Behavior Challenges
Life with a dog who struggles behaviorally is stressful for both ends of the leash. You deserve a trainer that understands that challenging behavior often requires a multi-modal approach.
You love your dog. You want the best for your dog. But your best hasn't been enough to help your dog's behavior (yet). Maybe you've tried the advice to obedience train your way out of the problem, or to do something to your dog each time they exhibit the problem behavior. Maybe the behavior was manageable before but has gotten worse. You may find yourself feeling as if your own world is shrinking. Walks are practically impossible. You're embarrassed by your dog's reaction to the sight of other dogs. You're afraid to have visitors. Or you feel trapped by your dog's inability to be alone.
It doesn't have to be like this. Instead of resentment, let's reset your relationship.
Challenging behavior is usually a symptom of underlying issues, and requires a plan that supports everyone involved. I've made a career of meeting learners where they are and helping them make progress towards their goals via a combination of ensuring their needs were met and helping them learn new skills. I don't do "one size fits all" plans, but craft a plan based on your dog, your goals and your life. You and your dog deserve no less.
Training Plan Components
Assessment
All packages and training start with an assessment. This gives a starting point and helps us craft specific goals.
Skills
Competence leads to confidence! Plans target specific skills for both dog and humans so you'll both know what to do if a sticky situation occurs in the future
Underlying Factors
Unmet needs and strained relationships are often both cause and effect of challenging behaviors. Plans integrate practical ways to support the whole dog and your relationship.
FAQ's
"I just had to share these photos of calm Ginger as I was doing my morning yoga...Thank You Laura for your guidance!! What a beautiful start to the weekend!"
Laura and Ginger
What kind of equipment do you use? I use harnesses, regular or martingale collars and a variety of non-retractable leashes. I may also use targets, clickers, and a variety of items for Freework or TTouch methods. And in general, food/ treats.
Why do you require a separate assessment session? I want to gather more information before proposing a training plan. The assessment session allows me to learn more about your dog and your situation in order to work on a proposed plan that's crafted just for you and your dog. And, it gives both of us a chance to see what it would be like to work with one another before making a larger committment.
Will you guarantee to fix my dog? The short answer? No. It would be unethical. to make guarantees about living beings. I will guarantee that I'll strive to be honest, supportive and creative throughout our time together.
"The tools that she gave us have enabled us to address and redirect the nervous side of our very sweet Golden. Her recall has also vastly improved"
C H and Piper
Do you need to see my dog react to other dogs or people during the assessment? No, although if you have video of previous encounters I could watch those. I don't need your dog to go over threshold and react in front of me in order to create a plan. A counselor doesn't need to watch a client make poor choices to help them, just as a physical therapist doesn't need you to have another fall to help you heal from an accident.