Training Philosophy
Does your dog avoid a person’s reach? Have they snapped at you after grabbing their collar? Does your dog growl if you bump them on the couch? These are all signs of touch sensitivity. Touch sensitivity is just what it sounds like – overly sensitive to touch or personal space. A dog with this behavior often shows signs of fear or aggression when handled in certain touch-related contexts. Common contexts for dogs to be touch-sensitive include going to the vet or groomer, having a harness or collar put on or taken off, and getting moved while on a bed or couch. Touch-sensitive dogs often do not like to be reached for but are happy to have pets when they, themselves, are coming up to you. Based on the data we have collected from thousands of dogs over the past two decades, we have found that many dogs that are touch-sensitive also tend to resource guard. Our behavior consultants are able to detect any problem behavior present and treat it accordingly.
If you’re interested in addressing aggression or avoidance in your dog with touch-sensitive behaviors, Beyond the Dog can help! Led by Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, Dr. Echterling-Savage, we only utilize the latest research in dog behavior in our programs. After filling out the Indirect Assessment of Canine Behavior, our pre-training team will create a customized training plan based on your goals. 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. The training will consist of a mixture of classical and operant conditioning. With classical conditioning, we will teach your dog that a person’s touch or reach is a good thing. With operant conditioning, we reinforce certain behaviors and obedience that we want to see again. Your trainer will tailor the practiced manners and obedience to exactly what you need in everyday life!
Training Programs
The goal of this Dallas training program is to reduce and eliminate anxiety or aggression stemming from touch sensitivity behaviors, including:
At Beyond the Dog, we use the most ethical and scientifically proven training methods to treat dog behavior. We have studied thousands of dogs and have found that function-based training and classical counterconditioning are the most effective and efficient treatments for touch-sensitive behaviors. In this 2023 study on the effects of counterconditioning and collaborative care in a veterinary setting, researchers found that there was a significant reduction in serum cortisol, an indicator of stress, and composite stress response between the first and last visit when following adaptive and collaborative care protocols. According to our resident Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, Dr. Echterling-Savage, “Sedatives are not the only solution for touch-sensitive dogs. In fact, from my experience, they can make the next veterinary visit even more difficult. With proper management and behavioral training, you can treat your dog’s touch sensitivity.”
This Dallas dog training program encompasses 20 training sessions across five intensive weeks with two follow-up sessions spanning a total of 22 training sessions over eight weeks, specifically focused on reducing your dog’s touch-sensitive behaviors. After completion of our Indirect Assessment of Canine Behavior, our pre-training team, led by Dr. Echterling-Savage, uses the information provided to craft your personalized dog training program. Then, your trainer will put your training plan into action! Over the course of five weeks, your trainer will work with your dog four days a week, Monday to Thursday. Three sessions per week are one-on-one sessions with your dog, and the fourth day is a lesson, where you will get homework to practice over the weekend. At the conclusion of this 5-week program, two follow-up sessions are included to ensure your dog’s progress is maintained. Please note that our indirect behavior assessments will confirm your dog’s behavior and goals. If your dog’s training program requires additional oversight from our Animal Behavior Experts, a small additional fee may be required.
Most insurance companies such as Trupanion will cover behavioral training when under the direction of a CAAB or a Board Certified Vet Behaviorist. Be sure to check with your provider to see if they will cover the cost of touch-sensitive dog training.
Our Touch Sensitivity Behavior Modification Package provides private virtual sessions with Dr. Echterling-Savage, our co-founder and Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB). As one of the few Board Certified Behavior Analysts specializing in Applied Animal Behavior and among only about 50 CAABs nationwide, Dr. Echterling-Savage brings extensive knowledge to the field. With decades of experience, including publishing research papers on canine behavior, she offers expert guidance for those looking to achieve transformative improvements in their dog’s behavior.
During your virtual sessions, Dr. Echterling-Savage will assess your dog’s touch sensitivity behavior and develop a personalized training program that addresses your dog’s needs. After the initial meeting, she will continue to provide support, guiding you through behavior scenarios that promote ongoing progress. The Touch Sensitivity Behavior Modification Package is available for $615, including several sessions and ongoing support.
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