Behavior Issues
"What if my dog's behavior is really stressing me out?"
Living with a dog with behavior issues can be frustrating, and let’s face it, even scary, if you’re concerned your dog may bite. Issues like reactivity, resource guarding, and profound anxiety or fearfulness can leave you feeling heartbroken. You aren't alone - we've worked with many dogs with behavioral issues and have seen great progress.
CONSULTATION* (in home or virtual)
The Initial Consultation will include the following:
- gathering a complete medical, socialization, and training background
- reviewing your goals and the current situation
- creating one or more training plan proposals: customized plans can be all Team Training sessions (we train you to train your dog), Day Training in format (we do most of the dog training), or a Hybrid Package (you are involved in 50% of the sessions)
- getting to know you and your darn good dog
- making recommendations for in-home training support modifications
- *required before purchasing a package
Here's how our DGDC trainers can help you and your dog with more serious behavioral challenges!
OVER AROUSAL BEHAVIOR
INCLUDES REACTIVITY & JUMPY/MOUTHY BEHAVIOR, ETC.
- Required weekly or biweekly sessions (at home, virtual, or hybrid - minimum of 10 sessions)
Consistency is key and pet owners must be present for all sessions.
- Our trainer will create a training plan that addresses the many aspects of overarousal
Relaxation protocols & training to reduce the intensity and frequency of reactivity
Canine enrichment recommendations & resources
Equipment recommendations
Force free training emphasizing choice and not restriction
Gradual counter conditioning and desensitization to triggers
"Leave it" style training but with focus on choice to prevent canine frustration
May include dog-to-dog introductions, pack walk, or playgroup "off campus"
PROFOUND FEARFULNESS & SOUTHERN/FOREIGN DOG ADOPTION
BUILDING CONFIDENCE, ADDRESSING ANXIETY, & ACCLIMATING SLOWLY TO BIG CITY LIFE
- Required weekly or biweekly sessions (at home, virtual, or hybrid- minimum of 10 sessions)
Initial sessions will most likely be held virtually until the dog has formed attachments (if newly adopted) or if has high levels of "stranger danger"
- Our trainer will demonstrate how to use confidence building exercises, as well as teach you how to slowly socialize your dog to the big city environment
Relaxation protocols & training to reduce the intensity and frequency of reactivity
Games and enrichment to build engagement & confidence
Puppy socialization tools to counter condition and desensitize dog to many city sounds, sights, and smells that may be stressful
Targeting skills to move dog past scary or stressful people, places, objects, etc.
May include dog-to-dog introductions, pack walk, or playgroup "off campus"
"Invaluable to us."
"Joan Marie was invaluable to us in our journey with our new pup. Thank you for helping make Cruz excited about training, going outside, and going downstairs. He's become a joy to be with each day." - Billy K.
"Really understands."
"Joan (Harris) is fantastic. She really understands the unique needs of each individual dog in her classes, and explains the theory of positive reinfocement perfectly." - Murphy G.
