Dog Behavior Problems: We Fix the Root Cause
No matter what type of dog behavior problems your pet has, we can help. With experienced and trained dog behaviorists near you, we help with everything from aggression and separation anxiety to leash reactivity and resource guarding Our trainers build calm, reliable habits at home and in the real world-backed by lifetime support across the US.
Helping Dogs since 2005
Humane Behavior Plans
Lifetime Support Classes
Recognizing Specific Behavior Challenges in Dogs
Whether it’s a rescue that leans to the aggressive side, a new pup that has separation anxiety, or your dog barks at nothing, owners need to be equipped with the right skills and knowledge to help their canine friends overcome triggers, fear and anxiety and engage in confidence building. With our balanced approach, we assess triggers, coach owners, and enable you to practice your newfound knowledge in real-life settings. Before we review how to correct dog behavior problems, let’s go over some common issues.
Canine Aggression
One of the most concerning canine problems is aggression. Living with an aggressive dog can be stressful and dangerous, not just for the people around them, but also for the dog itself. You can usually detect aggressive behavior by looking for the following signs:
- Growling or snarling
- Stiff posture
- Snapping or nipping
- Lunging
There are many possible reasons behind aggression, from fear to possessiveness. No matter the cause, aggression shouldn’t be ignored. When left unaddressed, it can escalate and result in injuries.
Separation Anxiety
Dogs are pack animals, which means they like being surrounded by others. As a result, some dogs may develop separation anxiety or extreme anxiety when left alone. To cope with anxiety, dogs might resort to:
- Excessive barking
- Destructive behavior
- Constant whining
Ultimately, separation anxiety is stressful. This dog behavior problem is especially common among rescue dogs. Treating separation anxiety involves addressing those fears and building your dog’s trust in you. Learning how to deal with a dog with separation anxiety can be challenging, but with patience, dedication, and the right training techniques, you can help your furry friend overcome this problem.
Socialization
Just like people, dogs can get nervous in new environments. If your pet is unfamiliar with something, it might pull on its leash, whimper or even refuse to walk. The key to preparing your dog for new adventures is socialization. Here are a few things dogs should be introduced to:
- Different atmospheres (such as busy shopping centers or veterinarian offices)
- Other dogs
- Young children
Ideally, socialization should begin early, as young dogs are more open to new experiences. Unfortunately, many rescue dogs don’t have the opportunity to be socialized early on. In these cases, special training helps.
Resource Guarding
Does your dog lunge when you grab its favorite toy or growl if you take away food? If so, it’s probably resource guarding. This common canine behavior occurs when a dog is possessive over something valuable. To protect the desired item, it might:
- Growl
- Bark
- Lunge
In worst-case scenarios, resource guarding can grow into full-fledged aggression and result in biting. Even seemingly minor cases can become serious. Thus, it’s important to address it as soon as possible.
Other Problem Behaviors
Here are a few other behaviors you might have noticed in your pet:
- Constant barking: When a dog barks incessantly, it’s usually a sign that it’s anxious, bored, or wants attention.
- Chewing: While chewing is common among puppies, it should naturally decrease as your dog ages.
- Digging: Some dogs have a natural instinct for digging, which can damage your carpet or furniture.
Common Dog Behavior Problems We Can Help With
Not sure which program is right for you? Explore all dog behavior problems 
How Behavior Training Works
Our dog behavior training sessions start with a free evaluation. This is where we look at a range of issues and discuss your ultimate behavior goals, after which your assigned certified trainer will create a specialized plan for your dog. During the assessment, we’ll look at things like history, triggers, their environment, and more. When it comes to creating a tailored behavior plan, we’ll look at management, skills, and real-world practice. Our balanced approach helps with aspects such as gradual exposure to real-world distractions, while also focusing on enrichment through socialization and positive associations. We also help with owner coaching so that you understand the right timing and handling techniques to offer calm leadership to your pet. There are also progress tracking sessions with homework. And of course, our lifetime support group maintenance that you can tap into at any time.
What Is Behavior Training (vs. Obedience)?
There are some important differences between obedience and behavior training. While obedience teaches useful commands and skills such as Sit, Down, Heel, and Come, behavior training is about the emotions, triggers, and habits that require changes. With the latter, our dog behavior modification programs target the why behind unwanted actions, underpinned by fear, frustration, or habits. This way, dogs learn calmer choices in real life. At The Dog Wizard, we combine both. We change how your dog feels about triggers and give them clear behaviors to do instead.
Training Methods We Use
We don’t punish fear. Corrections, if used, are reserved for clearly taught behaviors outside fear moments. Here are some examples of the methods we apply as part of our balanced training approach:
- Marker/Clicker reward timing: A clear “yes” the instant your dog gets it right.
- Targeting and place: Go-to spots and body targets for calm, controllable movement.
- Relationship-based coaching: We teach you timing, leash handling, and calm leadership.
- Gradual exposure with positive associations: Introduce triggers at a safe distance, pair with good outcomes, and close the gap over time.
- Fair boundaries: Corrections, if used, are kept separate from fear moments and reserved for clearly taught behaviors.
Which Training Program Is Right for Your Dog?
No matter what age, skill level, or goals you have for your canine friend, The Dog Wizard is here for you. From puppy training and basic obedience to leash manners and advanced training, our dog training programs are designed to help your dog become a well-mannered companion, no matter where they may find themselves on this journey.
Our Puppy Obedience Training helps the youngest in the pack learn key life skills that they’ll carry with them throughout their life. These skills include leash training, crate training, socialization, and more.
Our Board and Train dog training program helps with basic obedience commands and dog socialization so that your companion learns critical skills to enable them to thrive and enjoy life indoors and outdoors with confidence.
The Dog Wizard’s Dog Day Training sessions are designed with busy owners in mind. Bring your dog in for a daily session and pick them up later with newly-learned skills. You get coached in how to reinforce the new skills at home so that you can maintain the momentum of all the progress that’s been achieved.
As for Group Dog Training classes, we bring together dogs from all walks of life and of all ages. Working with these groups helps encourage improved socialization and better skills adapting to others.
Private Training is ideal for focused and specialized attention on your dog. We work with owners as well, helping them reinforce skills at home. These lessons are hyper-attentive to your dog and they get the trainer’s undivided attention for optimal results.
Whether it’s a guide dog or you’d like to encourage stronger off-leash control, or you’d like greater distraction-proofing for your furry friend, we’ve got you covered with our Specialty Classes.
The epitome of dog training, American Kennel Club Training gives your dog a badge of recognition, noting their good behaviors as members of our communities.
We offer lifetime support to all the dog owners who choose one of our programs, meaning we’re here for you throughout. Got questions, need guidance, or you simply want to talk things through with one of our experts? We’re here for you all the way.
What We Teach to Change Behavior
At The Dog Wizard, we go above and beyond. We teach replacement behaviors and coping skills and not just “stop it.” We understand the whys and the hows and our trained experts work with you and your dog to optimize behaviors and manners, no matter where they find themselves right now.
| Category | Skills Taught |
| Core Obedience Commands | Sit, Down, Stay, Come, Heel, Place, Off |
| Leash Skills | Loose leash walking, polite leash behavior in public |
| Manners and House Skills | Crate training, potty training, waiting at doors, no jumping |
| Socialization | With children, other dogs, and in busy environments |
| Problem Behaviors Addressed | Play biting, barking, jumping, chewing, separation anxiety |
| Emotional Development | Confidence building, resilience, calm under distraction |
| Owner Communication | Recognizing your dog’s body language, giving clear commands |
| Situational Response | Responding to doorbells, visitors, busy parks, distractions |
| Training Reinforcement | Lifetime access to FREE group classes for continued learning |
Why Choose The Dog Wizard
Magical Methodologies
All of our trainers use balanced training techniques that are proven to be effective in and out of the classroom.
Everywhere Dogs Are
With over 100 locations — the majority of them being mobile — we have the ability to bring balanced dog training right to you.
Trained to Transform
Our knowledgeable trainers complete a rigorous dog training curriculum through The Dog Wizard Academy that teaches them methods that truly work
A Lifetime of Support
Those who complete our obedience programs have access to indefinite group class training support.
Real Stories, Real Success
I can’t tell you how much a difference The Dog Wizard has made in our lives. I highly recommend them! Our dog Roxy was a bolter, and we chased her countless times around our neighborhood. Several times she would run up to the main road, and we were terrified Roxy was going get hit by a car. However, after her training at the Dog Wizard, she is like a new dog. We can now take her outside with us and not be afraid she will bolt off. I can also take her to my kids games and let her run and have fun. As much time as we like to spend outdoors, it has been life changing for us to be able to include Roxy in all our family activities without the anxiety of her taking off. Thanks Dog Wizard!
Contacting Patrick with Louisville Dog Wizard was one of the greatest things I could have done for my dog! Obedience was never the issue for us, but rather reactivity and anxiety that resulted in some fear-based aggression. I’ve been through several trainers, but Patrick gave me the most realistic approach to handling the issues that were inherited with adopting an older dog. He fully understood what we needed to accomplish, and guided us in establishing a training plan with goals that didn’t overreach her capabilities. I learned so much about how to better communicate with my dog, thereby strengthening our relationship, and giving me a sense of confidence in her and my ability to handle her. Two thumbs up from a happy customer here!!!
I brought my 8 year old beagle Eli to the Dog Wizard and completed the 4 day fundamentals program. All I can say is WOW. I was at a loss of what to do as anytime Eli saw another dog on walks he would bay and howl uncontrollably which was really stressful for us both and other people walking their dogs. We had done private training lessons before at another place but it did not improve his behavior. I was scared that since he is an older dog, the behavior would be so engrained in him that it could not be corrected. I was completely wrong! I couldn’t believe the transformation that took place within a few days. When I came to pick him up he was around 5 other dogs but his focus was solely on me while walking on leash. He now walks on a leash well at home and when he sees other dogs is able to remain calm. Most importantly the trainers gave me the tools to refocus Eli if he gets off track so I don’t feel nervous bringing him on walks anymore, I actually thoroughly enjoy it. My boyfriend and I still can’t believe this is the same dog! Cannot wait to bring him on a hike in a few weeks, which I thought would never be possible! Truly life changing. Can’t wait to participate in pack walks!
AMAZING! AMAZING! You know in life how you always buy services that turn out to be a waste of money? This is the first time in a LONG time I can honestly say it was WORTH every cent! At first I was a NERVOUS wreck leaving my Gator from 2 weeks for the homeward bound program. Our trainer did a fabulous job with follow up calls, texts and on facebook posts. Immediately my husband and I were blown away seeing what he was doing online. When we went to pick him up it was such a happy teary day! My dog blew our minds! Just like anything in life our dog Gator’s success is dependent on our follow through and practicing with him. Before you couldn’t even walk our dog without your arm being pulled out of its socket, now he calmly trots in heel beside us. I highly recommend DOG WIZARD. For those reading this whose dog is at DOG WIZARD now and are missing your dog so so much… trust me… he/she will remember you and be so happy to see you when you pick them up. Such a great moment. GOOD LUCK DOG LOVERS! I am writing this now 2 months post dog wizard. The examples of how he is calm when the doorbell rings, walks perfect, stays in “place” for LONG periods of time continues to amaze me. I gladly boast about Dog Wizard on a weekly basis. Best investment. The key is you the owner HAVE to be dedicated to work with your dog once they get home. We go to the free classes on Saturdays. They really mean it when they say “free training for the life of your dog.”
Our 15th month old German Shepherd was a bundle of energy with no structure. It has been years since we’ve had a puppy in our home and we were frazzled. After doing extensive research, we called Matt and discussed our issues with chaos. After a evaluation we decided to go with the 2 week program they offered. Matt was excellent with chaos and with us. Chaos now has the structure he needed and we learned how to provide that structure for him. Best decision we ever made! For anyone looking for an excellent trainer, I highly recommend Matt and The South Atlanta Dog Wizard.
The Fort Collins Dog Wizard and Jess is an AMAZING trainer and I highly recommend her! I have been very pleased with her services both for my own dogs and for my client’s dogs. Her attention to detail and down-to-earth approach is great.
Breed-Specific Training Secrets
With years of experience and thousands of success stories to our name, we really have all the expertise needed to help your unique pet become their best. We understand that different breeds have different training needs, and that’s what makes us experts in creating the best well-mannered companion for your household. Here’s a glimpse at what different breeds require with specialized balanced training:
- Herding breeds: channel energy into focused heel/place.
- Retrievers and doodles: impulse control for over-friendliness.
- Bully breeds: calm greetings and neutrality.
- Small breeds: gentle handling and noise sensitivity.
- Huskies and nordics: outlet for endurance + recall games.
