Beyond the Dog - Houston

Part 2: “He just wants to say hi.”
One of the reasons we don’t typically label leash barking and lunging as “attention-seeking” is because we have to look at what the “consequences” of the behavior.
Most of the time, the other dog keeps walking or your dog keeps walking past. �
The behavior usually does not result in social interaction or access to the other dog.
What it does often accomplish is creating distance.

That’s why understanding the function of the behavior matters so much.
Correctly identifying behavior isn’t about labeling dogs as “bad.” It’s about understanding what they’re experiencing so we can help them more effectively.

Progress Update for Lily 🌸
Lily has reached the end of her behavioral wellness program. As a recap, Lily joined our program to address her extreme fear and avoidance behaviors, which were worsening day by day. This sweet girl was increasingly finding it harder to enjoy everyday puppy activities, including walks. After 5 weeks of structured behavior modification exercises while living with Dr. Savage, she is well on her way to enjoying the good life, just like a puppy should! She is ready to go home, explore Houston, and continue her progress with her family. Way to go, Lily! 

What’s a road trip without an stop?

🐾 Ready to join the fun at our dog retreat in Sarasota, Florida? ✈️🐶 Have you wondered how the retreat dogs come to us? We actually come to them! Whether by car or an in-cabin flight, we’re dedicated to making their travel experience as comfortable and safe as possible!

For our obedience pups, this travel time offers a great opportunity to practice their skills and socialize while on the road or in the airport. And for our behavioral wellness pups, we provide support from the start, ensuring they feel secure and supported throughout their journey.

We can’t wait to welcome your dogs to our retreat and turn their travel time into positive experiences! 🌟

! 👋 This handsome 3-year-old Xoloitzcuintli (Xolo for short) has arrived in Sarasota from the Galveston/Houston area to join our November Behavioral Wellness Retreat.

Over the next four weeks, under the expert guidance of Dr. Savage, Rafa will focus on various behaviors, with the primary goal of improving his touch sensitivity. For a hairless breed like the Xolo, safe and comfortable handling of his entire body is crucial, especially as winter approaches!

We are so proud to be the nation’s only dog behavioral wellness retreat program where dogs live right in the home of a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB) for expert puppy development or behavioral treatment. CAABs, alongside Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorists, represent the highest level of expertise in dog behavior.

Welcome, Rafa! We can’t wait to share his progress. ❤️

Pixie the 11-month-old Pomeranian, our Houston Dog of the Month, enrolled in one of our Houston in-home dog training programs to address her fearful behavior and prep her for her upcoming travel plans!

Go Pixie!

Click the link below to learn more about our in-home dog training programs!

https://calendly.com/petbehaviorteam/15min