Dogs are family. As with all family members, if you want to avoid conflict and frustration, we must create a deep and meaningful relationship based on trust and understanding; dogs should not be exempt from this. Dogs can be our best friends, our lifelong companions, and our greatest teachers. But we can only accomplish this if we open our hearts, our minds, and use safe, humane techniques.
- Amy Martin, Conscious Companion
Below are some of my Canine Behavioral Specialties.
Please Note: Due to demand and family safety, the above two situations are my top priority concerning dogs in the home. I will take these cases before any of the other issues listed below. If I am not available to help you with your current issue, I will gladly refer you to another qualified, force-free trainer in the area.
Canines and Felines as FUR-Ever Friends!
MYTH: Cats and dogs will "just figure it out eventually."
TRUTH: All relationships take time and effort, but with cats and dogs we must use specific tools and techniques that are based on the needs of each species, and the needs and preferences of the individual animals.
Many pet owners have both cats and dogs, but these owners are unaware of what is needed to help everyone coexist peacefully. We can create lasting friendships that create bonds instead of conflict!
TRUTH: All relationships take time and effort, but with cats and dogs we must use specific tools and techniques that are based on the needs of each species, and the needs and preferences of the individual animals.
Many pet owners have both cats and dogs, but these owners are unaware of what is needed to help everyone coexist peacefully. We can create lasting friendships that create bonds instead of conflict!
Reactivity, Agression and Fearful Behavior
Lunging, Barking, Growling, and Hiding ... OH MY!
The many faces of fear can be quite ugly at times, but when we truly understand what's going on in the dog's mind and body, we can begin to help them heal.
Growling, snarling, snapping, and biting is often rooted in fear. Dogs who are aggressive, fearful, and reactive are experiencing an incredibly strong emotion that has the power to overshadow previous training, and impedes the ability to think clearly.
But there's hope! When we change an animal's underlying emotion, their behavior changes. Emotions are affected by association with experiences. Negative emotional responses in dogs are observed as growling, lunging, fearful barking, etc.
If we punish a growl, lunge, or bite with a reprimand/scolding, we are only adding something more unpleasant/fearful to an already unpleasant/fearful feeling. Punishment like this only makes our dogs feel more stressed. But, if we teach our dog to look forward to the things that s/he was previously afraid of, our dog will no longer feel the need to growl, lunge, or bark out of fear! Dogs who are fearful and in distress need your love and patience more than ever. You can help them heal.
The many faces of fear can be quite ugly at times, but when we truly understand what's going on in the dog's mind and body, we can begin to help them heal.
Growling, snarling, snapping, and biting is often rooted in fear. Dogs who are aggressive, fearful, and reactive are experiencing an incredibly strong emotion that has the power to overshadow previous training, and impedes the ability to think clearly.
But there's hope! When we change an animal's underlying emotion, their behavior changes. Emotions are affected by association with experiences. Negative emotional responses in dogs are observed as growling, lunging, fearful barking, etc.
If we punish a growl, lunge, or bite with a reprimand/scolding, we are only adding something more unpleasant/fearful to an already unpleasant/fearful feeling. Punishment like this only makes our dogs feel more stressed. But, if we teach our dog to look forward to the things that s/he was previously afraid of, our dog will no longer feel the need to growl, lunge, or bark out of fear! Dogs who are fearful and in distress need your love and patience more than ever. You can help them heal.
Puppy Prep, Socialization, and Training!
Hocus Pocus, our rescued puppy at 8 weeks young
Preparing your Home for a New Puppy!
Getting a puppy is REALLY exciting BUT no one wants to spend all of their time immersed in puppy chaos! We all would rather be enjoying your new puppy with your family instead. Organization and planning is the key. I will help you prepare your home for your new life with your new puppy. You'll learn what you need to know about bringing a new puppy or older rescue dog into your home, and you'll be taught basic foundation skills of training that you will use for their lifetime!
Puppy Socialization !
Puppies are are like mental sponges; they are learning ALL the time, so you ALWAYS need to be ready for what to expect, and you need to always be one step ahead. The first few months of a puppy's life are the most crucial and most influential. Lack of experience, or a negative experience, can lead to major behavior problems such as aggression, fear, and anxiety. Proper socialization during this time will help your puppy reach his or her full potential and last throughout adulthood.
Training!
Whether you want them to chew on appropriate things, pee and poop in the right place, and feel good about the big bad world around them, an ounce of prevention is worth avoiding years of frustration, stress, and destruction! I can help you to get it right the first time.
Getting a puppy is REALLY exciting BUT no one wants to spend all of their time immersed in puppy chaos! We all would rather be enjoying your new puppy with your family instead. Organization and planning is the key. I will help you prepare your home for your new life with your new puppy. You'll learn what you need to know about bringing a new puppy or older rescue dog into your home, and you'll be taught basic foundation skills of training that you will use for their lifetime!
Puppy Socialization !
Puppies are are like mental sponges; they are learning ALL the time, so you ALWAYS need to be ready for what to expect, and you need to always be one step ahead. The first few months of a puppy's life are the most crucial and most influential. Lack of experience, or a negative experience, can lead to major behavior problems such as aggression, fear, and anxiety. Proper socialization during this time will help your puppy reach his or her full potential and last throughout adulthood.
Training!
Whether you want them to chew on appropriate things, pee and poop in the right place, and feel good about the big bad world around them, an ounce of prevention is worth avoiding years of frustration, stress, and destruction! I can help you to get it right the first time.
New To You!
Are you new to the area? Not sure where to take your canine for grooming, socialization and health care? I will do the research to find reputable and well recommended dog services in your area. This included vets, dog walkers, doggie daycare, boarding, and grooming services. I will give you our recommended list with references, prices, and will schedule appointments for meet and greets.
Canine Companion Behavioral Services (Continued)
- Preparing for new baby
- Toddler on the move
- Dog and child safety
- Dog and other pet challenges
- Training challenges
- Toileting challenges
- Aging Challenges
- Fears
- Phobias
- Anxiety
- Aggression
- Repetitive behaviors (spinning, over-grooming, excessive vocalizing, etc.)
- Expert Advice on selection of / introduction of a new pet
- Seminars, workshops
- Puppy Socialization
- Temperament assessment
- Energy Healing
Conscious Companion Uses the Humane Hierarchy of Needs.
As Conscious Companion we must meet our canine companion’s biological, emotional, and social needs. Once these needs have been met, we can then use science-based force-free methods to modify behavior by. Rather than using force or fear we focus on the following: environmental management, antecedent modification, positive and differential reinforcement, counter-conditioning and desensitization. No Shock, Prong, or Choke devices are recommended ever.
Dr. Susan Friedman, a pioneer in the field of animal behavior, created the Humane Hierarchy. Respected, informed Veterinary Behaviorists Are Using both the The Humane Hierarchy and the Hierarchy of Dog Needs.
Does your veterinarian or current trainer use these?
The Humane Hierarchy is a ranking of training methodologies going from least intrusive for the learner to most intrusive with Level 1 being the most socially acceptable and giving the animal the highest amount of control. Control is important for reducing stress and empowering an animal. You can become empowered by learning about these techniques here.
Dr. Susan Friedman, a pioneer in the field of animal behavior, created the Humane Hierarchy. Respected, informed Veterinary Behaviorists Are Using both the The Humane Hierarchy and the Hierarchy of Dog Needs.
Does your veterinarian or current trainer use these?
The Humane Hierarchy is a ranking of training methodologies going from least intrusive for the learner to most intrusive with Level 1 being the most socially acceptable and giving the animal the highest amount of control. Control is important for reducing stress and empowering an animal. You can become empowered by learning about these techniques here.
We humans may be brilliant and we may be special, but we are still connected to the rest of life. No one reminds us of this better than our dogs. Perhaps the human condition will always include attempts to remind ourselves that we are separate from the rest of the natural world. We are different from other animals; it's undeniably true. But while acknowledging that, we must acknowledge another truth, the truth that we are also the same. That is what dogs and their emotions give us-- a connection. A connection to life on earth, to all that binds and cradles us, lest we begin to feel too alone. Dogs are our bridge-- our connection who who we really are, and most tellingly, who we want to be. When we call them home to us, it'as as if we are calling for home itself. And that'll do, dogs. That'll do.
― Patricia McConnell, For the Love of a Dog: Understanding Emotion in You and Your Best Friend