Behavior Consultations
Thoughtful, individualized guidance and support for dogs with more serious or complex behavior concerns, including anxiety, reactivity, aggression, handling challenges, and real-life safety issues.
Vera Wilkinson, CDBC, CPDT-KA, KPA CTP, has more than 30 years of experience helping families navigate difficult behavior problems with dogs. As a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, she works with issues that often feel bigger, more stressful, and more urgent than basic training concerns.
Behavior consultations are designed for dogs whose behavior is affecting safety, daily life, relationships, or peace of mind at home and in the world. Vera’s approach is humane, practical, and centered on helping you understand what is happening, what to do next, and how to move forward with a clear plan.
If Your Dog …
Behavior consultations may be the right place to start if your dog is dealing with concerns such as:
Safety & Reactivity Concerns
- Lunging, barking, or growling on leash
- Fights or near-fights with dogs
- Guarding food, toys, space, or objects
- Bite risk or bite history
- Difficulty safely handling visitors or strangers
Anxiety & Home-Life Concerns
- Panic when left alone
- Fearful or shut-down behavior
- House soiling tied to stress or anxiety
- Excessive barking linked to distress
- Household behavior that feels difficult, unpredictable, or overwhelming
You do not need to handle this alone. Help is available, and the right plan can make everyday life feel more manageable.
What to Expect
Before We Meet
You will discuss your dog’s concerns with your veterinarian to rule out medical causes where appropriate. Vera will also collect background information in advance so your time together can be used well.
During the Consultation
Your consultation includes assessment, practical coaching, and a clear plan for moving forward. You will leave with a better understanding of what is happening, what to prioritize, and what to do next.
After the Consultation
Your consultation includes 30 days of phone/email support, along with recommendations for follow-up coaching or next-step services if needed.
Consultation Options
Behavior consultations are available in formats designed to fit different needs and circumstances.
In-Home Consultation
A 90 minute, in-person consultation for dogs whose behavior needs to be assessed in the home or everyday environment. This service is offered throughout Boston, Greater Boston and all of Eastern and Central Massachusetts.
On-Site Consultation
A focused 90 minute consultation option offered in Brookline on Saturdays for appropriate cases. This service has been used as a cost cutting measure by people living locally and for those travelling in from Rhode Island, Connecticut, Western Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine.
Virtual Consultation
Virtual consultations are available for some cases, especially for families living outside Vera’s regular service area or when a remote format is the most practical place to begin. Virtual services can be especially appropriate for follow-up private coaching in separation anxiety cases, as well as for pre-puppy and pre-dog adoption consultations.
Some dogs do best with a single consultation and a plan to implement at home. Others benefit from follow-up private coaching for additional support, troubleshooting, and hands-on practice.
What Clients and Colleagues Say
Linda Aronson, DVM of Pet Shrink, Berlin, MA
I am a veterinarian with a referral behavior practice. While I can help owners set out on the right path with their dogs, medication if needed, medical assistance if a physiological issue is causing the behavior problems and a behavior modification plan, it is often frustrating when they do not know how to execute that plan. Being able to refer them to an excellent trainer like Vera is great. She helps owners follow through and can spot any difficulties they may be having and guide them through them. Her training philosophy and mine mesh well and I know my patients are in great hands so that we can restore dog and people bonds that have been stretched almost to breaking point. Vera also has a great eye, and if she thinks one of her client dogs needs a little medical assistance she refers them on to me. Whether you have a new puppy, an older dog with issues or just want to get out and do more with your dog, I can thoroughly recommend Vera and The Cooperative Dog. You will be in great hands.
Jim and ‘Ripley’ (Australian Shepherd) Weston, MA
Vera, thanks for helping us save Ripley’s life. He came to us with what we thought were dominance issues but it turned out to be fear of men. I could hardly even look at him. He exploded into a barking little monster every time I walked into the room we had to keep him in. He was a nightmare on walks. It was embarrassing for my wife because he did the same thing when they saw people on the street and from almost any distance and it was worse when he heard certain noises. We were going to put him down if you couldn’t help us. You taught us a whole new way (to us) of training Ripley. It was a few months before I was able to touch him and now we go on walks and he has free run of the house. It was a lot of work and well worth the effort. The changes we see in Ripley are amazing.
Fees, Payment & Policies
Current consultation options and pricing are listed below. Payment is currently required in advance, and waiver and cancellation policies apply.
- In-Home Consultation: $350 – Up | 90 Minutes
- On-Site Consultation (Brookline Saturdays): $275 | 90 Minutes
- Virtual Consultation: $250 | 90 Minutes
Get Started
If your dog’s behavior feels bigger than basic training, a behavior consultation can help you get clarity, a practical plan, and next steps you can actually use.
