Behavior Support
Dog Behavior Consulting & Assessments
Behavior consulting provides individualized assessment and guidance for dogs experiencing fear, anxiety, reactivity, aggression, or other behaviors that impact safety, well-being, or quality of life. This service is designed for situations where group classes may not be the right fit at this time and where a thoughtful, structured approach can better support the dog’s learning and well-being.
If your dog has growled, snapped, or bitten; panics when left alone; barks excessively; destroys items when stressed; reacts strongly on leash; or struggles with handling, grooming, or everyday situations, behavior consulting offers a clear and responsible starting point.
When Behavior Consulting Is the Right Choice
Behavior consulting may be appropriate when you are noticing behaviors that can include:
Aggression toward people or other dogs
Bite incidents or close calls
Leash reactivity such as lunging, barking, or freezing
Fearful, anxious, or shutdown behavior
Separation anxiety or distress-related behaviors
Excessive barking or destructive behavior linked to stress or fear
Difficulty with grooming, veterinary care, or handling
Concerns around safety with children, visitors, or unfamiliar people
These situations benefit from individualized assessment and careful planning. Working privately allows us to focus on safety, understanding, and pacing in a way that group environments cannot always support.
What a Behavior Assessment Involves
Behavior consulting begins with a detailed assessment designed to understand what is driving your dog’s behavior, not just what the behavior looks like on the surface.
A behavior assessment may include:
Reviewing your dog’s history, environment, and daily routines
Identifying triggers, patterns, and early warning signs
Observing body language and stress responses
Discussing immediate management strategies to help reduce risk and overwhelm
Creating a practical behavior plan tailored to your household
The goal of assessment is clarity. Families leave with a better understanding of their dog’s behavior, guidance on what to focus on first, and next steps that feel realistic and supportive.
Professional Approach & Collaboration
Behavior consulting at Airdrie Puppy Pals is grounded in evidence-based training and behavior science. Our work focuses on understanding the emotional and environmental factors influencing behavior and using that information to guide safe, effective change.
In some cases, behavior concerns are influenced by health, pain, or underlying medical factors. When appropriate, we work collaboratively with local veterinarians and in consultation with Alberta’s board-certified veterinary behaviorist. This team-based approach helps ensure dogs receive well-rounded support that considers both behavior and overall well-being.
This collaboration allows behavior plans to be thoughtful, ethical, and tailored to each dog’s needs, rather than relying on one-size-fits-all solutions.
What to Expect from Behavior Consulting
Behavior consulting is structured, educational, and paced to support learning without overwhelming your dog. Sessions are designed to help you understand what is happening, why it is happening, and what steps can help move things forward safely.
You can expect:
Clear explanations grounded in behavior science
Practical management strategies to support safety and reduce stress
Step-by-step guidance tailored to your situation
Adjustments to the plan as behavior changes over time
Support for both dogs and the people involved
Behavior consulting is not about quick fixes. It is about understanding behavior, reducing risk, and building a plan that supports long-term improvement and quality of life.
Meet your Certified Behavior Consultant
Nikki Nordick is a highly educated and credentialed dog behavior consultant who works with dogs experiencing fear, anxiety, reactivity, aggression, and other complex behavior concerns. Her work is grounded in behavior science, learning theory, and extensive hands-on experience with challenging cases.
Nikki holds multiple internationally recognized credentials in both training and behavior, including:
Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)
Certified Behavior Consultant, Canine (CBCC-KA) through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT)
Accredited Dog Trainer (IAABC-ADT) through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants
Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers
Fear Free Certified Professional (FFCP) through Fear Free Pets
What this means for you is working with a professional who understands not only how to change behavior, but why it is happening. Nikki’s approach prioritizes safety, clarity, and thoughtful planning. Families are guided through complex situations with clear explanations, practical steps, and training plans that are realistic to implement in daily life.
Get Started
If you would like support with fear, anxiety, reactivity, aggression, or another behavior concern and are unsure what to do next, the first step is a behavior consultation call.
This complimentary phone call allows us to:
Discuss your dog’s behavior and history
Determine whether behavior consulting is the appropriate service
Outline what an assessment would involve
Answer initial questions about process, pricing, and availability
This conversation helps ensure you are guided toward the right support from the start.