Alpha - Canine Behavior Modification

03/17/2025

We've undergone a bit of an identity change. We are now mainly focused on behavior modification. There are so many trainers that focus on obedience that we feel that focusing on behavioral issues will help a lot of dogs that don't necessarily need obedience training.

As a CVT (certified veterinary technician) I am working on my VTS (veterinary technician specialist) in behavior. My goal for Alpha is to help dogs with specific behavioral issues stay in their homes. And to be a place their owners can turn to for help and guidance with those behavioral issues.

The idea that '...there are no bed dogs, only bad owners" is unfair. " You.don't know what you don't know." is far more accurate. As a trainer and a CVT my hope is to train dogs, and their owners, to "know" proper behavior and training techniques.

If you, or someone you know, is struggling with their dog please reach out. It is an honor and a privilege to teach dogs and their owners how consistency, patience and love can change lives.

06/21/2024

They communicate. We need to listen.

05/07/2024

Just by reading this dog's body language, can you tell how he feels about the situation?

What sign(s) is he givimg?

05/05/2024

Dogs tell us so much just with their body language. But if we don't know how to read that body language we can put ourselves, and our dogs in very compromised positions.

We're going to spend this week focusing on some common body postures and how to read our dogs better. The more we understand our dogs, the better our relationship with them becomes.

What is the pup below telling us? How do you know?

I'm a CVT with 25 years experience in the veterinary field. I've always had a passion for training dogs to be the best version of themselves, and training owners to be the best person for their dog. Together we can create something incredible.

04/09/2024

In Honor of Dog Bite Prevention Week.
Let's keep our two-legged and four-legged friends and family members safe. Contact us for more information.

Any dog can bite—big or small, male or female, young or old. It’s not a dog's breed that determines whether it will bite, but rather the dog's individual history and behavior.

03/04/2024

Does your dog love to play this tune? If you're over it, feel free to reach out, we CAN help.

02/24/2024

Great perspective. I use slip leads when training leash-walking. Harnesses encourage pulling and disrupt the normal gait.

01/29/2024

Hello everyone! It's been awhile since I've posted. I just wanted to update you on what's been going on. I am officially working on my VTS in Behavior. The description is below. I'm still training, and working in veterinary medicine. If you have a pet you're willing to allow me to use in my case logs, please let me know. I will be giving discounts to behavioral cases that I can document for my VTS.

If you have any questions, please feel free to message me.

"The Academy of Veterinary Behavior Technicians (AVBT) exists to promote excellence in the discipline of veterinary behavior medicine. The AVBT will provide a process by which veterinary technicians may become certified as a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) in the field of behavior.

The veterinary technician who becomes certified as a VTS (Behavior) will demonstrate superior knowledge in scientifically – and humanely – based techniques of behavior health, problem prevention, training, management, and behavior modification. The AVBT will advance the skills of veterinary technicians within the discipline of animal behavior and further their recognition as critical components of the veterinary behavior team in creating, maintaining, and strengthening the human-animal bond."

12/25/2023

Merry Christmas to you and yours!! ❤️💚❤️💚

12/01/2023

Be patient with your pups. They only know what we teach them.

11/17/2023

Dogs are more than adjectives, so much more.