We have expertise in dog behavior problems including:

• Aggressive behavior
• Fearful or anxious behavior
• Separation anxiety
• Repetitive behavior
• House soiling challenges
• Destructive behavior
• Multi-pet household challenges such as cat-dog problems or dog-dog problems
  

Medical problems may cause or contribute to behavior problems. We always recommend a recent veterinary examination.

We are happy to give our clients recommendations for additional reading that include the work of trainer and veterinarian Dr. Ian Dunbar, Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist Patricia McConnell PhD, Dr. Myrna Milani DVM, and veterinary behaviorists Dr. Nicholas Dodman and Dr. Karen Overall.

Our Certified Dog Behavior Consultant

Veronica Sanchez M.Ed. is a Certified Animal Behavior Consultant and a Certified Professional Dog Trainer.  She is a former Vice President of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants and holds degrees in psychology and education. Veronica can teach you effective dog behavior modification and training techniques with an emphasis on positive reinforcement as recommended by  leading trainers, applied animal behaviorists, and veterinarians. In addition to helping clients with their dogs, she has personally owned dogs with serious behavior problems including separation anxiety and aggressive behavior and successfully changed their behavior. Read more about her personal dogs here.

Methods
We emphasize a comprehensive approach with dog behavior problems. We take a thorough behavioral history and consider all aspects of the dog's daily routine and the owner's lifestyle in making recommendations. Because many dogs with behavior problems are anxious and stressed, we often emphasize strategies to reduce the animal's stress level in order to improve your pet's quality of life. We may recommend additional training using reward-based methods (we reward using treats, toys and other things the dog enjoys) and we also educate owners on dog body language so they can better understand their dog. We teach owners non-confrontational ways to establish a healthy, leadership relationship with their pet. The techniques we recommend are gentle, humane and are based on current research on animal behavior and training.

Learn about our Dog Training services.

Behavior consultations with an emphasis on owner education

• Learn how to apply behavior modification effectively to solve problems.

• Practice behavior modification and training techniques with one on one support from a professional.

• Learn how to read your dog's body language, manage your dog safely and reduce your dog's stress level.

• Learn how to establish and maintain a leadership relationship humanely.

 

Service Area

We offer training and behavior sessions at our home office, conveniently located in the Town of Vienna, in Northern Virginia. We are close to the Nutley Street, Route 66 exit. Not all behavior consultations can be seen at our home office. Contact us for details.

We also offer behavior consultations at clients' homes in the following areas:

Northern Virginia Arlington, Alexandria (portions close to Falls Church and Arlington only), Fairfax County including Falls Church, Great Falls, McLean, Oakton, Reston, Vienna and surrounding areas

Washington DC

Maryland Bethesda, Chevy Chase

Phone consultations available for clients out of our service area (not for all behavior problems)

Articles

Does Your Pet Need Dog Behavior Training?

How to find a Qualified Behavior Consultant

Cooperative Paws - Effective, Efficient, Enjoyable Solutions for Your Pet Behavior Problems

Proudly Serving Northern Virginia, Washington DC and portions of Maryland

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