Private Behavior & Training Consultations for Dogs, Cats, Birds, Rabbits and other Companion Animals.
Problem behaviors can begin at any age and may take many paths. Common problems include:
Aggression, chewing, digging, house soiling, litterbox problems, barking or screeching, unruliness, jumping on furniture or on people, getting into the trash, hyperactivity, fear related problems or multi-pet problems.
Often these behaviors are caused by separation anxiety or boredom, but your pet may also be performing the task he was bred for and which seem perfectly natural to him. These and other problems can be solved and need not be tolerated.
The rewards of having a healthy and well-behaved pet are endless.
Initial consults usually last one to two hours. Meetings take place in the privacy of your home, where your pets normal behavior can be observed and discussed in an environment that is not stressful. Recommendations are tailored to your family lifestyle, schedule and the problem presented by your pet. All consultations are arranged by appointment only.
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Basic Manners and Training Classes - Puppies and Adult Dogs
The past few years have seen a revolution in the animal world involving the way animals are trained. A new style of learning called clicker training has been extrapolated from marine mammal training and applied to pets in the home. This technique has also been used in many species of animals including whales, chickens, llamas, zoo animals, horses and parrots.
Clicker training utilizes the principles of operant conditioning and positive reinforcement. By using a small sound-making device to communicate to an animal the exact point in time at which it has done something correctly, the need for harsh training techniques and correction are eliminated. Initially food and the clicker are paired together to reinforce the behavior. Eventually the clicker and food are weaned away after the training is complete and the required behavior is reliable. Animals taught in this manner learn to love the process of schooling and eagerly offer behaviors on their own. Household pets with behavior problems can quickly and kindly be shown how to offer more compatible behaviors. Currently I have clients who are clicker training parrots, horses, a Vietnamese Potbelly pig, cats, and even two pet ducks!
The Basic Manners and Household Training Classes are ideal for people who want to train their dogs without punitive jerk and pull techniques. These classes teach the owners the principles of animal learning and lay the foundations for further training in the home. Each class session focuses on useful exercises such as walking on lead without pulling, sit and down, meeting and greeting strangers appropriately, waiting at doorways and gateways, and going to a mat to lie down. Each class group is tailored to meet the individualized goals and behavior issues of that particular set of people. Owners can learn to teach their pets to do anything, as well as learn how to prevent problem behaviors from starting or continuing. Graduation classes always include a Cute Trick Contest!
Exotic companion animals are not immune from developing behavior problems.
Parrots, like this African Grey, can manifest their problems into feather plucking.
Multiple species can learn to live peacefully together.
Need Help Picking Out a Pet?
If you'd like to have a pet, but aren't sure what to get, I can assist in the selection of the type of pet (even specific breeds) best suited to you, your household, and your lifestyle. I'll also offer references to reputable breeders of your chosen breed, and suggestions of fun, worthwhile activities to consider doing with your new companion.
If you are interested in consultations, clicker classes or private training, please feel free to call me for more information at any time.
Dogs and puppies need to learn to accept a variety of handling. This puppy is participating in a game that helps make learning such skills fun.
Training should be fun for both owners and dogs!
Practical skills - this dog is holding a down stay while other dogs are present. Obedience in the presence of distractions can help owners in a variety of ways.
Will your companion fit your lifestyle (or your couch)?
Presentations
Presentations for schools, organizations, civic groups are available. Please contact me for information or for booking.
Past topics have included:
Aggression - dog, cat and bird
Clicker Training for Birds
Small Group Case Discussion for Professionals
Behavior Problems - how to prevent and treat
Animal Care and Training
Teaching your pet to accept handling - Veterinary and husbandry
