Touching your dog doesn’t have to be stressful!
Why does my dog avoid being touched?
It is not uncommon for dogs to experience some level of fear, anxiety, or stress when being touched, handled, groomed, or during veterinary procedures. There are many reasons this could happen, including (but not limited to) scary or traumatic past experiences, genetic predisposition, and/or lack of positive early life experiences (socialization). Sometimes dogs don't like to be touched at all, other times they only dislike being touched in certain ways and can otherwise enjoy affection.
The level of fear dogs experience varies dramatically from mild concern to intense phobias. Your dog may show fear towards some procedures, but not others.
Unfortunately, when your dog is afraid of being touched, it can be difficult to keep them happy, comfortable, and healthy!
How can training help my dog?
With careful and strategic planning, it is possible to teach your dog to remain calm and even actively participate in their own care! This will look differently depending on what your dog needs help with and includes things like giving your dog a bath, putting on their harness, giving medication, vet room procedures like administering vaccines or checking their temperature, grooming procedures like hair cuts or nail trimming, and much more!
The first step of the training process is to make plan so you can care for dog as needed while still going through the training process. Then, training will teach your dog that these procedures are safe, plus they get snacks for allowing you to do what you need to do! Gradually, we raise the difficulty level as your dog is successful.
Where does training happen?
In the comfort of your own home! Due to the nature of these behaviors, virtual training is extremely effective and has many benefits. It doesn’t matter where you live, V consults with clients all around the globe. Even if you don’t have a specialist in your area, specialized help is available!
Meeting via internet connection ensures that your dog will remain calm and comfortable so you can focus on the training. This sets everyone up for success! V does not need to have hands on your dog or see your dog become afraid, anxious, or stressed in order to help them.
Eventually, V will help you make plans with human helpers, your grooming salon, or your vet’s office to take your dog’s training to the “real life” environments where the procedures will happen.
Getting Started
Initial Assessment
$225 USD
All dogs are unique with different sensitivities, so the first step of the recovery process is an Initial Assessment which includes:
90 minute meeting with V
Review of your dog’s history
Discussion of behavior goals
Review of any existing behavior example video(s)
Please do not “provoke” behavior to capture video
“Touchy” assessment(s) (as needed)
V’s recommendations for your unique dog
Recording of important consultation clips
Detailed report for your vet and/or behavior vet
Answers to your questions
Additional behavior resources if applicable
A plan to move forward!
As Needed Help
Follow Up Consultations
$150 USD/1-hour consultation
Prerequisite: Initial Assessment
Follow Up Reassessments are for further guidance, recommendations, and assistance after the Initial Assessment or after going through No Touchy Dog Tutoring. Follow Up Reassessments include:
60 minute meeting with V
Discussion of your training since last consultation
Review of your behavior goals
Review of any video taken between consultations
“Touchy” reassessment(s) (as needed)
V’s updated recommendations for your unique dog
Recording(s) of important consultation clips
Updated report for your vet and/or behavior vet
Answers to your questions
A plan to move forward!
Intensive Help
No Touchy Dog Tutoring
$800 USD/4-week semester
Prerequisite: Initial Assessment
No Touchy Dog Tutoring allows V to provide you with customized, one-on-one guidance and support throughout your dog’s training journey.
Progress goes at your dog's pace. Because of this, the program is structured in 4-week semesters, which include:
Daily step-by-step training plans
Daily feedback on completed training sessions
Weekly meetings to reassess your dog's progress
Recordings of reassessments
Data tracking and progress monitoring
Detailed reports for your vet or behavior vet
Answers to your questions
Ongoing support and troubleshooting
This program takes away all the guesswork—so you can feel confident every step of the way!
You deserve to have a certified expert who will listen to you, empathize with what you are experiencing, understand your concerns, stay realistic in the face of big emotions, and dig deep to help your dog reach their full potential.