Training Philosophy
At Beyond the Dog Austin, we treat reactivity and aggression in dogs using the latest scientific research in dog behavior modification. This includes classical counterconditioning and positive reinforcement, which has been shown to be effective in treating dog aggression. With over 50 years of combined hands-on experience treating reactive behaviors, our training focuses on personalized training programs that are conducted via one-on-one sessions.
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. Perhaps you wish you could take your dog for a walk around Lady Bird Lake without them barking and lunging at other people and dogs? Or would you like 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? Our programs are designed to address your dog’s aggression or reactivity in any environment. By training across a variety of settings and distractions, we help your dog learn and confidently demonstrate desired behaviors no matter where they are.
Training Programs
This program offers virtual consultations with Dr. Echterling-Savage to manage your dog’s reactivity behaviors. It includes a personalized training plan, ongoing support, and coaching to ensure lasting results.
As one of the few certified Behavior Analysts specializing in Applied Animal Behavior and among only about 50 CAABs nationwide, Dr. Echterling-Savage brings a wealth of knowledge to each session. Her broad background encompasses a doctorate in the field, published research on canine behavior modification, and 25 years of hands-on training. Dr. Echterling-Savage will offer professional direction to help your dog achieve long-term progress with their reactive behavior.
Dr. Echterling-Savage will connect with you virtually to evaluate your dog’s reactive behavior, developing a training plan that addresses your dog’s unique challenges. After your initial meeting, Dr. Echterling-Savage will continue to offer guidance and troubleshoot any reactive behaviors, ensuring ongoing progress in your dog’s training. This program runs for four weeks for mild cases and six weeks for moderate or severe cases.
Our program focuses on addressing reactive and aggressive behaviors in dogs, including barking, biting or lunging towards:
Studies in animal behavior show that dogs learn more effectively when they can practice their skills in many different settings. Throughout the training program, we use scientifically proven methods, including positive reinforcement and operant conditioning, to help dogs generalize skills, build confidence, and reinforce positive behaviors.
During the retreat, your dog will live in the trainer’s home, where they will learn obedience commands, good manners and have positive behaviors reinforced. Your dog will be trained across multiple settings and distractions to most effectively address their reactivity. This can include at-home and public areas, including parks, hiking trails, and shops, depending on the severity of your dog’s reactivity.
In order to best evaluate your dog’s behavioral history, we ask that you complete and submit our “Indirect Assessment of Canine Behavior”. Dr. Echterling-Savage will then meet with you for a consultation to discuss your dog’s reactivity behaviors and your training goals. The consultation and assessment will allow her to develop a personalized training program so that we can most effectively treat this behavior by understanding the underlying causes of the behavior.
Dr. Echterling-Savage or Sean Savage will then personally transport your dog to their home in Tampa Bay, ensuring care and comfort from the very start. During your dog’s stay, they will be a part of the family, living in the home, with dedicated training and leisure time. Your dog will explore Tampa Bay’s dog-friendly parks, trails, shops, and farmers’ markets to practice obedience commands, socialization skills, manners, and reinforce desired behaviors.
You will receive regular communications, progress reports, photos and videos of your dog’s training throughout the four-week retreat. At the end of this program, Dr. Echterling-Savage or Sean Savage will bring your dog back home, where you will receive 4.5 hours of follow-up lessons across multiple sessions. The follow-up sessions help to give you the knowledge in managing your dog’s new skills and ensure long-term success.