Behavior Modification
Behavior modification investigates what's triggering your dog to react and why, then addresses the underlying cause to change your dog's associations, which ultimately modifies the behavior.
A common mistake when dealing with behavior issues is to go straight to the problem behavior without treating its underlying cause. Eliminating behavior like growling, lunging or biting doesn't fix aggression – it just suppresses those obvious signs. The dog still feels the same emotions but loses his or her ability to communicate. For example, a dog who “bites out of the blue” may have previously been punished for growling.
Our experienced behavior experts can help you get to the heart of undesirable behavior like fearfulness, anxiety, reactivity, aggression, etc. and coach you through the behavior modification process.
We'll help you understand why your dog is exhibiting the behavior in question and provide tips and techniques to manage the environment. Most importantly, we'll guide and coach you through the process of modifying your dog's behavior so you can get back to enjoying life your dog, rather than managing him or her. We emphasize the "why" behind our training exercises and techniques to teach you how to read your dog and understand how he or she thinks!
Step 1: Behavior Evaluation Appointment
Modifying your dog's behavior begins with a comprehensive 2-2.5 hour evaluation session. We'll meet in your home and take a deep dive into your dog's history, environment, health, personality, and behavioral challenges. You'll gain an understanding of how and why your dog reacts the way it does. We'll also give you tips and suggestions to manage your dog's behavior. A comprehensive follow-up report and customized behavior modification plan are included in the evaluation fee.
Step 2: Review Evaluation Report & Behavior modification plan
After the initial behavior evaluation appointment, you'll get an extensive, detailed report that includes a summary of the collected information and observed behavior, our assessment of your dog's behavior, and a detailed behavior modification plan. We'll also recommend the number of sessions we think you'll need to achieve your goals.
Step 3: Behavior Modification Sessions
Once the plan is in place, the real work begins! Behavior modification sessions are one hour long and take place in your home, neighborhood, and if appropriate, other dog-friendly locations depending on your dog's behavioral challenges and progress.
Behavior modification appointments are offered in packages of three, six, and ten sessions.
