Canine Impulsivity Profile assessment tool.

Usage

1. As a clinical tool when assessing the likely contribution of impulsivity that can often lead to frustration related issues in dogs with behaviour problems.

2. To monitor response to interventions purported to improve impulsivity, both in the individual, and also as a research tool when assessing potential treatment strategies for related problems. The DIAS was validated in dogs against a laboratory test which was developed to assess the effects of fluoxetine on impulsivity in birds.

3. As a tool to select appropriate working dogs where impulsivity may be important to success/failure; our research has shown that certain levels of impulsivity may be associated with a shorter useful working life among certain working dogs.

4. In the screening of shelter dogs at the time of relinquishment to predict their ability to cope and the need for remedial intervention while in the shelter prior to rehoming.

The tool

DIAS is an 18 item questionnaire using a 5 point Likert scale (plus a N/A answer).

There is an associated scoring sheet with mean/standard deviation scores, producing an overall questionnaire score for each dog, plus 3 sub-scores representing different facets of impulsivity.