Private Dog Behavior Modification

The Phone Assessment: We start with a comprehensive phone consultation to learn more about your dog. We discuss their history, triggers, and daily routine in detail. This allows us to understand the full picture and prepare a safety strategy before we ever meet in person.
The Plan: We design a customized training roadmap specific to your dog's breed, temperament, and your family's lifestyle.
The Human Element: We train the owner as much as the dog. Our goal is to empower you with the skills to handle situations confidently.
Real-World Proofing: Once we have the basics, we can take the training On-Location—to local stores, parks, or breweries—to ensure your dog listens everywhere, not just in the kitchen.

The Wolffe Promise: Real Results, Zero Pain

In an unregulated industry, you need a training partner you can trust with your family’s safety. We solve serious behavioral issues using science-based, positive reinforcement methods only.

We are explicitly opposed to aversive methods. We do not use shock collars or prong collars.

Attempting to suppress fear or aggression with pain (shock/prong) is like trying to put out a fire with gasoline. It might stop the barking for a moment, but it often increases the underlying anxiety and makes the dog more dangerous in the long run. We don't just put a bandage on the problem; we get to the root cause to build a happy, balanced dog.

Transforming Challenges into Confidence

If you are looking for this service, you are likely feeling frustrated, exhausted, or worried about your dog's future. We want you to know two things immediately: You are not alone, and we can help. Behavior modification is distinct from basic obedience. It is not just about teaching a dog to "sit" or "stay"—it is about changing how your dog feels about the world around them so they can make better choices. We help dogs who are confused, fearful, or struggling to communicate effectively with their families.

When Do You Need Behavior Modification? (Use Cases)

Standard obedience classes are excellent for manners, but they rarely solve deep-rooted emotional issues. Here are the specific scenarios where our private, in-home behavior modification program is the right choice:

1. Aggression Modification

The Scenario: Your dog displays hostile behavior toward people or other animals. This might look like snapping, biting, lunging, or intense growling that goes beyond a simple warning. The Fix: Safety is our priority. We assess the root cause—whether it is fear, territoriality, or over-arousal—and implement a strict management plan immediately. We then work to change the dog's emotional response to triggers, replacing aggressive outbursts with calm, alternative behaviors.

2. Leash Reactivity

The Scenario: You dread walking your dog on the trail or in your neighborhood because every time you pass another dog, runner, or bike, your dog explodes—barking, lunging, or spinning at the end of the leash. The Fix: We work on desensitization and counter-conditioning. We teach you how to manage the environment and teach your dog to look to you for direction rather than reacting to the trigger. We turn a stressful walk into a focused, calm activity.

3. Separation Anxiety

The Scenario: You can’t leave the house without your dog panicking. They howl, pace, drool, or destroy door frames the moment you pick up your keys. You feel trapped in your own home. The Fix: This is a panic disorder, not spite. We create a systematic plan to build your dog's confidence in being alone, starting with small increments and building up to true independence.

4. Resource Guarding

The Scenario: Your dog suddenly freezes, growls, or snaps when you try to take away a toy, a bone, or approach their food bowl. It is scary, and it creates a dangerous environment for families. The Fix: We teach the dog that human hands approaching their "stuff" is a good thing (trade games), not a threat. We rebuild the trust so you can safely handle items around your dog.

5. Fear of Strangers or Guests

The Scenario: You stop inviting friends over for dinner because your dog barks incessantly at the doorbell, backs into a corner, or tries to nip at guests' heels. The Fix: We advocate for the dog and teach them that strangers predict good things. We also teach you how to manage introductions so your dog doesn't feel the need to go on the offensive.

6. Excessive Barking or Alerting

The Scenario: A delivery truck drives by, or a neighbor closes a car door, and your house erupts in chaos. The barking is relentless and impossible to interrupt. The Fix: We identify the trigger and teach an alternative behavior. We teach the dog that "Quiet" is a mandatory command that pays better than barking does.

How It Works: The Process

Behavior issues don't happen in a classroom; they happen in your living room, your backyard, and your local park. That is why our training is tailored specifically to your lifestyle.