There are many different forms of separation distress (commonly referred to as "separation anxiety" or "separation issues") -- no two situations are alike.  It can have causes in human-pet attachment styles, genetics, routines, and much more.  The dog in the photo looks very relaxed and sleepy while his humans are gone from the home.  This is something we all wish for our pets.  Unfortunately, that is not the reality for all pets -- especially since the COVID pandemic and the growth of remote work.  Luckily, these situations can usually be improved significantly with owner dedication to their unique training plan.  Eileen can help alleviate your pet's distress by addressing the emotions and causes of the separation distress.  She can help teach them coping skills, create relaxation, address contributory fears and/or triggers, and help create healthy human-pet attachment styles.  

​

Eileen is a fully certified dog behavior consultant with the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants and will address your dog's aggression issues with positive and humane methods.  Eileen uses behavior modification through positive reinforcement/reward-based training to change the undesirable behaviors that your dog exhibits.  Reward-based methods are the exclusive methods recommended by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) and the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB) for addressing behavior issues including severe aggression.  This involves teaching your dog new, more desirable behavior patterns, gradual desensitization, creating positive emotional associations with triggers that cause fear/anxiety/stress, and ultimately teaching him to independently make better choices.  Eileen will create unique solutions for your household to address the problem behaviors.  

​

We will NEVER instill fear, intimidate, or use harmful or painful techniques on your dog.  Instead, we teach useful skills using fun, relationship-building techniques.  We do NOT use shock or prong collars, yelling, intimidation, noise aversives, or leash or collar corrections.  Our philosophy is that we want and need your dog's cooperation.  We want him/her to perform the behaviors willingly, so that they can make good behavioral choices in various situations.   

​

​

During a Behavior Consultation:

​

• Meet for up to two hours

• Discussion of your dog's behavioral, social, medical, and training histories

• Set goals and discuss concerns

• Evaluate your dog in his natural state and home environment

• Identify any necessary safety or management measures

• Develop a plan for moving forward

• Gain a better understanding of your dog's behavior and needs

• Begin the separation training

• Receive helpful information and solutions

• Possible referrals, as needed, to veterinarians to help you and your dog reach your goals

​​

​

Behavior Consultations and other first time appointments are conducted over Zoom, but follow-up appointments may be done either in person or over Zoom.  In-person follow-up appointments must be at a location within 15 minutes drive of Confident Canines LLC (89143).  Follow-up appointments are usually every 1-2 weeks until issues resolve.