Behavior ChallengesHealthier coping skills for dogs who are struggling

Dog-directed aggression

Whether this is directed toward unfamiliar dogs out in the world, toward dogs seen through the window or fence at home, or toward another dog in the home, we can help your dog learn to coexist more safely in these situations.

Redirected aggression

When a dog is overly aroused and frustrated because they cannot get to the target of their arousal, some dogs will turn that intensity at whatever (or whomever) is closest to them. This is often another dog who lives with them, the leash that is preventing them from getting to their target, or the person holding the leash.

“Stranger danger”

Many dogs are wary of people who are not already in their “inner circle.” We can work together to help your dog learn that strangers are not scary, they do not have to interact with them if they don’t want to, and they don’t need to show defensive behavior in order to keep themselves safe.

Leash reactivity

Some dogs who are polite and sociable with other dogs and people when off leash become overly aroused when on leash. We will teach your leash-reactive dog how to navigate the world more calmly, even when on that leash.

Noise and storm phobias

While there is some correlation between pain and increased sound sensitivity, not all noise-phobic dogs are painful. Together, we can help your dog learn to make new associations with the “scary” noises so that those sounds no longer trigger that fear response.

We will work with your veterinarian to ensure we are not missing any underlying pain or other medical conditions that could be contributing to a noise-triggered startle response.

Separation anxiety

Some dogs get bored when left alone and become destructive as a means to entertain themselves. Some dogs experience FOMO, and will tell us how unhappy they are to be left behind, but settle once alone. Other dogs show significant distress when confined in a crate or pen, but are comfortable and relaxed in a room or with whole-house privileges. But some dogs do experience a true panic response to being alone in a house (or without a human present). True panic-disorder separation anxiety is a medical condition that must be formally diagnosed by a veterinarian. If your dog is showing behaviors consistent with a true panic response, we can work together, with your vet, to help your dog build confidence when unattended. If you believe your dog is struggling with separation anxiety, read more about my separation anxiety program.

Over-arousal

It can be truly inspiring to see a joyful dog. But for some dogs, the behavior goes beyond joy to a degree that shows a dysregulation of behavior. We often refer to this as “over-arousal.” With proper structure, routines, predictability, and conditioning, we can help your dog learn to better manage their arousal, and thus their behavior.