Behavior Challenges

Support for both ends of the leash

When Everyday Life Feels Stressful

Whether your dog is reactive, anxious, easily overwhelmed, or displaying behaviors that are difficult to live with, we'll work together to understand what's driving those behaviors and create a path forward.

  • Reactivity: difficulty going for walks due to barking and lunging toward unfamiliar people or dogs.

  • Fearful or anxious: often described as ‘afraid of everything’. Easily startled, avoids or runs away from people or other stressors, suspicious of anything unfamiliar. Refusing to walk or laying down on walks.

  • Resource guarding from people or other dogs.

  • Difficulty being alone.

  • Displaying behaviors that are increasing stress for everyone in the household.

Dogs and Kids

As a Licensed Family Paws Parent Educator, I provide specialized support for families navigating the relationship between dogs and children.

Whether you're expecting a baby, have a newly mobile toddler, or are concerned about interactions between your dog and your children, we'll focus on practical strategies that promote safety, understanding, and success.

Life changes involving children are among the most common reasons dogs are surrendered or rehomed. With proactive planning, education, and support, families can build safer, more positive relationships between dogs and kids while reducing stress for everyone involved.

Complimentary Call

Looking Beneath the Surface

Behavior is the visible symptom of something deeper. Fear, anxiety, frustration, stress, pain, unmet needs, learning history, and environmental factors can all influence how a dog responds to the world around them.

Rather than focusing solely on stopping unwanted behaviors, we'll work to understand why those behaviors are occurring in the first place. By addressing underlying causes and creating opportunities for new learning, we can help your dog feel safer, more confident, and better equipped to navigate everyday life.

Service Pricing

Lessons are available in person and online. Submit a brief contact form to schedule your consultation.

Let's Get Started!

  • Based on your pre-consult questionnaire, our 90-minute consultation will cover your dog's history, your training goals, any behavior issues or concerns, and recommendations to help alleviate immediate pain points. We'll also begin training exercises and determine the best next steps to achieve your objectives.  

  • Following the kick-off consultation, 60-minute coaching sessions can be purchased individually.

  • Package of four 60-minute lessons. Training bundles are designed to meet the unique needs of you and your dog, with lessons focused on the skills and behaviors that matter most to you.  

What People Are Saying

  • Client dog who is working through general anxiety

    "Shivani is fantastic. She is a fountain of dog knowledge -- best practices, options for difficult situations, acclimation procedures, possible triggers to investigate, etc. I couldn't ask for a better trainer!"

    — Oliver Y.

  • A client's dog who worked with Shivani for extreme general anxiety

    “We recently adopted a dog with significant general anxiety and separation anxiety. Layla has come such a long way and we can’t wait to see more growth from her with the support of Shivani.”

    — Susan S.

  • A client's dog who worked with Shivani for reactivity on leash

    "Shivani helped us tremendously when our dog started exhibiting reactive behavior. We feel much more confident walking our dog, which has been a huge change."

    — Molly S.

  • Client dog who is working through reactivity

    "Our discussions and journey into the world of Animal Centered Care has led us down a path of discovering a better, more positive relationship with our dog family. We can't thank you enough for your guidance and being in our corner."

    — Steve B.

  • A client's dog who worked with Shivani for aggressive behavior toward family members

    “Shivani is the best dog trainer my husband and I have worked with. I appreciate her deep empathy towards our pets and her extensive knowledge of animal behavior.”

    — Sophia H.

  • A client's dog who worked with Shivani for reactivity and general anxiety

    "We have learned so much from Shivani and would recommend her to anyone wanting help for a dog with challenging behavior."

    — Anne L.

  • A client's dog who worked with Shivani for fearful and aggressive behavior toward humans

    "In the beginning, Felix would bark at strangers from across the street and would not let people into our house. That has completely changed."

    — Emma F.

  • A client's dog who worked with Shivani for reactivity and bite history

    "Shivani has been amazing in guiding me with training my Belgian Malinois. Her knowledge of dog behavior is exceptional! I highly recommend her."

    — Barbara B.

  • Client dog who is working through reactivity

    "I have so much respect, confidence and care for Shivani. It truly means a lot when you have someone to talk to about your situation who truly understands and wants to help you. I’m grateful."

    — Sharron D.

  • "Shivani has been an immense help with our anxious rescue pittie. She is extremely caring and accommodating and has really helped us humans understand our dog a bit better. She also works with our behavioral vet to ensure we are all on the same page."

    — Rhonda J.

  • Client puppy learning life skills

    "My husband and I had a wonderful experience with Shivani . The best thing she taught us was how to relate to our toy poodle puppy Rosie and how to continue training her in the future."

    — Laura F.

Training Bundles

Bundle Basics

  • Custom easy-to-follow training plans

  • Curated resources to support your practice at home

  • Email support between lessons

  • Video review and feedback

  • Bundles are available following your kick-off consultation 

  • Follow-up lessons are 60 minutes and can be purchased individually or in bundles. Bundles receive a 5% discount.

Private Coaching

One-on-one instruction addressing your dog’s specific training and behavior needs. With each lesson, you and your dog will learn and practice new skills. Between lessons, you will have resources and support to help you be successful practicing at home.  

As you and your dog learn to speak the same language, you'll be well on your way to living a happier and less stressful life together.

Lessons can be online, in person, or a combination based on your individual training plan.