Holistic & Comprehensive Dog Training

The Whole-Dog Approach

True behavior change goes beyond obedience commands. My holistic dog training method addresses every factor that shapes your dog’s behavior from nutrition and exercise to sleep, stress, and social fulfillment. When your dog’s physical and emotional needs are met, they have the perfect foundation for training success.

What Holistic Dog Training Means

Don’t get it twisted, this isn’t “woo-woo” dog training. It’s common sense.

Your dog can’t focus or learn effectively if their basic needs aren’t met. Holistic training simply means addressing the whole picture of behavior, nutrition, routine, and environment, so your dog is mentally and physically ready to absorb training.

Unlike traditional obedience classes that focus only on commands, holistic training looks at your dog’s entire lifestyle:

  • Diet & Nutrition: Nutrition is a cornerstone of health. As a clinical pet nutritionist, I evaluate your dog’s food, treats, and feeding amounts.

    • 💡 Did you know?
      Treats, table scraps, and other non-balanced foods should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. Exceeding that limit can dilute essential nutrients and lead to nutritional deficiencies or digestive issues.

  • Daily Routine & Structure: Predictable schedules help reduce anxiety and reactivity.

  • Exercise & Enrichment: Proper outlets for mental and physical stimulation prevent frustration-based behaviors like chewing, barking, or pacing.

  • Environment & Family Dynamics: We’ll consider how your household setup, handling style, and interactions influence your dog’s behavior.

  • Training Consistency: Each member of the family learns how to communicate clearly so your dog gets consistent information across settings.

  • Physical Well-Being Affects Temperament: A dog’s physical well-being directly influences their mood and responsiveness to training. For example:

    • Healthy Weight: Even without underlying medical conditions, maintaining a healthy weight supports your dog’s comfort, mobility, and willingness to engage during sessions. Overweight dogs often experience joint pain or restricted movement, which can lead to irritability or resistance.

    • Nail Length: Dogs with overgrown nails frequently shift their posture to relieve discomfort from the pressure of their nails pressing back into the nail beds. Over time, this unnatural stance affects balance, gait, and overall temperament.

    • Dental Health: Over 90% of dogs over age three show some degree of gum disease. Dental inflammation is painful and can contribute to behavioral changes. Learning proper at-home dental care helps keep your dog comfortable, healthy, and ready to learn.

Focus Areas

  • Integration of nutrition and wellness guidance into training plans

    • Examples include: weight loss guidance, cooperative care training for nail trims, dental care education

  • Foundational obedience and attention work

  • Calm behavior at home and in public

  • Confidence-building exercises for anxious dogs

  • Structured enrichment plans and activity recommendations

Each plan is individualized to your dog’s temperament, needs, and household.

Pricing

Holistic & Comprehensive Training is included as a part of private in-home sessions.
See available options and discounts on the Pricing Page.