Training Philosophy
Is your puppy barking and lunging at other people and dogs on walks? Or maybe your puppy won’t stop barking at the neighbors at home? We specialize in treating reactivity and aggression in puppies using the latest scientific research in dog behavior modification. We recommend treating puppy reactivity as soon as it arises to prevent future issues from developing as your puppy matures. From reactivity on-leash to aggression in the home, our team of professionals, led by our Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, Dr. 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 all puppy aggression. Utilizing our Indirect Assessment of Canine Behavior, our 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.
In your private puppy training program, our trainers will work with your puppy to treat their aggression wherever it occurs. Your puppy’s overall health and happiness are at the forefront of each and every one of our puppy training programs. Is apartment living in Montrose less than ideal due to your puppy’s barking? Or maybe your puppy is uncomfortable with guests coming over to your River Oaks home? In any scenario, we will address your puppy’s aggression or reactivity so you and your puppy can get back to making fun, safe, and stress-free memories in Houston!
Training Programs
Learn more about insurance options below.
To treat your puppy’s reactivity and teach them a wide variety of advanced obedience commands. We will address the following behaviors including but not limited to:
Unfortunately, puppy reactivity only gets worse with age if it is left untreated. Luckily, once reactivity has been identified, it can be treated with behavior modification. Behavior modification is behavior change over time using the environment and principles of classical conditioning and positive reinforcement. Behavior modification is highly effective in treating puppy reactivity and aggression. Research conducted by our resident CAAB, Dr. Echterling-Savage, shows behavior modification was effective in reducing dog aggression to zero or near-zero levels across multiple environments, even when implemented by owners. According to Dr. Echterling-Savage, “As a pet parent, puppy aggression can feel alarming and overwhelming. However, early intervention is key and with proper treatment, the behavior can be eliminated.”
The All-Inclusive Training Program for Puppy Reactivity encompasses 22 training sessions across eight weeks! Your trainer will customize your puppy’s training program based on the Indirect Assessment of Canine Behavior that you will complete pre-training about your puppy’s history, behavior, and training goals. After crafting your puppy’s training plan, 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! 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 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. Most companies with behavior policies such as Trupanion cover behavioral training when under the direction of a CAAB or a Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorist.
Learn more about insurance options below.
To treat your puppy’s mild reactivity coupled with relevant obedience commands including:
Whether your puppy is barking at other dogs on leash or barking and hiding under furniture whenever guests come over, your puppy’s reactivity can be treated with behavior modification. Behavior modification consists of a combination of classical and operant conditioning. First, we pair your puppy’s trigger with something positive such as tasty treats so that over time, your puppy creates a new, positive association with the stimuli that was evoking aggressive behavior. Then, we teach your puppy relevant obedience commands through operant conditioning to teach your puppy calm behavior around their past trigger. Research has shown that behavior modification is highly effective in treating aggressive puppy behavior. In one article by Reisner, behavior modification was found to be effective in treating canine aggression directed towards people. According to our Co-Founder Sean Savage, “For puppies who show low levels of reactivity or fear, a little can go a long way! It is critical to address even mild reactivity before a puppy reaches adolescence and adulthood and our unique programs do just that!”
Our Executive Training Program for puppy aggression ranges from 9-12 hours of training across three to four weeks. After we design your program based on your puppy’s Indirect Assessment of Canine Behavior, your trainer will work directly with your puppy for (2) one-hour sessions and with you for (1) one-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. Most companies with behavior policies such as Trupanion cover behavioral training when under the direction of a CAAB or a Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorist.
Need help treating your puppy’s reactivity but live outside of the greater Houston area? Schedule a virtual consultation with our CAAB, Dr. Echterling-Savage, or one of our behavior consultants under her direct supervision! We will deliver management strategies and create a customized training plan for you to treat your puppy’s reactivity yourself. After your consultation and depending on the severity of your puppy’s reactivity, 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.
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