BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION
USING SCIENCE TO ADDRESS BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS...
Behavior modification involves diagnosing your dogs condition and severity (fear, anxiety, compulsion, or aggression) and then utilizing a treatment plan with specific exercises to improve communication, emotional regulation, adaptation, and coping skills. It’s all about addressing the cause and underlying condition and teaching your dog alternatives to conflict!
At K9ology you will learn the importance of using a cross-discipline approach when addressing issues related to fear, anxiety, compulsions, or aggression. Long-term success requires considering all elements which impact behavior including: anatomy and physiology, genetics, social history, temperament, household dynamics, owner handling skills, severity, and more!
COMMON BEHAVIORAL CONDITIONS...
There are various types of conflict, compulsion, and self-preservation behaviors which are the result of fear, anxiety, or aggression. Common conditions include the following...
FEARS: Fear of strangers, Fear of novel environments, Fear of handling or restraint, Sound Phobia, Thunderstorm Phobia, Fireworks Phobia, Etc
ANXIETIES: Separation Anxiety, Separation Distress, Hyper-Attachment, Containment Phobia, Generalized Anxiety, Situational Specific Anxiety, Etc
COMPULSIONS: Canine Compulsive Disorder, Stress-Induced Compulsions, Conflict-Induced Compulsions
AGGRESSION: Resource Guarding, Territorial Aggression, Offensive Behavior Towards strangers, Dog-Dog Aggression, Leash Aggression, Compulsive Aggression, Sibling Rivalry, and more!
WHAT'S THE PROCESS? START WITH A CONSULT!
The process begins with an initial 60 minute behavior consultation where we will cover:
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Your dogs history and social development
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Brain Science, Temperament, Genetics, and Impact on Behavior
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Identifying Triggers and Thresholds
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Management and Prevention Strategies
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Exercises needed to assist in alleviating your dog’s behavior or response
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Short- and Long-Term Prognosis / Goals
Once the consultation is complete, I can customize a treatment program based on your dog’s individual needs. I will take your routine, household, and lifestyle into consideration to ensure success for you and your pup.
👀 Consultations may be conducted in person, by phone, or via Zoom.
TREATMENT PLAN
Once the initial consultation is complete, I can compile a custom treatment plan of exercises and skills required to help you and your dog. A 3/5/8/12 lesson program will be recommended based on the nature and severity of the case.
Regular lessons are scheduled once a week for the duration of the program! Each lesson is 40 minutes in length and can be conducted in person at the K9ology Center in Sperryville, at home in Augusta County, or virtually via Zoom.
PHASE I:
EMOTIONAL REGULATION
Teaching your dog how to transition ... from excited to calm, from scared to curious or confident, from anxious to relaxed, from offended to indifferent, etc. Used to ensure dog is ready to learn.
COPING & SELF SOOTHING
Teaching your dog grounding exercises, relaxation techniques, self removal behaviors, distance increasing behaviors, and decompression skills. Used to reset brain and neurons!
PHASE II:
ADAPTATION SKILLS
Teaching your dog alternative behaviors through redirection. This may include disengagement and focus exercises, impulse control skills, capturing good behavior, and more! Used to build confidence.
ACCLIMATION
Teaching your dog that triggers are irrelevant or safe using the process of acclimation (systematic desensitization)! Provides opportunities to recover from stress and build resilience.
PHASE III:
REMEDIAL SOCIALIZATION
Re-introducing your dog to triggers after neutrality has been achieved in order to form new associations and learn that trigger scenarios are safe. Dog goes from tolerant to accepting.