Fear, Anxiety, Aggression

Easton, Oxford and St Michaels, MD

INCLUDING LEASH REACTIVITY

Behavior Modification for Big Feelings

Many dogs tend to over-react to certain situations at home, by guarding resources, not getting along with other pets, or exploding when someone is at the door.

Or they may be difficult to take out in public because they get upset seeing other dogs, people who look different, etc.

Dogs with big feelings often display aggressive behaviors or extreme avoidance. They need professional help—and so do their people!

I know how distressing and frightening it can be to see your lovable companion just freak out in certain situations. You’re embarrassed and worried about the risks for your dog, for yourself, and for others who might get hurt.

I CAN HELP

When we can lower stress and tension (physical, mental, and emotional), dogs are able to calm down and think— instead of reacting to their triggers.

The goal is for your dog to feel safe, confident, and more connected with you, able to handle situations that are challenging now.

We also look at easy ways to increase enrichment opportunities, meeting more of their species/breed/individual needs.

When dogs feel better, they behave better.

Then behavior-modification training teaches alternative skills, relaxation, and replacement behaviors for those difficult situations.

And as their skills and confidence grow, those scary/very exciting events become cues to turn to you, or are just ignored. What a difference a holistic approach can make!

  • “Lisa was very sensitive to our dog's particular needs. She gave us many tools and techniques to help with Grace's leash reactivity. She is quite knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with. Grace really liked her!”

    MM

  • “We have seen remarkable progress over six weeks, especially in walking without pulling, and how to get their attention when there are distractions. The harnesses have been very effective, and they both are using the calming mats.”

    M&LB

  • “Lisa was a wonderful resource and a kind, caring and empathetic trainer.”

    KC

Get my help to improve your dog’s behavior

Initial consult

All options begin with the Consult, where I get important information about your dog’s history, routine, environment, and behavior issues. We will discuss your lifestyle and goals—short-term and long-term—so I can come up with a plan that meets your needs as well as your dog’s.  

Consult-Only Option

1-1.5 hour consultation: $145

Consults can take place by Zoom or in person at your home (extra fee for travel outside Talbot, based on time).

After collecting information, I’ll explain my perspective on what’s going on (and what isn’t), how to manage challenging situations right now, and other ways to make life safer and easier immediately.

I will also outline the best ways to use enrichment and skills training, should you decide to go forward with long-lasting behavior change.

And I will follow up later by e-mail to check on your progress.  

Consult + 5 Sessions

1- 1.5 hour Consult + 5 training sessions + enrichment, calming products: $895

If your dog’s behavior isn’t severe (no bites) and has been going on for only a few months, 5 sessions may be enough to see significant improvement. (We can add on more if necessary.)

I’ll work with you and your dog to change those negative underlying feelings and teach the skills they need to behave better.   

I’ll also provide you with the right training gear plus enrichment and calming products (as appropriate), to help the process along.

You’ll be supported between lessons.

Consult + 10 Sessions

1-1.5 Hour consult + up to 10 training sessions + enrichment, calming products: $1495

If your dog’s behavior includes a bite history and has been going on for several months or longer, we will need more sessions and practice to make a significant and lasting improvement.

Each session builds on the last. We need to go at the dog’s pace to teach skills that will stick and to be sure they don’t slip back into old habits.   

I’ll also provide the training gear plus calming and enrichment products (as needed) to help the process.

You’ll have access to me for support between lessons.

Other issues?

If your dog is pulling on leash with occasional barking or lunging, please visit my Leash Walks page.

Living in a household with babies or young children? Please consult a Family Paws Educator. For more information and a directory, visit Family Paws.

Am I the right trainer for you and your dog?

We are probably a good fit if you . . .

  • prioritize a great relationship with your dog

  • would love for your dog to be calmer and learn how to make good choices on their own

  • want to understand canine body language, to know how your dog is feeling

  • are keen to actively participate in your dog’s learning journey, together

  • are eager to learn kind, fun ways to help your dog become well-behaved

We are probably not a good fit if you . . .

  • prioritize obedience, regardless of how your dog is feeling

  • will try anything you saw online that seems to work instantly, including aversives

  • don’t have the time or patience to help your dog learn the skills they need

  • insist on correcting unwanted behaviors instead of blocking them and teaching alternatives

  • don’t want to use food for training because dogs “should want to please you”

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Please have your dog in a crate, another room, or outside when I arrive. I don’t need to see what they normally do at the door, whether it’s aggression or over-excitement. Let’s start now to change that habit with good management (prevention). If aggression is a concern, we may need to meet outside.

  • I come to your home on a schedule we agree on. The first couple of sessions will be weekly, and then we can switch to every two weeks so you have more time to practice.

    We need a quiet space, without kids, television, or other distractions. Please have a water bowl nearby.

  • Understand that there are no guarantees when it comes to future behavior.

    What I can guarantee is that behavior will improve with your consistent management and implementation of the plan for your dog, keeping in touch with me for support when you need it.

    And with your promise that no aversive tools or techniques will ever be used with your dog, by anyone.