Behavioral Solutions Package
This package is designed to resolve behavioral situations such as anxiety or aggression or to help with pets who have been living in "community" circumstances such as street dogs, hoarding situations, or other feral/semi-feral lifestyles. This package requires owner involvement and commitment. Payment options are offered to make this an affordable choice for pet owners facing tough situations. Your dog will learn to make choices, and you will learn how to encourage and support these choices. If each session were purchased individually, it would add up to at least $1800- over $2000. By purchasing the package you are committing to the investment in a better life for you and your pet, and receiving a discount for that. The payment plans include small processing fees for each payment while continuing to offer you a discount for committing to a better life for you and your pet!
The term of this package is for up to one year. The length of time we work together may be expedited, depending on how well the pet can handle the work, and how well the owner is utilizing the skills they will learn.
- Owners will learn how to set their pet up for success in a variety of situations, how to read body language of their own pet and others to prevent or manage interactions appropriately, skills to help their pet feel more comfortable in situations, management of the environment to increase confidence in their pet, and what to do if a negative interaction occurs.
- Pets will learn how to regulate emotions better, how to "ask" for help, coping strategies for reactive situations, alternate behaviors that are more acceptable in public situations, and better trust in their owner, which will naturally build confidence.
Meet twice a month for the first two months, then once a month after. Unlimited support via phone/text/email and up to 2 zoom sessions/mo after the second month.
Coaching and/or Day Training sessions are offered at a discount with this package. Coaching sessions help you refine your skills when working with your dog.
Day Training sessions are best for dogs who need extra training sessions to solidify behaviors, and you are paying me to do the extra training sessions with your dog. You do not need to be present but you are welcome!
Months 1-4:
Determine threshold, and reactivity level. Trainer will suggest management protocols to prevent further incidents or reactivity, and decompression protocol utilizing holistic methods such as acupressure, massage, dietary support and enrichment activities. We can discuss medications at this time, however, any medications must be prescribed through a veterinarian. If it appears medications would be helpful to achieve the goals I will refer you to a Behavioral Veterinarian who is willing to work with clients via Telehealth. We will develop a training plan that works for your situation and lifestyle.
Months 4-8:
Begin training, counterconditioning, introduction of alternate behaviors under threshold, assessing threshold changes, and timeframe per progression. Introduce techniques for recovery and protocol to avoid going over threshold. If working with a behavioral vet, discuss meds and report changes.
Months 8-12:
Decrease threshold, identify good choices and reward, practice in lower threshold situations, with more distractions as warranted.
Specific equipment may be suggested for this package. We will not use electronic collars or other devices intended to create aversive associations with the triggers. Such items suggested will be to increase autonomy for the animal, and help them naturally feel more secure in the otherwise traumatic situations. There are low cost options available so please discuss things with your trainer if you are concerned about cost.