Kathy Jo Ventrano Dog Trainer and IAABC-Certified Dog Behavior Consultant
Kathy Jo Ventrano Dog Trainer and IAABC-Certified Dog Behavior Consultant

I'm Kathy Jo Ventrano, founder of Tailored Courage and certified dog behavior consultant. I specialize in addressing challenging behaviors with personalized, compassionate care.

I create effective behavior plans that thrive in real life, not just on perfect days. My expertise lies in designing strategies that work for everyone in your household—people and pets. I develop plans to navigate good, bad, and hectic days, understanding that life can be unpredictable.

My commitment is to sustainable solutions; if a plan isn't maintainable, I don't consider it successful. I focus on creating lasting change that ensures long-term success for your whole family with minimal stress for you and your pet.

Positive dog training & behavior consulting in Bellingham, WA, and online.

Struggling with any of these behaviors in your pet can be really overwhelming.

You want to enjoy the life you have with your dog; I can help you get there.

Aggression

Destructive Behaviors

Hyperactivity

Anxiety

Fear

Phobias

Reactivity

Biting, Snapping, Growling

Vets, Groomers, Strangers

Jumps on People, Can't Relax

Fireworks, Thunder, Wind

Car Rides, The Unknown, Loud Noises

Resource Guarding

Chewing, Digging, Destroying

Dogs, Cars, Bikes, People

Food, Toys, People

Why Choose Tailored Courage?

  • Expertise and Compassion: My focus is on addressing problematic behaviors in dogs. I provide science-based interventions that help dogs feel more secure and instill confidence in their caregivers.

  • Customized Solutions: Each plan is uniquely tailored to your dog's and your family's specific needs, ensuring effective and lasting results. I meet every learner, human and four-legged, where they are, as we build a sustainable plan together.

  • Positive, Force-Free Approach: I exclusively use reward-based, force-free methods that prioritize your dog's well-being. My techniques never involve punishment or aversive tools. Instead, I focus on building trust and positive associations to yield results.

  • Flexible Services: Whether online or in person, my dedicated, one-on-one approach ensures your dog receives personalized attention and expertise, leading to sustainable, positive changes in your dog's behavior.

Happy dog training and behavior client Lola and her families 5 star review.
Happy dog training and behavior client Lola and her families 5 star review.
Happy dog training and behavior client Ghost and his families 5 star review.
Happy dog training and behavior client Ghost and his families 5 star review.
Happy cat training and behavior client Tarot and his families 5 star review..
Happy cat training and behavior client Tarot and his families 5 star review..
Dog and cat seeing hope with dog and cat training and behavior modification.
Dog and cat seeing hope with dog and cat training and behavior modification.

  • Timidity

  • Anxiety

  • Avoidance

  • Phobias

  • Noise sensitivity

  • Hypervigilance

  • Reactivity

  • Aggression

  • Fawning

  • Submissive urinating

  • Moving in slow motion

Body language we often see with fear.
  • Cowering

  • Trembling

  • Tail tucked

  • Growling

  • Whining

  • Blinking

  • Stiffness

  • Drooling

  • Lip licking

  • Yawning

  • Panting

  • Teeth chattering

  • Flattening body to the ground

  • Furrowed brow

  • Ears pinned back

What does fear look like?

Fear can show itself in many ways and can look like many things, such as:
Scared cat body language
Scared cat body language
Scared dog body language
Scared dog body language
anxious cat body language
anxious cat body language
fearful dog body language
fearful dog body language

Body language we often see with fear.

  • Cowering

  • Trembling

  • Tail tucked

  • Growling

  • Whining

  • Blinking

  • Stiffness

  • Drooling

  • Lip licking

  • Yawning

  • Panting

  • Teeth chattering

  • Flattening body to the ground

  • Furrowed brow

  • Ears pinned back

Training for fearful dogs and cats

How a behavior consultant helps you train a fearful dog or build confidence in your anxious cat.

A behavior consultant is a trained expert specializing in understanding animal behavior and providing guidance to pet guardians. We can assess your pet's specific fears and anxieties and develop a tailored behavior modification plan to help them overcome them. A behavior consultant will work with you and your four-legged companion to address their fears head-on, using positive reinforcement techniques.

Whether your pet is afraid of loud noises, being alone, or strangers, behavior consultants have the knowledge and experience to help them conquer their anxieties. You'll see a remarkable transformation in your pet's confidence and ability to cope with fears.
A behavior consultant cannot only help your pet overcome fear but also guide you in understanding your pet's emotions and behaviors. Learning how to communicate effectively with your pet will strengthen your bond and create a safe environment for your furry friend to thrive.

Don't let fear hold your pet back any longer. If you're ready to help your nervous dog or anxious cat become fearless, click here to schedule your initial session today. Together, we can create a safe, secure, and happy environment for your beloved companion.

If you're unsure if a behavior consultant will help you meet your goals, click here to book a free discovery call. I'll be happy to answer any of your questions.

Tailored Courage Behavior Solutions for Fearful PetsTailored Courage Behavior Solutions for Fearful Pets
Where fears find understanding and pets find courage.

Tailored Courage Pet Behavior Consulting

Kathy Jo Ventrano, Certified Dog Behavior Consultant

Serving Bellingham, Ferndale, Blaine, and Birch Bay (in-person) | Nationwide (online)

360-276-9199

kathyjo@tailoredcourage.com