Brian The barkeologist

Canine cyberneticist

Clients

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Consulting Hours

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see how dog behavior training is changing:

Cybernetics

Dogs have goals, wants, and needs – and exert control over their environments to achieve them.

Behavior can be modified by identifying the dog’s goals and cooperating with the dog to achieve them in more appropriate ways

Behavior is driven by homeostasis – getting just the right amount of food, water, playtime, rest, scratches, safety

behaviorism

Dogs are conditioned by their environment, their behavior is the result of stimuli causing responses.

Behavior can be modified by simply adding/removing rewards or adding/removing punishments

Behavior is driven by maximizing rewards and minimizing punishments

When a behaviorist encounters a problem they cannot solve, they typically rely on a “more reinforcing reinforcer” (high value treat), or a “more punishing punisher” (ecollar or prong collar). You may have had some experience with this approach not working as you’d hoped, and it fails because the underlying assumptions about how behavior works is incorrect. A dog is not seeking to maximize it’s rewards and minimize it’s punishments, it is seeking to accomplish goals important to it. These interventions only seek to “win” internal conflict within the dog, between their goal to eat treats and their current goal. Or their goal to avoid pain/discomfort, and their current goal. When “eat food” or “avoid discomfort” is a strong enough goal, relatively speaking, behaviorist techniques will work. However, when another goal is more important, such as jumping on the guest to greet them, chasing a squirrel out of the yard, or barking to protect their territory, they may experience internal conflict – wanting to listen, wanting to get a reward, but ultimately choosing what is concerning to them.

As a Cyberneticist, rather than relying on manipulative control (carrots & sticks) instead I identify what your dog’s goal is in any given context, and design a training plan in which good behaviors & cooperation with their human get them closer to their goals – and the inappropriate behaviors get them further. Using a framework built around teaching your dog the 3 core skills they’re missing:

the 3 R's - Resocialization framework

Reorganization

Relaxation

respect

Learning “how to learn” through Feedback Loop Learning

Learning how to regulate emotions and stress independently

Learning the “social contract”, the unspoken rules of socialization we all follow

Serving CT, RI, & MA

Some examples of areas I cover: Mystic, New London, Groton, Norwich, Middletown, Westerly, Charlestown, Narragansett, Warwick, Providence, North Attleboro. If you are unsure if I cover your area, feel free to ask!

 5/5

On Facebook, Google, and thumbtack
out of 68 Reviewers!

"I’ve taken my two German Shepherd mixes to numerous trainers with no real results; leaving me discouraged and left my dogs back where we started. I was looking for someone who would help be proactive in getting to the root of the unwanted behaviors; not just show me how to react to the symptoms. After the first session with Brian, I had completely different dogs! He doesn’t tell you how to command them to act in a certain way, but shows you how to let them make good choices for themselves. He makes sure expectations are realistic and fair, gives analogies that are easy to understand, and really helped me communicate with body language, resulting in all of us being more relaxed and content. There’s no ego; just passion for understanding and helping dogs. I can’t recommend Brian enough!"

Emily D.

"I really liked working with Brian during my dog Brandy's training. He is extremely knowledgeable about dogs, provided an abundance of information to help understand a dog's behavior, easy to talk to, and made the whole training experience enjoyable. I definitely see an improvement in Brandy. I would highly recommend Brian to anyone considering hiring a trainer"

Joanne H.

"We have been working with Brian for only a few weeks but, we are already seeing great results! We have a very anxious and fearful dog along with one that is very overstimulated and has difficult calming. Brian has given us tools that have allowed them to begin the process to be in a place of more rest and peace! We are going to continue this process with him after seeing things change. Thank you Brian!"

Stacy G.

Service Packages

silver

You need the best information you can get, on a budget. 1 session covering the Resocialization Framework
$175

gold

You're ready to fast-forward to better behavior. 4 sessions covering the Resocialization Framework with hands-on practice sessions
$520 (10% Off)

diamond

You want the most training for the best price. 6 sessions covering the Resocialization Framework, with hands-on practice sessions
$700 (16% Off)

virtual

Outside my service range? No problem! The info is just as good over Zoom!
$150

free no-obligation contact form

faq

Do you work with aggressive dogs?

Yes, I do! There is often much that can be done for dogs with aggression, however, aggression can be complex and multi-faceted so individual results may vary. I strive for an honest and open dialogue with my clients about what paths and options they have to address and manage their dog’s behavioral issues. Think of me like a GPS guiding you through the detours and roadblocks that you may encounter while trying to address your dog’s aggression.

How much is training?

The initial 90 minute session is $197, and follow-ups are $150.

I also offer a 4 pack including the introductory session and 3 follow-ups for $575 (a $647 value!)

How many sessions do I need?

This is going to depend on your goals and the amount of time you have to dedicate to training on your own time – but generally I recommend at least 4 sessions for any dog exhibiting aggression or anxiety…in order to cover the necessary concepts and practical exercises. More minor behavioral issues or standard obedience training may only require one or two sessions to cover the necessary concepts. If you are still unsure of what your dog’s training needs might be, please ask!

What is your training methodology?

My teaching focuses more on emotional regulation, animal welfare, and the dog’s social dynamics. Behavioral issues can be complex, their causes even more so – investigation into who your dog is as an individual with their own unique genetics, environment, learning history, and quirks is essential to their training success. Typically, standard “balanced” and “positive reinforcement” based techniques may fail to address some of the deeper underlying issues that dogs are facing.

Where do you Service?

I service an hour radius outside of Mystic Connecticut! Including areas such as Groton, Westerly, Warwick, North Attleboro, Providence, and New London.

Do you come to my house?

Yes I do! My behavior consulting services are best conducted in-home, in your dog’s natural habitat! However I can also meet existing clients at public spaces such as parks or breweries for manners training!

Current Projects

For dog guardians

The dog training industry can be very tough to navigate. That is why I take the role as the "GPS" to your behavioral goals for your dog. Guiding you down the path to success and dodging the potholes along the way! If you're here, you might have already been through a few trainers, maybe watched some youtube videos or read some articles. There is a lot of conflicting information out there, and unfortunately there is a lot of cookie-cutter content which may not be helpful in your specific case - or worse, may even be detrimental. I can help you decipher the junk from the good stuff!