Schedule a consultation with Debbie
Thanks for wanting to help a fearful dog! In 2005, after hurricanes Katrina and Rita, I met Sunny at Camp Katrina where he was taken after being found at a 477 dog hoarding site. I had him transported to my home in Vermont thinking I would find him his forever home. Turns out I did, and it was with me. He was too frightened to move out of a corner of our living room for months. I realized I was in over my head and my interest in training and behavior went from a hobby to a profession. I needed to know more and do better. I began an educational journey that has taken me from working with dogs to learning to teach children struggling with different challenges.
Wherever you live you have access to the most up-to-date, evidence-based information regarding how to work with your dog. You will learn how to train your dog without needing to use force, pain or threats. I’ll explain how to build a safe and trusting relationship with your dog that will make it easier for you to get them to do what you need them to.
I love what I do. I appreciate having the chance to speak with the people who care about finding ways they can help a dog struggling to be a pet. And I am always excited to be the person to support them.
- Do you have a dog who hides or barks at guests, strangers or even members of your household?
- Do you have a dog who can’t be touched, wear a collar or harness, or walk on a leash?
- Does your dog need grooming but can’t be handled?
- Does your dog freeze and cower when approached?
Whether your dog is afraid to go out or into your house, cowers, hides or behaves aggressively toward people or other dogs, a consultation will cover how to get started on the right path with your dog. No secret or magic methods. Discover what you need to do from a professional dog trainer.
Regardless of how old your dog is it’s never too soon or too late to get started training them the right way.
Find out how you can teach your dog to
- Wear a collar or harness
- Walk on a leash
- Come when called
- Be groomed or have their nails trimmed
- Be calm around strangers on walks
- Stop barking and lunging at guests in your home
- Stop hiding and cowering
- Be happy, relaxed and enthusiastic about being a pet dog
You can schedule a phone or online consultation with the author of A Guide To Living With & Training A Fearful Dog to discuss ways you can help your dog feel more comfortable in the world, and the skills you need to make it happen. Stop guessing and wondering if you’re doing the right thing.
You will learn what your fearful dog wishes you knew so you can continue on the path toward confidence and improved skills. Stop wasting time on protocols, tips and tricks and get started on learning the most humane and effective ways to help your dog.
Too many dogs are returned to shelters and rescue because owners have not been able to find the support they need to help their dogs. Some will never become successful and treasured pets. Understanding how to train and manage a fearful, shy, reactive or aggressive dog will increase the chances a dog will remain in its adoptive home. Stop googling for incomplete or inaccurate information. Don’t trust AI to point you in the right direction.
By scheduling a consultation you will
- Increase your understanding of your dog’s behavior
- Build confidence in addressing training challenges
- Learn how to get or end behaviors humanely
- Discover ways to improve you and your dog’s quality of life
- Have access to one of the most highly, internationally respected, fearful dog trainers
- Avoid bad training advice that can lead to more problems with your dog
- Find hope for helping your dog
- Stop wasting time and get started on the right path with your dog today
- Learn about whether you should be considering medications for your dog
- Discuss whether or not you should consider returning, rehoming or euthanizing your dog
The cost for a one-hour consultation and one hour follow up is $149 and includes a downloadable PDF copy of A Guide To Living With & Training A Fearful Dog.
Client Feedback
“I follow you and watch all your videos again and again I want to thank you for all you did for G_____ she is an amazing girl now. Between the medication and the constant training she has become calmer and less scared. It’s amazing how daily training makes for an amazing dog and I have you to thank. Would love for you to see the little girl again soon.”
“I realized I’ve never replied to you to say thank you for encouraging me with your words and making me feel more confident to help my girls that had the fight.”
“The dog rescued from the meat farm is also doing wonderfully! He has gone from avoiding people to actually vocalizing because he wants to be with the client’s parents on the other side of the door! He jumped up next to them and started cuddling. Amazing! Thank you so much!!!!!”
“Thank you for your incredible work and insight–we are indebted to you.”
“I wanted to let you know (again) that your words are the foundation that sits beneath my consumption of all other training- and behavior-related content. Not sure how best to describe it, but basically everything I read has to pass the Debbie test before I consider it.”
Support for trainers, shelters, rescue groups, foster caregivers, in and outside the United States
If you are a dog trainer looking for support with a challenging dog you can also contact Debbie to schedule a time to discuss the case.
Live webinars for shelters, rescue groups and foster caregivers cost $149 for up to 50 participants. Book A Webinar
International consultations are available using Zoom or other online platforms.
For information on consultations or in-person training please use the contact form below or call 802-380-7909 (Vermont USA EST).
Please note: I do my best to respond to questions I receive from owners or caretakers of fearful dogs, but it is often impossible for me to keep up with the number of emails asking for suggestions or advice. If you are committed to working with a dog and want information on setting up a training and rehabilitation plan, please schedule a consultation.
