Dog Behavior Modification
If you’re searching for a dog trainer to help with behavior modification, you’ve come to the right place. Before we explain all there is to know about dog behavior modification, however, there’s something very important to know: we’re not looking to change your dog. We don’t want to alter your dog’s personality or try to make them a dog they’re not. Instead, we just want to help them become the best dog they can be.
Behavior modification dog training with Controlled K9 targets the specific needs of each dog and their owner. We develop personalized training plans that address your dog’s unique behavior and emotional state. No matter where your dog is starting from, we’ll develop a tailored solution to help improve the way your dog interacts with you and the world.
Why Dogs Need Behavior Modification Training
Any type of dog could need behavior modification training, no matter where they came from or what kind of life circumstances they endured. Dogs that exhibit excessive barking, aggressive behavior, intense anxiety, and other undesirable behaviors may benefit from this type of training, as it could help them in all facets of life.
Some puppies are naturally more active than others; some dogs come from broken homes where they were previously abused or mistreated. At Controlled K9, we don’t judge. We simply meet the dogs where they’re at and create customized behavior modification programs to help them become better versions of themselves.
Dog Training Behavior Modification: How it Works
There are six common techniques for behavior modification in dog training. These include:
1- Positive Reinforcement:
We reward dogs when they do things we want them to with either treats, belly rubs, or hugs, so they are encouraged to keep at it!
2- Desensitization and Counterconditioning:
Desensitisation involves gradual exposure to stimuli dogs may have previously been opposed to (i.e., loud noises, other dogs, certain personalities, etc.). At the same time, it brings in positive experiences (i.e. comfort, reassurance, etc.) to help reduce fear and anxiety.
3- Habituation:
It’s not about responding or not responding to stimuli. Instead, habituation is about getting them used to being in environments so they’re not so highly activated by them.
4- Extinction:
Extinction is about removing a reward when there is unwanted behavior. It’s more or less as simple as that, but how we do it at Controlled K9 makes it actually stick!
5- Response Substitution:
Training an alternate behavior is the process by which dogs are taught to replace an undesirable response with a more favorable one. That’s the long and short of response substitution.
6- Shaping:
In dog training, shaping involves rewarding dogs as they progressively get closer to achieving the desired type of behavior. The key is to help the dog understand that they’re on the right track, therefore shaping their tendency to continue down any given positive path.
It’s the combination and ongoing use of these techniques that yields the best results for dogs. By utilizing these strategies, our trainers help dogs become better adjusted to their environments. The overall goal is to help them integrate into your life and become loving members of your family. Addressing behavioral issues like aggression, reactivity, intense anxiety, excessive barking, and overprotectiveness doesn’t change the dog for the worse – in fact, it helps them become so much better.
Why Choose Controlled K9?
Our services are not one-size-fits-all; instead, we build each training program to suit the dog's specific needs and the owner's goals. We are known for our ability to work with even the most difficult dogs, including those that other trainers may refuse. Our trainers have extensive experience with dogs with severe behavioral issues, and we take pride in offering solutions that others cannot. We are committed to delivering high-quality service, which includes direct involvement from the owner throughout the training process.
Our training methods are grounded in a balanced approach, where we use positive reinforcement to teach dogs to respond to commands using methods that suit their needs.
Contact us to learn more about our dog training programs and see if behavior modification is something your dog could benefit from. Empower your dog to shine and become the best version of themselves they can be!
James is excellent! He trained our Australian Shepherd as a service dog for a medically needed task. James is extremely knowledgeable and professional. From our first consultation, I knew James would be able to achieve our goal that we needed with our pup. Most importantly, he took excellent care of our dog. Cannot recommend enough!
Rachel W Satisfied Customer