Behavior Consulting
How we support the dog & family
Behaviors cannot be “cured” or “fixed”. They are naturally adaptive and necessary for the survival of any animal and its future generations. A dog’s behavior is influenced by many conditions, which interact through Nature AND Nurture. All these conditions comprise their unique L.E.G.S.® (Learning, Environment, Genetics, Self).
When “behavior problems” arise with modern dogs, it’s not a lack of obedience or training. Rather, there are unmet welfare needs underlying the behaviors which we need to identify/understand/address/provide for.
Through Family Dog Mediation® we FIRST understand the dog’s L.E.G.S., and how that intersects with the family’s needs/resources. We then provide practical, humane solutions to support a dog’s needs and Total Welfare (the Five Domains of Animal Welfare), restoring harmony to the human-canine relationship.
This is a collaborative effort: the family and their dog, behavior consultant/FDM, veterinary team, and other professionals, each play a unique role. It takes a village to help families and dogs live the “Good Life”.
Behavior Consult/Family Dog Mediation
Is your dog displaying aggressive behavior? Elevated anxiety, fear, and/or stress? Other behaviors you need support with? We offer an in-home or virtual behavior consult.
What’s included:
• Behavior assessment; discussion of your dog's history, L.E.G.S./welfare, case factors, family’s needs/resources; collaboration with your dog’s veterinary team
• Prevention, provisions, enrichment, and behavior-change plan to support your dog’s welfare*, instruction and feedback; also includes a client report, vet summary, educational links and handouts
Cost: $285 per two hour consult
A travel fee may apply for in-home sessions; see scheduling page for more details. If your dog is experiencing separation anxiety please contact us prior to scheduling.
*A follow-up session package may be recommended. These are elective, and based on our discussion of your family’s goals and your dog’s needs— to support you with implementation and assessing responsiveness over time (see options below)
Follow-up Session Package Options:
$495/Three - 1 hour 15 minute follow-up sessions
$885/Five - 1 hour 15 minute follow-up sessions
$1150/Seven - 1 hour 15 minute follow-up sessions
$1,450/Ten - 1 hour 15 minute follow-up sessions
What’s included:
Review of behavior progress, responsiveness to plan
Changes to and further implementation of plan
Collaboration with veterinary team to support your dog’s health and welfare
“We cannot recommend Brian enough! He helped us tremendously with our dog, Finn, who was struggling with anxiety and resource guarding. Brian worked closely with us and our veterinary team, advocated for medication, supported us through training, and helped us find solutions that prioritized Finn’s overall health and happiness. Beyond his incredible knowledge, we especially appreciated Brian’s patience, understanding, and supportive demeanor. We always felt like he was on our side and guiding us through every step of the process. His approach goes beyond training and considers the dog’s full well-being, which made such a difference for Finn and for us. We are incredibly grateful for Brian and the impact he has had on our family!
— Jamie, Hunter and Finn