About Modify Behavior

What it is

Modify Behavior is a one-person, force-free behavior practice in Leesburg. It is structured around assessment first: nothing is sold until a behavioral evaluation has been done and written up.

Who runs it

The trainer writes in the first person. The route in is described in detail: an undergraduate degree in astrobiology, then work as a veterinary assistant and a shelter volunteer, then "a Master's in Science in Canine Behavior". A rescued pit bull who arrived terrified of noise, unable to be off-leash and fighting other dogs is named as the turning point.

How they train

Force-free, and the position is argued rather than asserted: "my methodology centers on understanding and modifying canine behavior without the use of aversive techniques that diminish trust and the development of a strong bond." Rewards – treats, praise and play – do the work, and owners are treated as participants: "I empower dog owners to actively participate in their pet's learning process, equipping them with the tools to reinforce positive behaviors outside of formal training sessions." The underlying claim is that structure creates freedom: "Giving my dogs structure, allowed them to have freedom."

What they work on

The front page names leash pulling, excessive barking, aggression and separation anxiety, with the stated aim of identifying "the root cause of behavioral issues" rather than suppressing the symptom.

Programs and prices

All rates are published.

The behavioral evaluation is $100. It runs two and a half to three hours: thirty minutes with you and your dog at home or in a park, then two hours with the dog alone around town – a coffee shop, a hardware store, leash walks, long-line work at parks, the car, the house – chosen to suit the dog. You receive a report card, a written assessment of problem areas, realistic targets, recommendations and homework.

A la carte sessions are $75 an hour for the dog alone or $100 an hour for dog and owner together, with no cancellation fee, capped at four hours a session for the dog and one hour when the owner joins.

The four-week modify program is $3,000, or $750 a week. It runs three hours a day, four days a week, and assumes the dog already has basic commands and some leash manners; it targets recall, heel, public manners, play manners, advanced commands and scent work, or one major problem behavior. Five a la carte lessons are included afterwards.

The six-week basics program is $4,500, or $750 a week, at four hours a day. It suits a dog newer to training and covers basic commands, social manners, leash etiquette, focus and recall. The first four weeks include "pack therapy" alongside the trainer's own two adult dogs, plus public outings and long-line recall work. Every program ends its day with thirty minutes reviewing the work with the owner, and sends weekly homework.

Good to know

The qualification claimed is an academic degree, not a trainer certification; ask whether there is a puppy-specific program or group class.