Canine Behavior Consultations

Canine Behavior Consultation
By Michele Forto

At Denver Dog Works we are sought after throughout the country as the preeminent expert for canine aggression cases. With that said we also do things a bit differently than most dog trainers for basic obedience. Canine Behavior Modification Sessions are NOT Obedience Sessions. We also charge differently than a dog trainer. Typically dog trainers charge per session or in a block of sessions (ie. eight weeks for $500.00, etc.) A behavioral consultation is much different. We charge by the hour and we require a retainer. The reason we do this is simple: there is a tremendous amount of work involved behind the scenes and with the client in person. We charge just like an attorney would charge you, increments of six minutes. Remember you are hiring an expert not just a dog trainer that trains dogs for fun. Canine Aggression is serious business and you need an expert to help you in this difficult time.

Canine Behavior Consultation

A Canine Behavior Consultation is an in-depth scientific observation of a dog displaying unwanted or unexplained behavior. Dr. Robert Forto, Ph.D. of Denver Dog Works is not only the training director with nearly twenty years of experience in training dogs, but also Denver’s foremost expert on aggression.

A Canine Behavior Consultation often begins unfortunately with an incident where your dog has bitten someone. Very few times, has Dr. Forto been contacted prior to the bite occurring. Usually he is contacted during an owner’s dog being quarantined by the local animal control.

When you contact Dr. Forto regarding canine aggression or behavior modification for your dog he or his staff will ask you a series of questions determining whether or not you are in need of a behaviorist or just a qualified trainer with specific behavior background such as separation anxiety.
When hiring an expert be prepared to pay a retainer and to be billed in hourly increments monthly for their services. This is how Dr. Forto has established his business and reputation. He values your concerns and expects you to value his time and his expertise.
I asked Dr. Forto, what happens during a Behavior Evaluation/Canine Behavior Consultation and this is what he said.
What happens during an Behavioral Evaluation?
 
You will be interviewed and asked questions regarding your dog and the problems you are concerned with:
Your dog’s daily routine and history with you
What your relationship with your dog is like
How your dog behaves in different situations
A description of the problem
When, where and how often the problem happens
What you have done to work with your dog’s behavior
 
We will observe your dog and see how he/she behaves
We do want to see how your dog reacts to us and get a sense of his temperament
We do want to see how your dog reacts to you and get a sense of his temperament
Observing the problem behavior may not be possible, desirable or needed

We will use this information to analyze your dog's problem
Why the problem developed
What’s now motivating the behavior
What needs to be done to change the behavior
 
We will develop and write down a custom behavior modification plan for you
The plan may include changes to your dog’s environment and/or diet
The plan may require structured “training sessions” to bring out the desired behavior
The plan may require changes in how you react to your dog’s behavior
The plan will include tips and remedies
 
We will follow-up with you during the scheduled "training sessions" either in-home or office visits for the number listed on your behavior modification plan:
Answer your questions and observe the dog and his reactions
Make sure you are on the right track
“Fine tune” your custom plan
If your dog is participating in our board and train program you will receive weekly progress reports for the duration of his stay.
 
And this is just the beginning! According to Dr. Forto, once he receives the initial evaluation from his staff, he then corresponds immediately with the client who has now received a 13-page questionnaire asking specific questions pertaining to their dog’s history. He begins developing a treatment plan and schedules the first visit. Dr. Forto is working with you from the moment he receives your case file and he continues to be available via email, phone, and in person. Behavior modification does not get fixed at the snap of a finger, modifying a dogs behavior can take months just as modifying your behavior can take months. A typical behavior case can last three to nine months. Although, you can see results after just one hour, modifying unwanted behavior and replacing it with wanted behavior takes time. An aggressive dog must have his behavior managed and the treatment plan that Dr. Forto devises for you must be followed correctly in order for the modification to be successful. Once the treatment plan has been developed Dr. Forto then visits you a few times to check on your progress and then develops a maintenance plan. Aggression is never cured it is managed.

Dr. Forto is available for behavior modification, seminars, and workshops addressing aggression (and other canine behavior problems). If you are interested in learning more about aggression or if your dog is in need of behavior modification you can reach Dr. Forto at through his website at http://www.denverdogworks.com

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Michele Forto is Denvers Dog Training Examiner and the business manager of Denver Dog Works. Michele can be reached through her website at http://www.denverdogworks.com