In-Home Consultations and Training
- Teaching you how to manage and modify your dog's behaviors
- About 80% of our cases deal with aggression and anxiety, but we always welcome general training or obedience.
- All client information is kept strictly confidential
- We offer two ways to train your dog:
- (You-Train Program) Heather comes into your home and coaches you through the process of training
- (We-Train Program) Heather does the training directly
- The hourly fees are the same for either program. Training requires excellent timing, understanding of learning theory, and a deep understanding of the microexpressions of canine body language. Depending on your skill set, Heather may start the training with your dog so it will be easier for you to continue the process. You may be present or this can be done while you are at work. This can be a more affordable option as the dog will learn more quickly when less mistakes are made early in the learning process. You will still need to change your behavior and you will be shown how to use the same techniques to get the same results. This option is considered only on a case-by-case basis and the training is done by Heather and never by an assisstant.
General Information about our training:
- Creative, science-based, force-free techniques are used for training and behavior modification. We find what motivates your companion and use it for training. Click here for our training philosophy.
- Every dog displays their current behavior because it is works. You will learn how to cultivate appropriate alternative behaviors that serve the same function, rather than simply suppressing what you don't want through punishment.
- We want your dog to learn how to think, rather than simply reacting. You will see they become an eager participant in their own training and start looking to you for information about how to respond.
- It is our nature to tell our dogs what behaviors we do not like. Instead, we will move past that and help you identify what behavior you want, and give you the tools to teach that behavior.
- We strive to keep all dogs in their loving homes, but sometimes euthanasia or re-homing may be advised on the first visit depending on a large number of factors. If keeping your dog is a safe option, then we will perform a functional assessment to help you set your training goals, make a plan that works for you, and identify alternative behaviors that you want to train.
- Heather has liability insurance for training through the Business Insurers of the Carolinas.
Making the first appointment:
We encourage you go to your veterinarian for a complete physical work-up (including bloodwork). A large number of behavior problems can be attributed to a medical problem so we want to ensure we are working with a healthy animal. We will work with your vet to find the appropriate solutions for your companion.
We encourage you go to your veterinarian for a complete physical work-up (including bloodwork). A large number of behavior problems can be attributed to a medical problem so we want to ensure we are working with a healthy animal. We will work with your vet to find the appropriate solutions for your companion.
We also encourage the whole family to be present for the sessions. It gives us a complete picture and everyone can be as consistent as possible in the home.
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For details about the sessions, please click on the following behavior that you are experiencing:
Reactive Behaviors (aggression, fear, anxiety, or arousal)
No reactive behaviors but need training, teach tricks, or having housetraining problems.
Separation Anxiety