Behavior Consultations

    Sessions are offered at the training center by appointment only.  I
    no longer do home visits.  Appointment times for behavior
    consultations are limited due to our class schedule.   We are NOT
    open on Sunday.

    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***

    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 problems
    and help prevent future problems.

    Behavior modification requires your time and commitment; it is not a
    quick fix.


    Fee for Initial Consultation:  $100
    At initial consultation, we will discuss setting up additional sessions or I
    may recommend a group class.

    Fee for subsequent sessions:  $50 per hour
    At your initial consultation, a minimum number of follow-up sessions will
    be recommended.

    Email:  secretlakedog@comcast.net


***What is a Leash Reactive Dog?

    It is a dog that 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 6/27/08