***PLEASE READ***Thumbtack is NOT free for pros - Should you find me not available on this platform, please search for my website and find out quotes/rate, training approach, phone number/email address and I will get back to you within 1-2 business day.
Why Dog Psychology?
Simply put, because our furry friends don't use human psychology!
Do you lose your pup's attention when you don't have a treat on hand?
Do you ever wonder why your pup never settles down and always hyper?
Do you take her to obedience class but she seems to listen selectively?
Are you baffled by him barking/lunging at certain human/things?
Are you disheartened by her aggression or phobia at a certain moment?
Have you adopted a rescue / Having a new pup but don't know what to do?
A dog can know all the fancy tricks in the world and still wouldn’t listen to you when a cat/squirrel/another dog (your name it!) is present. Because the relationship was not built on trust and respect.
Well, you've come to the right place.
As a dog behaviorist, I will teach you how to read and understand your pup's language, and show you and your family how to speak their language to become a pack leader!
Your pup will know what's the message you are actually sending (consciously and subconsciously), and you will be confident enough to say, I'm giving my pup a fulfilled life because I know him/her inside out!
FAQs:
What kind of behavioral modification do you specialize in?
Fear aggression - Example: Barking, lunging, snarling, growling, biting when a certain area is touched, or people moving/walking around, or towards certain objects/people. Otherwise, the dog is usually fine. Normally the dog is described as timid, nervous or skittish.
Resource guarding - Example: Food aggression, toy/treat possessiveness, human cannot easily take the object away. Some dog may growl or snap even when people are just close by. Dog may know "leave it" command very well and still demonstrate the behavior. (Please reach out to professionals if you have a severe case and with children in the household. Please DO NOT forcefully take the object away by yourself. Please avoid yelling, hitting, or using another object or tool to scare the dog away. )
Phobia - Example: Wouldn't get close to the object/people that elicited fear, would run the opposite direction or shut down (lock the body on the ground and wouldn't budge). May exist with or without traumatic experience.
Obsession - Example: Hours of repeated behavior such as barking/fixating/chasing on an object (sometimes toy), digging/licking to a point of hurting itself, etc. When the obsession is present the dog ignores everything else.
Socialization - Example: Overexcitement (whining, barking, lunging) when seeing other dogs/human, had fights with some dogs but there are also times they are fine. The dog usually is described as unpredictable or picky.
Leash pulling - Example: From mild to extreme, the dog never walks calmly next to or follow the human. Handler has considered walking chaotic and anxiety-driven, sometimes had avoided walking altogether.
Pack integration - Example: Having 2+ dogs never get along, the dogs had been separated into different areas (indoor/outdoor, downstairs/upstairs); Bringing a new puppy/adoption into your original pack but they don't seem to like each other.
My dog just had surgery/has special needs/underlying health concerns, what should I do?
It is always recommended to have your vet's clearance before committing to any engagement. I'm very happy to work with any existing conditions and collaborate with your vet so we could customize our session based on the pup's limitation and the family's expectation - there is always something that we CAN do.
By accepting my service, you have agreed that the family/handler will be forthcoming about these conditions, willing to communicate, and are comfortable working through them. It is your responsibility and right to terminate the engagement anytime during/before/after the session whenever you are concerned about your dog's health.
Do you offer Board and Train / Obedience Class / Group class?
Short answer is No. I only go to client's residence.
Here's why:
When the dog learns everything at a facility, it is pertaining to that location. The rules and boundaries do not automatically apply to YOUR home.
When a dog learns everything solely from a trainer/behaviorist, it is pertaining to that person. It does not automatically respect YOU or understand YOUR LIFESTYLE.
When you choose to be absent from your dog's development and growth, then you are not part of it. The dog will eventually get somewhere, yes - with or without you.
To Dogs the world is Nose (scent), Eyes (body language/eye contact), Ears (vocalization of warning/excitement) ; Obedience training is Ears (commands), Eyes (gesture), Nose (reward). You may see why commands do not work 100% of the time - Leadership is more than obedience.
A Schutzhund champion can have flying colors and perfect scores in a group class and obedience ring sport, and still be a terrible house pet at the same time. The truth is most people and families just want a chill lapdog right next to them without barking/chewing/biting/pulling, etc. There are other experts in the field who specialize in working dog training, search and rescue training, hunting/herding training and perhaps that is what you're looking for - It is also my job to help you understand your expectation.
Project and Outreach
To shelters/fostering families that are handling unadoptable dogs or dogs that are about to be put down, please reach out or text me with your situation, I want to help. And I will be able to help.
If you are/the facility is experiencing financial difficulties, I will be happy to work with any long-term payment plans so we are able to address the urgency. Money will not be the reason we give up on helping dogs or families.
