Training Philosophy
What Is Reactivity and How We Treat This Behavior
Reactivity can be defined as when a dog responds to the presence of another dog, person or stimulus such as a car by barking, lunging, or pulling towards them. Although the behavior can escalate quickly, reactivity is predictable both through specific body postures and throughout their life. This behavior can often worsen as a dog gets older, but fortunately, reactivity is treatable through behavior modification training.
We use proven scientific research in behavior modification to treat aggressive and reactive behaviors in dogs while supporting their long-term behavioral wellness. This includes classical counterconditioning for reactivity training, which pairs a previously stressful or triggering situation with positive experiences, helping your dog develop desired behaviors. And operant conditioning, which reinforces desired behaviors consistently through reward-based training.
Benefits of Resource Guarding Dog Training
Our personalized training programs will address your dog’s reactivity or aggression in the settings where they occur.
Perhaps you would you like your dog to be the ideal companion, from shopping at dog-friendly stores to spending time outdoors with family and friends without your dog barking? Training can take place in settings such as shops, parks, hiking trails, and restaurants, where there are many distractions from people, other pets, and passing cars.
This training will teach your dog to be confident and well-behaved no matter where they are, and will allow you to comfortably go on adventures with your dog by your side.
For more information, we recommend you check out our blog on dog reactivity, where our Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, Dr. Echterling-Savage discusses what reactivity is, its causes, early signs, development, environmental impacts, and how science-based training can address this behavior.
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:
Depending on the distance from Tampa Bay, travel may be complimentary or require a small additional cost.
Scientific studies show that dogs learn more effectively when they are trained in various settings, as it allows them to generalize their skills to different environments. We use science-based training methods that includes operant conditioning, which uses reinforcement and consequences to shape behavior, and classical counterconditioning, which uses positive associations to change to reduce reactive responses and manage triggers.
Your dog will experience hands-on training directly from two renowned experts while staying in their Tampa Bay home.
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 experience teaching dogs high-level obedience, manners, and addressing problem behaviors. Dr. Echterling-Savage also trains and mentors Beyond the Dog’s trainers.
Sean Savage is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC), Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA). He brings over two decades of experience training obedience, manners, and addressing a wide range of behavioral challenges.
Together, they ensure every retreat delivers personalized, science-based training designed to achieve exceptional results in both home and public settings. While staying with Kristyn and Sean, your dog will live as part of the family, enjoying a balanced schedule of exercise, play, and downtime.
Before the program begins, Dr. Echterling-Savage will meet with you for a consultation and will use your completed “Indirect Assessment of Canine Behavior” to better understand your training goals and your dog’s behavioral history. From this information, she will develop a personalized training program that meets the unique needs of your dog.
Dr. Echterling-Savage or Sean Savage will then transport your dog from your home to theirs in Tampa Bay, Florida. While staying at their home, your dog lives as part of the family, with time dedicated to training throughout the day and leisure time. Training will occur at home and throughout Tampa Bay, including parks, shops, trails, dog-friendly beaches, and farmers’ markets, to practice obedience commands and socialization skills and address reactivity.
Throughout the four-week program, you will be updated on their progress through regular conversations, photos, videos, and progress reports. At the end of the training program, Dr. Echterling-Savage or Sean Savage will bring your dog back home, where you and your dog will undertake 4.5 hours of return and follow-up lessons. These lessons are designed to teach you how to manage your dog’s newly learned skills, reinforce desired behaviors, and ensure long-term success.