Behavior problem solving is much different than skill work.  Behaviors that are undesirable often stem from fear, anxiety, are deeply rooted by reinforcement histories, by past trauma, genetic predisposition, or past experiences in our dogs.  These issues are often engrained in a dog’s behavioral repertoire and need to be addressed not by skill work (sit/down/stand/come) but by integrating behavior change procedures that change an underlying emotional response. A plan that addresses not only the behavior problem itself but also your dog’s emotional well-being is part of the bigger solution.

Behavior work is conducted by Heather Mishefske, the owner of emBARK, and also one of 12 Certified Canine Behavior Consultants (CBCC-KA) in the state of Wisconsin.  Certified by the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers, this credential is limited to those who have a deep understanding of learning theory, applied behavior analysis, ethology, canine body language, implementation of conditioning procedures, changes in new research, and the science of behavior and learning.  Heather utilizes only science-based approaches in crafting a behavior plan for your dog.

Behavior work at emBARK also follows the gold standards aligning with the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), the  American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB), and The American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB).  We use force-free methods and advocate for your dog’s well-being as part of this program, as well as maintain continuing education requirements to ensure that we are developing a plan for your dog with the most progressive approaches.

Her approach is multi-faceted and will involve homework on the human teacher part to begin to teach new behaviors to your dog and consider your dog’s emotional well-being as part of this plan.    Remember that behavior modification is not something you do TO your dog, but something that you do WITH your dog.   There are two learners in this equation.  We will address both.

Issues that need behavior intervention plans are :

• Dog to dog directed aggression
• Dog to human directed aggression
• Intra-household aggression
• Resource Guarding (of food, toys, humans, objects, and spaces)
• Reactive behaviors on leash or off leash (see also our REACTIVE DOG CLASS in our class listings)
• Fearful or anxious behaviors
• Remedial potty training
• Prey drive issues
• Body Handling issues / Husbandry
• Separation Anxiety / Isolation Distress
• Phobias
• Cooperative Care and Husbandry Tasks
• Relationship building

Consultation are $115 per hour.

IN PERSON appointments are available here. 

VIRTUAL appointments are available via Zoom here. 

What to expect in a consultation?

• A review of your dog’s past history, not only limited to the problematic behavior.
• A review of your dog’s medical history.  Part of our plan often involves the support of your veterinary team to ensure we are fully supporting your dog’s physical health as well.
• A review of your previous plan to change this behavior.
• An overview to teach you how dogs learn, how behaviors continue, and a look at why your dog continues to do this behavior.  It’s important that you understand how your dog learns in order to be a good coach to change behavior.
• A review of body language and resources to help you understand how and when your dog exhibits stress.
• Ways to arrange your environment to make your learner successful.
• Resources on canine emotional well-being and how to think outside the box to create a plan and ways to allow your dog to decompress away from their triggers.
• Resources to reiterate our behavior plan and support your learning.
• A behavior plan to put into place individualized to your dog and environment.
• We do not use aversive equipment or any type of dominance theory in any of our programs.  By signing a professional code of ethics in behavior consulting, we have committed to not use any prong, shock, electric, or metal collars in any capacity in any of our programs. The science is very clear that using aversives in training increases these problem behaviors, and we align our training with the best practices in veterinary behavior medicine.