Training vs. Behavior Consulting
The difference matters—especially for aggression, hyperarousal, fear, and complex behavior. Most clients come to me after trying training that didn’t “stick.” The dog still growls, guards, bites, escalates, or becomes overwhelmed. This isn’t a training failure—it's a behavior systems issue. Here’s how behavior consulting helps:
Beyond the Clicker and Treats
Training teaches skills. Behavior consulting changes emotional capacity nervous system state, and decision making
When a dog is overthreshold, panicked, controlling access, or biting, they cannot use obedience skills reliably. They need:
- Stabilization
- Predictability
- Emotional regulation
- Management
- Behavior plan
- Veterinary collaboration
This is the domain of behavior consulting—not traditional training.
Why stabilization comes before training
Dogs who are flooded or aroused cannot learn. Training only “works” after stabilization. Stabilization includes:
- House layout changes
- Environment control
- Bounce-back time
- Predictable routines
- Trigger reduction
- Safety plans
- Medication collaboration (if appropriate)
Only then do we layer in skills work.
Aggression, biting, guarding, fear, and hyperarousal are not obedience issues.
These behaviors come from:
- Trigger stacking
- Nervous system dysregulation
- Pain or medical contribution
- Genetic predisposition
- History
- Learning patterns
- Lack of recovery time
- Sensory overwhelm
This requires a deep, slow, steady behavior plan, not more “sit” reps.
Behavior Modification
You get clarity, safety, and realistic expectations Behavior consulting gives you a roadmap that answers:
- What is happening
- Why it’s happening
- What to change in the environment
- How to reduce conflict and escalation
- What skills to build
- What to avoid
- When to reintroduce challenges
You’re not just “teaching commands”—you’re reshaping a life system.
This is for families who want long-term change.
We work with:
- Aggression cases
- Resource guarding
- Conflict between family members and other dogs
- Hyperarousal and “over the top” behavior
- Fear and anxiety
- Complex multi-layer cases
If this is your dog, behavior consulting is the path that will serve you both.
Training vs. Behavior Solutions
These lists are not exhaustive—each training and behavior plan is uniquely crafted to align with your aspirations and objectives for your dog.
Good Manners
Private Training or Puppy Program
Focus
Touch or Targeting
Sit
Down
Place & Settle
Wait
Stay
Recall
Take it
Drop it
Leave it
Find it, and more!
Essential Skills
Private Training or Puppy Program
Potty Training
Crate Training
Polite Greetings
Leash Walking
Reliable Recall
Handling & Grooming
Vet Visits
Car Rides
Socialization
and more!
Common Issues
Tailored Training Plan
Potty Accidents
Jumping
Mouthing
Chewing
Digging
Barking
Stealing Items
Counter Surfing
Pulling on Leash
Won't come when called
Ignoring you
and more!
Complex Behavior
Behavior Modification Plan
Leash or Barrier Reactivity
Hyperactivity, Restlessness
Separation Anxiety
Noise Sensitivity
Touch Sensitivity
Issues at Vet, Groomer, or Daycare
Phobias
Chasing Lights, Reflections, or Shadows
Compulsive Behavior
Resource Guarding
Frustration Intolerance
Poor Self-regulation
Stranger Danger, Shy or Fearful
Fear Aggression
Aggression Toward People and Animals
Bite incident(s)
and more.
Both Devi and Diane are top notch. I work in dog rescue and we work with the extensively and they have helped several dogs in our rescue. They know their stuff, have great compassion for both the dogs and the people and are extremely professional and responsive. See Spot Behave has been a huge asset to our golden community.
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Michelle Goldberg
1 month ago
Dana Brady
1 month ago
I was connected with Devi from See Spot Behave through the Austin Animal Center foster program while I was caring for two foster puppies who had started showing signs of aggression toward each other. I was overwhelmed trying to manage the situation along with my 8 yr old dog, and Devi kindly rearranged her schedule to come support me. She spent an hour with us and did an incredible assessment of all three dogs, explaining their behaviors in a way that was easy to understand. She gave me simple, practical tools and education I could immediately put into practice. Devi is compassionate, kind, and incredibly patient. She took the time to answer every question I had. After just one session, I feel so much more knowledgeable and confident in handling both the puppies and my older dog. Devi even followed up with a clear email recap and easy-to-follow plan. I cannot recommend her enough because she went above and beyond and made a huge difference for me and the dogs.
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Steph N
2 months ago
They responded with a sense of urgency that I badly needed. I was down to my last prayer for my dog. What a blessing to talk to someone that recognizes what we are up against, cares about my pup and left me with tools I can use on the first visit. I can see it will be lots work but I have thier help and that makes all the difference. We have a fighting chance now.
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Debbra Pearcy
2 months ago
We’ve had Diane come to our house several times now to help us learn to train our two dogs. She really knows her stuff, and she’s so easy to work with. Very friendly, flexible with scheduling, and fairly priced. We’re making good progress so far and I plan to meet with her regularly until we have a good handle on the behaviors I want to improve. I’m very pleased with See Spot Behave.
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Daria Zadik
2 months ago
Aurora Amidon
2 months ago
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