Learning Theory | Observing Dogs' Behavior | What I Do

As we work together, I will diagnose the problem based on my knowledge of learning theory and my observations of your dog—rather than relying on interpretation. For example, I might notice that the dog is barking and snarling at other dogs when he is on leash, but he plays nicely when he is off leash. This observation suggests that the dog is leash- reactive, which is a specific type of aggression.

Once we have discussed your goals and I have observed your dog’s behavior, this is what I will do:

• I will give you relevant information about your dog’s behavior.
• I will suggest management techniques to give you some immediate relief from the situation—and to stop the dog from practicing (and perfecting) the behavior that you want to change.
• If you decide to move forward with training, I will put together a training plan to modify your dog’s negative behavior by teaching him an alternative positive behavior.
• I will train your dog so that the new behavior(s) become his default behavior(s).
• Lastly, I will teach you how to manage and continue to reinforce your dog’s newly learned, desirable behaviors.