| behavior modificaton |
| Let Wild Canine help you understand why your dog reacts aggressively in certain situations and help you structure your life so you can change your dog's behavior while keeping everyone safe and relaxed. How does in-home training work? All in-home training begins with a 70 minute face to face behavior consult with Jen. During this time you can discuss your dog's particular behavior issues and training goals. Jen can see your dog's behavior, in the home, where it occurs, assess your goals, lay out a time-frame and help you draw up a realistic, systematic plan for success. Jen will come to your home on a weekly or bi-weekly basis to monitor your progress, give constructive feedback and provide you with lesson plans. During and after this time, Jen is available as a resource to you by phone or e-mail - there is no such thing as too many questions. Who should consider in-home training? In-home training is appropriate for dogs who display aggression toward people, dogs, children or small animals. Aggression comes in many forms and can be displayed in very specific contexts such as: guarding the foodbowl, bark/lungeing while on leash, growling over toys or bones, nipping or biting at people on bicycles or skateboards, charging windows or other barriers, etc. Since aggression can happen very contextually and creates a high level of tension in people and dogs, it is better dealt with in home. What is behavior modification? Behavior modification is training geared toward changing your dog's emotional state rather than teaching him a new skill. Dogs who lunge and bark at other dogs on leash, growl and snap around their foodbowl, are afraid of strangers, growl at children, or bite for any reason are good examples of dogs who would benefit from behavior modification. Behavior modification is a precise, systematic process that combines strict dog management for safety with proven scientific methods for altering your dog's emotional state. You may have heard of classical conditioning, counter-conditioning, de-sensitization - all are basically terms for getting your dog to feel great or ok about something previously neutral or scary, usually using really tasty food as a reinforcer. Behavior modification should only be carried out under the direction of a dog professional who can recommend safe management techniques, has a strong background in dog behavior, and is fluent in learning theory so they can successfully guide you and your dog toward better behavior. Will I have to "get tough" with my dog or "be the alpha" to fix this problem? Wild Canine can teach you how to modify your dog's behavior without getting physical, rough or otherwise "dominating" your dog. You can expect to re-structure you and your dog's life as well as learning how to be a clear, consistent and PROACTIVE leader. A good leader never gets in a fight with their students! Let Jen and Wild Canine help you solve your aggression issues with intelligent training backed by solid science. |
