Overview of Common Behavioral Concerns

Below are some common behavioral concerns that you may be seeking a trainer to help with. When you use DigUp to look for trainers, you can search and filter your results by these specializations, and find trainers who have the education and experience to help. Here are some quick explanations of how we’re defining these terms, and what qualifications we look for in the trainers we recommend. 

Aggression – Aggression refers to a range of hostile or aggressive behaviors displayed in response to certain triggers, such as a person, another animal, or even inanimate objects. Examples of these behaviors can include barking and lunging, growling, snapping, or bitting. This behavior can result from various underlying causes, including pain or fear. DigUp recommends trainers who are certified to provide behavior modification, such as those who are Certified Behavior Consultant Canine – Knowledge Assessed (CBCC-KA), as well as trainers who have experience and expertise in behavior modification techniques. 

Anxiety – Anxiety refers to a state of heightened, often excessive, unease, nervousness, or fearfulness experienced in response to various triggers or situations. This emotional distress can manifest in various behaviors, including trembling, panting, excessive barking, pacing, whining, destructive behavior, or attempting to escape. Dogs can experience anxiety due to a variety of factors, such as separation from their owners, loud noises (e.g., thunderstorms or fireworks), new environments, or social interactions. DigUp recommends trainers who are certified to provide behavior modification, such as those who are Certified Behavior Consultant Canine – Knowledge Assessed (CBCC-KA), as well as trainers who have experience and expertise in behavior modification techniques. 

Separation Anxiety – Separation anxiety is a behavioral disorder characterized by excessive distress and anxiety when a dog is separated from its owner or left alone. Dogs with separation anxiety often display a range of distressing behaviors, such as whining, barking, howling, destructive chewing, digging, house soiling, and attempts to escape. These behaviors typically occur within a short time after the owner leaves and can persist until their return. All of the DigUp recommended trainers who specialize in Separation Anxiety are Certified Separation Anxiety Trainers (CSAT) or Certified SA Pro. 

Handling Sensitivity – Handling sensitivity refers to discomfort and/or stress in response to physical touch, manipulation, or contact with various parts of the body. Dogs with handling sensitivity may react anxiously or aggressively to being touched, making care from putting on walking equipment to grooming, stressful for both dog and owner. To help with handling sensitivity, we recommend trainers who specialize in low-stress handling. Low-stress handling is an approach to animal care that prioritizes physical and emotional well-being by minimizing fear, anxiety, and stress during various handling procedures. You may seek a professional certified in low-stress handling to help you and your dog through things like veterinary examinations, grooming, and routine care. All of the DigUp recommended trainers who specialize in handling sensitivity are certified by Fear Free Pets.

Dogs & Babies – Whether your dog is expecting a human sibling, or you are introducing a new dog to your family, a professional’s guidance can make the process of integrating your dog and children a safe, rewarding, and harmonious experience for everyone involved. All of the DigUp recommended trainers who specialize in Dogs & Babies are certified by Family Paws.