Dog Behavior Modification

Tailored Methods to Help Your Dog Thrive

Some behavior issues go beyond basic training. Aggression, fear-based reactivity, resource guarding, or a dog other trainers have given up on. If you’ve tried everything and nothing’s worked, you’re not doing something wrong. You’re dealing with something difficult but not impossible.

I work with complex dog behavior cases remotely, using a certified, science-based, force-free approach. No punishment, no dominance theory, no quick fixes that don’t last. Sessions are available in Spanish, English, Portuguese, and Italian.

Effective Communication

Aggression and reactivity are usually fear based, not misbehaviors. Your dog isn’t trying to dominate you or “be bad.” They’re overwhelmed, and don’t have another way to tell you.

Learning to read those signals early, before a bite or lunge, changes everything.

mixed breed yellow dog behavior and training remotely

Behaviour Modification

This is where real change happens: leash reactivity, resource guarding, fear-based aggression, or a dog who’s bitten before.

We work through a structured plan built around your dog’s specific triggers, at a pace that keeps everyone safe.

two border collie breed dog socialization and positive reinforcement

Enrichment & Socialization

Some dogs don’t need more socialization, they need less pressure and more confidence first to build resilience.

I help you figure out which one your dog actually needs, so you’re not pushing them into situations that could make things worse.

Understanding Your Dog’s Behavior, One Signal at a Time

Empowering Dog Owners: You don’t need to become an expert in dog behavior. You need a plan that actually works for your dog, and the confidence to follow it, even after other trainers or methods haven’t helped.

A Holistic Perspective: every dog is unique and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to behavior issues. Aggression and reactivity rarely have one single cause. Pain, past trauma, genetics, and environment all play a role. I look at the whole picture, not just the behavior in front of me.

border collie dog on sofa smiling happy

Addressing Underlying Issues: here is where we focus on what is happening beyond surface-level. A dog who bites, lunges, or guards resources isn’t broken. Something is driving that behavior, and until we find it, training alone won’t fix it. That’s the part most quick-fix approaches skip.

Practical Techniques for Positive Change: No punishment, no shock collars, no dominance-based methods. Just structured, force-free training that keeps you, your dog, and everyone around you safe while things actually improve.

Every plan starts with figuring out why your dog is reacting, not just stopping the behavior on the surface. Real change means your dog feels safer, not just quieter.

goals for behavior modification

Understand the “Why”: Understand the why behind aggression, reactivity, or fear-based behavior through observation.

Science-Based Behavior Modification: for biting, lunging, resource guarding, and severe reactivity.

Emotional & Osteopathy Support: including guidance on when pain or discomfort may be driving the behavior.

Effective Remote Coaching: even for dogs who can’t safely leave the house or meet new people.

Strengthen the Human-Animal Bond: between you and your dog, especially after other approaches haven’t worked.

Invest in the Relationship You Want With Your Dog

I know how hard it is to deal with this alone, and I don’t want cost to be the reason you don’t get help. If money is tight, reach out. We’ll figure something out together.

Initial Assessment / Intake — €70: A one-on-one session to assess your dog’s specific triggers and history, and outline a training plan built around them. If you go on to book the a package, the €70 is credited toward it.

Ongoing Program / 8 Week Training Package — €650: Daily training plans, video and data analysis, and weekly check-ins to track progress.

Follow-up / Second Opinion Consultations €100: For dog guardians already working with other professionals or in need of a second opinion, need help navigating a setback, or guidance beyond a generic protocol.

Crisis/Safety Consultation — €90: For guardians whose dogs are showing challenging behaviors right now, like biting, growling, or snapping. If your situation feels urgent, this gets you fast, focused guidance and a safety plan without waiting for a full program to start.

Book a free call with me

Please note I speak fluent Spanish, English, Portuguese, and Italian.

Unlocking Resilience Dr. Spaulding
Separation Anxiety Certificate of Expertise
IAABC CDBC certification
Fear Free Certified Badge
Certificate of Completion Animal Emotions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Yes. In fact, remote behavior consultations are often safer than in-person sessions for dogs with aggression or severe reactivity, since there’s no unfamiliar person entering their space to trigger a reaction. As a certified dog behavior consultant, I use video review and live guidance to work with you directly, wherever you are.

Training and medication aren’t either/or, they often work best together. I’m not a veterinarian and can’t prescribe medication, but I can help you recognize when a vet or veterinary behaviorist consult may be worth exploring alongside training.

Sometimes pain or an underlying medical issue can drive aggressive or reactive behavior. If that’s a possibility for your dog, I may recommend a vet check alongside training, so we’re addressing the whole picture, not just the behavior.

Every dog is different, especially with aggression or reactivity, but most guardians start seeing real change within the first few weeks of a structured plan. Progress isn’t always a straight line, and that’s normal.

I understand how this can be frustrating because each trainer and behavior expert have a different solution and not all solutions will work for cases of aggression or severe reactivity specifically, and some methods (like dominance-based or punishment-based training) can actually make fear-based behavior worse. I use a certified, science-based, force-free approach built around your dog’s actual triggers, not a generic program

No, and you’re not alone in feeling this way. Many guardians reach out exactly at this point, when things feel unmanageable. Reaching out doesn’t mean you’ve failed, it means you’re looking for another option before making a permanent decision. Let’s talk before you decide anything.

Yes, when there’s a clear plan in place. Part of the initial assessment is understanding exactly what happened and building safety measures, like management strategies, muzzle training if needed, around that specific history.

Yes. A bite history doesn’t mean your dog is beyond help, it means we need a clear safety plan alongside training. I’ll walk you through exactly what that looks like during your initial assessment.

Consultations are available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian, so language isn’t a barrier to getting help.