Training Philosophy
What Is Fearful Behavior and How Do We Address This?
Fearful behavior can be defined by the combination of body signals, actions, and reactions a dog uses to cope with perceived stress or threats.
Signs of fearful behavior include your dog being too scared to go outside, frantically trying to get back inside after going on a walk and being terrified of loud noises. We use science-based training methods to address fear and anxiety behaviors.
We treat fearful behavior by developing a personalized program that addresses your dog’s unique needs. This can include a blend of classical conditioning and positive reinforcement training methods. This approach includes teaching specific obedience commands to manage your dog’s reactions to their triggers. We provide luxury dog training services, serving Kansas City, Nashville and St. Louis.
Our team will work with you to identify why your dog is engaging in fearful behavior and the behaviors severity. This allows our team to develop a step-by-step treatment plan, directly targeting your concerns.
Benefits of Fearful Behavior Dog Training
Our team, led by Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist Dr. Kristyn Echterling-Savage and Certified Dog Behavior Consultant Sean Savage, uses proven scientific training methods and over 50 years of combined training experience to treat fearful behaviors.
We will teach your dog to overcome their fears and build confidence. This includes helping your dog not to be frightened of passing vehicles and when noticing other dogs and people. By the end of the training program, your dog will be more confident and comfortable when out in public, when guests are at your home, and when visiting the vets or groomers.
Training Programs
Our Fearful Behavior Modification Package offers private virtual sessions with Dr. Echterling-Savage, our resident Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB). Dr.Echterling-Savage is one of only a few Board Certified Behavior Analysts who work in Applied Animal Behavior and one of approximately 50 CAABs in the country. With decades of experience that includes the publication of research papers on canine behavior, Dr. Echterling-Savage’s expertise places her at the forefront of her field, providing consultations that are a truly special opportunity for those seeking transformative results.
Dr. Echterling-Savage will meet with you virtually to discuss your dog’s fearful behavior, where she will develop a personalized training plan that meets your dog’s unique needs. Following your first meeting, Dr. Echterling-Savage will provide ongoing support and troubleshoot fearful behavior scenarios that ensure ongoing progress in your dog’s training. This program runs for four weeks for mild cases and six weeks for moderate or severe cases.
The goal of this personalized training program is to treat fearful behaviors including:
Pulling on the leash uncontrollably, stiffening and cowering when exposed to:
Depending on the distance from Tampa Bay, travel may be complimentary or require a small additional cost.
Drawing from decades of research and experience in assisting countless fearful dogs, we are experts at mitigating fearful behavior in all canine companions. Guided by our Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, Dr. Echterling-Savage, our pre-training team uses our Indirect Assessment of Canine Behavior to pinpoint the root causes and severity of your dog’s fearful behavior. This comprehensive assessment informs the creation of a tailored treatment plan, addressing your specific concerns. Utilizing a function-based approach, our treatment plan leverages the principles of classical and operant conditioning to enact positive change. Research supports classical counterconditioning as the most effective treatment for fear-based behavior in dogs as seen in a 2020 study by Riemer in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior. According to our resident CAAB Dr. Echterling-Savage, “There is nothing quite like watching a fearful dog become confident. The results of treatment truly amaze me.”
During this program, your dog will live and train with Dr. Kristyn Echterling-Savage and Sean Savage at their home in Tampa Bay Florida. Your dog’s trainer will also be supported by our dog trainer, Shelby Shipp.
This program begins by getting a deep understanding of your training goals and your dog’s behavioral history. We gather this information through virtual consultations with Dr. Echterling-Savage, combined with assessing your completed “Indirect Assessment of Canine Behavior.
Once a personalized training plan has been developed, one of our trainers will transport your dog from your home to Tampa Bay, Florida. Your dog’s safety is our priority, during this time, your dog will either sit in the cabin with a trainer, or travel in the car with them.
Your dog will then live with Dr. Echterling-Savage and Sean Savage at their home in Tampa Bay for four weeks of training. During this time, your dog will be a part of the family, dedicating time to play, train and relax.
Training will take place both at their home and across the Tampa Bay area, so that we can treat fearful behaviors and obedience training in various settings. This includes training at your home, hiking trails, parks, shopping areas, dog-friendly beaches, restaurants, and farmers’ markets.
During the four-weeks of training, you will be regularly updated on your dog’s progress and how they are enjoying their retreat. This includes virtual meetings, via phone, progress reports and emails.
At the end of the four weeks of training, your dog will be brought back home and receive 4.5 hours of return and follow-up lessons. These lessons are important to teach you how to manage all that they have learned during training and how to achieve lasting results.