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Paw Fund

Paw Fund a Bay Area non profit organization that supports homeless people and low income people to care and keep their pets through vet care, emergency services and spay/neuter.

Training Clients Through Their Resistance

When a client first signs up for a Behavior Modification Program with Cause and Effect Dog Training, they are usually quite eager to begin. Their dog has recently bit a person or another dog and they are highly motivated to address the problem. A that moment, the dog owner is ready to do whatever it takes to move their dog from an anxious and/or aggressive state to a stable, loving member of the family. However, it is vital that the dog owner follow our guidelines and instructions in order to facilitate the process. This is of course, easier said than done.

The shift from aggression to stability is first addressed in the home. We introduce limited freedom in the house by using a comfort tie and crate. This is where we encounter the most resistance from the training client. Most dog owners want their dog free roaming throughout their house. They really don't see the anxiety, confusion and territorial aggression brewing while the dog compulsively follows the owner from room to room or barks ferociously at a passerby. The owner sees their dog as being confined and restricted rather than seeing rest comfort, relaxation and security that the tie down offers. The tie down is vital to showing the dog his place in the home and is directly connected to how the dog carries himself in the outside world.

We also ask that the client great increase exercise. Not only does it drain the dog's physical energy, it is an opportunity to guide and navigate our dog in the outside world. This builds a dog's confidence and trust in our leadership. Many people say, "I don't have time." So it does require a person to get up a little earlier to walk before work and walk after work even though they would rather zone out in front of the television. An abundance of exercise is VITAL to the rehabilitation process.

What is very unique about our Behavior Modification Program is that we check in with our clients in between sessions via email or telephone. We might go over the "homework" and ask how everything is progressing. It is very important that our clients take a little time to reflect on our questions and keep the flow of communication. We are not only interested and invested in our clients but also would like to updates so we can "tweak" our plans for the next session. Even this can be met with resistance and excuses like "too busy" or "too stressed."

We are honored that you have chosen Cause and Effect Dog Training to work with you and your dog. We ask that you trust us and follow our guidelines. You are exceptional in the commitment you have for your dog. However, in signing up for the program and showing up for the private sessions is only part of the process. It takes hard work. Many clients like to pick and choose from our guidelines and expect a stable, confident dog. It is not going to happen. We ask that you follow our instructions and communicate openly with us. You may likely feel tired, busy and stressed with obligations. However, in signing up for a Behavior Modification Program you need to make it a priority. You dog will thank you for it.

~Written by Shannon Davidson