BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION

BEHAVIOR
MODIFICATION

We take a scientific approach to behavior issues such as fear, anxiety, compulsions, and reactivity. Learn how to manage and recondition triggers, and teach coping skills so your dog can adapt, and how biology impacts behavior problem.

OUR PROCESS

Our behavior modification services follow these procedures:

Submit your pet’s details through our online form. A K9O professional will get back to you with more details on our services and availability.
Schedule a phone consult: to get a better idea of your situation, discuss your dog’s history, identify triggers, and assess household management and dynamics.
Schedule Follow-up Lessons. We will conduct an initial in-person debriefing from the consultation, and customize a curriculum based on your dog’s individual intricacies and needs.

PLEASE NOTE: WE ARE CURRENTLY FULLY BOOKED AND ARE UNABLE TO SCHEDULE REACTIVE AND AGGRESSIVE CASES UNTIL SUMMER 2024. ANXIETY, FEAR, AND COMPULSION BASED ISSUES ARE STILL ACCEPTED FOR BOOKINGS.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Once we have identified your dog's triggers, and have established various thresholds, we will begin the process of behavior modification. We take a holistic approach considering your dog's breed, social history, motivation, lifestyle, and age when training. Our exercises comprise of:

Redirection cues to give your dog an appropriate alternative response
Counter-conditioning to help change your dog's association to triggers
Impulse control and self-soothing exercises to help your dog decompress instead of stress
Obedience and manners for overall control and to minimize owner tension in triggering situations

ANXIETY CONDITIONS

Anxiety is common due to the dog's general inability to cope with a given circumstance or situation. It can be appear in a variety of forms including:

Separation Distress
Separation Anxiety
Containment Phobia
Hyper Attachment
Generalized anxiety
Anxiety in novel environments
Anxiety to novel dogs or people
Thunderstorm phobia
Firework phobia
Compulsions (CCD)

REACTIVE CONDITIONS

Reactive behavior is any offensive display to conflict sometimes resulting in aggression. Reactivity is often further exacerbated by hyper-stimulation, fear, and stress. Common reactivity issues include:

Resource guarding towards humans
Resource guarding towards other dogs / pets
Aggression towards strangers
Aggression during restraint or handling
On-leash dog reactivity
Off-leash dog reactivity (lack of social skills, distance increasing)
Competition and rivalry in a multi-dog household
Territorial aggression

FEAR AND STRESS

Fear and stress are often observed in dogs which a lack early socialization, sensitive/soft temperaments, or those who have had traumatic experiences. Dogs who are scared and stressed may show signs of either anxiety, aggression, or general avoidance or helplessness.

Lack of social skills and confidence
Inability to engage when stressed or overwhelmed
Avoidance of noise or sounds
Inability to accept handling or restraint (like at the vet or groomer)

NOW OFFERING BOARD-AND-TRAIN OPTIONS!

We are conveniently located on the corner of 211W and Old Hollow Road at
12167 Lee Hwy, Sperryville, VA 22740.