Our Behavior Assessment & Modification Programs, at Leading the Way we believe to solve an issue; one must understand all aspects.

We provide each client an in-depth individual Behavioral Assessment prior to beginning any form of Behavior Modification.

Our behavior assessment assists in determining; the significance and implications of particular behaviors; the most effective manner in which to change the behaviors.

Behavior Modification

Leading the Way believes...Every problem has a solution...

Behavior Modification (also known as problem solving) is simply defined as changing unwanted behavior. Changing behavior takes time and patience. There must be a complete understanding of the cause of the issues(s). This detective game of sorts can take some time to solve.

All methods used to change behavior are humane, using patience and effective communication. All behavior modification is taught using positive reinforcement, mutual respect, and structure.

We have Extensive Experience with the following Issues:

Separation Anxiety
Excessive Barking
Escaping
Excessive Digging
Growling, snapping, and other forms of aggression
Fears and phobias of loud noises, objects, people, other animals
Possession guarding
Destruction of furniture or other possessions

Aggression

Aggression issues come in two common forms:

Dogs that do not understand or did not learn proper limits. These dogs are manipulative and try to dominate the situation. They will growl when asked to move off sofa, snap at their owners, or guard possessions such as toys, food, and their owners. In some cases dogs with these issues may be very manageable with their family, but become aggressive around visitors or new dogs.
Dogs whose aggression stems from anxiety and socialization issues. For these animals, as with humans, fearful experiences may result in intense anxiety that leads to aggression, growling, lunging, snapping, or possibly biting.

Does your dog need Behavior Modification training?

Does your dog remain calm when people or other dogs are in his ‘space’?

Does your dog remain calm when you try to take away food or a toy?
Does your dog remain calm and social when visitors are in your home?

If you answered NO to any of the above, you may want to consider behavior modification training

Separation Anxiety

Separation issues can be one of the hardest problems to solve because there are many possible factors, including fear and anxiety, boredom, frustration, and complete panic. This is not an acting-out behavior. Many owners say “She is just mad because I left her alone” It is important to understand that the dog is reacting out of fear—not out of revenge.

Separation Anxiety Symptoms

Excessive barking
Destructive behavior
Clawing at doors
Pacing
Window and door jumping

Shelter/Abused Dog Issues
Rescued dogs adopted or re-homed may suffer from a fear of attachment, abuse reactions (such as flinching when a foot comes near), food issues from starvation (from their past). With patience, compassion, and the correct approach a rescued dog can put the past behind them.

Elimination Behaviors

Elimination issues can be maddening to most owners. Having a dog marking and soiling can be frustrating and can, eventually, become a financial issue. There are many factors that can cause this behavior. A behavior consultation with Leading the Way will explore the causes and create a solution.

Assessments are approximately 1–1.5 hours. Fee is $65, fee waived if you choose a Modification Package

To schedule a consultation, email info@leadingthewaydogtraining.com

Training Options Outlines

Each program is deigned to meet the individual needs, and behaviors exhibited. All modification begins with a detailed Behavior Assessment.

Private Lessons are one option for behavior modification clients; each lesson is designed to offer the most opportunity for modification with trainer and owner working in partnership to change behavior.

Private Lessons
Individual Lesson $95 per lesson
Six Lesson Package $480
Ten Lesson Package $800

Fifteen Lesson Package $1,200

Unlimited lessons: priced on an individual basis

Board and Training Program

The 6-week program focuses on modification using a practical approach using only positive reinforcement. This program includes a little bit of everything, including manners and socialization (dogs and people). Fee is $2700

Detailed Training Outline
Mid-stay Progress Reports
Graduation Certificate
Two 60-minute review/handling sessions at your home

The 12-week program offers the most potential for the most extensive behavior modification and training and socialization gained. The focus is on replacement behavior, if possible dogs are taken on numerous field trips out into the community (parks, feed stores, outside eating restaurants, pet stores, etc.) in order to provide them with extensive socialization and maximum distraction "proofing" opportunities.Fee is $5400

Mid-Stay progress reports
Detailed Training Outline
Graduation Certificate
5 60-minute lessons at your home

Reactive dog (aggressive) Class

Our approach and hope is to invite you to reflect, Instead of our saying, "My dog is aggressive," we hope you will begin to say "I want to understand why my dog is doing that so I can change that behavior."

This program is all about setting you and your dog up for success, in a small calm and focused supportive group. It is all about desensitizing and counter conditioning your dog to their own personal “provoking stimuli.” This class is designed with safety first. With this in mind the class is structured to be as safe as humanly possible. If your dog limit is being 50 feet away then, that’s where we will start!

Class size is limited to five dogs. The class rotates dogs in small, short sessions, allowing for greater success. The class gradually builds their tolerance and acceptance of their fear. This class is also focus to offer support to each other, since everyone in the class understands what you are going through. A pre-requisite for acceptance in this class; is a Behavior Consultation— this MUST be completed before the first night of class. This class on-going enrollment, space is limited to 5 dogs. Fee is $350

Trick, Clicks and Targets oh my…. (Reactive Dogs ONLY) Sunday Dec 7 3:30-6 9:30-1:00, this fun workshop will cover 15 different trick, teaches clicker and targeting skills, and games to have a blast with your dog Fee is $80 includes, workbook, clicker and target. Limited to 5 students

Workbook limited to 5 students, Potluck lunch!

Overcoming Fears! Jan 18, 2009 (Snow Date Jan 24, 2009) 5-7 pm is your dog is afraid of something (or everything) in his world. Do you feel like you are loosing your mind? This class goal is overcome his fears of children, dogs, loud noises, etc. PLEASE NO DOGS! This workshop fee includes a light dinner $75.00

Reactive dog (aggressive) Class and Workshops

Our approach and hope is to invite reflection, Instead of our saying, "My dog is aggressive," we hope you will begin to say "I want to understand why my dog is doing that so I can change that behavior."

This program is all about setting you and your dog up for success, in a small calm and focused supportive group. It is all about desensitizing and counter conditioning your dog to their own personal “provoking stimuli.” This class is designed with safety first. With this in mind the class is structured to be as safe as humanly possible. If your dog limit is being 50 feet away then, that’s where we will start!

Class size is limited to five dogs. The class rotates dogs in small, short sessions, allowing for greater success. The class gradually builds their tolerance and acceptance of their fear. This class is also focus to offer support to each other, since everyone in the class understands what you are going through. A pre-requisite for acceptance in this class; is a Behavior Consultation— this MUST be completed before the first night of class. This class on-going enrollment, space is limited to 5 dogs. Fee is $350

Workshops

(These workshops are open to all with reactive dogs)

Trick, Clicks and Targets oh my…. (Reactive Dogs ONLY), this fun workshop will cover 15 different trick, teaches clicker and targeting skills, and games to have a blast with your dog Fee is $80 includes, workbook, clicker and target. Limited to 5 students

Workbook limited to 5 students, Potluck lunch!

Sunday Dec 14 9:30-1:00

Overcoming Fears! is your dog is afraid of something (or everything) in his world. Do you feel like you are loosing your mind? This class goal is overcome his fears of children, dogs, loud noises, etc. PLEASE NO DOGS! This workshop fee includes a light dinner $75.00

Sat Jan 17, 2009 (Snow Date Jan 24, 2009) 5-7 pm

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