Behavior Services & Training

Behavior issues are a main reason why dogs are relinquished to shelters, re-homed or euthanized.  Having a pet with a behavior problem or lack of manners impacts everyone's quality of life and damages the human-animal bond.  It is our goal to help you get your new pet started off on the right track or to work with your pet to help with any existing behavior issues you may have.  Our overall goal is to help you develop a positive, enjoyable relationship with your pet that will last a lifetime!

We provide many valuable behavioral services including:

  • Group training classes (maximum of 3-4 dogs)
  • Private individualized lessons
  • Home Visits (in-home training)
  • Problem behavior training
  • Behavior consultations with Dr. Billings for more severe behavior concerns.

All behavioral issues are treated using proven positive reinforcement techniques.

Contact our behavior trainer, Kari Stasienko via email, at behavior@friendshipanimaldoc.com.

The Power of Positive Training

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We use the most up to date, humane and effective positive training methods based on proven scientific learning theory.  Dog training has come a long way from the 'traditional methods' of force, inflicting pain, and physically and verbally intimidating your dog.  Using these outdated methods (including ear pinching, muzzle grabs, leash corrections, electric shock, alpha rolls to name a few) we have seen the side effects of fear, mistrust, and aggression.   This 'dominance theory' is simply unnecessary and will prevent you from enjoying a strong relationship with your dog built upon trust and cooperation.

The studies on animal learning over the years have shown us animals behavior in undesirable ways because these behaviors have been reinforced.  To change behavior we have to remove the rewards for the undesirable behavior and focus instead on rewarding good behavior.  Positive-reinforcement training uses praise and treats to reward your dog for doing something that you like.  Your job is to set your dog up for the ultimate success through good management and teach him the behavior you expect from him.  Don't waste your time telling your dog what not to do, instead teach him what to do.   Dogs learn through the consequences of their behavior (just as we do).  This type of training works at developing and increasing the human-animal bond.

Dog friendly training based on positive reinforcement is humane, effective, and a lot of fun for you and your dog! The Humane Society of the US, the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, and the Association of Pet Dog Trainers all promote positive dog training as the most effective and humane way to train dogs.

Group class and Private lessons

  • Puppy Kindergarten (puppies 8 wk - 6 mo) - Group class of 3-4 dogs
  • Puppy Kindergarten Homeschooling (puppies 8 wk - 6 mo) - Package of 4 in-home individual lessons
  • Mind Your Manners  (puppies and dogs 6 mo and up) - Group class of 3 dogs
  • Mind Your Manners Homeschooling (dogs 6 mo and up) - Package of 4 in-home individual lessons
  • Control Unleashed  (dogs that have completed 'Mind Your Manners') - Group class of 3 dogs
  • Loose Leash Walking - (puppies and dogs 6 mo and up) - Group class of 3 dogs
  • Really Reliable Recall - (puppies and dogs 6 mo and up) - Group class of 3 dogs
  • Tricks for Treats - (puppies and dogs 6 mo and up) - Group class of 3 dogs
  • Hourly individual private lessons available to focus on your specific training needs as well.