The Dog Impulsivity Assessment Scale (DIAS)

The Dog Impulsivity Assessment Scale (DIAS) is the first validated, reliable tool to assess impulsive tendencies in dogs using an owner questionnaire.
Technology No. 000003

The Dog Impulsivity Assessment Scale (DIAS)

The Dog Impulsivity Assessment Scale (DIAS) is the first validated, reliable tool to assess impulsive tendencies in dogs using an owner questionnaire. The tool was developed and validated by researchers within the Animal Behaviour, Cognition and Welfare Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln.

The DIAS can be used:

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

b) 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.

c) 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.

d) 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.

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

Academic Profile: https://staff.lincoln.ac.uk/dmills 

Consultancy: Consultancy services offered through the Animal Behaviour Clinic a professional service to industry and a referral only clinic for pets and animals of all species with behaviour and training problems located at the University of Lincoln’s City Centre campus.

Commercial Use:

This assessment tool is freely available for personal use. If you require commercial use please send enquiries to contracts@lincoln.ac.uk.

  • swap_vertical_circlelibrary_booksReferences (5)
    1. Brady, K., Hewison, L., Wright, H., Zulch, H., Cracknell, N., & Mills, D. (May 2018), A spatial discounting test to assess impulsivity in dogs, Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 202, 77-84
    2. Fadel, F.R., Driscoll, P., Pilot, M., Wright, H., Zulch, H. and Mills, D. (March 2016), Differences in trait impulsivity indicate diversification of dog breeds into working and show lines, Scientific Reports, 6, 22162
    3. Riemer S., Mills D.S., Wright H. (2014), Impulsive for life? The nature of long –term impulsivity in domestic dogs, Animal Cognition, 17, 815-819
    4. Wright H.F, Mills D.S., Pollux P.M.J. (2012), ) Behavioural and physiological correlates of impulsivity in the domestic dog, Physiology and Behaviour, 105, 676-682
    5. Wright H.F., Mills D.S., Pollux P.M.J. (2011), Development and validation of a psychometric tool for assessing impulsivity in the domestic dog, International Journal of Comparative Psychology, 24, 210-225
  • swap_vertical_circlecloud_downloadSupporting documents (1)
    Product brochure
    The Dog Impulsivity Assessment Scale (DIAS).pdf
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