Fear, Anxiety, Aggression

Easton Oxford and St Michaels, MD

INCLUDING LEASH REACTIVITY

Behavioral Training for Big Feelings

Some dogs have problems at home—guarding food or toys, clashing with other pets, or going crazy when someone comes to the door. Others find the outside world overwhelming, reacting to other dogs, unfamiliar people, cyclists, or even distant sounds.

These “big feelings” often look like aggression. I know how upsetting and embarrassing it is to see your dog lose control—and how worrying it can be to consider the risks to themselves, to you, or to others.

If your dog has some worrying behaviors, it’s important to understand that what they really need is professional behavioral support—not obedience training. I can help.

  • “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

First, when we lower stress—physical, mental, and emotional—our dogs can begin to calm down and think instead of reacting to triggers.

And then we can build more confidence, security, relaxation, and optimism.

Behavior modification training starts with (1) reducing exposure to triggers as much as possible, and (2) providing healthy outlets for natural behaviors like sniffing, chewing, licking, and problem-solving. Meeting their needs as dogs, as their breeds, and as individuals makes a huge difference with unwanted behaviors.

From there, we build strong foundation skills, at home, such as relaxing on a mat, even with distractions; checking in with you voluntarily; and learning what to do in challenging situations.

With practice, those new skills and confidence turn once-overwhelming moments into cues to look to you—or simply ignore. The result: a calmer, safer, happier dog who’s much easier to live with.

Relief for your dog means relief for you!

When dogs feel better, they behave better.

Get my help to end unwanted behaviors

Step 1 (essential)

Initial Consult

1.5 hour consultation: $165

At our first meeting, I’ll gather details about your dog’s history, routine, environment, preferences, and behavior issues. We’ll also talk through your lifestyle and goals so my recommendations work for both you and your dog.

I’ll explain what’s happening (and what isn’t), how to avoid challenging situations right away, and simple ways to make life safer and easier for both of you.

I’ll also share a few select enrichment items, to support better behavior right away, along with helpful handouts.

I will also outline the best ways to use enrichment and skills training, should you decide to go forward to achieve long-lasting behavior changes. And I will follow up later by e-mail to check on your progress.  

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

STEP 2 (recommended)

First 4 Training Sessions

4 1-Hour sessions: $595

(includes enrichment & calming SUPPORT, tailored to your dog’s needs)

If your dog’s behavior isn’t severe (no bites) and has been going on for only a few weeks or months, 4 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.

I encourage you to check in with me between lessons, for extra support.

If you need extra/ ongoing support, you’ll be able to opt into my follow-on package of 1:1 training sessions.

STEP 3 (optional)

Subsequent Sessions

4 MORE 1:1 sessions for $495

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

Each set of sessions builds on the ones before.

It’s difficult to predict how long change will take. It always depends on the individual dog and the guardians’ ability to manage the problem, provide essential enrichment, and practice between sessions.

We really need to go at the dog’s pace to get the skills solid and reliable under the right conditions.  

There are no quick fixes and no guarantees. Trainers who sell that are probably using punishment-based techniques and tools.

I do guarantee that you will be working with an ethical, professional trainer using only positive reinforcement and up-to-date techniques.

Struggling with other issues?

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

Is your dog having problems living in a household with babies or young children?
Please consult a Family Paws Educator here: 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

  • understand that your dog needs to be calmer so they can make good choices on their own, as well as listen to you

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

  • are willing and able to actively participate in your dog’s learning journey, together

  • are eager to learn kind and fun ways to help your dog become well-behaved and more connected

  • value positive training for lasting change over quick fixes that appear to “correct” behavior you don’t like.

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

  • view your dog’s behaviors as an obedience problem

  • will try anything that seems to work instantly, including prong or shock collars, spray bottles, “corrections,” etc.

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

  • aren’t willing to make changes to support the training process

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

  • don’t want to use food for training because dogs should do what they’re told and 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.

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