Aggressive behavior typically gets worse over time, so it is important to address it quickly and thoughtfully.  The way that we approach aggressive behavior affects long term outcomes, so it is important to work with an independently certified behavior professional.  There are many causes and contributing factors to aggressive behavior and each case is unique.  Arrange a Behavior Consultation with Eileen and receive certified, experienced help at a time that is convenient for you to begin addressing your dog's aggressive behavior. 

 

Unfortunately, the dog training industry and the terms "trainer" and "behaviorist" are unregulated, so anyone can open up a business and work with dogs.  Many trainers use quick-fix methods, such as shock collars (often called stim/remote/e-collars), prong collars, choke collars, and leash jerks to the collar that initially appear to stop the aggressive behavior, only for the dog's behavior to worsen exponentially in the long term.  What they do not tell people is that their dog will always have to wear the shock collar (to remain under the threat of punishment) to hopefully keep the aggression suppressed.  It is essential to address the root causes of aggression or any other unwanted behavior and to teach alternative behaviors that are more desirable that owner would rather have the dog perform in situations where aggression has previously occurred.  These trainers, sadly, do not take into account the whole dog -- to include health, genetics, past experiences, fear, anxiety, socialization, environment, or other factors -- that may need addressed to resolve the issue in the long term.  

 

Eileen is a fully certified dog behavior consultant with the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants and will assess your dog's aggression and address it through positive and humane methods.  She is also a graduate of the Mike Shikashio Aggression in Dogs Master Course.  Eileen uses behavior modification through positive reinforcement/reward-based training to change the undesirable behaviors that your dog exhibits.  Reward-based methods are the exclusive methods recommended by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) and the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB) for addressing behavior issues including severe aggression.  This involves teaching your dog new, more desirable behavior patterns, creating positive emotional associations with triggers that cause fear/anxiety/stress, and ultimately teaching him to make better choices.  She will gather information to learn why your dog is displaying aggression and will create custom solutions to address your unique situation.  

 

​We will NEVER instill fear, intimidate, or use harmful or painful techniques on your dog.  Instead, we teach useful skills using fun, relationship-building techniques.  We do NOT use shock or prong collars, yelling, intimidation, noise aversives, or leash or collar corrections.  Our philosophy is that we want and need your dog's cooperation.  We want him/her to perform the behaviors willingly, so that they can make good behavioral choices in various situations.   

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Aggressive Behavior includes but is not limited to:

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Resource Guarding, Territorial Aggression, Body Handling Aggression (toward owner, groomer, vet, etc), Dog Aggression, Stranger or People Aggression, Aggression toward Children, Aggression toward cats and other animals, Fear-related Aggression, Possession Aggression or Possessive behavior, Owner-directed Aggression, Intra-household Aggression, Fights/Biting between dogs in the home, Guarding behavior, Leash Reactivity, lunging or barking on leash, Frustration Aggression, Other reactive behavior, Redirected aggression, Growling, Snapping, Biting, Food or Toy Aggression, Situational Aggression, Conflict Aggression, Dominance

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During the Behavior Consultation:  

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• Meet for up to two hours

• Discussion of your dog's behavioral, social, medical, and training histories

• Set goals and discuss concerns

• Evaluate your dog in his natural state and home environment

• Identify any necessary safety measures

• Develop a plan for moving forward

• Gain a better understanding of your dog's behavior and needs

• Begin the training/behavior modification

• Receive helpful information and solutions

• Possible referrals, as needed, to veterinarians, veterinary behaviorists, physical therapists, and other pet professionals as needed to help you and your dog reach your goals

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Behavior Consultations and other first time appointments are conducted over Zoom, but follow-up appointments may be done either in person or over Zoom.  In-person follow-up appointments must be at a location within 15 minutes drive of Confident Canines LLC (89143).  Follow-up appointments are usually every 1-2 weeks until issues resolve.