At LeadWise AK, our goal is to work alongside you to understand your dog’s challenges and develop a plan that promotes confidence, safety, and harmony in your household. Here’s what you can expect during your initial consultation:

A Comprehensive, Personalized Session

Your first consultation will typically last about 2 hours. During this time, we’ll review your dog’s history, discuss specific concerns, and observe body language and triggers in context. This allows us to develop a clear picture of the behavior and the factors contributing to it.

Collaborative, Evidence-Based Guidance

You’ll receive a practical behavior plan tailored to your dog’s needs. This plan may include management strategies, enrichment activities, training exercises, and recommendations for additional support when appropriate. While behavior change takes time and consistency, you’ll leave the session with clear, actionable steps.

Goal-Oriented Discussion

We’ll explore your short- and long-term goals for your dog and set realistic expectations. Behavior modification is a process, and while no one can guarantee results, working together with consistency and patience produces meaningful change.

Ongoing Support

Behavior doesn’t change overnight. Follow-up sessions may be recommended to refine your plan, adjust for progress, and ensure you feel confident implementing strategies at home. Support is available throughout the process so you don’t feel alone in the journey.

How to Prepare for Your Appointment

Preparing ahead will help you and your dog get the most out of your consultation. Here are some simple steps:

Complete the Behavior History Form

Before your appointment, you’ll fill out a questionnaire. This provides important background information so we can spend more of the session focusing on solutions. Provide as much details about the behavior as you can. If you have videos of the behavior you can upload them at this time.

Treats and Feeding

Please avoid giving your dog a full meal within six hours of the appointment. Bring a variety of soft, pea-sized treats, some everyday favorites and some higher-value options like cheese or meat. If your dog has food sensitivities, bring safe alternatives.

Calm Arrival

Plan to settle your dog in a quiet, safe space (such as a crate, gated room, or yard) about 10–15 minutes before the appointment. This helps create a calm environment and reduces stress when the session begins.

Family Involvement

Whenever possible, all household members who regularly interact with your dog should be present. This ensures consistency in how everyone responds to the behavior plan.

Safety Considerations

If aggression is a concern, we recommend muzzle conditioning in advance or a virtual appointment. This allows for a safe, low-stress evaluation during the session.

Virtual Consultations

For clients outside Anchorage or when in-person visits aren’t practical, virtual consultations are available. All you’ll need is an internet connection and a device with a webcam.

Keep a Behavior Journal

Bringing notes and/or videos about your dog’s recent behavior, when, where, and under what circumstances it occurs, can provide valuable insight and help us tailor your plan even more precisely.