The Dog Behavior Institute

The Dog Behavior Institute provides customized training plans rooted in behavior analysis, focusing on understanding the ‘Why’ behind a dog’s actions. They assess individual dog preferences and family circumstances, create supportive environments, and use data to develop evidence-based plans. Services include intensive behavior assessments for complex issues like aggression, reactivity, resource guarding, and separation anxiety, as well as a less detailed ‘Behavior Jumpstart’ program.

They also offer one-on-one training for foundational skills and personalized plans, and virtual group classes covering confidence building, preparing for growing families, muzzle training, and scratchboard skills. Additionally, they facilitate service dog training in collaboration with Atlas Assistance Dogs.

Pricing Summary

The Intensive Behavior Program costs $2450, and the Behavior Jumpstart program costs $1495. Sliding scale options are available for services to ensure accessibility.

Policies

Clients must agree to follow recommendations regarding aversive training techniques, which are minimized or eliminated. Punishment-based procedures are never a first option and are only considered after thorough assessment, risk-benefit analysis, and data collection, with clients informed of risks and required to sign an acknowledgment. For in-person training, clients are advised to review the COVID policy.

The Dog Behavior Institute is run by Ran Courant-Morgan and Stephanie Keesey-Phelan, two Board Certified Behavior Analysts, each with over 20 years of dog expertise. Their mission is to enhance the lives of dogs and their people by educating individuals, families, and dog professionals on effective ways to live and work with dogs. They empower guardians to improve their dogs’ quality of life and assist professionals in integrating evidence-based, data-oriented practices into their work.

They employ a behavior analytic approach to dog training, which involves understanding the underlying reasons for a dog’s actions to identify triggers and contributing factors. Their methodology is holistic, evidence-based, and data-driven, grounded in empathy and compassion, making behavior science accessible to all. They develop customized, force-free training plans using positive reinforcement and behavior analysis, tailored to each dog’s unique learning history, environment, and motivation.

Services for dog guardians include Behavior Assessments (Intensive Behavior Program and Behavior Jumpstart), One-on-One Training, Group Classes, support for Growing Families, and specialized programs for Separation Anxiety. They also facilitate service dog training through a partnership with Atlas Assistance Dogs. For dog professionals, they offer Professional Courses, Webinars, and Case Consultation. The Dog Behavior Institute is a woman- and queer-owned business dedicated to accessibility, anti-racism, inclusion, and supporting local community organizations.

Accomplishments

Ran Courant-Morgan and Stephanie Keesey-Phelan are Board Certified Behavior Analysts, each possessing over 20 years of experience in dog behavior. Both hold Master’s Degrees in Behavior Analysis from 2013, with Stephanie also holding a Ph.D. in Behavior Analysis. They are Certified Control Unleashed Instructors.

Ran is an Accredited Dog Trainer through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (ADT-IAABC) and a Licensed Family Paws Educator. Stephanie is a Certified Fear Free Animal Trainer and a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT). Their Master’s-level research, conducted at the MSPCA shelter in Boston, has been presented at national conferences.

How to Get Started!

To begin, clients have a free 30-minute intake call to discuss their dog’s behavior and needs, helping determine the most suitable program. Following the call, recommendations are emailed. If clients wish to proceed, a contract and invoice are sent for digital completion, and sessions are scheduled, typically on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.

Client participation is crucial, involving data collection, video submission, regular meetings, asking questions, and practicing between sessions. Post-program, ongoing support is available through their Behavior Support Program, or clients can continue independently.