Modern Hound
San Francisco'S
Best positive reinforcement dog trainer
certified separation anxiety specialist (CSAT)
Our dog training has helped hundreds of families in the San Francisco Bay Area to change their lives by problem solving and building communication with their pets.
dog training
Positive Reinforcement Dog Training
We use science, not intimidation or pain, to help your dog shine.
How can we work with your dog to transform your life?
AS OF January 2023, WE ARE ONLY ABLE TO ACCEPT NEW SEPARATION ANXIETY CLIENTS. WE APOLOGIZE THAT WE ARE NOT ABLE TO ACCEPT CLIENTS LOOKING FOR OTHER BEHAVIOR SOLUTIONS AT THIS TIME.
Manners
Sit, stay, down, recall (coming when called), leave it, walking nicely on leash
Basic Obedience
Polite greetings, impulse control (jumping on guests, food monsters), mouthing
Puppy Training
Housebreaking, crate-training, socialization, proper chewing habits
Easing Fear and Anxiety
Improving fear of strangers, car rides, separation anxiety and more!
Improving Walking Skills
Barking and lunging on leash (leash reactivity), pulling, heel
Senior and Special Needs Dogs
Sight and hearing loss, physical disabilities, cognitive disfunction
Separation Anxiety
Teaching a dog to be comfortable when alone and overcoming barking, howling, destruction, elimination and other signs of fear and panic.
“In what seems like no time, [Modern Hound] helped us train Mookie so that she alerts us when she needs to go out, walks well on a leash, comes when she’s called and will not run away off leash. We’re so happy we found Modern Hound! [They] are worth every penny and we know we have an ally we can call with any questions.”
“Over our five sessions we have seen an absolute night and day change in Tully’s behavior. There is no way we could have accomplished this on our own...”
separation anxiety
Treatment for separation anxiety in dogs
WHAT CAUSES SEPARATION ANXIETY IN DOGS?
Separation Anxiety can be triggered by scary experiences or major life changes including moving, neighborhood construction or exposure to excessive noise like fireworks. Many dogs experience Separation Anxiety after spending time in a shelter; they may panic when their new family leaves them due to the recent trauma of being abandoned. There is also a genetic component to some Separation Anxiety cases.
What are symptoms of Separation Anxiety?
Separation Anxiety looks different for every dog. Some of the most common symptoms are:
barking, howling, or whining throughout your absence (constantly or intermittently)
urinating or defecating while you are away
causing destruction to property, including doors and walls
self-harming
constant pacing or circling
excessive panting or drooling
refusal to eat or drink water
WHY DOESN’T MY DOG UNDERSTAND THAT I WILL RETURN?
Separation Anxiety is not logical. Fear and anxiety prevent the mind from working normally. Your dog is incapable of understanding that your absence is temporary because of their panic.
“Teddy responded extremely well to the program. We are comfortable with him being home alone for hours at a time now, which was not possible before.”
HOW LONG WILL SEPARATION ANXIETY TRAINING TAKE?
Every dog is different and starts at a different point. Some dogs can be left alone comfortably for 10 minutes when beginning the training; others may not be able to be alone while their guardian is a different room. This is a messy, emotional disorder and we cannot determine in advance how long it will take for a dog to be able to be left alone for several hours.
WILL YOUR SEPARATION ANXIETY PROGRAM WORK FOR MY DOG?
Separation Anxiety is treatable using a process of gradual desensitization. This type of training has proven successful in hundreds of cases. Studies show it is the most effective methodology for treating the root cause of Separation Anxiety. There are no guarantees in any dog training (beware of anyone who tells you otherwise!) but our methodology gives our clients an excellent chance of overcoming this disorder.
Why choose this method of Separation Anxiety training?
Our Separation Anxiety training completely changes your dog's response to being alone rather than targeting only the symptoms, such as barking or elimination. Dogs that have completed our program no longer panic when being left alone. No panic means your dog's life, and yours, will be much more comfortable and relaxed!
“Finally, some help for my awesome dog, Brady Blue. I know so much more now about Separation Anxiety and how to help. [Working with] email, Google sheets and Zoom worked extremely well. Great communication!”
separation anxiety dog training PACKAGES
OPTION 1: DAILY COACH
(4 WEEK MINIMUM COMMITMENT) - $250/WK
To be successful in overcoming your dog’s Separation Anxiety, you will need to commit to working with them 30 minutes per day, five days per week. You choose the training times that fit best with your schedule.
We provide you with:
a 60-MIN initial assessment
customized, daily step-by-step mission plans that show you exactly what to do
WEEKLY 45-MIN ONLINE VIDEOCONFERENCE SESSIONS
advice, answers and motivation daily
OPTION 2: EVERY-OTHER-DAY TRAINER
(4 WEEK MINIMUM COMMITMENT) - $200/WK
To be successful in overcoming your dog’s Separation Anxiety, you will need to commit to working with them 30 minutes per day, five days per week. You choose the training times that fit best with your schedule.
We provide you with:
a 60-MIN initial assessment
TRAINING PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS EVERY OTHER DAY
WEEKLY 45-MIN ONLINE VIDEOCONFERENCE SESSIONS
advice, answers and motivation 3-4 days each week
oPTION 3: DIY Starter Package
$250
Want to try to tackle your dog's separation anxiety on you own? Our DIY package can set you on the right track to move overcome your dog's separation anxiety.
We provide you with:
a 60-MIN initial assessment AND TUTORIAL
a detailed handbook for setting training criteria and overcoming problems
a 30-min TROUBLESHOOTING FOLLOW-UP CONSULTATION
TRAINING SEPARATION ANXIETY IN THE SF BAY AREA
AND AROUND THE WORLD
We are able to provide the same level of support and training to clients in the San Francisco Bay Area just as easily as we are able to work with clients around the U.S., Canada and the Globe. All you need is an internet connection and the desire to help your dog overcome their Separation Anxiety.
To get started email modernhound@gmail.com OR fill out our contact form
we will contact you to schedule a free 30-min Initial Phone Call.
The phone call is followed by an Initial Assessment of your dog’s case and a customized training plan to coach you through the process of overcoming your dog’s Separation Anxiety.
Please note that there is a four-week minimum commitment to participate in our Separation Anxiety Program.
dog training tips
POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT DOG TRAINing tips and advice written by our certified professional dog trainer, shoshi parks
general training tips
This One Simple Cue Will Make Life With Your Dog A Lot Easier
The First Five Things to Teach Your New Puppy (and When to Start)
This is How to Get Your Dog Through A Move Safely and Happily
Calm Greetings Make the Best Friends
9 Must Read Dog Walking Tips That Should Come with Every Leash
separation anxiety
What is Separation Anxiety in Dogs and Why Does it Happen?
Setting Up a Separation Anxiety Dog for Success
Here's the Only Real Way to Train a Dog with Separation Anxiety
Enrichment, fun and games
Life-Saving Enrichment Helps These Untouchable Shelter Dogs - And It's Good for Your Dog Too
The Amazing Fido: Clown School, Freestyle Dance, Flyball Clubs + More Next-Level Classes for Dogs
Bad Weather Outside, Fun Games Inside
About Us
Meet your san francisco dog trainer
Shoshi Parks, Ph.D., CPDT-ka, CSAT
Owner, Head Trainer and separation anxiety specialist
Modern Hound is owned and operated by Shoshi Parks, Ph.D., CPDT-ka, CSAT.
Shoshi is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) and a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT). She completed the San Francisco SPCA's Dog Training Internship Program and Public Teaching Internship and is certified by the Canine Behavior Academy of the Marin Humane Society. Shoshi was a dog training instructor at the SF SPCA for six years.
Shoshi is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, is certified in dog first aid and CPR and is fully bonded and insured for pet care. In 2009, Shoshi earned a Ph.D. from Boston University in the Social Sciences. She launched Modern Hound in 2011 to fill the need for highly skilled and trained humane, positive-reinforcement dog training. She is passionate about helping people to build the best relationship possible with their pets by teaching new skills, improving behavior problems, and providing excellent care for working and traveling parents.
Shoshi is a regular contributor to the pet content at Business Insider and Rover.com. She has also written about dog training, dog behavior and dog lifestyle for a number of other publications including 7x7, Hoodline, Vitabone and BayWoof.
“I highly recommend Modern Hound. It’s not exaggerating to say that [they] have truly transformed my relationship with my two dogs.””
Send us a message
AS OF january 2023, WE ARE ONLY ABLE TO ACCEPT NEW SEPARATION ANXIETY CLIENTS. WE APOLOGIZE THAT WE ARE NOT ABLE TO ACCEPT CLIENTS LOOKING FOR OTHER BEHAVIOR SOLUTIONS AT THIS TIME.
“After several years with Modern Hound now, I can absolutely say they are the best!”
