Behavior Modification Programs
Training for Anxiety, Reactivity, and Aggression
Programs & Pricing
50% deposit is required for reservation. Full payment is due upon drop-off.
All training equipment your dog needs is included in our pricing.
Financing is available through PayPal Credit and Affirm.
What is behavior modification training?
Reactivity and aggression are some of the most common issues we see. Our trainers have helped hundreds of dogs and owners find a better quality of life in our Behavior Modification Training Programs! As rescue dog lovers, all of our trainers also have first-hand experience when it comes to living with dogs with these types of behavioral issues.
During your dog’s behavior modification training program, their trainer will work to identify the cause of their behavior. Once the cause is determined, they will build a specific training plan to help you and your dog. Our goal during training is to teach your dog appropriate behaviors at home and in a public environment like stores and parks. This is done through building a relationship based on trust and clear communication.
what causes reactivity?
There are many reasons dogs display reactivity and aggression, including:
Fear & Under-Confidence
Genetics
Learned Behaviors
Miscommunication & Unclear Expectations
Medical Issues
Overstimulation
Aggression Vs. Reactivity
Aggression and reactivity are issues that many dog owners deal with. Many dogs who are labeled as “aggressive” are, in reality, “reactive,” so which is your dog? Dogs have many methods of communicating that they are becoming increasingly uncomfortable in a situation. If these signals are overlooked, the dog will naturally escalate in an attempt to reduce its stress. Often, these behaviors are a result of communication and relationship issues. Without clear communication, dogs do not understand what is expected of them, and their natural instincts can take over which can be mislabeled as aggression.
When a dog falls back on their instinctual drives, behaviors such as resource guarding, object obsession, protective tendencies, and aggression can all be seen.
Dogs with behavioral issues or insecurities always require you to maintain structure and positive control of their environment. Our training goal is to help you identify and address your dog’s mindset so you can help your dog feel more confident and comfortable both at home and in public settings.
Our Approach
Identifying Your Dog's "Why"
Understanding why your dog reacts is the first step toward lasting behavior change. At Big Sky K9, we believe every reactive behavior has a reason, your dog isn’t being “bad,” they’re communicating. Whether it’s barking, lunging, or shutting down, these are signals often rooted in fear, frustration, or confusion. We work to identify your dog’s individual triggers and decode their early stress cues, those subtle signs of discomfort that show up before an outburst. By understanding how your dog communicates in high-stress moments, we can customize our training approach to suit their specific needs and effectively modify the problem behaviors at their root.
Establishing A Foundation
Effective behavior modification starts with a solid foundation of clear and consistent communication between you and your dog. At Big Sky K9, we use obedience training not just for control, but as a language both you and your dog can rely on. By introducing reward markers and reinforcing desired behaviors, we help your dog understand exactly what’s expected of them in any situation. This clarity builds confidence and trust, allowing us to replace unwanted behaviors with new, healthier behavioral patterns that support long-term success.
Creating A New Path Forward
In the final stages of behavior modification training with Big Sky K9, our focus shifts to building new reward patterns that shape your dog’s expectations and choices. By consistently reinforcing calm, appropriate behavior, we help your dog learn that success comes through confidence and self-control, not reactivity or stress. This new pattern creates a lasting shift in how your dog navigates the world, replacing old habits with reliable, positive responses. The ultimate goal is a dog who feels calm, confident, and capable, and an owner who feels the same.
Get Started Today
Are you interested in having your dog trained by Big Sky K9?
Our team would love to help! If you would like to learn more about our dog training programs or have any questions, contact us and one of our dog trainers will reach out.