Initial Behavior Consultation

Providing clarity and guidance to relieve immediate stress and find solutions.

Dog behavior is complicated!

Even the most common behavior concerns can be tricky to resolve, and modifying behavior associated with fear, anxiety or aggression is even more complex! Every dog is a unique individual, and because dog behavior is greatly influenced by a variety of factors including genetics, environment and learned behavior, there is not a “one size fits all” approach that is effective for every dog. During the Initial Behavior Consultation we’ll discuss your dog’s individual behavior concerns, determine the underlying root causes of the behavior (essential in order to treat the problem), develop a safety & management plan and determine how to best move forward with a behavior change/training plan.

A working in-person Consultation can be a good option for basic behaviors like puppy mouthing, housetraining or other non-aggression or fear type behaviors. This is also a good option to troubleshooot what you are currently doing or if you have a fairly effective plan in place but would like a second set of eyes and a professional recommendation. A Consultation is also the best way to get to know me, ask questions and make sure you are ready and able to set your dog up for success with follow-up sessions or a larger training package.

Consultations include:

• 90-120 minute session (most run the full 2 hours)

  • in-person or virtual for clients in the Missoula/Lolo area

  • virtual or phone call for clients outside of Missoula

• detailed discussion to gather relevant behavior history

• assessment and evaluation of your dog’s behavior

• prognosis for treating the behavior concern

• detailed safety & management plan to relieve immediate stress and set the foundation for future training

• overview of what a behavior change program will look like and recommended next steps

• beginning training exercises to get you started (time permitting)

• written email report summarizing recommendations

• additional resources as applicable including handouts, links or videos

Consultations are $250 and are conducted remotely via Zoom or in-person on an individual basis. The recommended format will depend on your location and the behaviors your dog is exhibiting. For example, meeting virtually may be a better fit for a dog who is fearful or has difficulty with guests visiting the home. Or, meeting in-person may be a better fit if you have already tried online training or are just sick of Zoom!

Following the Consultation, if appropriate for your dog, you can continue with as few or as many follow-up sessions as needed (including individual sessions).

Please purchase your Behavior Consultation below and fill out the Behavior and History Form to get started. Contact me at blueskybehavior@gmail.com with additional questions. Full payment is required to hold your appoinment.