Behavior
The number one reason that owners surrender their pets to animal shelters is behavior problems.
Many such problems are preventable, treatable, or much more manageable with appropriate behavior modification or medical interventions. Understanding canine behavior goes beyond just “sit” and “down”. An awareness of why animals are the way they are allows us to meet our pets where they are at and avoid resentment when things go awry. Everyone two-legged and four-legged deserves to be safe, happy, and healthy in their own home.
Behaviors we can help with include:
Jumping up
Anxiety
Sound Sensitivity
Resource guarding
Biting/Mouthing
On-leash or off-leash animal/human reactivity or aggression
Undesirable elimination habits (urinating/defecating in the home)
Aggression towards other animals in the home
Fear, Anxiety, and Stress at the vet clinic
These and other such problems can be helped with appropriate behavior modification. Whereas basic obedience training is a necessary part of the foundational skills that help our pets integrate into our lives, behavior modification takes it a step further when problems arise. The mainstay of behavior modification is utilizing desensitization and counterconditioning techniques that not only teach the dog how to respond in a triggering situation, but how to emotionally cope and adjust in those situations in the future.
Sometimes, behavior issues require interventions that go beyond basic training and behavior modification. Just like a person undergoing therapy may need help from a psychiatrist, dogs with behavior problems may need a little extra help from medication or supplementation to overcome the anxiety or stress underlying a particular behavior problem. In many cases, it may be beneficial to consult with certified behavior consultant or knowledgeable veterinarian to know if medicinal intervention is necessary. In any case that may benefit from medicinal therapy, Jess works very closely with Dr. Erica to formulate a combination behavior modification and ancillary medication/supplementation plan to maximize results and increase the chances for a satisfactory outcome.
Our philosophy is based off of fear-free principles and hold to the humane hierarchy of animal training: Ruling out physical ailments first, ensuring all physical and mental needs are met, and then utilizing positive reinforcement based methods as our first line of defense of “treating” undesirable behaviors. We do not advocate for punishment based techniques as such techniques have a high percentage of worsening undesirable behaviors and damaging the bond we have with our four-legged friends. They often mask the reason behind the undesirable behavior under the guise of an “obedient” dog.
Want to know more about how we can help or unsure about exactly what services may be best for your situation? Reach out to us and we’d be happy to talk through what may be best for youand your pet!