Behavior Therapy
When behaviour becomes communication.
Behavior Therapy is for dogs and familes who need a better understanding of what's happening beneath the surface.
Whether your dog is reactive, fearful, anxious, overwhelmed, guarding resources, struggling after a stressful event, or simply harder to understand than you expected, we begin by looking at the whole dog.
Together, we’ll uncover what may be driving the behaviour and create a thoughtful, practical path forward.
This work can take place through a single comprehensive consultation or a three-session package for those who want more hands-on support.
Sessions take place in your home on Salt Spring Island, online, or by phone.
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When your dog is struggling, it can feel like everyone has advice.
More exercise.
More training.
More structure.
More socialization.
More corrections.
More control.
But behaviour rarely changes in a lasting way until we understand what is underneath it.
Behaviour Therapy helps you step back, look at the whole picture, and begin making sense of what your dog is communicating.
A whole-dog approach.
My approach to behaviour therapy is comprehensive and holistic.
We look at your dog’s behaviour through many lenses: emotional wellbeing, learning history, nervous system, environment, health, lifestyle, nutrition, exercise, rest, training, relationship, breed-specific needs, and species-specific outlets.
Sometimes the plan involves training.
Sometimes it involves changing the environment.
Sometimes it involves more rest, more choice, more appropriate outlets, or a veterinary conversation.
The goal is not simply to stop a behaviour.
The goal is to understand what is creating it, and support lasting change from the root.
INCLUDED WITH PRIVATE BEHAVIOUR THERAPY
A thoughtful companion between sessions
Private behaviour work does not end when our session does.
The Behavior Therapy Companion Workbook gives you a place to slow the story down, observe patterns, and keep track of what may be happening beneath your dog’s behaviour.
Together, we may use it to explore:
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emotional states and body language
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triggers, escalation, and recovery
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environmental and lifestyle influences
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safety and management
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co-regulation and secure attachment
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small changes that are easy to miss
This is not an obedience workbook or a record of everything your dog is doing wrong. It is a guided tool for becoming more curious, gathering useful information, and helping us shape support around the dog in front of us.
The complete 31-page printable workbook is included with private Behaviour Therapy consultations and packages.
View sample pages
The Behavior Therapy Companion Workbook is included with private behaviour consultations.
WHAT WE CAN WORK ON
Behaviour Therapy can support a wide range of concerns, from everyday struggles to more complex emotional and behavioural challenges.
Reactivity & Fear
Leash reactivity
Barking and lunging
Fear of dogs or people
Recovery after a dog attack
Sensitivity to new environments
Confidence rebuilding
Anxiety & Overwhelm
Separation-related distress
Resource guarding
Hypervigilance
Difficulty settling
Noise sensitivity
Overarousal and impulsivity
Everyday Behaviour Support
Leash walking skills
Greeting skills
Household routines
Multi-dog dynamics
Breed-specific needs
Species-specific outlets
Training plans that make sense in real life
Begin with an inquiry
Because every dog and situation is different, Behaviour Therapy begins with a conversation.
Send me a note with your dog’s age, breed or mix, where you’re located, and a brief description of what you’re experiencing. I’ll let you know whether a single consultation or three-session package is the best fit.
Inquire About Behaviour Therapy →
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