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Cooperative Paws offers dog behavior training for residents of Northern Virginia, Washington DC, and parts of Maryland |
"My dog needs behavior training...I think?"
Many people believe their dog's behavior problems are due to lack of training. In some cases this is true. For example, if Fido is jumping up on you, pulling on leash, or ignoring commands, these types of problems can be solved by additional training. Dog training involves teaching the dog to perform specific behaviors on cue. Teaching the dog to sit, lie down, stay, come when called, are all examples of dog training.
Dog behavior problems on the other hand, are much more complex. Dogs that become stressed when they are left alone, behave aggressively (growl, air snap or bite), or dogs that exhibit fearful behavior are some examples of dogs with behavior problems. These kinds of problems require more than training in order to be resolved. In fact, many of our clients have dogs with behavioral problems that are actually well-trained. Consider this: a dog might walk beautifully on leash, sit and lie down on command, but still panic when left alone, or still growl at anyone who enters the home. Addressing a behavior problem successfully requires assessment of the dog's history, the dog's relationship with his/her owner, the dog's environment and ensuring that health problems are ruled out by a veterinarian.
Steps to addressing a behavior problem may include additional training, however, changing a behavior problem also often involves implementing routines to facilitate control, techniques to reduce the dog's stress level, establishing a leadership relationship and counter-conditioning or desensitization to change the unwanted behavior. At Cooperative Paws, our Certified dog trainer and behavior consultant has credentials in both fields: dog training and dog behavior consulting. We work with residents of Northern Virginia, Washington DC and portions of Maryland to train their dogs and also solve behavior problems. We can help you identify the type of problem your dog has and address it using a comprehensive approach. We are also happy to refer our clients to reference material written by credentialed behaviorists, trainers, veterinarians and other professionals.. Contact us to learn more. Also read: How to find a qualified Animal Behavior Consultant.