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 proprietary 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
Our goal is to treat your puppy’s mild reactivity coupled with relevant obedience commands. During our reactivity puppy training program, we will focus on:
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 our unique behavior modification treatment. Behavior modification consists of a combination of classical and operant conditioning. 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 Reactive Puppy Training Program consists of 16, 1 hour sessions of training across four weeks. Along with 30 minutes of virtual consultations with Dr. Echterling-Savage. 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 trainer will put your training plan into action! Your trainer will work directly with your puppy for (3) 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.
Our goal is to treat your puppy’s reactivity and teach them a wide variety of advanced obedience commands. During our training program, our main focus will be:
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 22-Hour Training Program for Puppy Reactivity encompasses 20 training sessions across 5 intensive weeks with 2 follow-up sessions spanning a total of 22 training sessions over 8 weeks! Along with 30 minutes of virtual consultations with Dr. Echterling-Savage. 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 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.
The 33-Hour Training Program combines scientific training methods including classical conditioning and positive reinforcement. This helps to address reactivity behaviors and teach high level obedience training across various setting, including but not limited to:
Barking, growling or lunging towards:
Teaching obedience and manners that relate to managing reactivity and creating positive experiences.
When addressing puppy reactivity behaviors, we utilise a scientific behavior modification approach that includes the application of operant conditioning and classical conditioning. Our team, mentored by Dr. Echterling-Savage, has treated thousands of reactivity cases across more than 20 years.
Dr. Echterling-Savage herself has published a 2015 study that examines the effectiveness of behavior modification on dog aggression. This study found that proper behavior modification treatment with training can reduce aggressive behavior in dogs in the long term. As stated by 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!”.
Our 33-Hour Puppy Reactivity Training Program includes 33 (1) hour training sessions, with a 30 minute virtual consultation with Dr. Echterling-Savage.
After you have submitted your completed “Indirect Assessment of Canine Behavior”, and met with Dr. Echterling-Savage for a virtual consultation, our team will better understand your puppy’s training needs and behavioral history. This will allow us to develop a personalized training program that addresses your puppy’s unique needs including the underlying causes of their reactivity behavior.
Your trainer will meet with you for four (1) hour sessions during the week. With one session dedicated as a lesson for you to reinforce what your puppy has learned. This structure is useful in created structured learning that supports long term behavioral change. Follow-up sessions will take place after training has been complete, to monitor your puppy’s progress and ensure long lasting success.
Our Reactive Puppy Behavior Modification Package offers one-on-one virtual sessions with Dr. Echterling-Savage, our resident Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB). As one of the few Board Certified Behavior Analysts in Applied Animal Behavior and among only 50 CAABs in the country, Dr. Echterling-Savage has decades of experience and has published papers on canine behavior. Her expertise makes these consultations an invaluable opportunity for anyone looking to address their puppy’s reactivity.
Dr. Echterling-Savage will work closely with you to design a training plan designed specifically for your puppy’s specific needs. After your first meeting, she’ll continue to guide you, providing ongoing support and troubleshooting behavior scenarios that help you manage your puppy’s reactivity behavior and ensure ongoing progress. This program runs for four weeks for mild cases and six weeks for moderate or severe cases.