Family Dog Mediation

This program is for puppies, adolescent dogs, and adult dogs. In our private lessons, we will teach you how to work with your dog in ways that are simple while building new skills that work for your lifestyle with your dog. We will provide time between lessons for practical application of the skills you and your family are learning together. Private lessons take place online, at the Building Bonds behavior center, or at your home. This program is not suitable for problem behaviors related to fear, anxiety, or aggression. If your dog is experiencing issues of on or off leash barking or aggression, please see our fear/anxiety/aggression programs above.

If you wish to discuss the possibility of working together before committing to The Family Dog program, you can schedule a 30-minute interview ($60) with our certified Family Dog Mediator.

Option # 1 Behavior Center $510 Initial 30-Minute Zoom Session and 6 Sessions: Once weekly private 30-minute session at the behavior center for 6 weeks.
Option #2 $1140 Initial 30-Minute Zoom Session and 6 In-Home Sessions: Once weekly private 50-minute coaching sessions. We teach and coach you on how to train your dog in-between sessions.
Option #3 $1810 Initial 30-Minute Zoom Session and 10 In-Home Sessions: Once weekly private 50-minute coaching sessions. We teach and coach you on how to train your dog in-between sessions.
Option #4 $2370 Initial 30-Minute Zoom Session and 14 In-Home Sessions: Once weekly private 50-minute coaching sessions. We teach and coach you on how to train your dog in-between sessions.
Option #5 Day School In Your Home $2325 Our trainer will visit your pup at home three times a week for four weeks, allowing you to focus on work, errands, or cheering at your child's sporting event. We'll schedule three "parent-teacher" conferences to demonstrate your dog's new skills and teach you how to support their learning journey.

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Our Fretful Fido program is designed for dogs struggling with fear, leash reactivity, aggression, or discomfort in situations such as visitors in their home or veterinary care.

This is not traditional obedience training. We use a Family Dog Mediation approach to understand why your dog is struggling and create a plan that supports real, lasting change in your everyday life.

We do not use electronic collars, verbal or physical corrections, or any methods that rely on fear, pain, or intimidation. Our work is grounded in humane, evidence-based practices that prioritize your dog’s welfare and emotional well-being.

All programs begin with a one-hour Zoom consultation, followed by 50-minute private sessions. The number of sessions is tailored to your dog and your goals. For most families, this is a 3–6 month process, with sessions scheduled every 1–2 weeks to allow time for practice and progress between appointments.

If you’re not sure if this program is the right fit, you can schedule a 30-minute consultation ($60) to discuss your dog and your goals before committing.

Ongoing support is included:

Weekly Office Hours: Mondays at 6:30 PM (Zoom)
Monthly Fretful Fido Support Group: First Thursday of each month at 6:00 PM (Zoom)
Optional electronic behavior diary to track patterns, monitor progress, and receive real-time feedback and guidance from your Family Dog Mediator between sessions

Additional sessions may be recommended for dogs with multiple or more complex concerns. Additional fees may apply for households with multiple dogs.

Behavior change is a process, and many clients choose to continue their journey with us. After completing the sessions included in Option #3, additional sessions are available at a reduced rate to help you maintain and build on your progress.

Option #1 $1205 Initial one hour Zoom session and 6 in person or Zoom sessions
Option #2 $1875 Initial one hour Zoom session and 10 in person or Zoom sessions
Option #3 $2435 Initial one hour Zoom session and 14 in person or Zoom sessions
Option #4 $875 Initial one hour Zoom session and 6 in person session at the behavior center
Multiple Dogs with Issues Households with more than one dog with behavior concerns will require an initial two hour Zoom session, add $100 to the above program costs

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A One-Time In-Person Session for Assessment and Management

At Building Bonds, we understand that sometimes you need immediate help addressing your dog’s behavior challenges — whether that’s a sudden change in behavior, escalating reactivity, or concerns about aggression or fear. Our Two-Hour Behavior Consultation offers focused support to assess your dog’s needs and provide short-term relief strategies.

This is the only stand-alone, in-person appointment we offer. While it can be a valuable first step, it’s important to understand that meaningful behavior change usually requires an ongoing training and coaching process. This single session is designed for assessment, management, and mitigation, not for full behavior modification or training implementation.

What to Expect

1. Comprehensive Assessment
We begin by understanding the full picture of your dog’s behavior. Before your appointment, you’ll complete a detailed intake form that allows us to review your dog’s history, daily routines, environment, and health background. During the consultation, we’ll discuss these details, observe your dog’s behavior, and identify key triggers and stressors.

If safety concerns are present, I’ll also conduct a 30 minute risk assessment session via Zoom prior to our in person session. This assessment will guide our next steps and ensure the safety of everyone involved. Behavior is complex and dynamic, so even during this one-time session, I’ll help you understand the factors contributing to your dog’s behavior — including emotional state, environment, genetics, and learning history.

2. Mitigation and Management
The goal of this session is to provide immediate relief and direction. You’ll leave with practical recommendations to reduce stress and prevent unwanted behaviors while setting the stage for long-term progress.

Depending on your dog’s specific needs, we may:

Identify environmental changes to reduce triggers or manage risk.

Recommend tools or techniques to improve day-to-day interactions.

Discuss enrichment and behavior support strategies.

Refer you to a veterinarian for medical assessment or behavior medication if indicated.

Is this the right fit for you? The two-hour behavior consultation is ideal if you:

Need professional insight before committing to a full program.

Want to better understand your dog’s behavior and immediate next steps.

Are seeking help with management or mitigation strategies for now.

If your goal is to change your dog’s behavior long-term, ongoing support through one of our Fretful Fido Behavior Programs will be necessary. These programs provide structured coaching, guided practice, and ongoing adjustments to your training plan — the key components needed for lasting behavior change.

$430 Includes a two-hour in-person session at your home or the Building Bonds Behavior Center, detailed summary notes, and recommended next steps following your appointment. If a risk assessment Zoom session is not needed, you may use that 30 minute Zoom session for a post session follow up via Zoom.

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Dogs exhibiting exaggerated responses to environmental stimuli such as bicycles, cars, or fellow dogs are commonly identified as having "leash reactivity." The presence of these external triggers induces stress, prompting the dog's nervous system to manifest behaviors like lunging, barking, and growling. This heightened reaction distinguishes them from other dogs facing similar situations. Leash reactivity not only compromises the dog's well-being but also impacts the overall quality of life for both the pet and their owner. Our Reactivity Reimagined Program is meticulously crafted to establish a strong foundation, empowering both you and your dog to navigate stressors effectively and rediscover your dog's joyful state. This program equips you with the essential skills, knowledge, and support needed to address and overcome leash reactivity.

This is our most budget-friendly option for dogs who bark and lunge on leash. The course is entirely self-paced and online. You also have the option to join a semi-private group class, where your dog will be paired with one other dog. The Reactivity Reimagined online course is included with both options. Visit our All Ages and Stages class page for more details.

Online Course Only $249 Self-paced online course
Semi-Private/Group Class $650 Includes access to our online course, a one-hour consultation, and a five-week class where your dog is paired with one other dog.

Online Course

Does Your Dog Struggle When Left Alone?

For many families, separation-related behaviors are stressful for the dog and you. But with the right support, your dog can learn to feel safe while you're away.

Separation-related behaviors can look like:

Barking, howling, or whining as soon as you're out of sight

Destructive behavior, especially near doors and windows

House soiling, even in well-trained dogs

Pacing, drooling, or other signs of stress

Attempts to escape confinement

Clinginess or distress as you prepare to leave

When dogs struggle with being left alone, it's not a training issue, it's a welfare issue. They're not misbehaving; they’re experiencing distress.

We Treat Separation Related Problems With A Gentle, Individualized Approach

We take the time to learn about your dog and then apply humane and scientifically proven methods for helping your dog feel safe being alone. We work at your dog's pace, customizing the training plan to fit their unique needs and your lifestyle.

What’s Included in Your 4-Week Separation Related Problem Program

Working with a certified trainer means you’ll never go it alone. Your personalized program includes:

An in-depth initial assessment to understand your dog’s unique history, triggers, and behavior

4–5 individualized training missions per week, designed just for your dog

A weekly live Zoom reassessment session, where we evaluate progress and adjust the plan as needed

With nearly daily updates and feedback in your training diary, you’ll have steady, supportive guidance from a caring professional every step of the way.l

Step-by-step support in a format that’s easy to follow—so you can move forward with confidence

You receive professional support and personalized guidance from someone who’s with you at every turn.

Not Sure if the Full Program Is Right for You? Start with an Initial Assessment

If you're unsure whether the 4-week program is the right fit, you can book an Initial Assessment as a standalone service.

In this session, we’ll:

Observe your dog’s behavior during a short absence

Gather detailed information about your dog’s history, environment, and routine

Discuss next steps and whether the full program is the right path forward

This assessment helps us ensure that your dog’s treatment plan is individualized and effective

You don’t have to carry the weight of your dog's separation problem by yourself. We’re here to help.

Ready to take the first step? Book your Initial Assessment today

Stand Alone Initial Assessment A stand alone initial assessment via Zoom is $125. This will be deducted from the total program fee of $989. Please click on the Schedule Now button to schedule a consult by email.
Full Program Initial 28 day program fee is $989. Please click on the Schedule Now button to schedule a consult by email.

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When dogs struggle with aggressive or “reactive” behaviors, the best place to begin training is often in the safety and comfort of your own home or yard. The outside world can be overwhelming—both for you and your dog—filled with unpredictable situations that can trigger fear or defensive responses. Starting remotely with a skilled trainer like Pam Dennison, CDBC, allows you to build confidence and success without adding stress or risk.

Pam helps you understand your dog’s emotional triggers while also addressing your own responses to them. You’ll both learn practical, effective coping strategies that set the stage for long-term progress.

Pam’s approach to aggression and reactivity centers on teaching both dog and handler DRI (Differential Reinforcement of Incompatible Behaviors) and DRA (Differential Reinforcement of Alternative Behaviors). These skills form the foundation for any desensitization work—because true behavior change starts with a strong relationship built on trust and positive reinforcement.

To support your learning, each online session is recorded, so you’ll always have access to your training plan and can share it with other caregivers to ensure consistency and teamwork.

What You'll Learn Working with Pam

Establish strong foundation skills and clear communication between you and your dog

Read your dog's body language and interpret environmental cues quickly and accurately

Set up safe, successful training sessions that set your dog up for success

Shape and reinforce new, desired behaviors through positive reinforcement

Learn to set, raise, or lower criteria appropriately to maintain progress

Understand the underlying causes of aggression-including human factors

Apply counterconditioning and desensitization techniques effectively

Become a more confident and effective trainer overall

This sample video demonstrates just how effective Zoom can be for behavior work. In this clip, the dog and handler had completed six weeks of foundation training at home before taking their first steps into the real world. A few routine moments—like gathering treats, walking downstairs, and scheduling the next lesson—were trimmed for clarity. As you’ll see, Pam doesn’t need to be there in person for meaningful progress to happen. Zoom works beautifully—and you’ll receive a recording of each session to revisit anytime. Click here to watch one of Pam's Zoom sessions.

$750 Six one hour Zoom sessions

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