Achieve your dog training goals. No force required.
Whether your dog needs to learn a few basic cues or has serious behavior issues, we can help. Our private training and behavior modification services are customized to address your goals and concerns and take place in your home, where you'll have our expert's undivided attention. Although we technically offer dog training and behavior modification services, we really specialize in helping you understand how your dog thinks!
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Happy Hound has the unique advantage of having a professional who is part of a very small group of individuals with both dog training and behavior modification expertise, along with the credentials and experience to back it up.
TRAINING vs. BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION
What's the difference between training and behavior modification?
Dog obedience training teaches your dog to follow cues, while behavior modification addresses their reactions to triggers in their environment.​
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How do I know which one my dog needs?
If you’re interested in teaching your dog to perform cues like sit, down, come, etc., then obedience training will help you reach your goals. If your dog is fearful, aggressive, or anxious, then behavior modification is the answer. Still not sure? Let's talk and we'll be happy to guide you.​
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How does behavior modification work?
A common mistake when dealing with behavior issues is to deal with the problem behavior without treating the underlying cause. Eliminating behavior like growling, lunging or biting doesn't fix aggression – it just suppresses the obvious signals. The dog still feels the same emotions but loses his or her ability to communicate through warning signals. For example, a dog who “bites out of the blue” may have previously been punished for growling.
When done correctly, behavior modification resolves what is triggering your dog to react and why.​​ True behavior modification addresses the behavioral cause to change your dog's association and reactions. Merely distracting your dog or redirecting his or her attention will help in the moment, but won't ultimately resolve the behavior.
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How do I get started?
Behavior modification begins with a 2-hour initial meeting to evaluate your situation, gather background information, assess your dog's issues, and discuss your training goals. After the evaluation you’ll get a comprehensive, customized report that includes your dog's behavior modification training plan.
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Private, in-home obedience training and behavior modification services are tailored to your needs and since most behavior issues occur in the home, we’ll come to you.
