Almost all dog problems can be solved using Zoom.
Personal training in your home is available but I do encourage using Zoom as a first step.
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Zoom students that benefitted from my Zoom session.
Thank you for asking for help with your reactive dog. I do this training by Zoom, initially, and here is why.
Dog training is 99%, teaching humans. The dog is not the one who makes decisions, changes, and decided to do things differently. It is the human who leads the way.
Reactive dog owners need the following which is accomplished through a Zoom session:
Change in equipment. Reactive dogs need to use specific collars, harnesses, etc. when in public. Teaching people which is best for their pet, where to get it and how to use it does not require my feet in your living room.
Removing the environmental causes which are keeping the reactivity 'alive.' Dogs who bark at passing dogs through the front window need to stop this, as an example. Trying to stop a dog from 'in public' reactivity and allowing them to engage in it at home is fruitless.
Body language of a reactive pet. Most owners respond to the pet after the dog lunges, barks, etc. To solve this owners need to understand and be able to respond well before the dog engages. This is best done with Zoom.
Special equipment to be used when the dog reacts. Owners may be counting on equipment that does not work thus making the problem worse. In a Zoom session, I can find out what you use, if it works, and make suggestions of better products that are humane. ( I do not and will not, ever, use pinch collars or shock collars on family pets)
Owners often want a trainer to come to the home and take the dog out in public, for training, Here is why I no longer do that.
I cannot guarantee that you and your pet will be safe. In today's world off-leash dogs, many of them aggressive, are common. An off-leash dog charging your pet is now common and a situation I avoid.
We cannot take a dog out and 'look for dogs' to practice with. I cannot involve an unsuspecting owner and their pet in your dog's training. Not only is this socially awkward it also places you in a precarious legal position.
A neighbor might offer to have their dog there as a practice dog, but, since I do not know this dog and its own level of reactivity this can make your dog's problem quite a bit worse.
I have found Zoom sessions to be far more effective, and safer, than in-home training for reactive dogs. Once owners understand how to successfully address this in an information exchange they are capable of bringing about change for their pet.
Dr. Sue