Training Philosophy
What Is Fearful Behavior and How Do We Address This?
Fearful behavior is the combination of actions, body signals, and reactions a dog uses to cope with stress or perceived threats. Dogs that are showing fearful behaviors may be scared to go outside, try to rush back inside after being scared during a walk or are scared of loud noises such as a smoke alarm.
Unfortunately, fearful behaviors often get worse if left unaddressed, but the good news is they can be treated through behavior modification training. We treat fearful behaviors by teaching your dog to be confident around people, other dogs and stimuli such as cars and scooters. This is achieved through science based training methods including classical conditioning, which teaches dogs positive associations with experiences and positive reinforcement that uses rewards to reinforce desired behaviors. We will also teach your dog relevant obedience such as loose leash walking and stay that will assist with treatment and support their overall behavioral wellness.
Benefits of Fearful Behavior Dog Training
Our team, led by Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist Dr. Kristyn Echterling-Savage and Certified Dog Behavior Consultant Sean Savage, use proven scientific training methods and over 50 years of combined training experience to address fearful behaviors.
After completing our program, your dog will have improved social skills and be more relaxed in public and when greeting guests at the home. This is achieved through behavior modification training that emphasizes one-on-one personalized training sessions both at the home and when out in public. This teaches your dog positive associations, rewards based learning and gradual exposure to previously stressful stimuli. In our Board and Train Wellness Retreat, your dog will practice these skills in a supportive environment, making it easy to transition these skills to your own home.
Training Programs
This program offers virtual consultations with Dr. Echterling-Savage to address your dog’s fearful behaviors. It includes a personalized training plan, ongoing support, and expert guidance to guarantee long-term success.
As one of the few certified Behavior Analysts specializing in Applied Animal Behavior and among just 50 CAABs nationwide, Dr. Echterling-Savage brings a wealth of knowledge to every session. With a doctorate in the field, published research on canine behavior modification, and 25 years of practical experience, she is a trusted authority in behavioral modification training. Dr. Echterling-Savage’s consultations provide a unique opportunity for those seeking significant progress in their dog’s fearful behavior.”
Dr. Echterling-Savage will meet with you virtually to assess your dog’s fearful behavior and create a customized training plan to address their unique challenges. Following your initial session, she will provide ongoing guidance and future consultations to modify your dog’s fearful behaviors, ensuring steady progress in your dog’s training. This program runs for four weeks for mild cases and six weeks for moderate or severe cases.
During this personalized training program we will address fearful behaviors that include:
Cowering, pulling uncontrollably on the leash and stiffening when exposed to:
Shaking uncontrollably, ears flat, tail between the legs and trying to rush inside the house or car when in the front yard, outside or in crowded areas.
Having trouble following commands including wait, sit, recall and leash walking because of fearful behavior.
Depending on the distance from Tampa Bay, travel may be complimentary or require a small additional cost.
We use a function-based approach to treat fearful behaviors, allowing us to identify the causes and develop a personalized training plan. Our science-based training methods include classical counterconditioning, where we pair positive rewards, such as treats, with stimuli that trigger fear. Through repeated exposure over multiple sessions, dogs learn to form positive associations, which can reduce or even eliminate the fearful behavior.
At their home in Tampa Bay, Florida, your dog will live and train directly with two leading experts in their field.
Dr. Kristyn Echterling-Savage is a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB) and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with a Ph.D. in Behavioral Psychology, specializing in animal behavior. She has over 20 years of hands-on training experience and mentors and trains Beyond the Dog’s trainers.
Sean Savage is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC), Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA), who brings decades of experience in training manners, obedience, and addressing complex behavioral issues.
Before the training program begins, Dr. Echterling-Savage will meet with you for a virtual consultation to review and discuss your training goals and your dog’s behavioral history. You will also need to complete our “Indirect Assessment of Canine Behavior,” which will provide us with further information on your dog’s behavioral history.
We use a function-based approach to treat fearful behaviors, allowing us to identify the causes and develop a personalized training plan. Our science-based training methods include classical counterconditioning, where we pair positive rewards, such as treats, with stimuli that trigger fear. Through repeated exposure over multiple sessions, dogs learn to form positive associations, which can reduce or even eliminate the fearful behavior.
Dr. Echterling-Savage or Sean Savage will transport your dog from your home to their home in Tampa Bay. Your dog will live as part of the family and enjoy leisure time with dedicated training time. Training will take place at home and throughout the Tampa Bay area, including shops, parks, dog-friendly beaches, hiking trails, and farmers’ markets.
You will receive regular updates on your dog’s training through correspondence, including calls, emails, videos, and photos. At the end of the four-week Board and Train Wellness Retreat, Dr. Echterling-Savage or Sean Savage will return your dog home for 4.5 hours of return follow-up lessons, which may include the assistance of another of our trainers. These lessons will teach you how to manage their newly learned skills and ensure long-term success in their training.