Contrary to popular belief, many dogs end up in shelters and rescue groups, not because of abuse or becoming lost, but rather because of intolerable and or dangerous behaviors.

Due to the complex nature of behavioral problems, owners of challenged dogs need to understand that behavior modification is not a quick fix. In order for behavior to change, frequently mental associations and emotions will have to be shifted as well. Behavioral modification, especially for reactivity issues will involve consistent management on the part of the owner 24/7 365 for the remainder of the dog's life.

I offer two different programs for beleaguered owners of troubled dogs:
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Behavior Modification for Everyday Problems

This program addresses a varied selection of common behavioral issues owners face. Most problems respond well to behavioral modification, although those involving predatory behaviors will involve high levels of management.

Some common behavioral problems develop because a dog is mentally under-stimulated. Addressing these problems involves providing mental and physical enrichment for the dog, enhancing the relationship between owner and dog as well as providing effective management so the dog does not have the opportunity to practice the 'problem' behavior.

Have you adopted a dog and discovered that he or she is not housetrained? Where to start? Housetraining can be accomplished in most cases, even with older dogs. It does however require very good management on the part of owners to help the dog succeed and learn the concept.

sample behavioral problems

* housetraining * barking * chewing * digging
* inter-household canine rivalry * predatory behavior towards other household animals
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“Choosing a Better Way”:behavioral training for reactive dogs

Your dog choses behaviors because the behaviors 'work' for the dog. For our reactive dogs, this means choosing distance-increasing behaviors such as barking and lunging which create more personal space for the dog.

Using a combination of systematic counter-conditioning/desensitization plus behavioral training, the "Choosing a Better Way" program works to "change the emotion to change the behavior".

Through a series of private sessions,we work together as a team to help change your dog's attitude towards trigger events. Effectively changing your dog’s behavior involves several aspects: changing the mental association,then training new replacement behaviors, while providing effective management and learning how to become an avocate for your dog.

Creating and maintaining an effective management plan is very important – the goal of the program is to create a more tolerant, relaxed dog in the presence of the trigger event. Outside of structured sessions, owners need to be proactive so as not to place their dog in situations which trigger reactive behaviors.