What is the Humane Hierarchy?

Addressing behavior from a professional lens means approaching change from a systematic and humane process. While you can read a little about my training philosophy on my Frequently Asked Questions and in this blog post, generally speaking when looking at behavior change I will recommend you review the Human Hierarchy of needs for your dog.

This structure emphasizes physical and mental welfare, and changing behavior by setting up successful interactions with positive reinforcement driving preferred behaviors. I am always cautious before including any behavior in a training plan that may exacerbate frustration or distress for your dog, and will work to avoid creating fallout and mistrust in your training program.

Guild Hall is a client portal within my website - you’ll find classes and events available only to past and present clients there, as well as discounts on certain future services. You’ll also find recommended outlets for your dog, including sports, events, and sniffspot information.

Your google drive is available to you to reference your contract and contact and care form, make updates to your dog’s care information, upload vaccination records, as well as share videos and photos with questions or for feedback!

Continue to build Seeger’s confidence by providing opportunities and experience acclimating to new environments and around new people or dogs. Gradually reducing fear reactivity with his known skills and utilizing them in new spaces.

Seeger has had a lot of management in place and you both have a lot of tools, skills, and environmental set up to keep him under threshold. At this stage, I think the key is going to be scaling back on that management gradually - he’s capable of a lot and so challenging him and asking him for more may put you and he out of your comfort zones, but he’s up for it!

Look for more opportunities to get Seeger out in low stakes environments! Whether that’s a weekly class geared towards reactivity or one where you’ll mostly be focusing on his comfort above the purpose of the class, I would be looking at places to utilize his skills in environments that are familiar to him. As an adjustment for the Level Up services this year, I’ve opened consistent drop in spots both for Club Day and our Hikes, both of which would be useful for this!

I would also just look at setting up Nosework searches in increasingly populated spaces (at a distance from people for now) so he can continue to focus on working around new people.