Dog behaviorist
Definition
Dog behaviorist
A dog behaviorist bases his or her practice on the latest research on dogs. You can tell a professional from an amateur by checking their academical and professional background, the expand of their knowledge and the quality of the advice they give you. They have a thorough understanding of what your dog needs and how he communicates. They only use positive training methods and constantly seek knowledge through continuous learning from contemporary scientists. A dog behaviorist is a passionate and hardworking individual who dedicates the necessary time to assist you in restoring a bond of trust or addressing a difficult relationship between you and your dog.
Humans and dogs are different species and it is hard sometimes for us to understand eachother. Dogs snarl, growl, bark, destroy, toilet inside, are reactive, and we think they just disobey us or are bad dogs. But it’s a tad more subtle!
What we can commonly call behavioral problems are an actual expression of a true discomfort that dogs communicate with their own and natural language. A dog may exhibit a “behavioral issue” because it is scared, unwell (physically or mentally), feels threatened, is bored, among other reasons.
As a dog behaviorist, it is my job to help you understand where this behavior comes from and how to make it fade away by listening to what the dog is telling us and why it does so in a particular context.
A dog behaviorist will never use any kind of force, intimidation, dominance or punishment.
My method
In order to understand dogs, their needs, and to adjust their behavior, I use positive training. To make a long story short, positive training is based on scientific knowledge of conditioning, on the high and long term benefits of positive reinforcement, and also on the understanding of neuroscience in dogs. These gentle and compassionate methods, respectful of what a dog is, are an absolute must for resolving issues on the long term.
No punishment, neither physical nor mental, no yelling, no intimidation, no discomfort, no dominance; positive reinforcement involves patience, consistency, and real-life exercises to be implemented so that the behavioral issue eventually fades away. My approach as a dog behaviorist is ethical, and we work together with both you and your dog’s at heart. I help you guide your dog to serenity, balance, and happiness.
Every consultation happens at your place or at the place where the problematic behavior occurs. If you leave far from me, we can also arrange a video call. In any case, it is fundamental to understand what triggers the undesirable behavior to understand its origin and apply a tailor- made behavioral therapy.
« There is no one size fits all in dog training and behaviorism; it’s all tailor-made »
How can I help you?
I help you with the following
All of the sessions take place at your home, on the spot where the behavioral issue occurs, or by visioconference in the areas I don’t cover.
01
Common behavior problems:
Leash walking issues
Lack of attention
Feeling your dog doesn’t listen or is stubborn
Recall
Biting issues
Destructions
Hyperactivity
Jumping on people
Constant barking
And many others
02
Separation anxiety and distress
Protocol to understand and manage anxiety, graphs to evaluate the degree of distress, analysis of the evolution and results. This protocol is flexible so it can be applied to all dogs and environments.
03
Reactivity and social phobia
Reactivity towards dogs, humans, kids, objects, situations, whether he is on the leash or off: pulls on the leash, snarls, growls, bark.
Bite prevention
Serious aggression disorders are managed in partnership with a veterinarian.
Phobia of humans, dogs, the outside, specific places or situations, overwhelmed dog who hides and doesn’t get out of his safe spot.
04
Predation instinct management
Protocol for dogs who hunt or chase, whether it is other animals or fast moving/noisy triggers, such as kids, cyclists, cars. Feeling you can’t control your dog in these moments.