Training Philosophy
At Beyond the Dog Austin, eliminating reactivity and aggression in dogs using the latest scientific research in dog behavior modification is what we do. Our team of professionals is led by one of approximately 50 Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists in the country, Dr. Echterling-Savage. Whether your dog is exhibiting reactivity on leash or aggression in the home, we utilize our collective 50+ years of experience to create a personalized training program for each one of our clients. Our science-based dog training programs use a combination of classical counterconditioning and positive reinforcement that are proven to treat dog aggression. After analyzing the Indirect Assessment of Canine Behavior that each client completes before training, we will develop a step-by-step treatment plan to treat your dog’s problem behavior and accomplish all of your training goals.
In your personalized Austin dog training program, our trainers will work with you and your dog to treat your dog’s aggression wherever it occurs. Do you wish you could take your dog for a walk around Lady Bird Lake without them barking and lunging at other people and dogs? Do you want your dog to be the ideal companion, from shopping at Austin’s dog-friendly stores like at the Domain to spending time outdoors with family and friends without your dog barking? Is your dog’s barking, growling, or nipping at guests preventing you from hosting in Barton Creek? Is apartment life in Downtown Austin less than ideal due to your dog’s aggressive behavior? Our in-home Austin dog training programs uniquely allow us to address your dog’s aggression or reactivity regardless of where it’s occurring so you can get back to making lifelong memories with your beloved furry companion!
Training Programs
In this program, we will modify reactive and aggressive dog behavior, including but not limited to:
At Beyond the Dog, we have designed a unique behavior modification treatment to reduce or eliminate dog reactivity and aggression. In a 2015 study conducted by our resident Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, Dr. Echterling-Savage, researchers found behavior modification to be highly effective in treating dog aggression. After implementing an aggression reduction procedure, dog aggression was significantly reduced or eliminated across all environments in which the dogs were previously exhibiting aggressive behavior. At the conclusion of the study, researchers taught owners how to implement treatment and the dogs’ aggression remained eliminated long after the training program. According to Dr. Echterling-Savage, “The first step to helping your reactive dog is to determine why your dog is becoming reactive in the first place. Once dog reactivity has been properly identified, it is very treatable!”
The All-Inclusive Program encompasses 20 training sessions across five intensive weeks with two follow-up sessions, spanning a total of 22 training sessions over eight weeks! After we learn more about your dog’s history and behavior as well as your training goals through completion of the Indirect Assessment of Canine Behavior, our pre-training team will craft your dog’s unique treatment plan for dog reactivity. Once a training plan is in place, your trainer will work with your dog one-on-one for three, 1-hour sessions during the week. The fourth session each week is dedicated to your training and understanding your dog’s behavior! After the five-week-long training program, there are two follow-up sessions to support your progress. Please note that our indirect behavior assessment will confirm the severity of your dog’s behavior, and if deemed severe, you may incur a small additional fee.
If you are a pet parent with an insurance policy covering behavior modification, our reactive dog behavior modification is likely covered. When behavior training is under the direction of a CAAB or a Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorist, most companies with behavior policies such as Trupanion will cover behavioral training.
The Executive program is best suited to reduce or eliminate mild dog reactivity behavior directed toward one to two different stimuli in one to two different environments. The Executive Training Program can address the following behaviors:
Our team has been analyzing reactivity in dogs for decades and has worked with thousands of dogs reactive on leash. Dogs bark, growl, lunge, or snap to distance themselves from unfamiliar people or dogs. Reactivity can be reinforced by the increased distance of the unfamiliar stimuli or can be strengthened if distance is not increased. We treat dog aggression with a functional approach, where we identify why a dog is becoming reactive then treat the reactivity with classical counterconditioning and positive reinforcement. Research by our resident Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, Dr. Echterling-Savage, and animal researcher, I.R. Reisner, supports that behavior modification is highly effective in treating aggression in dogs. According to Dr. Echterling-Savage, “Reactivity is what we do best at Beyond the Dog. Treatment is targeted so that a little can go a long way.”
Our Executive Training Program for Dog Reactivity ranges from 9-12 hours of training across three to four weeks. It starts with the completion of the Indirect Assessment of Canine Behavior, developed over 20 years and across four markets. Our pre-training team develops a personalized training program for your dog. Then it is time to get started. Your trainer will work directly with your dog for two, 1-hour sessions and with you for one, 1-hour session per week. Please note that our indirect behavior assessment will confirm the severity of your dog’s behavior and if deemed severe you may incur a small additional fee.
If you are a pet parent with an insurance policy covering behavior modification, our reactive dog behavior modification is likely covered. When behavior training is under the direction of a CAAB or a Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorist, most companies with behavior policies such as Trupanion will cover behavioral training.
Live outside of our Austin service area or want expert advice on all things dog reactivity from the comfort of your couch? Schedule a virtual consultation with our CAAB, Dr. Echterling-Savage, or one of our behavior consultants under Dr. Echterling-Savage’s direct supervision! We will create a training plan customized to the specific needs of you and your dog to treat your dog’s reactivity. After your first virtual dog training session, you can schedule additional virtual sessions with continued expert advice to troubleshoot dog reactivity training scenarios and ensure training is properly maintained. Pricing for a 1-hour virtual consultation with Dr. Echterling-Savage is $375. Pricing for a 1-hour virtual consultation with one of our dog behavior consultants is $150.
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