Behavior Counseling

Canine Life Coach

Dog Talk LLC

A Training and Wellness Sanctuary for Dogs and their Humans!

Awareness, Education, Relationship, Well-Being

Private Behavioral Counseling - Life Coaching for your Dog!

DT Behavior Counseling Brochure

Dr. Ian Dunbar’s Bite Assessment Guide

Registration

Online Registration Form for email or fax 603-635-7441

Welcome! Are you struggling with behaviors, transitions or other issues creating stress for you and your dog? We can help you eliminate, manage and/or modify behaviors needing change. We are mindful that the process of resolving behavioral problems can be difficult for people and dogs.

Changing our dog's behavior may be as simple as understanding the natural instincts of the dog, how behaviors evolve, then making small, meaningful changes. When behaviors escalate to intolerable levels, a customized behavior modification plan that fits your lifestyle can help create balanced harmony.

Behavior change requires a strong commitment from the owner and/or family to change not only the dog's behavior but their own. Depending on the issues, sessions can run from 1-2 hours. Changes can happen in 1-session! Habitual and/or deeply ingrained, reactive behaviors may take 1-2 years to resolve and a continued management effort. There is no magic wand, but with determination, you can learn skills that will transfer to other environments (career, family, friends, well-being).

A complete, confidential intake is done at the first session. We are happy to work in collaboration with your Veterinarian. Homework, practice and teamwork are essential for behavioral change.

What Happens in a Session?

Being open-minded for positive changes is the beginning

A thorough assessment usually takes 1-2 hours. Subsequent sessions depends on the extent of the issue. You will be asked to complete a brief behavioral questionnaire before your session. All members involved are encouraged to attend. Your dog should have a health and wellness check to rule-out any underlying medical conditions that may cause behavioral change.

There is no refund for behavior coaching sessions. The effort you put into it will equal the results.

Behavior Modification Plan

A BMP will be created with win/win solutions, techniques and homework for you and your dog.

Realistic, honest prognosis for improvement and/or management is provided.

Lifestyle changes may be recommended.

Additional reading may be advised and/or provided.

Referrals to a Veterinarian with behavioral experience may be necessary for medication. We are happy to collaborate with Vets.

Follow-Up

Verbal and written recommendations and homework is provided.

It is your responsibility to begin practicing.

If you have questions, 2 e-mail follow-ups are provided.

Subsequent sessions should be scheduled to evaluate progress, making required changes. Not all approaches work immediately. Flexibility and patience are virtues.

A copy of the summary will be sent to your Veterinarian upon request.

Treatment recommendations are modified as needed.

Observation

Interactions between you and your dog, and your dog’s behavior, will be observed during the evaluation.

Temperament testing may be performed when appropriate for reactive behaviors.

Video visual recordings (unedited) of problem behavior are encouraged for helpful observation.

Observing some types of behavior may not be possible, necessary or safe.