05/26/2026
🤔TIPS TUESDAY🤔 A thinker rather than a demo video this week!
Ever wonder what happens during a Behavior Consult? That is, you have a dog and are struggling with some undesirable behaviors, so you've sought out advice from a trainer. Do trainers just correct the issue your dog is having with some one-size fits-all training plan or recipe (or magic wand) and send you on your way?
WHAT TO EXPECT from me (or a trainer like me):
Firstly and most importantly, communications and interactions are kind; kind to the human and kind to the dog. And always respectful of the relationship between guardian and their dog. I'm a member of a fantastic FB group from the UK called "Kindness is Essential Not Optional (KIENO) - open to everyone, professionals in the dog industry as well as dog guardians.
I will set a general agenda for the behavior consult (private session) based on the information provided during communications and on my intake (registration) form.
REQUIRED INFORMATION includes:
- Dog's age/breed, when they joined home and where they came from (breeder, rescue, etc.)
- Dog's health status and any medications they may be on
- Dog's learning and behavior history that is known
- Details of the challenges the guardian is experiencing
- An overview of their daily routine and environment
- Overall aims or goals of the guardian with respect to their dog (pet or working or sports prospect)
I may have follow-up questions based on the information provided prior to the in-person consult.
I try to pick a neutral (not triggering), minimally distracting environment for our in-person discussions and work. Suitable for that guardian and their dog.
The session agenda is not set in stone, but instead flexible; modified for that guardian or handler.
DURING THE CONSULT:
I focus on what TO DO rather than what not to do. Fostering a judgement-free, safe space for the team.
In general, I follow the attached framework from Do no Harm Dog Training (Linda Michaels). This infographic is very useful for guardians to consider as well. Plenty of things contribute to behavior. It matters whether the biological, emotional and social needs of your dog (as an individual) are being met before problem behaviors are addressed by training or behavior modification plans. Sometimes, just addressing these needs, actually resolve the problem behavior (or at least a few aspects of it).
Problem behaviors are classified as nuisance or complex.
NUISANCE behaviors are normal, instinctual behaviors dogs perform that we just don't desire in a good companion. Examples include: counter-surfing, leash pulling, jumping, digging, attention-seeking barking, to name a few. These behaviors can be resolved through a combination of modified routines (to provide adequate exercise and mental stimulation), management plans (to prevent rehearsals), teaching incompatible replacement behaviors, basic manners or obedience, and providing outlets for the expression of these normal propensities to satisfy their (breed) needs. Management is discussed in the behavior consult, and we usually have time to teach 3-5 foundation behaviors that'll be useful in problem solving. At minimum, a follow-up session is recommended to get to everything you'll need to put in practice and to troubleshoot the homework given. I may too suggest, instead of privates to address things as they come up, that a full puppy program or an adolescent/adult manners program with a set curriculum would be beneficial and more economical for you.
Problem behaviors classified as COMPLEX are dysfunctional behaviors that arise from physical or emotional trauma, genetics, or medical issues (i.e., pain, gut-brain imbalances). These abnormal actions the dog performs (likely in an attempt to relieve their own stress or distress) are persistent and they disrupt normal function and successful interaction with their environment (including interactions with handler and family members). Such actions can significantly impair the quality of life, social dynamics and wellness of the human(s) and the dog. Examples include the behaviors observed in: reactivity, separation anxiety or other attachment disorders, resource guarding, fear-aggression, hyperarousal, to name a few. You will be referred to a veterinarian (DVM) for a full health check (to rule out pain and medical issues), potentially a veterinary behaviorist (DVM-VB) to confirm behavioral diagnosis and for medication. Understanding well, what is in my lane and what is not, I may choose to refer you to a certified behavior consultant (IAACB or CBCC, I know alphabet soup!), especially if there is a long wait to see a veterinary behaviorist (wait times can be substantial). Whether I'm working cooperatively with a VB or a behavior consultant, there will be a series of on-going private sessions with me to address each tier on the Hierarchy of Dog Needs, to assess the efficacy and dose timing of medication, and to implement behavior modification plans prescribed by either the VB, the behavior consultant, or myself. All to get your dog's quality of life and your life with them to a better, more manageable place.
I hope the information provided in this TIPS TUESDAY serves as a helpful guide to address you and your dog's needs in a modern, humane and ethical manner!!!
