Training Philosophy
At Beyond the Dog Houston, we specialize in treating reactivity and aggression in dogs using the latest scientific research in dog behavior modification. From reactivity on-leash to aggression in the home, our team of professionals, led by our Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, Dr. Kristyn Echterling-Savage, is dedicated to improving you and your dog’s quality of life in Houston. Using a combination of classical and operant conditioning, our science-based training programs are proven to treat dog aggression. Utilizing our Indirect Assessment of Canine Behavior, our team will work with you to identify why your dog is engaging in reactivity and the severity of the behavior, which allows our team, under the guidance of our CAAB, to develop a step-by-step treatment plan, directly targeting your concerns. We then communicate with your trainer and involve them in the treatment plan before your program begins.
In your personalized dog training program, our trainers will work with your dog to treat their aggression wherever it occurs. Do you wish you could take your dog for a walk around Memorial Park without them barking and lunging at other people and dogs? Or do you want your dog to be the ideal companion, from shopping at Houston’s dog-friendly stores to spending time outdoors with family and friends without your dog barking? Is your dog’s barking, growling, or nipping at guests preventing you from hosting at your River Oaks home? Or maybe apartment life in The Heights is less than ideal due to your dog’s aggressive behavior? In any scenario, we will address your dog’s aggression or reactivity so you and your dog can get back to making fun, safe, and stress-free memories in Houston!
Training Programs
Our goal is to reduce and eliminate reactivity or aggression in the following contexts:
We created a treatment plan after 20+ years of experience in 4 markets treating thousands of dogs. The treatment is exclusive to Beyond the Dog. We take a functional approach to reactivity and treat it with behavior modification involving both positive reinforcement and classical conditioning. Treating reactivity and aggression is what we do best. According to research by our very own resident CAAB Dr. Echterling-Savage, classical conditioning and behavior modification are highly effective in reducing and eliminating dog aggression. In a 2015 study conducted by Dr. Echterling-Savage, researchers examined the effectiveness of an aggression reduction procedure on dog aggression. They found that the behavior modification treatment eliminated or significantly reduced dog aggression across multiple environments for all dogs participating in the study. Furthermore, the study proved owners were able to reduce aggressive behavior as well and maintain training after learning how to implement treatment. According to Dr. Echterling-Savage, “Identifying reactivity and determining why your dog is becoming reactive is the first step to helping your reactive dog. The great news is that reactivity is very treatable once it has been properly identified. We create treatment plans, proprietary to Beyond the Dog, that are, from my experience, the most effective, efficient, and ethical treatments available.”
The All-Inclusive Program for Dog Reactivity encompasses 20 training sessions across 5 intensive weeks with 2 follow-up sessions spanning a total of 22 training sessions over 8 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 dog training program. Then, your trainer will put your training plan into action! Your trainer will work with your dog 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 5-week-long training, there are 2 follow-up sessions to support your progress. 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.
If you are a pet parent with an insurance policy covering behavior modification, our reactive dog behavior modification is likely covered. Most companies with behavior policies such as Trupanion cover behavioral training when under the direction of a CAAB or a Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorist.
Our goal is to reduce and eliminate mild dog reactivity or aggressive in 1-2 contexts such as:
After nearly two decades of studying reactivity in dogs, we have observed thousands of dogs become reactive on leash. Often dogs become reactive in an attempt to distance themselves from people or other dogs. It can feel confusing because in many instances these same dogs play with other dogs or happily greet strangers while off-leash. Research by both Reisner and our resident CAAB Dr. Echterling-Savage supports that behavior modification is highly effective in treating aggression in dogs. According to Dr. Echterling-Savage, “For milder cases of reactivity, a little can go a long way. In my opinion, addressing reactivity is what we do best at Beyond the Dog.”
Our Executive Training Program for Dog Reactivity ranges from 9-12 hours of training across three to four weeks. After our pre-training team designs your program based on your dog’s Indirect Assessment of Canine Behavior, your trainer will work directly with your dog for (2) 1-hour sessions and with you for (1) 1-hour session per week. 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.
If you are a pet parent with an insurance policy covering behavior modification, our reactive dog behavior modification is likely covered. Most companies with behavior policies such as Trupanion cover behavioral training when under the direction of a CAAB or a Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorist.
Live outside of our Houston service area or want expert advice from the comfort of your couch? Schedule a virtual consultation with our CAAB, Dr. Echterling-Savage, or one of our Houston behavior consultants under Dr. Echterling-Savage’s direct supervision! We will create a customized training plan for you to treat your dog’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. Pricing for a 1-hour virtual consultation with one of our behavior consultants is $150.
Reach Out
We’ll get back to you in two wags of a dog’s tail!
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