Behaviour Consults
Sometimes canine behaviour gets in the way of learning. Canine behaviour modification takes time, patience, commitment and consistency. ALL dogs that are showing problematic behaviour can benefit from science-based behaviour modification even if they have been rehearsing this behaviour for many years. Each dog and family have unique circumstances and it is our goal to help you set realistic goals and help you achieve them.
" I have taken a couple of classes at the Red Barn with my young dog Maurice to help manage his reactivity and impulse control. We had great experiences with the classes and after speaking to the instructors about some specific challenges we were having with Maurice’s fear of strangers, I decided to book a one-on-one behavior consult with Danielle. I wanted to spend extra time to prepare him for situations where he would need to accept interaction and handling by strangers, for example at the vet office. After two sessions I better understood the roots of my dog’s fears and anxieties and the strategies to manage them. I felt confident in noticing the signs that Maurice was feeling anxious or distressed and how to advocate for him. It was also reassuring to observe him in Danielle’s presence and see that he grew more comfortable around her over time at his own pace. Danielle provided me with so many strategies that I was able to implement right away. After practicing them for a few weeks I took Maurice to the vet for an annual check up and shots. Our experience at the vet’s office confirmed to me that the classes we’ve taken at Red Barn and our behavior consult were the best decisions I ever could have made for Maurice and our entire family. For the first time he was comfortable with strangers and exhibited few signs of stress. We took things slowly as Danielle had guided us and he was able to accept the whole exam and two shots. By the end of the appointment he was happily accepting pets and scratches from the vet, which is something I could have never imagined! It was a very positive experience for all of us and I know that it increased Maurice’s confidence as well. I can’t wait to take another class at Red Barn to continue practicing our skills and will not hesitate to book more sessions with Danielle to troubleshoot any issues that arise in the future. I can’t thank Danielle and all the Red Barn trainers and staff for how much they have helped me and Maurice and our entire family. You have truly made a difference for us! " Jennifer Servos & Maurice
" We recently had the pleasure of working with Danielle to address some behavioural matters with our puppy. She was quickly able to assess, offer solutions and provide us with a plan for moving forward. After a couple of weeks, the behaviours significantly improved and continue to get better every day. We highly recommend The Red Barn and endorse the quality classes and services they offer. " Sarah & David Tawaststjerna, Riki & Nelly
Learn More
Our behaviour consultations include an extensive review of the dog's problem behaviours, a 90 minute in-person consultation with family and a one hour in-person follow up session. You will also be supported by email or phone call at all times during the behaviour modification process.
In the initial consultation, you will discuss the concerns you have with your dog’s behaviour. You will learn about what drives behaviour and how your dog communicates his needs to you as well as how you can use all of this knowledge to ensure your dog’s needs are met. We will set achievable goals and then develop a unique management and behaviour modification plan together. Following your initial consultation, you will receive:
- The meeting notes and management plan to put in place while we begin to work problem behaviours
- A behaviour modification plan along with some foundation exercises to work on with your dog
- In some cases, you will need to visit your vet or other canine health professional for a complete wellness checkup
In your follow up in person session we will discuss your observations and experiences with your dog while you have put the management and behaviour modification plan into place. We will problem solve any difficulties you are having as well as tweak the plans for maximum effectiveness. At this time, we can also discuss any steps we will need to take moving forward..
Some of the behaviours that we can help you with are:
- People Aggression
- Dog Aggression
- Fear Issues
- Arousal
- Separation Anxiety
- Resource Guarding
- OCD Behaviours
Initial Two Consultations: $400.00 + HST
Any Additional Appointments Needed for current clients (no longer than 4 months between appointments): $125.00 + HST. After 4 months between appointments: $150.00 + HST
Consulations take place at the Red Barn unless otherwise specified.We can also arrange virtual in-home consultations at no extra charge. In home consultations are available, but there is a surcharge of $100.00 + HST for the in-home session. In-home consultations are only available within a 50 kilometer radius of the Red Barn.
* Every dog and family is unique and in order to best meet their needs, all behaviour and Reactive Dog clients will be asked to fill out a short questionnaire that will be sent to them once they register.
Please contact Red Barn Registration to discuss and arrange your behaviour consultation.
Not sure which is best fit?
If you still cannot decide which class you need, please reach out to our staff by email to registration@redbarneventcentre.com or by phone to 705-812-3467.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between behaviour modification and training?
You may have heard the terms “behaviour modification” and “training” used interchangeably, but they are not the same.
With training, you are changing basic learned behaviours or teach a new behaviour. For example, you may train your dog to sit, come, or stay.
Behaviour modification - changing the way your pet feels and behaves – is based on learning principles, restoring normal behaviour patterns, and reducing
arousal.
Behaviour modification may include training, but it also includes environmental changes, routine changes, and the way you, and other people approach and interact
with your pet. Medications, in consultation with your veterinarian, may also be a part of behaviour modification. When discussing behaviour modification as part
of the treatment plan, we do that in simple and practical terms that are easy to follow and implement.
What are positive training methods and why should I use them?
Positive training methods teach your pet what to do and increase their desire to keep doing it. You will learn how to encourage your pet to repeat those
desirable behaviours instead of engaging in undesired behaviours. We often use reward-based methods as part of the treatment plan. Rewards provide your pet with
something they want once your pet showed the desired behaviour. Not only it encourages your pet to repeat the behaviour, but it also changes its mood towards being
more positive, calm, and engaged.
Negative training methods are based on punishment and aversive tools, e.g. choke or prong collars. The outcome of these methods is fear, anxiety, increasing
distance from the person who is training the pet and may lead to aggression. After all, when you use these techniques you cause pain and discomfort to your pet.
These techniques do not teach your pet what to do. They discourage your pet from showing any behaviour by making it afraid of the consequences. While your pet may
stop showing undesired behaviour, it will be due to fear, anxiety, and pain. When you hear or read about training techniques and notice words like “corrective”,
“packleader”, “alpha role”, or “nature’s template”, we advise you to be very cautious. These are just some of the phrases used when applying negative training
methods. At Red Barn, we are against the use of any negative training methods. Ample research evidence proves that they are not efficient in addressing undesired
behaviours and damage the owner per relationship.
What methods does the Red Barn use?
We use evidence-based, scientific methods to improve your dog’s condition.
First, we rule out any physical pathology (e.g. pain, gastrointestinal disease, neurological abnormalities).
Next, we look at normal behavioural patterns, such as eating, sleeping, and interaction with the environment.
Finally, we address the presenting problematic behaviour. We use positive methods that are non confrontational to address the problem.
We tailor a mixture of behaviour modification, training, relaxation and settle exercises, arousal reducing techniques, and environmental and routine changes.
Each pet and owner are individuals, and we aim to work with you and your pet to improve the situation, not discourage any behaviours or activities that are
positive and enjoyable to you and your pet.
My dog bit someone, can you still help me?
In bite cases, the first step we take is risk analysis. We approach each pet and owner individually, reviewing all the details and circumstances specific to
their situation.
To be able to help you, we ask that you provide us with as much information as possible (all information is confidential).
Next, we identify ways that help you reduce the risk through prevention and management.
Successful management is possible in most cases and behaviour modification is always helpful.
My dog is very young, will he outgrow this problem?
The younger the pet is at the onset of the behavioural problem, the worse it may get. This is especially true when dealing with cases of anxiety, fear, and
aggression.
Pets try to avoid situations that cause these emotions or negative outcomes, and continuous or frequent exposure may further sensitize them. Sensitization means
that your pet’s reaction will escalate even if the trigger is minimal.
Prompt intervention is the key to successful management.
My dog has been rehearsing this behaviour for many years, can this still help?
Absolutely! It is never too late. It is true that in some cases the longer the behavioural problem is present, the more difficult it may be to manage it. Nevertheless, the duration of the problem is not the only, or the most important factor influencing our ability to manage the problem successfully.
I am very busy. How much time will this take and do I have to work with him every day?
Managing behaviour problems requires your time and commitment. However, even with as little as 15-30 minutes daily you can see improvement. In most cases the time you will need to spend with your pet working to solve the problem can be spread throughout the day. Of course, the more time you can dedicate to working with your pet the faster you will see results. Behaviour modification takes time and preparation. Training can take a few minutes each day and can be a part of your regular routine with your pet.
FAQ reference: www.northtorontovets.com/faqs
