Does your dog (or cat) have behavior problems such as house soiling, chewing, barking, jumping up, separation anxiety, growling, snapping, biting, fearfulness, shyness, storm phobias, fear or aggression to people or other animals? We can help!
Dr. Kay Stephens, B.S. (Bachelor of Veterinary Science, TAMU 1979), DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, TAMU 1980), MS (Master of Science, TAMU, Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology 1983), Certificate of Internship in Medicine and Surgery (University of Tennessee 1984), is a veterinarian with advanced training in animal learning and behavior. Dr. Stephens has been successfully solving behavior problems in dogs and cats since 1992.
Research has shown that about 30% of dogs with behavior problems have medical issues contributing to the problem, or will benefit from medication, and only a veterinarian can address both your dog’s psychological and medical issues. Dog trainers lack the medical education and training to address all aspects of an animal’s behavioral issues.
Dr. Stephens uses a proven, science based, and common sense approach to solving behavior problems that you can use at home. She focuses on teaching you to understand and properly address your animal’s behavior issues. Dr. Stephens believes that solving behavior problems shouldn’t be confusing, ridiculously expensive, or scary or abusive to you or your dog. Dr. Stephens will work with your regular veterinarian as needed to address your dog’s medical issues.
Behavior solutions will give you the knowledge and skills to take your dog from red alert to calm and relaxed. We will cover the reasons for aggression, required tools, foundation behaviors, and the different exercises we will perform. We will work your dogs simultaneously and teach them to accept being on leash around other dogs, approaching other dogs, walking next to and past other dogs, and other behaviors which will enable you to engage in normal activity with your pet. The training will not cover inter-dog (household) aggression or teaching dogs to engage in close quarters greetings or off leash play.
Dr. Stephens usually sets up an initial meeting of up to 2 hours to thoroughly investigate your dog’s issues and history, and then will make an initial diagnosis and treatment plan. Follow up visits are usually one hour in length and will occur every 7 to 14 days. How many follow up visits are needed will depend on your goals, the severity of your pet’s problems, and how much time you are willing to invest in solving your pet’s issues.
Pricing
An initial evaluation for most behavior problems will take around 90-120 minutes and costs $250. This initial evaluation includes a written evaluation, some initial training, and behavioral management recommendations. Sometimes, one meeting is enough to get you on the road to solving your pet’s problems. It all depends on your pet and you. Sessions may be done at our training facility or in your home, depending on your pet’s needs.
Follow up sessions are one hour long and cost $100.
Registration
Call or email Dr. Stephens to discuss your pet’s issues or to set up an appointment at kay@puppylovetraining.com or 979-229-6300.
Payment
Payments will be collected now by PayPal or by check or cash on the first consultation.
