Ways to Work Together
Our services are designed to meet you and your dog where you are, with thoughtful, evidence-based guidance rooted in compassion, safety, and real life. All work is led by an Associate Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (ACAAB) and grounded in applied animal behavior science and welfare.
Behavior challenges don’t exist in a vacuum—and support shouldn’t be one-size-fits-all.
start here
All new clients begin with a virtual behavior consultation.
This foundational service allows us to slow down, zoom out, and understand the why behind your dog’s behavior before jumping into solutions.
Consultations are conducted virtually because it allows for a safer, more accurate assessment—especially for dogs experiencing fear, anxiety, reactivity, or aggression.
Two, 1-hour Zoom meetings with our behaviorist, spaced approximately 1 week apart
A Behavior Consultation includes:
A detailed behavioral history and case review
Discussion of your dog’s environment, routines, and lived experience
Identification of patterns, stressors, and unmet needs
Initial assessment, prognosis, and priorities
Clear, realistic next steps for relief and change
This is not a training session. It’s an in-depth, collaborative assessment designed to bring clarity, direction, and support.
Reactive or fearful behavior, aggression concerns, escalating barking, cooperative care challenges, post-incident support, or when “training” hasn’t helped.
Ongoing Behavior Consulting (Virtual)
Behavior change is rarely linear. Ongoing support allows us to adapt, refine, and respond as real life unfolds.
Hourly virtual consulting is available for clients who need continued guidance after their initial consultation. Sessions are focused on implementation of your behavior modification plan with practical skills training.
Analyzing, refining, and adjusting progress on your behavior plan
Ongoing consulting may include:
Support and expertise through setbacks or regressions
Training exercises or games for skill acquisition
Guidance around enrichment, management, and routines
Collaboration with veterinarians or other professionals
Processing new challenges, life changes, or transitions
Sessions are billed hourly to allow individualized care without forcing you into rigid packages or promises that don’t reflect the realities of behavior change.
best for:
Clients seeking lasting change with their dog
Limited in-person support is available for clients located in Southern Pines, Pinehurst, Aberdeen, and surrounding Moore County areas, when appropriate and beneficial to the case.
In-Person Support (Moore County, North Carolina)
These sessions are typically offered:
Not all cases are suitable for in-person sessions. Virtual consulting is often the safest and most effective place to begin and may remain the primary mode of support for many clients.
After an initial virtual behavior consultation
When hands-on coaching, observation, or context-specific support is helpful
When safety and assessment indicate in-person work is appropriate
Professional Case Consulting
Free To Be Dog also offers collaborative case consulting for professionals, including:
Dog trainers and behavior consultants
Shelter and rescue staff or volunteers
Veterinary teams
Professional consulting focuses on assessment support, case strategy, ethical considerations, and behavior change planning—without hierarchy or judgment.
best for:
Professionals working with complex or sensitive cases who value collaboration & applied behavior science.
A note on expectations:
Behavior support is not about quick fixes or guarantees. Every dog is an individual, and progress depends on many factors—including environment, health, history, and available resources.
What you can expect from free to be dog is:
Honest, science-based guidance
Humane, welfare-centered recommendations
Clear communication and realistic expectations
Compassion for both dogs and humans
Our two female dogs had become dangerously aggressive towards each other.
"Tiff helped us to understand their communications and motivations, and modify their behavior. We now have a more peaceful home again.”
- Doreen & Bob
Tiff explained in a way that was relatable and understandable.
"Utilizing the tips, tools and positive reinforcement techniques presented we have learned to be better dog owners and Poppy has become an even better pet."
- Susan & Poppy
I can’t believe the difference in my dog and his behavior habits.
"She [Tiff] doesn’t rush and she takes her time with my dog, and answers all your questions. We finished the first session and I booked another session. I highly recommend her!"
- Ricky, Sylvia & Rocco