's happening and why — a lengthy review of all your footage, records and history before we ever meet.

We do the work
03

Finalise

Join a 90-minute virtual meeting to dig further, create your foundational report and programme for meaningful, lasting change.

Together
Foundations in place — moving to phase two
Phase 2 Build & Collaborate
04

Guide

Your programme includes step-by-step guides, daily and weekly planners, observation charts and tailored tools to help you succeed.

Your toolkit
05

Collaborate

Where needed, we refer for medical examination and liaise directly with your vet team — managing that process so you don't have to.

We coordinate
06

Support

We stay in touch and monitor progress over a 4–8 week period, troubleshooting as we go — no one is ever left without a next step.

Ongoing
Foundations complete — exiting triage
Phase 3 Progress
07

Review

We follow up on progress and assess next steps — reviewing your current programme, clinical notes and observations.

Milestone
08

Training Referral

You'll be connected to a member of our training team — or a trainer of your choice — for hands-on, in-person support using the plan and foundations already in place.

Ready to train
Why this works
Right questions at the right time
Right professionals in the right order
No guesswork, no bouncing between ideas
Structured support from an entire team
True industry collaboration for welfare-driven work
Why this works

Root causes first,
not symptoms

ABC Triage is designed to reduce guesswork and protect welfare. We identify what's happening and why, and build the foundations required for learning to land — before asking your dog to "perform" through training.

  • Right questions, right time — we gather detailed history, footage and records up front
  • Clinical support early — where needed, we help you pursue medical and pain investigations at the start, not months in
  • Clear plan, not overwhelm — structured guidance, observation tools and a supportive pathway
  • Less cost over time — fewer dead-ends, fewer repeated appointments, a plan that targets root causes
  • Team approach — supported by a wider panel of professionals working together in the right order
What happens next

After triage,
training begins

Once your dog is ready, we regroup and move to phase two. You'll be paired with one of our trainers — or a trainer of your choice — for hands-on support using the behaviour plan and foundations already in place.

  • More progress, less stress — training is built on regulation and safety, not pressure
  • Better outcomes — behaviour change becomes achievable because the groundwork is done
  • Supported all the way — we stay connected as you move forward
Ready for phase two?

Once foundations are in place, we'll match you with the right trainer for your dog's needs and location.

Find your local trainer →
Ready to start?

Book your ABC Triage
and let's start properly.

We'll guide you through the next steps — clearly and compassionately. No guesswork. No pressure. Just the right support in the right order.