Frequently Asked Questions About Behavior and Aggression Counseling

What types of behavioral problems can you help me with?
Why is behavior or aggression modification important?
When should I seek help?
What sets our trainers apart?
What things affect the success of a behavior modification program?
Will your help guarantee improvement?
What happens on the first appointment?
How long will it take to see improvement?
How many appointments are necessary?

What types of behavioral problems can you help me with?

We can help with many types of behavioral problems.  Examples include unruliness, fearfulness, barking or lunging on leash at other dogs, or separation anxiety.  Aggression problems could include aggression toward other dogs, people, or guarding resources (objects, food, etc.).

Why is behavior or aggression modification important?

Behavioral problems and aggression tend to get worse and escalate in frequency and intensity over time.  Behavioral problems and aggression not resolve themselves on their own, although we wish they would! 

When should I seek help?

If you’re asking the question, probably now is the right answer.  Don’t wait until the behavior gets so bad that you are at end of your rope.  Many people wait too long to seek help.  The longer the behavior has been occurring, the longer it will take to improve.

What sets HDR trainers apart?

HDR trainers have both the education and experience to assist with behavior modification programs.  All of our trainers are well educated and belong to national training organizations.  Two of our trainers are Certified Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT-KA) on staff.  This accreditation is obtained through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Training, which is a well-respected International Dog Training Organization.  This accreditation takes time, experience, and knowledge to obtain.  There are only 92 Certified Professional Dog Trainers in the state of Texas.   Our trainers are knowledgeable and experienced about the science of how dogs learn, and this is crucial to modifying behavior.   We know that working with dogs using positive, reward-based methods is critical to a successful behavioral modification program.  And, we understand the science behind why using harsh, negative or ‘punishment’ based methods tends to exacerbate behavioral problems and the risks associated with such methods.   Please read more about our trainer’s accreditations and education under the Our Family section of the website.

What things affect the success of a behavior modification program?

There are many factors that affect the success of any behavior modification program, including: your individual pet, the breed, the duration of time the behavior has been occurring, the environment in which the dog lives, and most importantly, the ability and commitment of everyone in the household to implement the recommendations and treatment plan. 

Will your help guarantee improvement?

We would love to say, “Yes, absolutely,” but it would be misleading for us to do so.  Our dogs are living, thinking beings.  We cannot program them like a computer and hit enter to hard-wire the results.  There are many factors that affect improvement, as already mentioned, and these factors play the pivotal role in the outcome of each individual case. 

What happens on the first appointment?

During the first appointment, we will review the behavioral questionnaire in detail.  We will ask many questions in order to gain a complete and accurate picture of the behavior.  If appropriate, some behavioral assessments might be done if it is safe and possible to do so.  We will analyze and discuss the problem, causes, triggers, and other factors.  Then we will discuss and begin working on a behavioral modification plan, which may include:

• Changes in the home environment
• Changes to diet and exercise
• Consultations with a veterinarian to understand any physical causes that may have an effect your dog’s behavior
• Teaching basic training skills and foundation behaviors that will assist with the behavior modification process
• Management and prevention steps to ensure the safety of everyone and prevent injury to other people or animals
• Behavior modification exercises

How long will it take to see improvement?

It depends!  Behavior problems are complex and often take considerable time and effort to see improvement and resolve.  It can be done, but there is unfortunately, no quick, easy fix!  In general, these types of problems require daily work and practice by the owners with the dog.

How many appointments are necessary?

Every situation is different.   You will be given exercises and homework to work on in between appointments.  We progress as quickly or slowly as you and your dog need to depending on the severity of the problem, and depending on how much progress you have made in between appointments.   In general, we tend to meet more frequently at the beginning and then, as the situation improves, start to taper off the appointments.