Behavior

Behavior Consulting

All instruction and advisement are based on the latest in animal behavior science. Keeping absolutely up to date on important science being conducted in animal behavior and cognition allows Sindar to do a superior job at improving animal mental health and solving all manner of behavior concerns. (Please see our “About Us” page for a summary of Melissa’s credentials.) For some clients (see below for details), we can also provide basic skills instruction utilizing techniques based on the LIMA approach (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) which maintains your animal's emotional wellness. Scientific study has shown that the outdated approach of punishment-first techniques erodes animal emotional wellness which leads to an increase risk or worsening of fear, anxiety, and aggression issues. Please note that you will typically need to perform 10 - 30 minutes of daily training for four or more weeks to best meet most behavior modification or skills training goals. No quantity or quality of protocols given can replace the commitment by the animal guardian to actually follow through on that instruction.

Behavior Consulting (any species)

At your home: 2+ hours
$245.00

  • Case history, assessment, and written solution protocols and instruction.
  • Includes phone and email support for up to one year following the initial session.
  • *For the Augusta area, an additional fee of $75.00 is applied to cover travel expenses and time.

At the Sindar Kennel Facility: 2+ hours
$190.00

  • Case history, assessment, and written solution protocols and instruction.
  • Includes phone and email support for up to one year following the initial session.

Follow Up Sessions If Needed:
$45.00 at your home, neighborhood, or park
$25.00 at Sindar Kennel Facility

  • Typically no follow up sessions are needed as long as the written protocols are adhered to effectively.
  • In more complicated cases, two or three follow up sessions may be necessary to ensure success.

Phone Consultation: 2+ hours
$190.00

  • Case history, assessment, and written solution protocols and instruction.
  • Includes phone and email support for up to one year following the initial session.

Other Services

Skills-Only Shaping and/or Clicker Training Instruction: For animals without serious behavior issues (fear, anxiety, or aggression)*

All species** (Private instruction)
$120.00 at your home for the first session, $45.00 for follow up sessions. Package rate for purchase of four sessions: $235.00
$100.00 at Sindar for the first session, $25.00 for follow up sessions. Package rate for purchase of four session total: $155.00

  • 1+ Hours first session to cover behavior fundamentals; 45-minute sessions following.
  • **"Skills-Only" training for canines is available to boarding clients only or in the case that working with dog trainers in the past has failed to resolve your issue. If you are not this type of client and need "skills-only" instruction, we can recommend qualified dog trainers in the area. Skills-only training is available for all other species (i.e., birds, cats, reptiles, equines, etc.) regardless of prior relationship.
  • *For help in determining if your needs are "skills-only," please see the guidance at the bottom of this webpage.

Puppy Pre-Acquisition Consultation: 2+ hours

$100.00 At Sindar or Phone Consultation
No charge (free) for established boarding clients
Includes information and recommendations on:

  • Breed options
  • Rescue organization options
  • Ethical breeder options
  • Parental genetic and health certification guidance
  • The best age to obtain and puppy and why it is important
  • Socialization schedules
  • Owner education reading materials
  • How to avoid the mistakes many pet owners make that lead to significant behavior problems as the dog ages

Puppy Post-Acquisition Consultation: 2+ hours

$120.00 at your home
$100.00 at Sindar or Phone consultation
Includes information and recommendations on:

  • Socialization schedules
  • Housebreaking instruction
  • Crate training instruction and why it is important
  • Impulse control fundamentals
  • Mouthing secession
  • How to avoid the mistakes many pet owners make that lead to significant behavior problems as the dog ages
  • Basic training strategy

EXAMPLES OF ISSUES BEST ADDRESSED BY A QUALIFIED ANIMAL BEHAVIOR CONSULTANT

These are not "skills-only," they have root in more complicated mental wellness issues:

  • Lunging or barking at other dogs or people while on leash
  • Any aggression directed toward any human for any reason, family members or non-family members
  • Any aggression directed toward any dog for any reason
  • The anxiety of any kind
  • Thunder or storm phobia
  • Difficulty riding in a car
  • Separation distress
  • Enclosure (crate or room) distress
  • Inept play between dogs
  • Excessive licking or attention seeking behavior
  • Trembling due to fear or other fearful responses
  • Destruction of property or self-destruction
  • Arousal issues (often described as “hyperactive” behavior by pet owners)

EXAMPLES OF ISSUES THAT ARE TYPICALLY "SKILLS-ONLY" AND CAN BE ADDRESSED BY A QUALIFIED DOG TRAINER

These are issues to whom we only offer service to boarding clients, clients in which we have a previous relationship or people who have worked with dog trainers in the past but have not resolved the issue successfully.

  • Pulling on leash (as long as there is an absence of any barking or lunging or aggression of any type)
  • Sitting when asked
  • Coming to you when called
  • Lying down when asked
  • Learning to wait before darting out of the door
  • Learning to leave something alone when asked, like a squirrel or piece of paper

Please contact us via the information on this website contact page to schedule a brief complimentary phone call to discuss the details of your case.