Improving lives, one pet at a time.
About Behavior Help & Private Lessons
This type of specialized training service is designed to help animals exhibiting signs of anxiety or aggression. These sessions are scheduled with our certified behavior specialist, Valerie Provost.
Many people don’t realize how much of a difference behavioral rehabilitation can make in the life of an anxious, reactive or aggressive dog–and the lives of the people who love them. Using positive, relationship-building behavior modification techniques, owners can learn how to reduce, manage and even eliminate problem behaviors.
Behavioral Counseling
Behavioral counseling goes far beyond typical dog training by examining the relationship between a dog and their family, as well as any environmental or other factors that are contributing to the dog’s behavior.
We teach you how to understand your dog, how to help them, and—most importantly—we teach your dog new emotional coping mechanisms to deal with stress and anxiety. This leads to a happier life for both you and your dog.
Is Behavior Help Right for My Dog?
- If your dog is displaying reactivity, anxiety, aggression or has separation issues, please book an Initial Behavior Counseling session, which is two hours long.
- If you cannot control your dog on leash, please contact us before booking.
- If you are unsure if you need a one-hour Obedience lesson or Behavior Counseling, please contact us for guidance.
- If you need more information to help you decide if group classes or private lessons are right for you and your dog, please see Which Class Format Is Right for Me?
What Are the Benefits of Private Lessons?
Private lessons can be beneficial:
- For dogs who struggle with impulse control, ignoring distractions or being on leash.
- If regular group class times don’t fit your schedule.
- For dogs and owners who have specific training needs that are better suited for a one-on-one setting.
If you are interested in learning more about private lessons and whether they might be right for you and your dog, please contact us.
Ready to schedule a private lesson?
Testimonials
Hear From Our Clients
Our clients say it best, so read the testimonials below to learn more about how private behavioral lessons can help.
“Val got to the root cause of Carly’s anxiety, insecurity and fearfulness, and resolved it. She did this by evaluating Carly’s temperament, learning methods, and motivators. She observed how we interacted including our stressors and relationship. Our sessions were customized accordingly, including adapting her teaching style and choice of setting to the way that Carly and I would best learn. Carly adored Val right from the start. … I am exceedingly grateful to Val and fortunate to have been referred to her by my vet.”
“…you have helped me help Shelby to become a completely different dog than she was less than one year ago. She no longer walks around ‘on alert’. She no longer looks for ‘danger’. She trusts me and is able to really enjoy herself on our walks. With your help, we have a stronger bond that allows us both [to] relax and have fun.”
“After moving into town, Dawson experienced extreme anxiety. Just the noise of the trucks when inside made him hide and he did not want to go outside at all. Working with Val, we overcame these fears. Dawson is now happy both inside and out. … It has been one of the greatest pleasures of my life to work with Val in discovering the amazing ability of this quiet thoughtful dog to learn behaviors which control his debilitating anxieties.”
