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 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 All-Inclusive 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! 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 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.
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 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 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. 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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We’ll get back to you in two wags of a dog’s tail!
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