Behavior Modification & Complex Cases

SMART BEHAVIOR™

Behavior Modification & Complex Cases

For dogs struggling with behavior concerns that require more than basic obedience training.

Concerns may include:

Reactivity
Fear
Aggression
Stranger-directed behavior
Dog-directed behavior concerns
Resource guarding
Anxiety-related behaviors
Handling sensitivities
Difficulties with visitors
Complex household behavior concerns

Your First Step: SMART BEHAVIOR™Assessment

90-Minute Assessment — $275

We'll take a deeper look at your dog's behavior, history, triggers, environment, and patterns before developing an individualized plan.

What’s Included

Comprehensive behavior assessment
Review of your dog’s triggers and stress signals
Immediate safety and management strategies
Customized behavior modification plan
Training exercises tailored to your dog and household
Video resources when helpful
Guidance on when veterinary or veterinary behavior support may be recommended

This session gives you a clear starting point and a realistic path forward.

Follow-Up Sessions —Single Sessions $150

Duration: 45–60 minutes.

Behavior change takes time, consistency, and support. Follow-up sessions help us build on your plan, adjust as your dog progresses, and coach you through real-life situations. Follow up sessions are recommended with behavior issues. We will determine how many follow up sessions your dog will need after your initial assessment.

Follow-ups may include:

Leash reactivity practice
Desensitization and counter-conditioning
Muzzle conditioning
Handling and body language coaching
Confidence-building exercises
Management updates
Support for setbacks or new challenges

Our Philosophy

We do not use pain, fear, intimidation, shock collars, prong collars, choke collars, or “alpha” corrections.

Dogs who are reacting, guarding, hiding, barking, or biting are often stressed, scared, overwhelmed, or trying to create distance. Our goal is not to suppress warning signs. Our goal is to help your dog feel safer, make better choices, and build trust between you and your dog.

SMART Behavior™ Process

1. Assess
Understand the behavior, history, triggers, patterns, environment, and contributing factors.

2. Manage
Reduce opportunities for unsafe or unwanted behaviors to continue being rehearsed.

3. Modify
Develop an individualized behavior modification plan.

4. Teach
Build alternative behaviors and practical skills.

5. Generalize
Practice safely in appropriate real-life situations.

6. Maintain
Create a realistic long-term plan for continued success.

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Intake Form

Meet Your Consultant

Dawn Lowery, CPDT-KA, ACDBC, CFDM

Transitioning a dog from a state of fear to a state of confidence requires more than just "obedience." It requires a deep understanding of ethology, learning theory, and canine biology.

With 18 years of experience and certifications like CPDT-KA, ACDBC. Dawn specializes in complex behavioral cases that traditional training often fails to resolve. Her goal is to be your dog's advocate and your expert guide, ensuring that every step taken is backed by science and motivated by compassion.

"I don't just train dogs; I help humans understand their best friends again."

Training vs. Behavior Modification: Knowing the Difference

It is common to confuse "Training" with "Behavior Modification." While they overlap, the approach for a dog who won't "sit" is fundamentally different from a dog who is terrified of strangers. One is about skills, the other is about survival instincts.

The Science of Stress

When a dog is "acting out," they are often in a state of Fight, Flight, or Freeze. Using traditional obedience—or worse, punishment—during these moments can actually suppress warning signs and lead to more dangerous behavior.

We focus on the root cause so your dog doesn't just "behave" because they are forced to, but because they finally feel safe enough to relax.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at 1smartdogct@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

How soon will I see results?

Behavior modification isn't a "quick fix" or "command" training. Because we are changing how your dog feels rather than just suppressing what they do, timing varies. Most clients see a significant reduction in stress within the first 2–3 weeks once management strategies are in place.

My dog has bitten someone. Can you still help?

Yes. We work with dogs with bite histories. Safety is our absolute priority. We will implement strict management and muzzle conditioning as part of our initial protocol to ensure everyone stays safe while we work on the underlying emotional issues.

Why do you use "Force-Free" methods for aggression?

Science shows that using punishment (prong collars, shock, or "alpha" corrections) on an aggressive or fearful dog often suppresses the behavior temporarily while increasing the internal anxiety. This can lead to a dog that bites "without warning." We focus on addressing the root cause to create long-term, reliable safety.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Full payment is required to confirm your appointments.

Private Lessons are non-refundable and non-transferrable. We do not offer refunds on unscheduled lessons. All sales and payments are final.

1. Payment & Refund Policy

Payment Due: All fees must be paid in full before the first session to confirm the booking.
Refunds: All sales are final and non-refundable.
Sales Tax: Note that in Connecticut, dog training services are subject to a 6.35% tax.

One Smart Dog, LLC reserves the right to terminate the training contract at any time before or during its term if Trainer determines that a danger exists to the health and safety of the public, Trainer, owner or dog. Should the Trainer or Owner terminate the training contract at any time prior to completion, all fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Contracts for on-going training are automatically terminated if we do not hear from the client for a period of 30 days. After 30 days, on-going training contract will cease. No refund will be issued for any lessons or classes remaining on contract.

2. Cancellation & Rescheduling

24-Hour Notice: Cancellations made with less than 24 hours' notice will result in the forfeiture of that session (it counts as "used").
No-Shows: If the trainer arrives at the home and the client is not there, the trainer will wait 15 minutes before the session is considered a "No-Show" and forfeited.

3. Package Expiration Dates

3 & 5 Session Packages: Expire 3 months from the date of the first session.
7 & 10 Session Packages: Expire 5 months from the date of the first session.

4. Safety & Liability

Liability Waiver: The client is 100% responsible for the dog’s actions at all times. The trainer is not liable for any injuries or property damage caused by the dog during or after training.
Methods Policy: "We do not allow the use of choke, prong, or electronic collars during our sessions."

TRAINING METHODS

One Smart Dog uses reward-based methods that are backed by science to modify your dog's behavior. Because a reward makes your dog more likely to repeat the behavior, positive reinforcement is one of your most powerful tools for shaping or changing your dog’s behavior. The use of pain, fear, or intimidation may lead to fear or aggression.

GUARANTEE (CODE OF ETHICS)

Our services are not guaranteed. Dog behavior is not static and can change over time due to developmental periods, aging, and health. Pet owners influence their dog’s behavior and must do the assigned training homework for optimal results.

To ensure your dog reaches the goals we've set, consistency is key. These policies are designed to keep us on track and ensure your investment leads to a well-behaved companion.

Behavior Modification & Complex Cases

SMART BEHAVIOR™