Training Philosophy
Does your dog chase or stalk your cat at any opportunity? Is your cat scared when your dog is in the same room? Beyond the Dog Sarasota specializes in addressing cat chasing and aggression with dogs. Using the latest scientific research that incorporates classical counterconditioning with function-based training, we have the training solution to meet your specific challenges.
Our training programs are designed to reduce or eliminate cat chasing and aggressive behavior in your dog so that your pets can live comfortably in your home. Each training program is unique as our team, led by Dr. Echterling-Savage, will create a personalized treatment plan to address your dog’s cat aggression behavior. We have solved hundreds of cat-chasing and aggression cases with over 20 years of experience across six cities. We continuously update our training methods through the latest scientific research and hands-on expertise to ensure lasting term success in your dog’s behavior.
Training Programs
Our 22-Hour Training Program has been developed to reduce or eliminate chasing and aggression toward your cat. We will also teach obedience commands, such as “place” and “leave it,” to improve your dog’s behavior around your cat. The range of aggressive behaviors that we address includes:
Our cat-chasing and aggression training programs are developed by our Co-founder and Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, Dr. Echterling-Savage, in collaboration with our behavior consultants. Our team has a vast amount of knowledge through our 20+ years of experience across six cities in addressing cat-chasing and aggression behaviors, during which we have helped hundreds of pets peacefully coexist.
A dog’s cat-chasing behavior can result from a combination of genetics, behavioral history, and prey drive. Our training strategies combine the latest scientific research and extensive experience to achieve significant behavioral changes quickly. We incorporate scientific research, including Reisner’s study, which states that behavior modification is highly effective in addressing canine aggression. Beyond the Dog Sarasota uses a unique blend of positive reinforcement and counterconditioning to address cat chasing and aggression. Dr. Echterling-Savage emphasizes the effectiveness of our training message when stating, “Our treatments can be lifesaving regarding a dog’s aggression toward a cat they live with. Unfortunately, aggression towards a cat in the home is not a behavior that can be fully managed with closed doors or separate living spaces. We help restore balance and harmony in your home and keep everyone safe.”
Our 22-Hour Cat Chasing and Aggression Training Program addresses your dog’s cat-chasing behavior while teaching general obedience and manners.
Before training begins, we ask that you submit your completed “Indirect Assessment of Canine Behavior,” which provides information on your dog’s behavioral history. Our Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, Dr. Echterling-Savage, will use this assessment to collaborate with your behavior consultant in developing a personalized training program that targets your dog’s problematic behaviors.
Your trainer will then provide private training sessions at your home. Each session is 1 hour long, with the final session of each week being a dedicated lesson for you. During this lesson, you will learn how to reinforce your dog’s learned behavior and teach obedience commands. Follow-up sessions are scheduled after the completion of your training program to ensure ongoing success in addressing your dog’s cat-chasing behavior.
Many insurance companies, including Trupanion, will cover behavior modification training for cat-directed aggression if it is led by a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist or a Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorist. We recommend verifying if your insurance provider covers the cost of cat-directed aggression training.
The 16-Hour Training Program is aimed at reducing or eliminating mild reactivity and chasing behaviors directed toward your cat. The behaviors treated include:
Our Cat Chasing and aggression training programs are designed by our Co-founder and Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, Dr. Echterling-Savage, in collaboration with our behavior consultants. Our team has extensive knowledge in addressing these behaviors through our 20+ years of experience across six cities, during which we have helped hundreds of families live harmoniously together.
The reasons for a dog’s cat-chasing behavior can vary, but they can result from a combination of genetics, prey drive, and behavioral history. Our training methods combine our extensive knowledge with the latest scientific research so that we can achieve considerable success within a short period. Scientific research that guides our training methods includes research by Jesse et al. (2016) demonstrating that reinforcement strategies are particularly effective in reducing challenging behaviors. We use a unique combination of positive reinforcement and classical counterconditioning in treating cat chasing and aggression behaviors. As Dr. Echterling-Savage explains, “Using a functional approach to a cat chasing not only creates a straightforward, efficient treatment plan, it supports building and maintaining a healthy relationship.”
Our 16-hour Cat Chasing and Aggression Training Program has been developed to address your dog’s behavior over 4 weeks. The first step is to submit your completed “Indirect Assessment of Canine Behavior.” This assessment allows our Co-founder and Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, Dr. Echterling-Savage, to design a personalized training program that meets your training goals.
After this training plan has been developed, our behavior consultant will provide one-on-one lessons at your home. Each session is 60 minutes long, and the final session of each week is a lesson where you will learn how to reinforce the learned behaviors and obedience commands.
Many insurance companies, including Trupanion, will cover behavior modification training if it is directed by a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist or a Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorist. We recommend that you check with your insurance to see if they will cover cat chasing and aggression training.
Our Cat Chasing and Aggression Training Behavior Modification Package offers virtual sessions with Dr. Echterling-Savage, our Co-founder and Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB). As one of the few Board Certified Behavior Analysts specializing in Applied Animal Behavior and among only about 50 CAABs nationwide, Dr. Echterling-Savage brings valuable expertise to each session. Her extensive background, including hands-on training, mentoring of all Beyond the Dog’s behavior consultants, and published research on canine behavior, ensures she can provide expert guidance to help your dog make long-lasting improvements in their cat chasing behaviors.
During your virtual consultations, Dr. Echterling-Savage will assess your dog’s behavior and design a customized training plan that addresses your dog’s unique needs. After the initial consultation, she will provide ongoing support, helping you with various scenarios that reinforce positive behavioral modification and promote continued success. The Cat Chasing and Aggression Training Behavior Modification Package costs $750, including multiple sessions and support.
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