Training Philosophy
Does your dog avoid having their collar grabbed? Do they snap at you if you try to wipe their paws? Does your dog flinch or stiffen at your touch sometimes and not others? Your dog might be touch-sensitive. Dog touch sensitivity is frequently seen when dogs are having equipment put on or taken off, being disturbed while resting in a comfy spot, or being handled during a veterinary examination or at the groomer. Touch-sensitive dogs might show aggressive behavior such as growling, snapping, or biting in response to being touched. They also might shy away from the handler while looking in the opposite direction. If this is the behavior you recognize in your dog, our Austin behavior consultants can help! We have treated hundreds of touch-sensitive dogs. Each one of our science-based dog training programs were designed using the latest research in dog behavior. Touch sensitivity is highly correlated with resource guarding so it is quite common for dogs to exhibit aggressive behavior for both reasons.
Led by Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, Dr. Echterling-Savage, our pre-training team will work with you to identify exactly when your dog is engaging in touch sensitivity and the severity of the behavior. Then, using our Indirect Assessment of Canine Behavior, our team will develop a step-by-step treatment plan, directly targeting your concerns. We allow each dog to go at their own pace with training while still producing major behavioral shifts due to the effectiveness and efficiency of our programs. Your Austin trainer will go through various training exercises with your dog such as mock grooming and veterinary examinations, collar touches, and more to address your dog’s aggressive behavior. Your dog will also learn relevant obedience commands that you can use in everyday life. After enrolling in your Austin dog training program, you will see a difference in your dog’s behavior as early as the first week and the behavior will be significantly reduced or eliminated in as little as one month.
Training Programs
This program provides two hours of virtual consultations with Dr. Echterling-Savage to manage your dog’s touch sensitivity behaviors. It includes a personalized training plan, ongoing support, and expert guidance to ensure lasting success.
As one of the few certified Behavior Analysts specializing in Applied Animal Behavior and among just 50 CAABs nationwide, Dr. Echterling-Savage brings in-depth expertise to every session. Her extensive experience includes a doctorate in the field, published research on canine behavior modification, and 25 years of hands-on practice. As a foremost expert in her field, Dr. Echterling-Savage offers a unique opportunity for those seeking meaningful progress in their touch sensitivity behavior.
Dr. Echterling-Savage will connect with you virtually to evaluate your dog’s behavior, designing a training program that addresses your dog’s unique challenges. After your initial meeting, Dr. Echterling-Savage will continue to offer guidance and troubleshoot any touch sensitivity behaviors, ensuring continued progress in your dog’s training.
The Touch Sensitivity Behavior Modification Package is available for $750 which includes two hours of virtual sessions and ongoing support.
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We’ll get back to you in two wags of a dog’s tail!
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