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Behavior Modification Training for all dogs (and humans) :) According to a AVSAB position statement ( American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior )* the number one reason dogs and cats are surrendered to shelters each year is due to behavior. Behaviors can be described as poor or no potty training, barking, jumping, pulling on the leash, high arousal, chewing, destruction and biting. Understanding the underlying function of dog behavior and providing a resolution can be simple or a more complex process depending on circumstances. There are so many variables involved in behavior and subtle nuances. The dogs genetics, environmental history and experience of an individual must all be considered and evaluated. And while we know dogs are capable of feeling emotions and communicating with us, unfortunately dogs use non verbal language to communicate with humans which often causes misunderstandings and frustrations.
Most of the reactive dog behaviors I've experienced in my practice stem from a fearful, anxiety or stressful experience. I've met less than a handful of dogs, who due to age led me to assess they may have been wired badly from birth. Many seeking my behavior and training assistance are clients dogs who may have missed proper early exposure and training of the environment . They may have missed the critical learning time in their development, lack of training or were affected by the wrong type of training (those that rely on intimidation, fear and pain to change behaviors. Gone unchecked chronic stress and anxiety may develop into mental illness (OCD, seizures and other phobias). Mental illness in dogs is a fairly new concept trending but it is not new to Dr. Nicholas Dodman, DVM Behaviorist and Professor Emeritus Behavioral Pharmacology, at Tufts Cumming School of Veterinary Medicine. A pioneer in the practice of mental illness in dogs, Dr. Dodman has worked with thousands of cases over his 30 years at Tufts and has introduced behavior medication combined with behavior training as a remedy to aid dogs suffering. His written a book, "Pets on the Couch", chronicles some of his work and provides a great description of the various types of behaviors that are all too often overlooked or misdiagnosed. Please know I am not suggesting all behavior leads to mental illness only that stress and anxiety is often an underlying reason for "bad behaviors". If your dog presents a sudden behavior change its always a good idea to first check with your veterinarian. Try to be patient, empathetic and contact a qualified Certified Behavior Consultant, Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist or DVM Behaviorist to help you determine the cause of your dogs emotional pain. You will want to work with someone who never relies on the use of fear, intimidation or pain when engaging with your dog as it will only exasperate the dog and cause the behavior to worsen. Behavior modification training is used to help an individual change the way they feel about something they perceive to be threatening or frightening. As a Certified Behavior Consultant and Professional Dog Trainer my role goes beyond Dog Training but includes it. I provide clients with an understanding as to "why" the behavior occurs and then design training plans and coach training building coping strategies, managing expectations and better communication. There is never a guarantee of behavior change because in the end its up to the dog to change their behaviors and you to communicate with patience and consistency. I offer coaching and day training and also team with your vet communicating as needed. |
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