The first step in helping to modify the problem is to assess the problem. It is absolutely critical to understand the function and history of your dog's behavior, and what you may have already tried doing about it. Therefore, I will ask you many questions about your dog, you, your family and your living situation. The answers to these questions help develop a functional behavior assessment of your dog’s behavior and then the development of an effective and humane behavior plan to help modify your dog's behavior. Your relationship with your dog will matter greatly in the resolution of problems and/or the development of solid skills, so the nurturing of your psychological flexibility will be a priority in our work together!

Next, it is important to determine the family's skills and abilities as they relate to the behavior modification plan. A behavior plan that can't be implemented by the family isn't worth very much, so a behaviorist will work with the whole family to determine how to effect change given the current level of skills and abilities. Of course, families learn and change along with their dog(s) so they become better at being effective behavior managers as they work with the behaviorist and the behavior plan and see the dog's behavior begin to change!

Then, the elements of the behavior plan will be demonstrated and family members will be carefully monitored as they implement the same elements. A written description of the plan will be provided to each client and progress will be monitored closely via follow-up visits and phone calls.

Finally, because behaviorists work closely with veterinarians to insure that behavioral problems are not due to underlying medical problems, a copy of the behavior assessment and program will be forwarded to your veterinarian as necessary.