Training Philosophy
What Is Touch Sensitivity and How Do We Address It?
Touch Sensitivity is when a dog is over-sensitive to touch and shows signs of aggression or fear when being handled. Touch sensitivity can often be observed when putting on or taking off your dog’s collar or leash. Signs of touch sensitivity can also include your dog snapping at you when you try to wipe their paws or growling at a veterinarian during an examination.
This behavior is similar to resource guarding in terms of its progression and will often worsen as they get older if left unaddressed. Fortunately, touch sensitivity can be treated through behavior modification training. To treat this behavior, we use science-based training methods that include classical conditioning to build positive associations with experiences and positive reinforcement, which rewards dogs to reinforce desired behaviors.
For more information on touch sensitivity, you check out this blog written by Dr. Echterling-Savage which explains the progression of touch sensitivity in puppies.
Benefits of Touch Sensitivity Training
After completing our program, your dog will be more confident and relaxed during handling at home, at vet or grooming appointments, and in common situations such as wiping their paws or taking their collar on and off.
Early intervention is key to treating touch-sensitivity behaviors before they get worse, and behavior modification training helps your dog form positive associations with touch and handling, reducing fear and defensive reactions such as growling, snapping, or even biting. For more information on touch sensitivity, check out this blog written by Dr. Echterling-Savage, which explains the progression of touch sensitivity in puppies.
Training Programs
This program offers 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. This program runs for four weeks for mild cases and six weeks for moderate or severe cases.
Our goal in this program is to treat touch sensitivity by teaching your dog positive associations with being touched and handled, including the following scenarios:
Program Includes:
Depending on the distance from Tampa Bay, travel may be complimentary or require a small additional cost.
Our touch-sensitivity programs are developed by our co-founders, Dr. Echterling-Savage, a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, and Sean Savage, a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant. Our personalized programs use science-based training methods, including cooperative care, classical conditioning, and positive reinforcement, which teach positive associations with being handled.
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.
To develop a personalized training plan that best addresses your dog’s unique needs, we ask that you submit your completed “Indirect Assessment of Canine Behavior” and meet with Dr. Echterling-Savage for a virtual consultation to discuss your training goals and your dog’s behavioral history.
Dr. Echterling-Savage and Sean Savage will then transport your dog from your home to Tampa Bay. They will live as part of the family and participate in dedicated training sessions in their home and throughout Tampa Bay, including parks, hiking trails, shops, dog-friendly beaches, and farmers’ markets. We use science-based training methods that includes classical conditioning to develop positive associations with experiences and positive reinforcement, which rewards dogs to reinforce desired behaviors. Your dog will learn high-level obedience commands, manners, and socialization skills, and address touch-sensitive behavior. By training your dog across a wide variety of settings and distractions, we can ensure they can handle any situation.
Throughout the program, you will receive regular updates and phone and video calls to keep you informed of their progress. At the end of the four-week program, Dr. Echterling-Savage or Sean Savage will return your dog to your home in. You will receive 4.5 hours of return and follow-up lessons to teach you how to maintain their newly learned skills and ensure long-term success.