Consults may focus on:

LEADERSHIP ISSUES
Is there question in your household about who holds the position of leader of your pack? Are there issues between dogs in your house? Do you have trouble grooming or handling your dog? Do you worry when visitors enter your home? Does your dog have a short temper? Is your dog possessive or territorial? Leaders control resources. If your dog thinks he gets to say who comes and goes in your house and yard, if you have problems with theft and possession of food or other items, if your dog bosses you or talks back, you need professional guidance to put things back in order.

ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOR
Much as we would like them to be, not all dogs are outgoing and friendly with other animals and people. Heredity plays a part in determining your dog's personality. But, other factors affect your dog's social skills and ability to cope with the variety of situations life has to offer. Your dog's ability to "get along" is influenced by a combination of pack leadership, early socialization and a broad base of positive learning and social experiences.

PARENTING KIDS & DOGS
We also counsel parents who not only need help with the dog's behavior, but are seeking advice with regard to modifying their child's behavior around the dog as well. Dogs see children as siblings and playmates and often treat them as they would another dog. Kids don't always respect a dog's space.

OUT OF WHACK PACK ORDER
Introducing a new dog? Getting married and combining a canine Brady Bunch? Are there members of your pack who don't get along? We can help put the balance back in your pack.

FEARFUL & TIMID DOGS
It can be a challenge to inspire confidence in nervous or timid dogs and safely manage dogs who are always worried about their personal safety. Counter conditioning and desensitization are key. Re-socializing the dog whose life experiences are limited can be accomplished, but must be done carefully and with realistic expectations.

What will be covered?

How to be a leader that your dog can trust and look to for direction. Leadership is not accomplished through confrontation or physical means. Leadership is earned and is based on mutual trust and respect.

We will discuss dog body language and calming signals, effective tools and techniques to safely increase your dog's comfort level with people and other animals.

We will discuss challenges specific to the individual situation and map out a behavior modification plan. The primary focus of private consultation is not on obedience exercises, but on building control, confidence and comfort zones. We teach owners how to read and respond to early signs of stress before the dog erupts into a fight or flight response, while reinforcing calm and appropriate behavior. Fearful and anti-social dogs learn to relax and accept gradual increases in proximity while desensitizing the triggers that can cause an aggressive outburst or fearful response.

The Social Skills Class

Remedial Rovers

Wallflower Woofs

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