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Support for dogs struggling with fear, anxiety, reactivity, or changes in behavior

When your dog is having a hard time, everyday life can feel smaller, more stressful, and harder to predict. You do not need to have the perfect label for what is happening before you reach out.

I provide compassionate, evidence-informed behavioral support that helps you understand what may be contributing to your dog’s behavior and choose practical next steps that support their well-being and your life together.

Does this sound like your dog?

  • Barks, lunges, growls, freezes, or tries to escape around people, dogs, or unfamiliar situations.
  • Seems persistently worried, watchful, restless, or unable to settle.
  • Has difficulty coping with visitors, handling, sounds, changes in routine, or being outside the home.
  • Shows behavior that feels increasingly intense, unpredictable, or difficult to manage safely.
  • Has begun acting differently, and you are concerned something important has changed.
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Your observations matter. I start with what your dog does, when it happens, and what may be making the situation harder. I will not start with a label or a one-size-fits-all plan.

A whole-dog approach to behavior

Behavior is communication. Rather than focusing only on stopping a visible behavior, I consider the full context of your dog’s life through the L.E.G.S.® framework: Learning, Environment, Genetics, and Self.

This helps me look at the experiences, needs, health considerations, individual characteristics, and environmental pressures that may be shaping what you see. From there, I build a plan that is humane, realistic, and tailored to your household.

What our work may include

  • A detailed discussion of your dog’s history, daily life, behavior patterns, and your concerns.
  • Practical environmental and management changes that can reduce stress and improve safety.
  • Skill-building and behavior-change strategies matched to your dog’s needs and your capacity.
  • Guidance on observing progress, adjusting the plan, and deciding when additional support is needed.
  • Collaboration with your veterinarian when medical factors, pain, or medication may be relevant.

When veterinary care should come first

A sudden change in behavior can be a sign of pain, illness, or another medical concern. If your dog’s behavior has changed abruptly, they seem unwell, or you are concerned about pain, a veterinary assessment should be the first step. Behavioral support can then work alongside appropriate medical care.

You do not have to figure this out alone.

A behavior consultation gives us a place to start: a clear picture of what is happening, thoughtful guidance about what may help, and a plan for moving forward with your dog.