Artwork copyright Kim Parkhurst.
All behavioral services are provided in your home.
My methods rely heavily on building relationships. My approach is reward-based and includes treats, toys, and games. I do not use harsh physical or psychological corrections as part of a training program.
I do not use punishments as a quick fix. I never use punishments for any fear-based problems. As part of a total training program, I might recommend the use of appropriate punishment for some behaviors if the animal, a person, or another animal is at risk. Those will be discussed on a case-by-case basis. Examples of things I might use/suggest include abrasive noise, unpleasant smells, and/or times-out. I avoid harsh physical or emotional punishments. If you prefer to use more traditional methods, another consultant will be better suited to your situation. Consult your veterinarian for other referrals.
I reserve the right to refuse any client if I feel our philosophies are incompatible or if I believe the client is unwilling to comply with my recommendations.
Because my focus is on companion dogs rather than show or field trial dogs, I usually do not work with dogs over the age of 8 months who have not been spayed/neutered. Depending on the nature of the problem, exceptions may be made for 1.) show or field trial animals, 2.) because of health reasons, 3.) when your veterinarian has an older minimum age for spaying or neutering, or 4.) because you have not yet had your adult dog long enough schedule the spay/neuter surgery.
Behavioral work is often as much art and detective work as it is science. No ethical behavioral therapist can guarantee results. There are no quick fixes or magic wands. Serious behavioral problems can take months or longer to resolve and require a tremendous commitment of time, energy, and patience from all members of the family. In some situations, medications may be needed to support the behavioral program. Aggression is not curable, but is often treatable or controllable.
Results can vary greatly and depend in large measure on how long the problem has existed, the age of the dog when the problem first began, and on the willingness of all family members to participate fully in the program. Therefore, the family should be involved in the behavioral evaluation session and, to the degree possible, in the follow up sessions.
You must be willing to manage your dog and his environment so he can no longer practice the behaviors you don’t like while you help him learn alternative behaviors and develop a good cooperative relationship. This will require a serious commitment to the behavioral program and adaptations and accommodations on your part.
Under some circumstances, your veterinarian should evaluate your dog to determine if there are any medical causes for serious behavior problems such as aggression or fear. Depending on the situation, the medical evaluation should include at least a complete physical and may require a urinalysis and blood work, including a CBC, a chemical profile, and a thyroid panel. We will discuss this after I have met with your to evaluate your dog’s situation.
The number of sessions needed depends on your specific situation and to what degree your dog currently responds to simple behavioral cues. Two or three normal-length sessions are usually adequate to lay the foundation for modifying mild to moderate problems. Dogs with little or no previous training and/or severe aggression or fear problems will likely require additional sessions.
Payment is due at the time of service.
Contact me for additional information and details
Last updated 8/1/07