Fear, Anxiety, Aggression
Easton, Oxford, and St Michaels, MD
INCLUDING LEASH REACTIVITY
Behavior Modification for Big Feelings
If your dog has some concerning behaviors, it’s important to understand that what they really need is professional behavioral support—not obedience.
I know how upsetting and embarrassing it is to see your dog lose control—and to consider the risks to themselves, to you, or to others.
If life with your dog feels confusing or chaotic right now, you’re not failing and neither is your dog.
Most behavior challenges aren’t about disobedience. They’re signs that something isn’t working for your dog’s nervous system, environment, or understanding of the world.
Behavior is communication, the expression of feelings and needs.
This perspective gives us more empathy for what our dogs are experiencing, as well as new and better ways to address the underlying causes of those problem behaviors.
First, we want to reduce everyday stressors—physical, mental, and emotional, both good and not good—so our sensitive dogs can feel some relief, calm down, think, and learn.
Then we can build more confidence and feelings of security, relaxation, and optimism—in both of you.
Meeting their species, breed, and individual needs makes a huge difference to well-being and unwanted behaviors.
From there, we build strong foundation skills at home, like relaxing on a mat, more voluntary focus on you, and learning what to do in challenging situations.
Starting with skills practice out of context, then gradually introducing triggers, those new skills and confidence lead to a calmer, safer, happier dog who’s much easier to live with.
Relief for your dog means relief for you!
When dogs feel better, they behave better.
Get my help to end unwanted behaviors
Step 1 (essential)
Initial Consult
1.5 hour consultation: $165
At our first meeting, I’ll gather details about your dog’s history, routine, environment, preferences, and behavior issues. We’ll also talk through your lifestyle and goals so my recommendations work for both you and your dog.
I’ll explain what’s happening (and what isn’t), how to avoid challenging situations right away, and simple ways to make life safer and easier for both of you.
I may share a select enrichment item or two, to support better behavior right away, along with helpful handouts.
We’ll discuss the skills your dog can learn, should you decide to go forward to achieve long-lasting behavior changes. And I will follow up later by e-mail to check on your progress.
Consults can take place by Zoom or in person at your home (extra fee for travel outside Talbot).
STEP 2 (recommended)
First 4 Training Sessions
4 1-Hour sessions: $595
(includes enrichment & calming SUPPORT, tailored to your dog’s needs)
If your dog’s behavior isn’t severe (no bites) and has been going on for only a few weeks or months, 4 sessions may be enough to see significant improvement. (We can add on more if necessary.)
I’ll work with you and your dog to change those negative underlying feelings and teach the skills they need to behave better.
I’ll also provide you with the right training gear plus enrichment and calming products (as appropriate), to help the process along.
I encourage you to check in with me between lessons, for extra support.
If you need extra/ongoing support, you’ll be able to opt into my follow-on package of 1:1 training sessions.
STEP 3 (optional)
Subsequent Sessions
4 MORE 1:1 sessions for $495
If your dog’s behavior includes a bite history or has been going on for many months or years, we will need more sessions and practice, to make significant and lasting improvement.
Each set of sessions builds on the ones before.
It’s difficult to predict how long change will take. It always depends on the individual dog and the guardians’ ability to manage the problem, provide essential enrichment, and practice between sessions.
We really need to go at the dog’s pace to get the skills solid and reliable under the right conditions.
No quick-fix tools and no behavior guarantees. Trainers who sell that are often using aversive techniques and tools.
As an ethical, professional trainer who cares about your dog’s well-being, I use only positive reinforcement and up-to-date techniques.
Struggling with other issues?
If your dog is pulling on leash with occasional barking or lunging?
Please visit my Leash Walks page.
Is your dog having problems living in a household with babies or young children?
Please consult a Family Paws Educator here: Family Paws.
Am I the right trainer for you and your dog?
We are probably a good fit if you . . .
prioritize a great relationship with your dog
understand that your dog needs to be calmer so they can make good choices on their own, as well as listen to you
want to understand canine body language, to know how your dog is feeling
are willing and able to actively participate in your dog’s learning journey, together
are eager to learn kind and fun ways to help your dog become well-behaved and more connected
value positive training for lasting change over quick fixes that appear to “correct” behavior you don’t like.
We are probably not a good fit if you . . .
view your dog’s behaviors as an obedience problem
will try anything that seems to work instantly, including prong or shock collars, spray bottles, “corrections,” etc.
don’t have the time or patience to help your dog learn the skills they need
aren’t willing to make changes to support the training process
keep on correcting unwanted behaviors instead of blocking them and teaching alternatives
don’t want to use food for training because dogs should do what they’re told and want to please you.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Please have your dog in a crate, another room, or outside when I arrive. I don’t need to see what they normally do at the door, whether it’s aggression or over-excitement. Let’s start now to change that habit with good management (prevention). If aggression is a concern, we may need to meet outside.
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I come to your home on a schedule we agree on. The first couple of sessions will be weekly, and then we can switch to every two weeks so you have more time to practice.
We need a quiet space, without kids, television, or other distractions. Please have a water bowl nearby.
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There are no guarantees when it comes to future behavior.
What I can guarantee is that behavior will improve with your consistent management and implementation of the plan for your dog, keeping in touch with me for support when you need it.
And also with your promise that no aversive tools or techniques will ever be used with your dog, by anyone.