Mariah Covey DVM
Dr. Mariah Covey is a native of South Bend, Indiana. She grew up knowing she would always be a vet. After graduating from Riley High School, she graduated with a degree from Purdue University in biochemistry, and then completed the Purdue Veterinary School program in 2006.
Services
Dr. Mariah Covey offers consults to help you address any behavioral problems your cat or dog may exhibit.
Nuisance Behaviors
We can offer advice on nuisance behaviors, such as barking, digging, and chewing. These problems are often related to dogs getting bored and not receiving enough mental and physical stimulation. We can recommend ways to improve these behaviors and help you choose a trainer to work with if needed.
Fears, Phobias, and Anxiety
Noise phobia (fear of storms, fireworks, and other noises) is a very common complaint from owners. Separation anxiety is another common anxiety disorder that many dogs suffer from. Fears of people, animals, or other situations are other common complaints. These animals suffer severe anxiety, beyond what we might consider normal for a timid dog. In these situations, pets need consistent deliberate behavior modification to help build confidence and reduce anxiety. We are not just teaching a command, but giving a dog coping skills. If your pet suffers from an anxiety disorder, please contact us today.
Aggression
Dogs can be aggressive to people they don't know or their owners, dogs they live with or dogs they are unfamiliar with, smaller animals, or all of the above. They can be aggressive all the time or only in very specific instances. Cats are often aggressive to other cats or their owners. Aggression can be a very frustrating problem to deal with, and it is very easy for humans to make it worse by responding inappropriately. If your pet is aggressive, please talk to us today.
Fear of the Vet
Another common source of anxiety is the animal hospital! Many dogs that are friendly and relaxed in other situations come to the animal hospital and suddenly are a nervous wreck. Some cower and hug the floor, others flail and thrash around, and some become aggressive. And what about the cats? It starts at home from the moment they see the carrier and their anxiety worsens in the car.
Our goal is to make every trip to the vet a positive experience. We are firm believers in 'low stress handling' (using gentle but firm, positive methods), using treats or toys to alleviate stress, and working diligently with sensitive animals to reduce their stress in the animal hospital. For animals that are very fearful of the hospital we recommend they actually come more frequently! We can provide you with tips to reduce anxiety and actively work with you to desensitize your pet to the animal hospital.
Specializations
pet behavior
We've got the answers for your questions
Seriously, if you have any questions about training your dog, we have the answers.
We have created a directory of licensed dog trainers specializing in positive reinforcement methods. These trainers are not affiliated with Dogo, and all information is gathered from publicly available sources. Each profile provides a brief overview of the trainer's experience and expertise.
Start by evaluating your dog's needs and identifying your training objectives. Each trainer's profile provides insights into their areas of expertise. Match these with your dog's character and your goals to find the ideal fit.
All trainers listed here are certified professionals with extensive knowledge of positive reinforcement techniques.
Positive reinforcement centers on rewarding preferred behaviors, ensuring a pleasant learning journey for your dog. This humane approach is scientifically proven to be the most effective long-term training method, strengthening the bond between you and your pet. By consistently rewarding good behavior, your dog learns to associate actions with positive outcomes, leading to lasting improvements and a happier companion.
Yes, they are. Our trainers are adept in basic obedience or intricate behavioral challenges. Browse their profiles to identify a trainer who specializes in the particular issues you wish to address.
Simply click on the preferred trainer's profile to access their contact details. From there, you can get in touch to discuss your requirements and set up training appointments.
Group sessions offer a communal setting where your dog learns general obedience alongside other dogs. In contrast, private sessions grant focused attention, making them perfect for targeted behavior modifications or individualized training agendas.
All our trainers are committed to positive reinforcement techniques and steer clear of any harsh or punitive methods. Their primary goal is to make training a joyous journey for you and your dog.
Results depend on factors like your dog's nature, the specific behaviors in question, and your training consistency. While many clients observe improvements in just a few sessions, it's crucial to be patient and persistent.
Reach out to the trainer you're interested in to discuss possibly attending a session. It's a great way to get a feel for their approach and see if it aligns with your expectations.
