Behavioral issues? Reactivity, barking, chewing, fear, or anxiety etc.
What to expect in hiring a behaviorist?
Hiring a behaviorist is not the same as hiring a trainer. I do not fix your problems for you. Instead, we are a team. Behavioral modification is a self-help process in which you and your dog learn together under my guidance.
Each package includes an initial 1 – 1.5 hour consultation and 3 x 1-hour follow-up sessions. These sessions may be in-person or by Zoom, depending upon the type of problem. Some behavioral issues e.g., separation anxiety, in-home dog-dog aggression, and even some reactivity may require remote collaboration between sessions.
Some behavioral issues take time to improve and these long haulers may require further consultations. We will discuss your progress and whether further sessions are beneficial or necessary during your last session.
BEHAVIORAL consultations are available Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10 am or 4 pm for NEW clients.
Behavioral issues are considered on a case-by-case basis and include, but are not limited to, the following issues:
- Exuberance and boundary issues: jumping, barking, pulling, digging, chewing, etc.
- Reactivity/aggression: considered on a case-by-case basis (see below)
- Anxieties: separation and general
- Fears and phobias
Behavioral Package:
In-home consultation & training sessions
Total Cost – $875*
*May be paid in 4 installments at each session
Mileage (@ 2023 IRS rate) will be added for each visit over 15 miles (round trip) from 84105
Package includes:
- Initial 1 – 1.5-hour in-home consultation on the behavioral issue
- 3 x 1-hour follow-up sessions at 3-4 week intervals
- Training pointers after consult and each training session
- Report for your veterinarian
Further 1-hour sessions are available: $150 per hour to continue training
Please note follow-up sessions with a cancellation of less than 24 hours notice will be forfeited. Unused sessions will expire 4 months after the initial evaluation
Am I the right professional for your dog’s reactivity/aggression issue?
Reactivity versus aggression?
Reactivity is an overreaction to stimuli and may include growling, barking, lunging, and difficulty to control (#1 – 5 on the ladder to aggression). Reactivity can lead to aggression if left unaddressed.
Aggression is hostile, injurious (biting) behavior aimed at a person or animal without provocation (# 6 – 9 on the ladder to aggression). The dog has a known propensity, tendency, or disposition to attack.
The ladder to aggression
- Becoming still or rigid
- Threatening: growling or barking
- Lunging, charging (no contact)
- Muzzle punching
- Showing teeth or air snapping
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- Nipping or biting quickly (tears skin)
- Biting (bruises or puncture wounds)
- Rapid repeated biting
- Biting and shaking
Has your dog caused injury?
If your dog has caused injury to a human or domestic animal using any of the biting styles described (# 6 – 9 on the ladder to aggression), then I may NOT the professional for your dog. After evaluating your case I may suggest anther avenue of help, including one of the following trainers, consultants, or veterinarian behaviorists who see aggression cases: