Training Philosophy
Is your cat relentlessly being chased or stalked by your dog? Is your cat scared when your dog is nearby? Beyond the Dog Tampa Bay specializes in managing cat chasing and aggression behaviors. We use the latest scientific research that combines classical counterconditioning with function-based training so that we can meet your dog’s specific needs.
Our training programs are developed to address 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 Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, Dr. Echterling-Savage, and our Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, Sean Savage, will design a personalized training plan to address your dog’s problematic behaviors. We have solved hundreds of cat-chasing and aggression cases with over 20 years of experience across six cities. We continually update our training methods based on the latest scientific research and hands on experience to ensure long-term success in modifying your dog’s behavior.
Training Programs
The Tampa 22-hour Training Program is designed to reduce or eliminate chasing and aggression toward your cat. We also teach essential obedience commands, such as “place” and “leave it,” to improve your dog’s behavior around your cat. The range of aggressive behaviors includes:
Our training strategies are developed by Dr. Echterling-Savage, our resident Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist. With the latest scientific research and more than 20 years of experience, our training techniques are designed to achieve significant behavioral changes in a short period. A dog’s reactivity to cats and other small animals can result from a combination of genetics, prey drive, or behavioral history. This is supported by research by Reisner, who states that behavior modification is highly effective in addressing canine aggression. Beyond the Dog’s unique function-based treatment method uses a blend of positive reinforcement and counterconditioning to help your pets live together peacefully. Dr. Echterling-Savage notes, “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 in the process.”
Our 22-hour Training Program has been created to treat your dog’s Cat Chasing and Aggression behaviors. Before training begins, we ask that you submit your “Indirect Assessment of Canine Behavior .” This assessment will provide our Co-founders and Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, Dr. Echterling-Savage, and Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, Sean Savage, with valuable information to create a customized training plan that meets your dog’s specific needs.
Our behavior consultant, Sean Savage, will then train your dog in private lessons at your home. Each week concludes with a dedicated session for you to practice and implement the behaviors and commands your dog has learned. After completing the training program, follow-up sessions will be scheduled to ensure ongoing success in correcting your dog’s cat-chasing and aggression behaviors. After the follow-up sessions, you’ll receive a complete set of notes detailing the practices to keep your dog’s training on track and to the highest standard.
Many insurance companies, including Trupanion, cover behavior modification training for cat-directed aggression if a CAAB or a Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorist leads it. Please confirm with your insurance provider if they will cover cat-directed aggression training for your dog.
The 12 Hour Training Program aims to reduce or eliminate mild reactivity and chase behaviors directed toward your cat. The behaviors we treat include:
Chasing your cat throughout the house
Stalking your cat
Growling or barking towards your cat
Our cat-chasing and aggression training programs have been designed by our Co-founder and Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, Dr. Echterling-Savage. Our team has comprehensive knowledge through our 20+ years of experience across six cities in addressing cat-chasing and aggression behaviors, helping hundreds of pets live peacefully together.
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 experience to achieve remarkable 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 Tampa uses counterconditioning and positive reinforcement to treat cat chasing and aggression behaviors. Dr. Echterling-Savage supports the effectiveness of our training methods by 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 12-hour Dog Training Program is designed to address mild cat chasing and aggression behaviors in dogs over a period of four weeks, consisting of 12 one-hour sessions. Before the training begins, we ask you to submit your completed “Indirect Assessment of Canine Behavior.” This assessment will provide our Co-founders, Dr. Echterling-Savage, a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, and Sean Savage, a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, with valuable information to develop a personalized training plan that treats your dog’s problematic behaviors.
Sean Savage will work directly with your dog during private one-hour sessions in your home and neighborhood. The location will depend on your dog’s progress and what behaviors need attention. Every session is scheduled to maximize your dog’s progress. At the end of each week, you will attend a dedicated session to reinforce the behaviors your dog has learned.
Many insurance companies, including Trupanion, cover behavior modification training directed by a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist or a Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorist. Please check if your provider will cover cat-directed aggression behavioral training.
Dr. Echterling-Savage will meet with you through two hours of private virtual consultations to address your dog’s cat chasing and aggression behaviors. This program includes virtual consultations, a personalized training plan, and ongoing support for long lasting success.
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 extensive knowledge to each session. Her comprehensive background includes a doctorate in the field, published research on canine behavior modification, and 25 years of hands-on training. Dr. Echterling-Savage will deliver expert guidance to help your dog make lasting improvements with their cat chasing and aggression behaviors.
Our Behavior Modification Package program provides personalized guidance from Dr. Echterling-Savage through two hours of private virtual consultations. During these virtual sessions, Dr. Echterling-Savage will evaluate your dog’s cat chasing and aggression behavior and develop a customized training program that addresses your dog’s problematic behaviors. Following the initial consultation, she will provide guidance, helping you with behavior scenarios that reinforce positive behavioral modification and ensure ongoing success.
The Cat Chasing and Aggression Behavior Modification Package costs $615, including two hours of private sessions and support.