A dog temperament test, often called a dog behaviour assessment, is an independent professional’s look at your dog, written up as a report. It usually records your dog’s history, what the assessor saw, and their opinion and recommendations. If you’ve been told to “get an independent assessment” for a council matter or a dispute, this is usually what’s meant.
A report can give a council or the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) more information about your dog. It can’t decide anything. That stays with the council, VCAT or a court.
Key Takeaways
– A behaviour report is one professional’s documented view of your dog. It informs a decision rather than making one.
– VCAT says review applications must be made within 28 days of the decision or statement of reasons, so start early.
– Ask any assessor what the report will cover, its format and its timing.
– See your vet first if pain or illness could be involved.
What is a dog temperament test or behaviour assessment?
It’s a structured look at one dog’s behaviour by someone outside the dispute, recorded in a written report. Think of it as an informed professional opinion, not a blood test or a single score. Assessors work in different ways, so two reports on the same dog can read quite differently.
Getting one lines up with official advice, too. For owners worried their dog might attack someone, Agriculture Victoria says to seek professional advice as soon as possible, have the dog checked by a vet for any health problems that might contribute to the aggression, and contact an animal behaviourist or dog trainer (Agriculture Victoria).
Canine Services International is a dog training and dog behaviour business in Boronia, Melbourne’s east, led by Brad Griggs, canine behaviour specialist. Its services include temperament evaluations and expert witness reports for councils and courts, alongside training at an indoor facility, one-on-one, in small groups and online. You can see the full list on the services page.
What a report will usually document
Reports vary, but most will set out:
- Why it was written: who asked for it, and the decision it’s meant to inform.
- Your dog’s background: origin, health history, training, household and routine, as you describe them.
- The incident or concern: your account, plus any documents you supplied, such as council letters.
- What the assessor observed: the settings, what was tried, and how your dog responded.
- The assessor’s opinion: their view of the behaviour and any recommendations on management, containment or training.
- Who the assessor is: their background, so the reader can weigh the opinion.
A careful report should also say what the assessor couldn’t see or test. Before you book, ask any assessor exactly what their report will cover, what format it comes in, who it will be addressed to, how long it takes and what it costs.
Where can a dog behaviour report for council or VCAT help?
A report helps wherever someone has to decide something about your dog and wants more than a description of the incident. That includes a council weighing a declaration or a revocation, a VCAT review, and a shelter or family deciding about adoption or rehoming.
When a council is considering a declaration
Under the Domestic Animals Act 1994, councils in Victoria may declare a dog menacing if it causes a non serious bite injury to a person or animal, or if it rushes at or chases a person (Agriculture Victoria). The Act also lets councils declare a dog dangerous if, among other grounds, it has caused serious injury or death to a person or animal (Agriculture Victoria).
While council is still looking into an incident, you can choose to give it an independent assessment showing what you know about your dog and what you’re doing about it. Ask the council officer how and when to provide any material. Our guide to dangerous and menacing dog declarations in Victoria explains the two types in more detail.
When you’re asking council to revoke a menacing declaration
Agriculture Victoria says council can revoke a menacing dog declaration if the owner takes action to remedy the reasons for the dog rushing at or chasing a person, and that the action must satisfy council an incident will not be repeated (Agriculture Victoria). A report describing the training and management you’ve put in place could form part of what you show council.
Dangerous declarations are different. Agriculture Victoria says a dangerous dog declaration has effect throughout Victoria and cannot be revoked, amended or otherwise altered (Agriculture Victoria). If council is considering one, get legal advice early.
When you’ve applied to VCAT
VCAT can review local council decisions about whether a dog should be declared menacing or dangerous under the Domestic Animals Act 1994. VCAT says it can affirm the original decision, vary it, set it aside and substitute its own decision, set it aside and send the matter back for reconsideration, or invite the decision maker to reconsider at any time during the case (VCAT).
VCAT lists a practice note on expert evidence (PNVCAT2) among its resources for these reviews. If your report may be used as expert evidence, read that note, share it with your assessor and ask a lawyer how it applies to you.
Adoption, rehoming and disputes
Outside council and tribunal matters, an assessment can help a shelter, rescue group or family think through whether a particular dog suits a particular home, or give a neighbour dispute something firmer than competing accounts.
What can’t a temperament assessment report do?
A report can’t guarantee any outcome. The council, VCAT or a court can weigh it alongside everything else in front of them. It’s one professional’s opinion, formed on the information they had and the dog they saw on the day.
Other limits to keep in mind:
- It isn’t legal advice. VCAT’s own page says it provides general information, shouldn’t be considered legal advice, and that the law can change (VCAT). For your own matter, speak to a lawyer.
- It isn’t a vet check. Pain and illness can affect behaviour. Diagnosis belongs to your vet, and so does any decision about medication.
- It doesn’t pause your obligations. When declaring a dog menacing, council may require it to be muzzled and kept on a chain, cord or leash outside your premises (Agriculture Victoria). Keep to whatever conditions apply while you wait.
- It isn’t a fix. A report describes where things stand. Changing behaviour takes ongoing work.
An honest report may also include things you’d rather not read. Ask your assessor up front how they handle findings that don’t help your case.
How should you prepare, and when should you book?
Gather your paperwork before the appointment, and book early enough that the report is ready before any council or VCAT deadline. Assessments take time to arrange and write up, and the VCAT window is short.
What to gather
- The council’s letters, notices or decision document. VCAT asks you to attach a copy of any decision document to your application.
- Your dog’s vet records, plus registration and microchip details.
- Your written account of each incident: date, place, who was there, what happened just before, and what your dog did. Write it while it’s fresh.
- Notes on your current management: fencing, gates, walking routine and how visitors are handled.
- Any training records, and photos or video of your yard set-up.
Tell the assessor everything, including the parts that worry you. A report built on half the story is easier to pick apart. If the incident involved a bite, our guide on what happens after your dog bites someone in Victoria covers the steps that usually come first.
Timing against deadlines
VCAT says you must apply within 28 days from when the decision was made or, if you requested a statement of reasons, from when it’s given to you or you’re told it won’t be given. If you don’t apply, the council’s decision takes effect once that deadline passes. VCAT may extend the time for a late application, but you have to ask and briefly explain why you’re late (VCAT).
If the deadline is close, don’t hold your application back waiting for a report. Lodge on time, then ask VCAT or a lawyer how and when further material can be provided. Tell any assessor your dates in the first conversation.
When to get professional help
Get help now if your council has contacted you about a declaration, your dog has bitten or rushed at someone, or you’ve noticed aggression building. If you’re worried about people’s safety, Agriculture Victoria suggests keeping your dog securely confined to your property and not letting visitors interact with it until the aggression problem is resolved (Agriculture Victoria).
See your vet first, so any health problem behind the behaviour can be checked. Speak to a lawyer about the legal side, and check your own situation with your council. The legal information here was checked in October 2026, and laws can change.
Then talk to a behaviour professional. As Canine Services International puts it: “If your dog is anxious, reactive or aggressive, you have probably been told to manage it forever or rehome him.” Its approach is that most problems are not solved by suppressing them: “We build the dog underneath, so it can feel and act differently.” No magic equipment, and no overnight fix.
You can book a call with Canine Services International or phone 0483 983 647 to talk about a temperament evaluation for your dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a dog temperament test the same as a behaviour assessment?
Mostly, yes. People use both terms loosely for an independent professional observing a dog and writing up their opinion. What matters more than the name is what the report covers, so ask any assessor what they’ll look at, how they’ll do it, what format the report comes in and who it will be addressed to.
Will a behaviour report stop my dog being declared dangerous?
A report can’t promise that. The decision belongs to the council and, on review, to VCAT. A report can give them more information about your dog and the steps you’ve taken. Agriculture Victoria says a dangerous dog declaration cannot be revoked, amended or otherwise altered, so it’s worth getting legal advice early.
How long do I have to apply to VCAT for a review?
VCAT says you must apply within 28 days from when the decision was made or, if you requested a statement of reasons, from when it’s given to you or you’re told it won’t be given. VCAT may extend the time if you’re late, but you have to ask and explain why. Check your own dates with VCAT or a lawyer.
What should I bring to a temperament assessment?
Bring the council’s letter or decision, your dog’s vet records, registration and microchip details, and your own written account of any incident. Notes on how you currently manage your dog, such as your fencing, gates and walking routine, also help. Ask the assessor beforehand what else they would like to see.