Training Philosophy
Is your puppy barking at strangers or neighbors? Does your puppy bark and lunge at other dogs as you go on your daily walks? Is your puppy barking at guests coming into the house? Reactivity often begins when dogs are young and develops as the puppy grows into an adult. However, it is best to treat the behavior as soon as possible! When reactivity is left untreated, it can lead to lunging, growling, and biting as an adult dog. At Beyond the Dog, we specialize in behavior modification using the latest scientific research. From reactivity on-leash to aggression in the home, our team of professionals is uniquely qualified to treat all types of puppy reactivity and aggression. Led by our Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, Dr. Echterling-Savage, we are dedicated to the long-term health and happiness of your Dallas pup!
Private puppy training is the ideal way to treat reactivity because you can address it exactly where it is occurring, in your home or neighborhood. Whether you live in an apartment in Addison or a townhouse in Highland Park, we can tailor the training to your space with your own friends and neighbors. After completing our Indirect Assessment of Canine Behavior, our pre-training team will work with you to identify your puppy’s triggers and develop a step-by-step treatment plan to transform your puppy’s behavior. Using a proprietary combination of classical and operant conditioning, our science-based training programs are proven to treat all puppy aggression.
Training Programs
To treat your puppy’s reactivity with a tailored plan involving positive reinforcement and classical conditioning. We will teach your puppy advanced obedience as well as address their reactivity by focusing on:
We treat puppy reactivity using the most ethical and effective training methods proven by science. Behavior modification is a systematic approach to understanding and changing dog behavior through the application of learning theories, such as classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and learning theory. Our resident CAAB Dr. Echterling-Savage and our pre-training team use the latest research in dog behavior as well as our experience treating thousands of reactive dogs to design our training programs. In Dr.Echterling-Savage’s 2015 study, researchers examined the effectiveness of behavior modification on dog aggression. The study proved owners were able to reduce aggressive behavior with proper behavior modification treatment and that training could be maintained after treatment was performed. According to Dr. Echterling-Savage, “Puppy aggression can feel overwhelming and anxiety-inducing for any pet parent. However, when the reactivity is identified and treated during puppyhood, the behavior can be eliminated!”
The All-Inclusive Program for Puppy Reactivity encompasses 20 training sessions across five intensive weeks with two follow-up sessions spanning a total of 22 training sessions over eight weeks! After you submit your training contract and Indirect Assessment of Canine Behavior, our pre-training team, led by our CAAB, Dr. Echterling-Savage, uses the information provided to craft your personalized puppy training program. Then, your trainer will put your training plan into action! Your trainer will work with your puppy one-on-one for three (1) hour sessions during the week. The fourth session each week is dedicated to your training! This structure is designed to produce seamless learning and long-term behavior change. After the five-week-long training, there are two follow-up sessions to support your progress. Please note that our indirect behavior assessments will confirm the severity of your puppy’s behavior and if deemed severe you may incur a small additional fee.
Most insurance companies such as Trupanion will cover behavioral training when under the direction of a CAAB or a Board Certified Vet Behaviorist. Check with your provider to see if they will cover the cost of reactive puppy training.
Our goal is to treat your puppy’s mild reactivity coupled with relevant obedience commands including:
Our unique behavior modification can help treat your puppy’s reactivity wherever it is occurring. Our training methods are scientifically proven to eliminate puppy reactivity, from barking at other dogs on leash to barking at guests when they visit your Dallas home. Using a proprietary combination of positive reinforcement and classical conditioning, one of our Dallas behavior consultants will teach your puppy confidence around the people and dogs they used to be afraid of. We will create new, positive associations with whatever was causing your puppy to bark and teach your puppy relevant obedience commands to train calm behavior around their triggers. Research supports behavior modification as a highly effective method to treat all puppy barking and reactivity as seen in an article by Reisner. According to our Co-Founder Sean Savage, “It is critical to address puppy reactivity and puppy barking before a puppy reaches adulthood. For puppies showing fear-based behavior and low levels of reactivity, a little can go a long way and training can make a positive, lifelong impact.”
Our Executive Training Program for Puppy Reactivity ranges from 9-12 hours of training across three to four weeks. After you submit your training contract and Indirect Assessment of Canine Behavior, our pre-training team, led by Dr. Echterling-Savage, uses the information provided to craft your personalized puppy training program. Then, your Dallas trainer will put your training plan into action! Your trainer will work directly with your puppy for (2) 1-hour sessions and with you for (1) 1-hour session per week. Please note that our indirect behavior assessments will confirm the severity of your puppy’s behavior and if deemed severe you may incur a small additional fee.
If you are a pet parent with an insurance policy covering behavior modification, our reactive puppy behavior modification is likely covered. When behavior training is under the direction of a CAAB or a Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorist, most companies such as Trupanion with behavior policies such as Trupanion will cover behavioral training.
If you live outside of the Dallas Fort-Worth service area or would like a virtual consultation with an expert, schedule a consultation with our Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, Dr. Echterling-Savage, or one of our qualified Dallas behavior consultants. We will create a customized training plan for you to treat your puppy’s reactivity yourself. After your consultation, you will have the option to schedule additional virtual sessions and continued expert advice to troubleshoot training situations. Pricing for a 1-hour virtual consultation with Dr. Echterling-Savage is $375. Following protocols led by Dr. Echterling-Savage, our Dallas trainers are experts in treating reactivity and aggression in puppies. Pricing for a 1-hour virtual consultation with one of our Dallas trainers starts at $150.
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