Your Guide to Good Human Dog Training and Behavior

All Your Questions Answered, We Hope

If you’re like most of our clients, you’ve already Googled your way through three dozen tabs and still feel a little overwhelmed. We get it. Dog training can feel like a lot, especially when the advice online ranges from “just be the alpha” to “try throwing chicken at everything.”

This FAQ addresses the most frequently asked questions about our training process, methods, credentials, and what it’s like to work with us. If you don’t see your question here, reach out.

What are your credentials?
  • I am Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) with the International Association of Animal Behavior (IAABC).
    Earning my CDBC means I have met the highest national standards for the care of dogs with behavior concerns.
  • I’m a certified training partner (CTP) through the Karen Pryor Academy.
    KPA CTPs have demonstrated a high level of technical knowledge and hands-on skill both training canines and teaching people.

Studies involved in dog training are ever-changing. Making sure that I am up to date on the latest scientific research on canine cognition is not only essential to continuing to growing as a trainer, but my certifications holds me accountable for staying up to date.

We work with all types of dogs! 
We work with puppies, dogs who need some manners or want to learn tricks, and dogs with complex behavior issues.

If your dog has breed-specific behavior concerns, we may collaborate with or refer you to a specialist who has extensive experience with that particular breed. For example, we might refer you to someone who specializes in managing prey drive in sight hounds, addressing resource guarding in herding breeds, or working with the independent nature of livestock guardian dogs when guarding behaviors become problematic in suburban settings.

I don’t offer guarantees, and here’s why: successful behavior change depends on many factors beyond my control. Even with the best training plan, progress can be limited by underlying medical issues, chaotic living situations, or family dynamics that work against our training goals.

Your dog’s success also relies heavily on your consistency with practice between sessions. I can teach you and your dog the skills, but real change happens through your daily work together. Some dogs respond quickly, while others need months of patient repetition to feel safe enough to make different choices.

What I do guarantee is my commitment to adapting our approach when needed, coordinating with your vet when health factors are involved, and providing honest feedback about what’s realistic for your specific situation. I’d rather set achievable expectations than make promises I can’t keep.

Yes, and we recommend them for most situations. While one consultation gets you started with a clear plan, lasting behavioral change happens through ongoing support and adjustments.

Most clients achieve permanent results through follow-up sessions where we fine-tune your approach, troubleshoot challenges, and adapt strategies as your dog progresses. Single sessions rarely create lasting change, but our Behavior Transformation Program does.

You can start with an initial consultation and receive an adjusted rate when you add follow-up sessions. View our package options here.

For manners and basic obedience skills, such as sit, stay, leash walking, and recall, absolutely! We offer day training where I’ll work with your dog in your home and neighborhood 3-4 times per week to build these foundational skills, then teach you how to maintain the progress.

However, day training is not appropriate for most behavior concerns like reactivity, anxiety, aggression, or fear-based issues. Here’s why: behavioral change isn’t like teaching tricks. Teaching “sit” happens fast, but helping a dog feel differently about their triggers is an emotional journey that requires your consistent involvement between our sessions.

Day training works beautifully for developing obedience skills, but true behavioral transformation occurs through the bond between you and your dog, with professional guidance to guide you along the way.

 
 

Do you have a space?? Cause I got the skills. I would love to teach group classes! I miss them so much.
Help me find a space to teach them, and let’s talk.

The best dog trainers are people and trainers. We’re good at both!
The laws of learning also apply to all species, including humans. We know that people learn best through fun and success. Working with a different species can be challenging enough without the trainer adding to the stress. We will make training as agreeable as can be by breaking down behaviors and tasks into small, manageable steps.
And, if you are an anxious learner, we also have methods to facilitate learning in people.
*Let it be known that the GHDT webmaster is using this pun under duress and is not responsible for cringing and groans.

Catch your dog doing it right!
Too often, we focus on what they do wrong. How often do we ignore our dogs when they quietly lie at our feet or play with one of their toys?
We don’t notice because it doesn’t bother us. However, the minute the dog grabs our shoe or comes over to hassle us, they get all our attention.
Reward the behavior you like, and you will get more of it!

What training methods do you use?

I utilize learner-centered, low-stress training methods grounded in current behavioral science. My approach relies primarily on positive reinforcement because research consistently shows it’s not only the most humane method, but also the most effective.

When dogs learn through positive experiences, they’re actively engaged in the process and genuinely want to repeat the behaviors we’re teaching. This creates reliable, lasting change rather than compliance based on avoiding consequences.  

My commitment to ongoing education: 
I haven’t encountered a situation where aversive techniques were necessary or more effective than positive approaches. My methods are based on current research on learning, stress, and behavior change. While I wouldn’t completely rule out aversives if they would truly save a dog’s life, in nearly 20 years of practice, I haven’t encountered a scenario where they were the only or best solution. 

The dog training field is largely unregulated, meaning anyone can open a business without demonstrating their knowledge of canine body language, stress signals, or effective teaching methods. That’s why I maintain ongoing certifications and base my work on peer-reviewed research rather than outdated dominance theories or convenience.

 

I cannot recommend shock, prong, or choke collars. My approach focuses on helping your dog feel safe, confident, and understood through evidence-based, humane training methods that create lasting behavioral change.

If you’ve used aversive tools before, you’re not alone. Many of my clients have previously worked with trainers who recommended corrections, often with disappointing or even worsening results.

What current research tells us:
Punishment consistently increases anxiety and creates new problems rather than solving existing ones. Dogs learn to suppress their warning signals without actually feeling less stressed, which can lead to seemingly unpredictable aggression. 

When we rely on aversive tools or techniques, we’re often covering up gaps in our knowledge rather than addressing the root causes of behavior. Dogs don’t need aversives in training. Humans use them when we don’t know what else to do. As a welfare-forward, certified behavior consultant with over 20 years of experience, I’ve learned that there’s always a more effective, humane approach that addresses the underlying emotions driving the behavior.

If you’re currently using special training equipment, we’ll work together to improve your dog’s response and your confidence until you’re no longer dependent on those tools. Equipment can fail, break, or be forgotten at home. You need your dog to respond to you regardless of what they’re wearing.

Not all positive trainers are equal in skill and knowledge. With nearly 20 years of experience, I can quickly identify problems and tailor methods to suit your specific dog and family situation. I focus on helping you feel confident and booming, not frustrated.

There’s an essential difference between dog trainers and behavior consultants. While trainers teach basic commands, behavior consultants receive specialized training in canine psychology to address the underlying emotions behind fear, reactivity, and aggression, rather than just managing symptoms. As a certified behavior consultant, I’m trained to help with the root causes of behavioral issues.

 

Many people worry that feeding their dog will make them overweight or create a “bribery” situation where the dog only responds when treats are visible. These are valid concerns, but they’re based on outdated training myths.

Food is one of the most effective training tools available because it taps into your dog’s natural motivation as a scavenger. When used correctly, treats help your dog learn more quickly and establish positive associations with training. The key is using them strategically and transitioning away from them as behaviors become reliable.

I’ll show you how to use food rewards properly so your dog responds consistently, whether you have treats or not. If you have specific concerns about treat training, let’s discuss them during your free consultation call.

Do you work with aggressive, fearful or challenging dogs?

Most of the dogs we work with each week exhibit behaviors that fall into these categories, so you’re definitely not alone.

Safety comes first. If your dog has bitten someone, injured another animal, or shows significant fear or aggression toward strangers, we’ll start with a virtual consultation to assess the situation safely. We’ll also provide you with management strategies to implement before our first in-person meeting.

Our approach is comprehensive. Throughout our sessions, we’ll dig deeper to identify what’s driving your dog’s behavior. We’re not just managing symptoms; we’re addressing the root causes. Your customized plan will combine multiple strategies, including training techniques, strengthening your relationship, mental enrichment, appropriate play and socialization, behavior modification protocols, and establishing clear routines that your dog can count on.

We often work with your veterinary team. Your regular vet or a veterinary behaviorist may join our collaborative approach. From ruling out underlying health issues to prescribing anti-anxiety medication when beneficial, medical professionals play a crucial role in treating behavior concerns effectively.

Stage 1: Assessment and Planning Before we meet, I review your dog’s history and may request additional details, safety information, or veterinary input if health factors could be involved. During our session, I gather a complete picture of your dog’s behavior patterns, living environment, health status, and background. This comprehensive assessment allows me to create a personalized, goal-focused plan designed around your family’s specific needs and lifestyle.

Stage 2: Immediate Safety and Relief We start with strategies that immediately improve safety and reduce stress for everyone involved. This might include positive muzzle training, modifying daily routines, or implementing other management techniques to create a calmer environment. These foundational steps give you immediate relief and establish safety while we work on deeper behavioral changes.

Why Follow-Up Sessions Matter One consultation gets you started with a clear roadmap, but lasting transformation happens through ongoing collaboration. Most clients achieve permanent results through follow-up sessions where we fine-tune your approach, troubleshoot challenges, and adapt the plan as your dog progresses.

Single sessions rarely create lasting change. Our Behavior Transformation Program does.


Your Behavior Consultation with Good Human Dog Training

If your dog is their happiest when sharpening their tiny dog-sized knives, then yes, you need a behavior consultation. Otherwise, it depends on what you’re seeing and what you want to achieve.

You likely need just basic training if your goals are house manners or polite leash walking, and you aren’t seeing reactivity issues like lunging, barking, snapping, biting, hiding, cowering, excessive pulling, or destructive behavior.

You need a behavior consultation if you’re seeing fearful, aggressive, reactive, or any excessive behaviors that go beyond normal puppy antics or minor manners issues.

Not sure which path is right for you? Sometimes it’s hard to know whether you need a full behavior plan or just solid management strategies from a seasoned pro. Start with a single consultation, and we can always add additional sessions if required. Alternatively, please don’t hesitate to contact us first to discuss your specific situation.

Note: For those considering rehoming or behavioral euthanasia, please schedule a virtual behavior consultation

Your dog’s instinctive reactions to triggers are hardwired and won’t disappear completely. However, we can significantly expand their comfort zone and teach them healthier responses than lunging, barking, or shutting down.

The timeline varies based on several factors, including the specific behavior, its duration, your dog’s individual temperament, the amount of time you can dedicate to training, and underlying health factors. Pain or illness can limit emotional progress, which is why we sometimes recommend a medical evaluation in conjunction with behavioral work.

We don’t offer guarantees on timelines because every dog and family situation is unique. Sometimes one consultation provides the breakthrough you need to work through an issue independently. Other times, we’ll collaborate over several months to create lasting change.

What we can promise is a clear plan tailored to your specific situation and ongoing support as you work through it together.

We can work with mild cases and help prevent it in puppies, but we refer more clearly defined cases to specialists.
Some trainers specialize in working with dogs on separation-related behavior. These trainers are experienced in handling these delicate cases efficiently and effectively.
And they do it virtually!
We love: Pamela at DogEvolve and Stacey at Focused Fun are my picks!

How do virtual sessions work?
  • We use a simple video conference service with no downloads or accounts needed; just click the link we send you
  • Each session begins by reviewing your progress from the previous week and discussing any challenges or wins you’ve experienced
  • We’ll adjust your training plan as needed to keep you moving forward
  • You can demonstrate techniques on camera for real-time coaching and feedback
  • I can also demonstrate with my helper dog when needed

  • We’ll review any training videos you’ve recorded during the week to spot improvement opportunities and celebrate your progress

  • 6 Powerful Benefits of Virtual Behavior Consulting

Virtual sessions are perfect for getting started and work well for most situations. Choose virtual if your dog has a bite history, you’re outside our service area, or your dog becomes stressed by strangers in the home and can’t be comfortably contained.

Really, virtual sessions work for everyone and let us have focused conversations without you worrying about managing your dog’s reactions or barking.

 

Many people assume a behavior consultant must witness problem behaviors firsthand to address them effectively, but that’s actually not true! Since most behavioral issues stem from fear and anxiety, deliberately triggering your dog to growl, lunge, or bite isn’t helpful. It’s counterproductive and stressful for everyone involved.

Through video, I can effectively assess your dog’s body language, evaluate environmental triggers, and observe your handling techniques. While every dog is unique, I’ve worked with thousands of cases over the years and can quickly identify patterns and underlying causes without needing to observe the behavior in person.

An important safety consideration: placing myself in a situation where an anxious or reactive dog might feel cornered is neither fair to your dog nor safe for me. Virtual consultations allow us to work together without adding that extra stress and risk to the equation.

Question, Comments, Snide Remarks?

Need More Than an FAQ?

These resources are a great start. But if you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just want a little backup, we’re here for that too. Let’s build a plan that’s tailored to your dog, your goals, and your daily chaos.

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