Fear and Anxiety Packages
Scheduling for December- in-person and virtual options
What does it look like? Helping a dog that is shy or nervous of a family member, scared to get into the car or panics when left alone is not easy! While behaviors associated with fear or anxiety can appear “easier” to treat than aggression, treating fear or anxiety can often be more difficult and take more time. There are so many tiny details that can impact these behaviors, and fear or anxiety it is often rooted in emotions. And let’s face it, emotions are complicated!
More pets than ever are being transported from overcrowded shelters and from countries outside of the US, to shelters and rescues where they will likely be adopted. Thankfully, dogs are now also being rescued from hoarding situations, puppy mills and dog fighting cases, but there are still big hurdles to overcome after they are adopted. Many dogs from these types of situations struggle with living in a home and being part of a family due to the huge differences in our way of life, and/or from genetics or early life experiences that can include neglect, cruelty or a lack of proper early socialization.
Fear and anxiety can present in multiple ways - from mild shyness to hiding under a bed, to fleeing when outside or exhibiting separation distress when alone. Thankfully, many dogs are quite resilient, and with proper coaching they can become content and confident pets. Understanding and rehabilitating a fearful or shy pet takes time and a very specific Behavior Change Plan, but most importantly it requires a dedicated person to commit to the treatment plans and process. The tiniest details matter and celebrating baby steps is a requirement!
How long will it take? The amount of time needed to help a dog overcome or cope with their fears can range greatly from a single Behavior Consultation to 10+ sessions spread out over 4 months. Every dog is an individual and each Behavior Change/training package will be tailored to your individual dog, family and situation. Additional factors that can impact the amount of time required includes the severity and amount of time the behavior has presented, early life experiences, your lifestyle and preferences, how much time you have to dedicate to your dog’s treatment plan and more. See below for recommendations and general timeframes for getting started with your dog.
4-6 sessions - For dogs exhibiting mild behavior in response to a single stimulus (for example, a dog who is great with dogs and on walks, but shy with some people), newly adopted dogs who are acclimating but at a slow pace, young dogs, when the behavior is easily predicted, when recovery time following a stressor is fast, and/or when the family is experienced in treating fear or anxiety using reward based methods and equipment.
8-10 sessions - *These larger packages are discounted. For dogs exhibiting moderate to extreme behavior in response to one or more stimuli (ie: dogs experiencing noise phobia, dogs who flee or are immobile, won’t approach a person, won’t enter the house, can’t be leashed, etc.), newly adopted dogs from a situation involving known trauma, cruelty or neglect, older dogs, when recovery time following a stressor is slow, and/or when the family is inexperienced with a dog exhibiting fear or anxiety.
All training packages include:
Supplemental materials including written treatment plans and recommendations, how-to documents with step-by-step instructions, tip sheets, demonstration videos and more.
Unlimited email/text communications throughout your training package.
Feedback and coaching on video submissions.
Motivational and emotional support throughout your training package. While much of my education is in dogs, I also really love humans and will be with you every step of the way. I know how hard this can be and have been there myself!
Please contact me if you are unsure of where to begin or have questions before getting started. Full payment is required in order to hold your session dates.
