Holistic Online Dog Behavior Solutions
Since 2007, thousands of people have had successful online training help from us.
What Is Holistic Dog Training
As a holistic behavior consultant and pioneer in dog education and healing, I embrace a comprehensive approach to understanding and addressing canine behavior. The term "holistic" is often misunderstood and misused, sometimes as a trendy alternative to "balanced" training. A true holistic approach views dogs as sentient beings, integrating canine anthropology, ethology, and a "do no harm" philosophy. It emphasizes empathy, respecting dogs' natural behaviors, breed traits, and individuality across all life stages.
Holistic methods include trauma-informed, secure attachment-based practices that focus on emotional and psychological needs, often incorporating elements of attachment theory. The approach is multidisciplinary, involving herbalism, acupuncture, nutrition, chiropractic care, and energy healing like Reiki. Holistic practitioners follow the Least Inhibitive, Functionally Effective (LIFE) model, which prioritizes gentle guidance and positive reinforcement, avoiding forceful or aversive techniques.
Moreover, holistic training considers systemic dynamics and past traumas, employing desensitization and counter-conditioning. It promotes natural rearing practices with minimal use of chemicals and emphasizes continuous education and empathy, ensuring a stress-free, species-appropriate environment for each unique dog.
Unfortunately many discovered Holistic Training when all other resources had been exhausted and it felt like everything else failed. Accessing Holistic training online from the comfort and safety of your home might be one of the most effective science based, and best ethical practices in the industry* available to you.
Working with a Holistic Professional online is supportive and empowering for you, your family, and your dog.
Not only does Holistic Training help balance your dog's body, mind, and spirit, but it also reinforces a balanced relationship between all family members that are involved in the training process.
Even a small child can learn how to train a dog with online coaching, and we can help you solve complex behavior issues that most trainers would not be able to perceive nor address!
*) The least inhibitive, functionally effective (LIFE) model
HOW DOES ONLINE TRAINING WORK?
The only difference between online and in-person training is that your trainer is on a video instead of at your house.
I use Zoom to walk you through the training process. I demonstrate on one of our dogs what to do, then we watch you as you practice on your dog, and adjust your skills if necessary. If you like to have a recording of your training session we can record it on ZOOM.
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Our online clients worldwide!
Discover the ideal program for your dog's specific behavioral needs. Simply find the behavior issue from the list below and click on it to learn about the training programs we offer for that particular challenge.
Aggressive Behavior - Understand and address aggression in your dog.
Anxiety and Fear - Help your dog overcome fear and anxiety.
Barking Issues - Solutions for excessive or problematic barking.
Leash Pulling - Teach your dog to walk calmly on a leash.
Skill Training - For general compliance and social manners.
Puppy Training - Start your puppy off on the right paw.
Other Challenges - For behavioral issues not listed above click for a free exploratory call.
Start improving your dog's behavior today by selecting the relevant issue!
We use a Mind-Body-Spirit training approach
Body
Emotionally positive, force-free, and Do-No-Harm behavior therapy
Breed and age appropriate nutrition consultation
Breed-specific exercise and porpoise description
Mind
Identifying the purpose of your dog being in your life
Trauma Informed Relational Behavior- and Environmental- Intervention
Dog/dog and human/dog System awareness
Spirit
Remote energy healing; Reiki*, or Reconnective Animals™ **
Emotional and energetic understanding and healing
* Usui Reiki for animals facilitated by Reiki Master Roman Gottfried
** Reconnective Animals™ facilitated by Intuitive Healer Barbara Buck
how is online training better than In-home training?
Online Training has many advantages over having a trainer coming into your home.
Your dog builds a secure attachment bond that will help him/her reach his/her potential.
Your dog only gets information and education from you or your family.
Your dog does not feel the need to protect you or your home from an outsider.
Everything starts calmly with no stress or distractions.
The whole family can attend.
No vaccinations needed.
No age limitations.
No travel time or costs are involved, so it saves you money.
More flexible appointments - we can meet you virtually everywhere (as long you have internet reception).
Online sessions can be recorded and available for 30 days for you to replay.
Faster results through individually designed training programs ensure you reach your goals quickly.
A complete dog education system that’s been proven effective since 2007
Kind Words from Holistic Dog Training Online Clients
“I’m in the UK and got in touch with Roman for my English mastiff. Roman was a great help offering us simple and easy-to-use techniques to help our dog.”
“My older son and I listened to the recorded session, and it just reinforced key points. This is another benefit to online classes. ”
“When other trainers left my home, they took the training power with them. After I worked with Roman online, the training power stayed with me.”
If you need only one training session to refresh your Holistic Training skills, or your dog shows minor behavior issues, then this is the right session for you. Many people see a huge improvement with only one session in 60% of behaviors. Schedule an initial online training session now.
hOLISTIC TRAUMA-INFORMED SYSTEMIC BEHAVIOR EVALUATION,
$160.00 USD
Struggling with severe behaviors?
Have your worked with a trainer but had seen no improvement?
Canine Trauma Informed Behavior Assessment (TBA) Session is the best way to figure out what triggers a Canine behavior problem, and the underlaying root cause. The information is used in designing a Holistic Behavior Support Plan to address problem behaviors and prevent them from happening in the future. We will evaluate and work to be able to answer the question “Why does my dog show this behavior, and why she feels that way in given situation?” During the online video consultation, we will discuss how to reduce the risks, improve the communication skills, and to work towards and goals that best help your dog and your family.
things we will discus:
With holistic approach in online training, you become the educated trainer your dog is looking for.
Adoption History shelter evaluations, surrender info, etc.
Health History vaccinations, ongoing issues, etc.
Exercise Needs daily, type, play, etc.
Attachment Relationships human-dog, dog-dog, dog-home--species
Living conditions home size, crating, family members, siblings, etc.
Training history a detailed history of when, what, type, how effective, etc.
Management history and management activities in place now based on the behavioral issue.
Behavioral history when it started, what it is in measurable terms, setting events, motivating operations, antecedents, consequences.
What’s in It for you?
The huge benefit of an Online Behavior Assessment is that it allows us direct observation of problem behavior under naturally occurring conditions, without the presence of an additional distraction by a trainer or adding stress when traveling to a location.
The Big Picture
The Trauma Informed Canine Behavior Assessment is one of three parts of a behavior modification system. Performing the Assessment is the first step towards discovering the dogs emotional pathway and prefered learning approach which will then determine the Behavior Intervention Plan. Through this process we are able to define, understand, and identify solution options for challenging canine behaviors. This system is based on the logic that many different behaviors may serve the same function, and past experiences may affect the dogs decision making. However, the reason the dog offers a behavior may be affected by factors such as:
Biological (Biological factors that affect a dog's behavior include genetics, past generational trauma, brain chemistry, and overall physical health, all of which interact to shape their behavioral responses and adaptations to their environment.)
Environmental (Environmental factors that affect a dog's behavior include the physical setting, daily routines, and the quality of attachment and interactions they have with their guardians, all of which significantly shape their responses and overall well-being.)
Spiritual (Spiritual factors affecting behavior encompass the deep, intangible connections between beings, recognizing that animals, like humans, are sentient with emotional and spiritual needs. This understanding influences how we interact with them, emphasizing respect, empathy, and the recognition of our shared emotional experiences, which can profoundly impact their behavior and well-being.)
Finally we will discuss your goals, and what you hope to achieve from the behavior consultation. We will offer exercises and instructions to stabilize the situation until your next appointment.
Roman To the rescue
$70.00 USD
For simple issues, with no aggression and no bite history, no trauma, single dog home, home with no children, a quick 20-30 minutes session is the best session to start with.
We will have time to discuss your goals and answer questions.
This is the best single session if you see the first signs of concerning behavior or aggression.
This session might stabilize the behavior * situation in your home and give you time to make arrangements, however, from experience a Behavior mending program is the best long-term solution.
*) If your dog is usually calm and loving but suddenly displays aggression, your first course of action should be to see your Holistic Veterinarian and rule out pain or medical issue before scheduling a session with us.
Reconnective Healing Consultation For Animals
per session $120 USD)
This healing session With Barbara ( my beloved wife) is for complex dogs or multiple-dog homes with aggressive behaviors, severe trauma, or if there is no information about their past.
When I first experienced reconnective healing myself I was blown away how it changed my perception about my environment and my life.
This session includes:
Remote Reconnective Healing which uses the quantum energy field, source light, and information to bring the animal’s mind, body, and spirit into optimal balance and restores them to a state of wellness.
For many years we have incorporated Usui-Reiki into our training practice but we saw also amazing results using Reconnective Healing to address trauma, pain, energetic blockages and emotional stress. During the session animals can experience deep emotions, mental anguish and overactive physical stimuli and even unknown vocalizations. The reconnective Healing Session often helps reduce the expected training sessions. In some cases, challenging behavior completely healed after one session.
“Our 8 year English Bulldog Nicholas had become very aggressive towards my father age 94 and other members of our family including our other dog. After a short training session, Roman suggested having a Reconnective-healing with Barbara he feels like a new dog. During the session, he was pacing and fell asleep only to wake up more relaxed ever since. He is respectful, let me bring his food for the first time ever rather than begging and being aggressive. It's like a miracle. Thank you Barbara and Roman.”
- Karen F, Michigan USA
Online Synergistic Archetype Reading
per session $123.00 USD
What is an Archetype?
The origins of the archetypal hypothesis date as far back as Plato. Plato's ideas were pure mental forms that were imprinted in the soul before it was born into the world. They were collective in the sense that they embodied the fundamental characteristics of a thing rather than its specific peculiarities.
“My views about the 'archaic remnants', which I call 'archetypes' or 'primordial images,' have been constantly criticized by people who lack a sufficient knowledge of the psychology of dreams and of mythology. The term 'archetype' is often misunderstood as meaning certain definite mythological images or motifs, but these are nothing more than conscious representations. Such variable representations cannot be inherited. The archetype is a tendency to form such representations of a motif—representations that can vary a great deal in detail without losing their basic pattern.” - Carl Jung
We recognized that using these archetypes would be helpful to identify and create a virtual representation of a family system that includes different species.
In order to balance the family, each member has to adjust his energy accordingly. The Systemic Archetype Reading is an intuitive approach to capture an "energetic screenshot” of a family system. It gives a present representation of each member’s archetype and its relationship within.
This helps to identify behavior patterns in search of imbalances that affect the whole family system including the animals living as part of the household.
“Roman was able to open my eyes and look at things differently. I had successfully rehabbed many food aggressive dogs in the past but Larry was different. A couple things Roman explained helped me understand the dynamics in my home.
The archetype description on my dogs matched and made total sense. It helped me understand why the disputes happened and how to address them.
We went from multiple daily food aggression incidences to zero meal-related incidences and a handful of other food (treats, crumbs the kids left behind, etc.) incidences in months.”
A Client walking a Pyrenees dog on a loose leash.
Experience a transformation in your dog's leash-walking behavior with our efficient, three session holistic training program. In just three weeks and three sessions, you’ll understand the “why” behind leash pulling, engage in exercises that foster a deeper bond and clear communication between you and your dog, and your walk will become a pleasurable experience. The holistic method focuses on:
- Session 1: Establishing two-way communication, teaching leash foundational cues.
- Session 2: Teaching leash skills and establishing synchronization.
- Session 3: Generalizing the walking on leash skills in areas of low distractions.
My approach utilizes simple tools like a collar, leashes, treats, and a smartphone for monitoring progress. I debunk common training myths and emphasize the importance of patience, positivity, and understanding your dog's motivation.
Join me for a rewarding journey towards mastering loose-leash walking in just three days.
The Walk Nicely On The Leash In 3 Sessions program is a prerequisite to the Reactive Dog On The Leash ( 7 sessions)
Nip It In The Bud
Three sessions $320 USD
Nip It In The Bud is a holistic online dog training program that is designed to address and prevent early-stage behavioral issues in dogs. This three-session package consists of:
1. Foundations of Holistic Behavior Management: The first session introduces the principles of holistic dog training, emphasizing the interconnectedness of a dog's physical health, mental well-being, and behavior. Participants learn to identify and understand early-stage issues like charging for the door, overexcitement, or excessive barking, and explores the root causes from a holistic perspective.
2. Integrative Training Techniques: In the second session, participants are guided through various science-based training techniques with a holistic and relationship-based approach. This includes positive reinforcement, environmental enrichment, and stress-reducing strategies. We focus on addressing behaviors like jumping on people and excessive barking in a compassionate and effective manner.
3. Sustaining Positive Behaviors: The final session centers on maintaining and reinforcing positive behaviors over the long term. It covers the importance of consistency in training, integrating holistic lifestyle changes, and creating a nurturing environment for continual behavioral improvement.
“Roman knew EXACTLY what our dog was feeling/dealing with and IMMEDIATELY gave us the tools to understand how to help him.”
Each Nip It In The Bud session is enriched with interactive content, including video tutorials, transcripts, live Q&A sessions with Roman Gottfried, and practical exercises. This program is ideal for dog owners seeking a comprehensive and empathetic approach to early behavioral training.
Cost $320 USD
Kids over five years old are welcome to attend the session.
Nine sessions $648 USD
Online Behavior Program
Welcome to our most popular package, which is tailor-made for new dog parents! Perfect for dogs with moderate behavior issues, this online program offers holistic activities and strategies. Whether you aim to create a safe space for your pup, reinforce positive behaviors, or help them build trust and stability, we've got you covered. Our structured approach is also designed to alleviate fears and anxieties, ensuring a happy, well-adjusted pet.
“Thank you Roman, you helped me online with my Cane Corso Ceasar a long time ago. He was aggressive, the runt of the litter and with your guidance taught me and my family, how to deal with him, force-free and pain-free, in just five sessions. He is 9 years old now, he still respects us and we respect him and the breed.
Thank you!”
Ideal For:
New dog parents with non-aggressive dogs.
Addressing common issues such as leash pulling, barking, and house-training complexities.
Adjusting to new family dynamics like the arrival of babies or other pets.
Issues Addressed:
Complex house-training issues
Socialization challenges
Visitor difficulties & jumping (non-aggressive)
Leash pulling & reactivity (without bite history)
Excessive barking and destructive behaviors
Poor house manners
Distress during isolation
Anxiety previously untreated with success
Noise, situation, or people-induced fears
Resource, location, or person guarding (without bite incidents)
Preparing for and adjusting to new family members or pets.
Package Includes:
One behavior assessment ( 60 mins)
Four training sessions (45 minutes each)
Four quick sessions (30 minutes each) for immediate behavior troubleshooting.
Personalized training instructions that are specific to your dog’s needs
Text support: Available during business hours (8 am-4 pm PST).
Lifelong skills: Equip yourself with techniques beneficial for all dogs in your life.
Stronger bond: Cultivate a harmonious relationship with your pet.
Note: This Program is limited in duration to three months.
If your dog displays aggressive tendencies, has a bite history, or seems to have endured severe emotional/physical trauma, we recommend the Premium Package. As specialists in addressing complex behaviors, this premium option includes a thorough systemic evaluation designed for "complex-problem" dogs.
Secure Attachment Online Puppy Program
“Thank you for the training session! I love that our kids get to be involved in the training sessions. Kids seem to believe things more from other people, then from their parents. Your advice is great for not only us, but for the kids as well. I think the online sessions are great for our older dog who is uncomfortable with strange males and a timid puppy. It allows us to work with our dogs while they feel safe and confident in their own environment.
We are very excited to see just how well we (the humans and dogs) do with you guidance.”
- Kellie R, Michigan USA
This Online Premium Puppy Package is the best training bundle to reach your puppy’s highest potential. This program covers the first 12 months of age.
Puppy Level 1 - age from 1-7 months (also covers early-weaned off or rejected puppies)
Crate training
Potty training
Bite inhibition and visual language teaching
separation anxiety
Chewing and jumping troubleshooting
Leash training
Nutrition and exercise
Basic obedience and excitement control
Puppy Level 2- from 6-16 months
Establishing clear tasks and communication skills
Loose Leash Walk: You can also begin teaching your dog to walk on a loose leash.
Social interaction and greeting people and dogs in a home setting
Tips for Playdates with dogs and children
This premium bundle is designed for dog parents with puppies or dogs with extremely complex behavior issues. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Stuck Trauma, Cognitive Disfunction, Autism like behaviors, Aggression against humans and animals, Injury related behaviors, dogs with no behavior history records, etc. These sessions are tailored to your dog's unique trauma, individual needs, and your training goals. This immersive training starts with a remote Reconnective healing session facilitated by Barbara Buck - a re-connective healing practitioner, followed by a remote systemic behavior evaluation. Next is a follow-up healing session, closely followed by online training sessions.
Extreme Destructive chewing/digging
Post-medical treatment aggression
Fear of noises, situations, people, or events
Extreme protective behavior of people and children
Multiple re-homing attempts
Several failed training attempts
Problems this package can address:
Severe Trauma (PTSD, Stuck Trauma)
Separation Anxiety ( for Complex Separation anxiety, click Here )
Social dysfunction
Aggression towards humans and animals, residents or visitors
Leash aggression
Resource guarding aggression
NOTE: Even though this program has helped thousands of families with aggressive dogs, No Training in the world can guarantee an animal’s behavior. Dogs are sentient beings, with complex emotions, affected by 25% genetics and 75% of unpredictable environmental factors, results may vary. There is no guarantee that the sessions will eliminate the dog’s aggression or potential to bite.
What you get with the Premium Behavior Healing Bundle:
2 Re-connective Healing sessions
1 Systemic consultation - 60 minutes
1 Canine Functional Behavior Assessment - 60 minutes
4 Online Follow-up training sessions - 45 minutes
7 “Quick” sessions. These are roughly 20-minute online troubleshooting sessions
Personalized training instructions
Premium text troubleshooting support 7 days a week hours 9am-5pm ( -07:00 UTC)
Unlimited Video homework evaluations
Skills you can use with every dog in your life.
Program does not expire
Price: $875 USD
“Everything truly is connected to everything else! I am truly grateful to Roman for the wonderful work he’s doing.”
Price: $444 USD
Integrative Energy Balancing with Roman is a unique and personalized energy-balancing 4 session package meticulously crafted by Roman. This program is specially designed for those who view their dogs not just as pets but as integral companions, teachers, and spiritual beings. Ideal for individuals open to deeper spiritual connections with their canine friends, this package offers a journey into the heart of animal spirituality.
Types of Sessions:
1. Usui Reiki Healing for Dogs: Roman applies the Usui Reiki method, tailored to the specific energy needs of your dog. This method promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and aids in healing. It’s especially beneficial for dogs overcoming trauma or illness.
2. Canine Archetype Reading: Gain profound insights into your dog’s spiritual essence through Roman's intuitive archetype readings. Understand their behavioral nuances and the unique emotional and spiritual support they bring into your life.
3. Synergistic Healing: A harmonious blend of energy healing practices that address and resolve energetic blockages and traumas. It includes the following modalities:
- Quantum Healing: Employing the principles of quantum mechanics, Roman facilitates transformative energy shifts at a quantum level.
- Ancestral Healing for Dog: Explore and heal inherited energetic patterns affecting your dog's behavior and well-being.
- Multidimensional Healing: An all-encompassing approach that caters to the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of your dog's life.
- Emotional Journey with Your Dog: Roman guides you and your dog through a healing journey, deepening your emotional connection and mutual understanding.
4. Canine-Human Constellation Session: A unique addition to this package, Roman conducts a session that explores and strengthens the intricate bond between you and your dog. This process helps in identifying and resolving systemic issues affecting your relationship, fostering a deeper, more harmonious connection.
Ideal For:
- Individuals who see their dogs as vital parts of their family and spiritual life.
- Those seeking holistic, energy-based healing and understanding for their dogs.
- People looking to deepen their bond with their dogs on an emotional and spiritual level.
Why Integrative Energy Balancing?
- Tailored Experience: Roman's personalized approach ensures that both you and your dog receive focused, individualized care.
- Comprehensive Healing: This package addresses not just the physical, but also the emotional and spiritual dimensions of your dog's well-being.
- Expert Guidance: Roman's expertise in canine energy healing provides a unique and transformative experience for both you and your dog.
Emma, my one-year-old Pyrenees has always had some mild form of separation anxiety that I attributed to puppy behavior or boredom. I would manage it by putting her in daycare. The problem started when COVID hit our city. There was no daycare in NYC, and I discovered that I could not leave the house at all.
“I was trapped with COVID and my dog’s severe separation anxiety”
I remember once leaving the house to pick up a package from the post office across the street and came home to find my dog walking on the kitchen counter with every glass bottle in the kitchen broken and the entire kitchen floor was covered in broken glass, sugar, vinegar and oil. the worst part was that she was chewing on a piece of broken glass.
I contacted Roman, thinking that I would have to spend countless hours in training to fix the problem. The surprise came when it took two sessions. He guided me through why my dog was anxious and how I can get her past it. It was the best money I’ve ever spent.
-Ya-Roo Yang
Introducing the Holistic Canine Separation Anxiety Program, a comprehensive and integrative approach designed to address the complexities of Canine Separation Anxiety (C-SA). This program aims to significantly improve the quality of life for both dogs and their owners.
“Roman has helped me with my stubborn Great Pyrenees/Anatolian Shepherd mix, who was dealing with severe separation anxiety and disobedience. We have only had one training session, but it has helped tremendously. As soon as he walked in the door, I was amazed at how my dog reacted to him. He has an incredible and astonishing way with dogs!!”
With approximately 17% of dogs in the US suffering from C-SA, this condition is a pressing issue. Symptoms like destructive behavior, house soiling, excessive barking, and obsessive watching from doors or windows affect the dog's well-being and place immense emotional stress on families. In severe cases, it can lead to dogs being relinquished to shelters or, tragically, euthanasia. However, C-SA is a treatable problem.
Program Overview:
My program is a gentle, effective, and ethically sound treatment system tailored to address the unique needs of each dog.
Key Components:
1. ONLINE-C-SA Analysis Appointment
2. Reconnective Healing for Animals Appointment with Barbara Buck
3. Four online Follow-Up Training Appointments
4. Six Mini Online Follow-Up Appointments
5. Special Documents and Customized Protocols
Download the C-SA questionnaire for free.
Benefits:
- Reduces CSA Symptoms: Significantly diminishes anxiety signs, including barking, howling, destruction, house-soiling, and separation-related aggression.
- Improves Quality of Life: Increases your dog's time in positive activities when home alone.
- Enhances Owner-Pet Bond: Strengthens the relationship between you and your dog.
Outcome:
In this program, you will learn how to:
Identify your dog’s subtle body language when stressed.
Help your dog feel safe while still expanding their ability to tolerate being alone.
Develop a specific training protocol that is unique to your dog and your lifestyle.
Create and adjust your training protocol so you can continue working independently long after the program ends.
The importance of reassessments and how they can benefit future progress.
Disclaimer:
Please note that while the Holistic Canine Separation Anxiety Program is carefully designed and based on proven methods, we cannot guarantee specific outcomes. The success of therapy programs depends on various factors, including the individual dog's condition, the owner's consistent participation, and adherence to the program's guidelines. Each dog responds differently, and progress can vary. This program is intended to offer the best possible support and guidance for managing and reducing symptoms of C-SA, but it is not a guaranteed cure.
Our program offers a compassionate, holistic pathway to a happier, healthier life for you and your canine companion, acknowledging each guardian-dog pair's unique journey.
Online Shelter and Rescue mentoring Programs
Troubleshooting and consultation for pet professionals and shelter-behavior teams
As a dog foster behavior consultant for several national rescues and shelters, and with a background in professional boarding and daycare, we know how things can get serious and challenging with a dog in your care. Sometimes getting a second opinion, or an outside perspective, and a partner to brainstorm with can make all difference for a humane live outcome.
We have coached hundreds of people in the shelter and rescue world, and we have created a variety of comprehensive trainings for shelter professionals and foster care providers. The Strong Bond Project was created stop the needles killing of shelter animals by providing the relationship-based, force-free, foster-focused dog behavior knowledge that is sorely lacking in the industry. We also aim to prevent owner surrender by providing behavior training directly to struggling pet parents to help them gain the skills and support they need to ensure their pets can stay at home where they belong.
Does your shelter or rescue need help dealing with a specific client or individual dog, or want to schedule training for your team? Please reach out to discuss, we can help remotely or in person.
Beyond expectations
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