Reactivity Is In 99% Of The Cases Fear Based. Your Dog Is Scared.
Living with a reactive dog can be very stressful. You dread taking your dog out and try your best to be invisible for the majority of the walk, dreading that your dog will bark at the next dog walking by? Growl at the passing human? Or lunge after the bicycle?
Reactivity is most often a sign of fear in your dog and very seldom a sign that you have an aggressive dog. Your dog is scared and has learned that by reacting with lunging, barking, snarling etc. it has made the scary go away. Next time something scary is within view, your dog will react in the same way, as (s)he has learned that this reactive behaviour works to make whatever (s)he is fearful of go away. Reactivity might be what you see in the behaviour but underneath lies a well grounded emotion of fear.
When working with dogs showing reactivity we therefor work with the underlying emotion of fear, and through slow desensitization and counter conditioning among other things, we help the dog replace the fear with more positive associations.
How Can I Help?
As an Ethologist I look and work with the underlying emotions causing the behaviours your dog is exhibiting. It is only through working with the underlying emotion that we can truly solve the emotional turmoil your dog is going through causing the problematic behaviour in the first place. My knowledge is based on the latest scientific research around dog behaviour and I’ve helped many dogs overcome their troubles. I do not only work with your dog but will also give you essential knowledge about dog behaviour and how to understand your dog better, so that you can feel confident training with your dog.
When working with your dog my approach is...
Every Dog Is An Individual
Reactivity can vary in severity and cause different emotions in each dog. By looking at the individual dog I can create the most helpful approach.
Knowledge Is Power
The more you know, the better life with your dog. My aim is to make you an expert in your dog’s behaviour and make you confident when training with your dog.
Personalized Training Plan
While working with you and your dog you will get a tailored training plan specifically for you and your dog’s needs to make your training succesful.
Safe Your Energy
Spend your energy training with your dog not taking your dog to training. By working in your own home or remotely I can help you reach your training goals.
There Is No Quick Fix When Working With Dog Behaviour
Working through and changing emotions takes time, effort, persistency, commitment and patience.
During our consultations you will get the tools to work with your dog to change their emotional state and through that change their problem behaviours. You want to improve your dog’s welfare overall, not just fix superficial symptoms of an underlying emotional dysregulation.
Life with a Dog will give you the tools to help your dog and teach and support you through your journey but you have to be ready and committed to doing the training.