Behavior Consultations

    Sessions are offered by appointment only.

    NOTE:  The first visit will not immediately "solve" or "fix" the dog's
    behavior problem.  There are no quick fixes.  A consultation will
    help assess the severity of the problem you're living with, the
    possible risks and ramifications for your family, and potential for
    improvement.

    I offer behavior consultations for problems such as:

  • Aggression towards dogs
  • Aggression towards people
  • Resource guarding (guarding food bowl, toys and other
    resources)
  • Fear-based behaviors
  • Leash reactive dogs***

    I reserve the right to refuse to work with any dog.

    Based upon my consultation with you and your family members,
    along with an analysis of a history of the problem, I will observe
    and when appropriate, handle your dog. I will give you a
    preliminary assessment of your dog’s behaviors and help you:

  • assess your risks
  • explore your options
  • install immediate management measures
  • set realistic goals
  • make a plan of action

    The plan of action varies for each situation.  In most cases, you will
    need to work with me one on one with your dog before you can
    join a group class.  

    A plan of action includes your commitment to:

  • Continued management measures
  • Learning and practicing basic obedience exercises regularly
    with your dog
  • Making some reasonable lifestyle changes
  • Learning how to communicate effectively with your dog
  • Instituting measures to modify both your dog and your
    behavior

    Behavior Modification

    Behavior modification involves applying principles of learning to
    change a behavior. The basic idea is to change a behavior from
    one that is undesirable to one that is desired or more acceptable.
    Behavior modification not only involves your dog, but also consists
    of teaching you and your family how to interact with your dog to
    correct/minimize/manage problems and help you manage
    and/or prevent problems.  Behavior modification requires your
    time and commitment; it is not a quick fix.  

    I do NOT guarantee that your dog's behavior will be resolved after
    a behavior consultation.  Your pet’s response to treatment depends
    upon many components such as: hereditary factors, puppy-hood
    experiences, current circumstances, and the amount of time you
    dedicate to changing your dog’s behavior. Such a mix of factors
    makes it impossible to accurately predict how any one dog will
    respond to training and behavior modification.  


    Fee for Initial Consultation:  $100

    Fee for subsequent sessions:  $75 per hour

    Email:  secretlakedog@comcast.net

  • Client agrees to give Trainer at least 48 hours’ notice of
    cancellation or Client will be billed and liable for full fee and forfeit
    that session.

  • You will be asked to fill out a detailed consultation form that I must
    have 48 hours BEFORE we meet.

  • You must sign my Behavior Consultation Agreement before or at
    our first session.  

  • You must bring proof of current vaccinations to your session.




***What is a Leash Reactive Dog?

    A leash reactive dog is one who overreacts to certain stimuli: such
    as the sight of other dogs, people, kids, loud noises and chaos. The
    dog’s reaction is usually a bark and lunge type of behavior that is
    frightening to both the person or dog being barked at and the
    person holding the leash. Reactivity may be part of the dogs
    genetic make up or could be from a lack of social experience or
    a particularly scary experience.

    Leash reactive dogs are difficult to live with.  Often owners stop
    walking the dog or limit when and where they go with the dog.  
    Owners are embarrassed about the dog’s behavior.  They want the
    dog to stop it, but don’t know what to do to make it stop.

    Reactive dogs can benefit from training, careful socialization and
    management tools. There is no quick fix, it will take as long as it
    takes.  How long it takes varies depending on the dog and more
    importantly the commitment of the owner.  You need a plan of
    action, lots of time and dedication to the program.

    If you do not have the time, money, or the desire to follow through
    no matter how long it takes, you will not be successful. If you
    continue to expose your dog to situations he can’t handle, with no
    alternate or incompatible behaviors in place, you are setting your
    dog up to fail.
Behavior Problems & Consultations                                      updated 12/2/2009