Dog Training and Behavior Consulting
Upward Hound offers dog training classes and private behavior consulting for dogs and their owners in Star Prairie, Osceola, Amery, Stillwater, New Richmond and surrounding areas in west-central Wisconsin. Individualized separation anxiety training is offered remotely to dogs all over the world! We can help you and your adult dog or puppy with basic obedience as well as relief from separation anxiety, fear or aggression.
Casey McGee of Upward Hound is a graduate of the Academy for Dog Trainers (CTC) and has further certification as a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) and a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT). She is committed to continuing education and staying expert at humane, evidence-based methods. Her goal is to solve your dog’s behavior problems in a way that is safe, gentle and fun for all!
All carrot. No stick. No kidding.
Philosophy
Dog training is evolving. Look around and you'll notice a lot of the old do-it-or-else attitudes dropping away like their counterparts in child-rearing did a few decades ago. We're seeing a cultural revolution that mirrors a growing recognition (and body of scientific evidence) that dogs have feelings and opinions. Somebody's in there.
Behavior Problems
Photo credit: “Hey that dog…” by Marc Aberdeen. Licensed under CC BY 2.0.
Does your dog have a... <ahem> lack of manners? Housetraining problems or marking? Do you wish he came to you when called every time?
Is he afraid of strangers or children? Does he scare people who come to visit? Is he a freak on a leash? Does he guard food or stolen items? Or bully his playmates at the dog park?
You and your dog's quality of life can be transformed by high-quality training.
Separation Anxiety
Photo credit: “Looking!” by Marc Aberdeen. Licensed under CC BY 2.0.
Separation anxiety is a genuine panic disorder or phobia, like the fear of flying or public speaking. And like any other type of anxiety, a dog who has this phobia doesn’t have any control over it. His destructiveness, self-injury or howling while alone are not symptoms of misdirected anger or stubbornness. Neither can he be effectively distracted from his fear with extra yummy treats. And sadly, the close escape-proof confinement that owners have to resort to often only heightens his suffering.