Transforming Challenges into Calm, Confident Companions
University of Dog’s Behavior Modification program is a powerful, multi-faceted approach to helping dogs overcome serious behavior issues. Unlike basic obedience training, which teaches cues like “sit” or “stay,” behavior modification works at a deeper level: addressing the emotions and triggers behind your dog’s behavior and creating lasting change through sounds relationship principles, clear communication, desensitization, counterconditioning, and customized interventions grounded in both extensive field experience and scientific study.
At University of Dog we strive to change the underlying emotional response that is causing your dog to behave in undesirable or unsafe ways. Whether your dog is barking and lunging on walks, chewing through doors when left alone, or growling at family members, behavior modification doesn’t just suppress the behavior—it reshapes it from the inside out.
Our work is rooted in learning theory, canine psychology, and applied behavior analysis, and it’s carried out with patience, empathy, and a tailored plan that meets your dog’s needs and abilities.
Whether your dog is struggling with generalized anxiety, separation anxiety, reactivity, or aggression our certified trainers can help.
How It Works
Our certified trainers begin with a comprehensive behavioral assessment of your dog’s behavior, environment, and history. From there, we create a step-by-step behavior plan tailored to your dog’s unique needs. This plan may include:
- Trigger identification and management
- Desensitization and counterconditioning protocols
- Enrichment and routine adjustment
- Foundation skills to support emotional regulation
- Relaxation skills
- Relationship balancing
- Structured guidance for you (your dog’s most important teacher)
- Housecalls, Group Classes, Virtual Private Lessons
Why Choose Us?
We specialize in complex behavior cases and approach every dog with compassion, professionalism, and a commitment to progress. Our trainers are certified and experienced, and we stay current on the most effective, ethical methods in the field of behavior change.
Behavior modification takes time, consistency, and trust—but the outcome is worth it: a dog who feels safe, understood, and empowered to make better choices.
Let’s change your dog’s life—for good.
Check Out These Modified Behaviors
This is Diesel. At 7 months old he threw the vet up against the wall (luckily for the vet, he was muzzled). Tecla utilized zoo animal training techniques to teach him about cooperative care. Here he is during one of his behavioral training sessions learning to be comfortable with getting his nails clipped.
For many years, Tecla and her clients would demo at various expos and fairs. Most of the dogs on this demo team came to Tecla with varying degrees of reactivity, a few quite serious. In this video, you will see them working in very close proximity to each other and the reactivity is gone!
Blu would lunge and bark on the leash out of excitement to greet people. This is a form of reactivity. In this video you will see Blu OFFERING calm behavior in order to be able to say hi to someone. Just to reiterate: Blu is not in an obedience down, she is offering calm behavior instead of lunging and barking.