Behavior
Consulting
 

Behavior Consults are held at the facility (918B Harris St 22903) where training can be done in a controlled environment.  Even for issues related to on-leash reactivity, fear of strangers, or aggression to visitors at your home, it is always best to start leaning without distractions, build skills, then transfer those skills to a more distracting environment.  It is not necessary for your dog to perform the unwanted behavior during a training session. The goal is always to teach replacement behaviors, not to cause the unwanted behavior.  As your dog’s training progresses, scheduling lessons at alternate locations can be discussed. A limited number of appointment slots for lessons at home is visible on the "Register for Behavior Consultations" button above.

​

The behavior modification plan is a systematic, customized, progression of training exercises based on the science of how dogs learn.  Prior to your initial consult, a detailed questionaire is submitted. Based on this information, the first session is then planned ahead of time, allowing us to work on training strategies the very first time we meet after our initial discussion time. Each follow up lesson starts with discussion and an update on how your dog is doing. During discussion time your dog is free to roam or play with toys. (safety measures are in place for dogs that are aggressive to people to allow your dog some freedom while ensuring my personal safety) After discussion time, training exercises previously taught are reviewed.  Behaviors might be practiced in the presence of triggers if appropriate. Next steps are taken if both handler and dog are ready for new material.  A homework email / lesson summary is sent at the conclusion of each session.  It is expected that the homework will be worked on between sessions.

​

It takes several sessions to start to see improvement in a dog's behavior.  Behavior problems don't develop overnight, and they are not resolved quickly.  Ability to make progress is influenced by factors such as: early socialization history, previous training histrory, genetics, dog's age, medical conditions, living environment, handler skills, time spent practicing homework, and consistency of training sessions. To avoid long gaps between the intial and follow up sessions, I strongly recommend scheduling the follow ups at the time of the initial session.

 

Scheduling

• For the best care for your dog, scheduling a small series of lessons is suggested.  You can decide how you wish to space those lessons out using the guidelines below.  

​​

For moderate behavior problems and non-crises situations, schedule 4 sessions every other week (One Initial Consult and three Follow-Ups).  From there we might continue that schedule, switch to monthly meetings, look at group class options, or graduate your dog from Behavior Consulting Services. 

 

For severe behavior problems and crisis situations, schedule 4 sessions once a week (One Initial Consult and three Follow-Ups.  We would likely then switch to meeting every other week for several sessions.  Then we might continue on that schedule or switch to monthly sessions until we have achieved some stability in the behavior.  Once stabilized, your dog is ready to graduate from Behavior Consulting Services.

​​

• Using the "Book an Appointment" button will bring you to a calendar of availability

• It is not unusual for there to be a several week wait time. Booking your follow ups at the time of your initial consult ensures your lessons will be held consistently, which is best for your your dog's progress

• Appointment times are spaced out far enough that you will not encounter another client and their dog in the parking lot. To assist with this, please do not arrive more than 5 minutes early for your appointment

• If the behavior concern is aggression or fear of strangers in your home, please book your initial consultation at the facility. It is best for your dog to learn skills away from triggers before practicing with triggers present. Follow up consults can be scheduled in your home

• Travel for in-home session times posted on the calendar of availability is limited to 20 minutes drive from the facility (918 B Harris St) If your location is more than 20 minutes, please email for alternate appointment times. A travel fee will be calculated for locations over 20 minutes away

​

Rates

Payment in full is due at time of booking

​

• $225 / 1 hour Initial Consultation at facility

• $185 / 1 hour Follow-Up consultation at facility

• $250 / 1 hour Initial Consultation at your home

• $210 / 1 hour Follow-Up consultation your home

 

Cancellations, Rescheduling and Late Arrivals

• With more than 7 days notice to reschedule, the payment can be transferred to a new date

• With 6-2 days notice to reschedule, a rescheduling fee of $35 is charged

• With less than 2 days or same day notice, a new payment is required to reschedule the lesson

• Fees do not apply when inclement weather is the cause for rescheduling

• Lessons cannot be canceled/ refunded

• If you are running late but still make it to the appointment, the lesson will conclude at the originally scheduled time.  The lesson can not be pro-rated

​

Your Dog’s History

• There is a detailed intake form for you to complete once you click the "Book an Appointment" bar at the top of the page.  This provides a detailed background of your dog, the hitory of the behavior problem and methods tried so far to correct it. Your form is carefully read before your appointment and the information provided helps me get to know your dog and customize their first lesson. 

​

 

​