Emotional Behaviors

INCLUDING LEASH REACTIVITY

Behavior Modification for Reactivity

Many dogs over-react to unfamiliar people, other dogs, cats, wildlife, vehicles, and other particular triggers in their environment with 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 beloved companion respond to everyday situations with over-the-top behaviors. You worry for your dog, for yourself, and for others who might get hurt.

I CAN HELP

When dogs feel better, they behave better.

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

The result is that your dog feels safer and more connected with you, able to relax in situations that are challenging now.

With behavior-modification training, dogs learn to make better associations with their triggers—and then learn to offer alternative behaviors that pay off well!

Their confidence grows, and scary things become no longer scary.

Staying under threshold and going at their pace is what makes the process successful.

  • “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 with 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, priorities, 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 needs.  

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 a few weeks or 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 feelings underlying the issues and teach the skills they need to behave better.   

I’ll also provide you with a selection of training, enrichment, and calming products for your dog (as appropriate), to further support your progress.

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 time and practice to make a real difference and reduce or eliminate that risk.

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

I’ll also provide a selection of suitable training, calming. and enrichment products for your dog (as needed) to further support your progress.

Other issues

Struggling with aggression on leash? If your dog is pulling hard with barking, lunging at other dogs, people, bicycles, whatever, 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.