Several years ago, we started to wonder… What would dog training look like if every dog owner had access to simple, practical resources that helped them understand their dog’s natural instincts, innate drives, and individual behavior needs? What kinds of results could we help owners achieve if our training programs focused less on teaching “obedience”,...Read More

Parallels in Physical Rehabilitation & Behavior Modification Programs If you’re working on a behavior modification plan to help your dog with fear, anxiety, or aggression issues, chances are you’ve pondered (or asked your trainer) at least one of the following questions along the way: Is all this “management” really necessary right now? Aren’t we just avoiding...Read More

Most dogs who display reactive or aggressive behaviors – lunging, barking, growling – do so in large part because they FEEL a certain way about their triggers: fearful, anxious, frustrated, or some combination of the three. Just like with people, a dog’s emotions have a big influence on their behavior. If they no longer feel...Read More

By Dr. Emily Levine, DACVB & Dr. Chris Pachel, DACVB Practice makes perfect, right? This statement is true for dogs as much as for people!  The behaviors your dog “practices” are the ones likely to be repeated again in the future – regardless of whether those behaviors are ones we like, such as sitting on...Read More

Is your dog an overexcited greeter when guests come to visit, or when you come home from work? If you LOVE that your dog is happy to see you and your visitors, but wish they were a little more calm and polite, try one of our favorite, simple solutions to reduce entryway shenanigans: The KONG®...Read More

by Dr. Emily Levine, DVM, DACVB Dr. Emily Levine, DVM, DACVB is a board-certified veterinary behaviorist, co-owner of Instinct Englewood and owner of the Animal Behavior Clinic of NJ.  ***Remember, veterinarians and veterinary behaviorists are the only individuals qualified to discuss and recommend behavior medications for your pet.***  1. THEY EXIST Yes, there are behavior...Read More

It can feel incredibly disheartening, concerning, sad and frustrating all at the same time. Your dog that you’ve had since he was a cute puppy, or the dog you rescued several months ago, is now showing signs of lunging, snapping, snarling, barking, growling and/or potentially biting other dogs or people. Sometimes, these behaviors are perfectly...Read More