Resilient Pups: Dog Behavior Consulting

Resilient Pups

Dog Behavior Consulting

Resilience: the ability to bounce back and recover from something stressful.

We now have a growing body of evidence that shows that resilience is not necessarily fixed from birth.

We also know that dogs can learn to grow, process, and move through the typical stressors of everyday challenges more calmly and confidently.

Through our work together, your dog will learn to:

  • Use healthier coping skills in stressful situations
  • Develop emotional regulation
  • Become a more flexible thinker and problem solver
  • Approach daily life with greater optimism

All of this helps your dog learn new and healthier ways to navigate daily life , while strengthening the trust and connection between you and your dog.

Meet Your Consultant

Amy Titterington (she/her), M.A.

dog behavior consultant

Fear Free Certified Animal Trainer

With a long career teaching at universities and government agencies in Japan, I bring a deep understanding of how learning works in humans and other animals. As a behavior consultant, I draw on extensive experience and expertise, applying science-based methods to help dogs lead enriched, resilient lives while strengthening the bond with their caregivers.

I specialize in supporting sensitive dogs — the “shrinking violets” — who may be anxious or fearful. I also love helping “littles” (smaller dogs) build resilience and confidence as they navigate life in the city.

Because I have a deep understanding of how learning works in both humans and other animals, I create management and training plans for my clients that are both sustainable and science-backed. In addition, as a university professor, I place great importance on understanding the learners I’m working with, and love to figure out what works best for both you and your dog.

As a behavior consultant using a LIFE-based enrichment framework, I prioritize ongoing professional education. Staying current with the latest research on behavior, fear, anxiety, and stress ensures I provide humane and effective guidance for you and your dog. View my professional education courses [here].

Living with a behaviorally challenged dog myself, I understand how frustrating, isolating and even hopeless it can feel.

My goal is to help you and your dog develop better coping skills, and to help your dog live a more enriched life.

After our work together, my hope is that you’ll look back and realize that your sensitive/fearful/anxious dog who once struggled now:
・ enjoys walks
・ copes more calmly with challenges
・ shares a stronger bond with you

What I Specialize In:

I help dogs with complex behaviors beyond basic manners, improving their quality of life and strengthening the relationship between you and your dog.

Areas of focus include:

  • Fear and anxiety
    • Cowering, timidity, or hiding at home or on walks
    • Stranger danger: barking or growling at unfamiliar people
    • “Pancaking” or refusing to walk / wanting to immediately go back home
    • Difficulty taking treats around people or outside the home
    • Taking a long time to calm down after stress
  • Reactivity and aggression
    • Lunging, barking, or growling at dogs, people, or vehicles
    • Resource guarding (food, toys, spaces, or people)
    • Going from 0 to 60 in the blink of an eye
  • Handling and medical stress
    • Body handling issues at home, the groomer, or vet (brushing, nail trims, baths, putting on harness, giving medications)
  • Compulsive behaviors
    • Paw biting, chasing lights/shadows
  • Fear of everyday objects or situations
    • Vacuum, microwave beeps, plastic bags, and other household triggers
  • And more

These are cases where science-based, compassionate guidance and a tailored, long-term approach make the biggest difference.

Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels.com

What I Can Also Help You With:

I also support dogs with everyday nuisance behaviors, helping make life at home and on walks more enjoyable for both you and your dog.

Common issues include:

  • Stealing items from counters, tables, or floors (looking at you, sock- and tissue-stealing pups!)
  • Excessive barking — out the window, at the doorbell, or for attention
  • Attention-seeking behaviors like jumping up or demand barking
  • Chewing and digging
  • Toilet training challenges
  • Excess energy in the house, on walks, or during play (jumping, difficulty settling)
  • Leash pulling
  • Mouthing or play biting
  • Seemingly ignoring cues they already know
  • Check-in and recall issues
  • And more

Even routine behaviors benefit from a compassionate, science-based approach, helping your dog build confidence and strengthening the bond between you.

What you get:

  • A compassionate behavior consultant supporting you and your dog throughout your journey.
  • First-hand experience with behaviorally complex dogs, so I understand how frustrating and overwhelming it can feel.
  • Science-based guidance informed by years of teaching and expertise in fear– and anxiety-based behaviors — a professional who truly understands “both ends of the leash.”
  • Supportive strategies designed to reduce overwhelm, with practical, easy-to-implement solutions.
  • A personalized training and behavior modification plan tailored to you and your dog.
  • Curated resources and between-session support to guide your progress.

Booking a session:

Booking your online session is easy with Calendly—you can pick a time that works best for you, no matter your time zone.

After you book, I’ll email payment instructions (usually within 24 hours). You can choose whichever method is easiest:

  • Japanese post office transfer ゆうちょ銀行 – no extra fees
  • PayPal – convenient online payment (includes transaction fees)

Once your session is booked and paid, I’ll send a detailed history worksheet. It usually takes 30–60 minutes, and I include clear, step-by-step instructions to make it simple to complete and return.

Technology:

I use Zoom for all sessions–it’s free and easy to download.

You’ll also need a way to record short videos of your dog so I can assess behavior between sessions.

Ready to begin your journey to a more

resilient pup?

Consultation Packages

Starter Package – Perfect for first-time clients

Best for clients wanting a short introduction before committing. Includes a consultation + 1 follow-up session within 3 months.

Includes:

  • 90-minute Initial Consultation
  • 1 × 60-minute Follow-up Session
  • Personalized training plan and curated resources
  • Email support between sessions
  • Price:
    • ¥ 37,000 (Japan Post Bank transfer ゆうちょ銀行); ¥38,400 (PayPal, includes transaction fees)
    • You save ¥ 3,000 vs. booking separately
  • Package follow-up sessions must be completed within 90 days of your initial consultation. Recommended session schedule: every other week or once every 3 weeks 
  • Most people need 3-6+ sessions to meet their goals.
  • Non-package follow-ups are ¥15,000/hour.
  • Why choose this: Best if you want to try working together before committing to ongoing support.
BOOK NOW

Standard Consultation Package – Most popular choice

Best for dogs with 1 or 2 issues. Includes 4 sessions to be completed within 3 months.

Includes:

  • 90-minute Initial Consultation
  • 3 × 60-minute Follow-up Sessions
  • Personalized training plan and curated resources
  • Email support between sessions
  • Price: 
    • ¥ 63,000 (Japan Post Bank transfer ゆうちょ銀行); ¥65,000 (PayPal, includes transaction fees)
    • You save ¥ 7,000 vs. booking individually
  • Package follow-up sessions must be completed within 90 days of your initial consultation. Recommended session schedule: every other week or once every 3 weeks 
  • You may need additional sessions beyond your package.
  • Non-package follow-ups are ¥15,000/hour.
  • Why choose this: Best if you want meaningful progress on your dog’s challenges, not just a quick start.
BOOK NOW

Single Follow-up Sessions

Note eligibility:

Available only after completing either the Starter or Standard Package.

Includes:

  • 60 minutes of personalized coaching and problem-solving 
  • Continued guidance for you and your dog
  • Price:  ¥15,000 (Japan Post Bank transfer ゆうちょ銀行); ¥15,500 (PayPal, includes transaction fees)
  • Why choose this: Ideal for continued support after your initial package.
BOOK NOW

Help in-between sessions:

  • The behavior modification-training plan, which includes additional resources, is yours to keep and revisit anytime.
  • My goal is for you to “graduate” with the knowledge and confidence to support your dog through future challenges
  • For quick questions between sessions, email me (amy@resilientpups.com); I usually reply within 24–48 hours. For more complex issues, I may suggest another session.

Payment & Booking Policies

  • Payment is due at the time of booking to confirm your spot.
  • I accept Japan Post Bank transfer ゆうちょ銀行 or PayPal (includes transaction fees).
  • Packages must be paid in full at the start of your program.

Rescheduling & Cancellations

  • I understand life happens, and I’ll always try to be flexible. At the same time, I reserve appointment times just for you, which means late changes can be difficult to fill.
  • Rescheduling: If you need to change your appointment, please do so at least 48 hours in advance.
  • Cancellations: If you cancel 48 hours or more before your appointment, you’ll receive a full refund (or credit if you prefer).　If you cancel less than 48 hours before, the full fee is charged.
  • No-shows: Missed appointments are charged in full.
  • Packages: Package sessions must be used within 90 days of the initial consultation. Unused sessions are non-refundable.
  • Refunds: Payments are refunded in accordance with the cancellation policy. Please note that transaction fees (Japan Post Bank transfer ゆうちょ銀行 or PayPal) are non-refundable and may be deducted from your refund.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How long will it take to fix my dog’s behavior?

There’s no single answer—behavior change depends on many factors, including:

  • the function of the behavior
  • the influence of the dog’s environment and learning history
  • genetics and breed tendencies
  • the potential effects of health or medical issues
  • your consistency and involvement with the management and training plan

In addition, many pets who initially present with a maladaptive* behavioral issue often present with more than one. 

In our initial consult I will take an extensive history of the behavioral issues you and your dog are dealing with and from there we will move forward with a clear management and training plan.  I will clearly lay out the overarching goals for you at that time to help you understand what is involved and what the projected path may look like. 

Behavior is unique to each individual, so although I can give you some ideas for how long such behaviors generally take to improve, I cannot ethically guarantee either a set timeframe nor specific outcomes.  Every dog is different.

*Maladaptive behavior is defined as a “behavior that interferes with an individual’s activities of daily living of ability to adjust to and participate in particular settings.“

2. What’s the difference between a trainer and a behavior consultant?

Trainers typically focus on teaching skills and manners, like loose–leash walking or recall. Behavior consultants, like me, have additional training in behavior science, neurobiology, and ethology, and specialize in complex issues such as fear, anxiety, and aggression.

For example, both a trainer and a behavior consultant can teach loose-leash walking, but a behavior consultant can also assess the emotional and environmental causes of leash reactivity and create a holistic, humane modification plan.

3. Why and how does virtual consulting work?

  • Prospective clients often have valid concerns about working together remotely. Below are the two most common questions I get. 

Q1: “How can you help if you don’t see the behavior?” 

Behavior follows predictable patterns. By collecting a detailed history of your dog’s daily life, health, and challenges—and sometimes reviewing short video clips—I can create a tailored, effective plan without seeing the behavior in person.

One big advantage of virtual consulting is that we avoid putting your dog (and you) in stressful situations just to “see” the problem. Aggression, fear, and anxiety behaviors are often triggered by stress, and ethically, we don’t want to create more of it.

Q2: “Isn’t in-person better?“

For fearful or aggressive dogs, in-person visits can increase stress. Virtual consulting lets your dog stay relaxed in their own environment, while we observe, coach, and discuss strategies through video.

4. What training methods do you use?

I’m a certified Fear Free Professional working toward IAABC-CDBC certification. I follow LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) / LIFE guidelines and Fear Free principles. All training is humane, evidence-based, and focused on reducing fear, anxiety, and stress.

5. Can you guarantee results?


The simple answer is no. Because behavior is influenced by genetics, environment, health, and learning history, no ethical professional can promise outcomes. What I can promise is compassionate, transparent, science-based support to help you and your dog make meaningful progress.

6. How do I know if we’re a good fit?

The questions below can help you decide if my approach as a behavior consultant is right for you:

  • Do you care deeply about your sensitive dog but sometimes feel unsure, guilty, or even like you’re failing when helping them cope with stress?
  • Are you interested in going beyond “obedience” or “manners,” recognizing that your dog’s well-being is about more than just cues like sit?
  • Do you understand that behavior change is complex and rarely quick?
  • Are you looking for a guide to support both you and your dog, step by step?
  • Can you accept that your anxious or sensitive dog may always fall somewhere on that spectrum, while still capable of building better coping skills and resilience?
  • Are you open and curious about learning—about your dog, the behavior plan, and the process?
  • Do you want to strengthen the relationship so your dog truly feels you “have their back”?

• Do you care deeply about your sensitive dog but sometimes feel unsure, guilty, or even like you’re failing when helping them cope with stress?

• Are you interested in going beyond “obedience” or “manners,” recognizing that your dog’s well-being is about more than just cues like sit?

• Do you understand that behavior change is complex and rarely quick?

• Are you looking for an experienced professional to support both you and your dog, step by step?

• Can you accept that your anxious or sensitive dog may always fall somewhere on that spectrum, while still capable of building better coping skills and resilience?

• Are you open and curious about learning—about your dog, the behavior plan, and the process?

• Do you want to strengthen the relationship so your dog truly feels you “have their back”?

If you find yourself answering “yes” to these questions, chances are we’ll work well together. I bring decades of teaching experience and ongoing professional education to every case, tailoring my approach to both you and your dog. Most importantly, I focus on trust and collaboration, guiding you step by step along your dog’s behavior journey.


✉︎ email: amy@resilientpups.com

Designed with WordPress