FREE CONSULTATIONS & EVALUATIONS
We are currently providing consultations and evaluations via Zoom!
TYPES OF CONSULTATIONS
ONLINE CONSULTATION (30-40 minutes via Zoom)
The help you need available remotely - it's easy for you and often less stressful for your dog!
IN-PERSON CONSULTATION
- We can come to your home! NOT AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME
- Meet us at the Better Homes and Gardens office! NOT AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME
- Following the consultation, training will vary based on the needs of each individual client determined during the initial consultation as well as program availability
ISSUES WE CAN HELP WITH
AGGRESSION
Growling, barking, lunging, showing of teeth, snapping and biting – aggressive behavior in dogs can be classified in different ways, depending on what purpose the aggression serves. From guarding of resources to biting the neighbor, we can help to identify why your dog is showing aggressive behaviors and provide management strategies and ideas to begin using immediately to diminish the severity of the behaviors.
REACTIVITY
Lunging and barking on leash, Rushing fences and windows, Door manners, Demand and attention barking, inappropriate jumping up.
SEPARATION ANXIETY
OTHER UNDESIRABLE BEHAVIORS IN AND AROUND YOUR HOME
YOU CAN LEARN TOO
When communication breaks down it is frustrating for dogs and people. We can help you to learn and interpret your dog’s body language for increased communication. Anxiety goes down when communication goes up.
WHAT TO EXPECT
We meet by Zoom, a remote video chat service that does not require you to create an account. All you need is a computer with webcam and microphone, or a smartphone.
We’ll discuss your case and your goals with you, and give you an initial plan to help you and your dog(s)!
The number of sessions is based on your goals and needs. We can meet once so you can have your questions answered about the behavior, or we can meet as many times as you need to meet your unique goals.
There are many variables when determining how many sessions it may require to help you and your dog(s). Some of those variables include your overall goals; the severity and type of behavior(s); your dog’s behavior history; how much time and resources you can commit; how your dog responds to the behavior modification; and addressing any underlying medical issues that might exist that are contributing to the behavior.
The online consultation is an excellent first step if you are looking to understand your dog’s aggression and seek immediate initial recommendations. It is also helpful for those who have been working with another behavior professional and would like a “second set of eyes” on a case. We also o er this option to trainers who would like to fine tune a case they may be working with.
Come prepared to take notes during consultation discussion if you are able, consultation overview will be sent by the trainer following the consultation via email.
FEES
Initial consultation: FREE!
Follow up online training: $10 per session
In Person Training: $30 per hour session
In Your Home Training: $50 per hour session
We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization run completely by volunteers. Your donation for services helps fund scholarships, expenses, and the creation of community resources.
TRAINERS
Natahnee
President
Natahnee is an Associate Certified member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. She holds a BA in Animal Behavior from Franklin and Marshall College, an MS in Biology from Shippensburg University, and has completed the Aggression in Dogs Master course with the esteemed Michael Shikashio. Natahnee has experience documenting and quantifying animal behavior “in the wild” in Yellowstone National Park and Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and more than 15 years of experience evaluating and rehabilitating shelter and rescue of dogs. She is co-creator of Cheddar Paws Dog Art, an artist collective with a mission to paint long-term shelter and rescue dogs (and cats) to help them gain exposure and get adopted. You can find Cheddar Paws paintings on display at various local businesses. Natahnee also volunteers with the Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art’s Saw- Whet Owl research program.
Hannah
Hannah is an ABC Certified Dog Trainer and Fear Free Shelters Graduate with a passion for animal welfare. In addition to Harrisburg’s Great Dog Program, Hannah volunteers at the Humane Society of Harrisburg Area (HSHA) walking dogs, helping to assess animals for adoptability, developing and implementing behavior modification plans, and as a foster parent for dogs with behavioral or medical challenges. Hannah was named HSHA Foster Parent of the Year in 2020. She is a member of the HSHA Volunteer Advisory Council, which works directly with the organization’s leadership to affect positive change. Hannah combines her love of animals with her passion for photography in her business, H. Forsyth Photography. She utilizes her animal behavior expertise to make photography accessible for all pets, including those with physical or behavioral needs. Hannah also volunteers her time and photography services to local shelters. Additionally, she is a photographer for Cheddar Paws Dog Art, which helps to find homes for overlooked shelter animals through art. Hannah actively contributes to improving shelter programs and supporting the local animal welfare community.
Shaylee
Shaylee is a Certified Dog Trainer through Animal Behavior College with a background in volunteering at local animal shelters. Her hands-on experience includes working with shelter dogs, focusing on training and socialization to enhance their adoptability and readiness for their forever homes.
Currently serving as the Community Engagement Coordinator at the Humane Society of Harrisburg Area, Shaylee combines her professional expertise with a passion for helping animals. In her spare time, she fosters dogs with medical or behavioral challenges, offering them the care and attention they need outside of the shelter environment.
In addition to her role, Shaylee also started her own business, Four Paws Dog Training, last year. Through this venture, she continues to provide professional training services to dog owners in her community.
Shaylee began volunteering with the Harrisburg Great Dog Program where she is passionate about sharing her knowledge and providing training, support, and education to local pet owners.
Elysa
Elysa is a dedicated volunteer dog trainer with a unique blend of expertise in human psychology and behavior modification. With a strong background in understanding the complexities of human behavior, Elysa applies this knowledge to build trust and foster positive relationships with dogs, particularly in challenging shelter environments. Over the years Elysa has developed a compassionate and effective approach to training, specializing in working with rescue and shelter dogs who may have experienced trauma or behavioral issues. Elysa’s holistic methods focus on patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, creating lasting behavioral change and helping dogs find and remain in their forever homes. With a deep understanding of both human and canine behavior, Elysa excels in bridging the gap between people and pets to ensure a harmonious relationship for both. Elysa is currently enrolled in Michael Shikashio’s aggressive dog masters course, and is working towards becoming a certified dog behavior consultant.