About The Dog Behavior Institute
Supporting dog guardians and professionals with our 20+ years of expertise
Hi! We are Ran Courant-Morgan and Stephanie Keesey-Phelan, two Board Certified Behavior Analysts dedicated to one mission: making life better for dogs and their people.
We teach individuals, families, and dog professionals how to better live and work with dogs. Our services empower guardians to improve the quality of life for themselves and their dogs, and help professionals incorporate evidence-based, data-oriented practices into their work.
Why Work With The Dog Behavior Institute?
Science-based training and behavior analysis
We provide a behavior analytic approach to dog training, which means that we don’t start training your dog without understanding them first. Like people, dogs have different motivators for their actions. The Why behind their behavior is a critical first step in changing it, so we use behavior analysis to identify the triggers and other factors that contribute to challenging behavior.
A holistic approach of information and insight
Our evidence-based approach to lasting behavior change is truly unique. Everything we do is backed by data and has a firm foundation in empathy and compassion. We make behavior science accessible to everyone, building confidence and helping guardians restore joy to life with their dogs.
We are great listeners, coaches, and cheerleaders
We support our clients and their individual goals because we understand that the “ideal dog” doesn’t look the same for everyone. Behavior analysis is a science, but making that science work for people and their dogs in real-life scenarios is an art. We combine actionable, data-driven guidance with the celebrations you deserve on the good days and the support you need on the tough ones.
Expertise other professionals rely on
As Behavior Analysts with over 20 years of dog expertise each (40+ years combined!), we regularly teach dog professionals the skills they need to responsibly shape behavior through Applied Behavior Analysis. We provide insight and restore hope to challenging cases, providing ongoing support where it’s needed most. Click to learn more about our Certifications & Credentials.
Our Training Philosophy
We combine positive reinforcement training techniques with a foundation of behavior analysis to create customized training plans that foster success.
We approach training from a foundation of behavior analysis to create customized training plans based in positive reinforcement.
What is behavior analysis?
We approach all of our training from a behavior analytic perspective. Behavior analysis is a science that applies the principles of behavior change to improve quality of life. We take each individual’s behavior and contributing factors into account—including their unique learning history, environment, and internal motivation—rather than approaching all dogs the same way.
How we train
We assume that each learner (your dog, and even you!) is doing the best they can with the information they have, informed by their history, environment, and motivation. Every dog guardian’s priorities and goals are different, and the same is true for their dog. We focus on changing behavior using positive, force-free methods, making the desired response as easy as possible for our learners.
Strengths of Our Approach
Focus on the individual: Behavior analysis is all about what works for an individual rather than what works “in general.” Your dog, your home, and your family aren’t the same as anyone else’s, so why should your training plan be?
Emphasis on Why: We focus on the “function” of a behavior—meaning, why a dog engages in a behavior and what factors reinforce it. Every behavior serves a purpose for the individual who is engaging in it. When we understand that purpose, we can teach new (more desirable) skills that meet the same need.
Customized for your goals: We don’t believe in a “one-size-fits-all” approach to dog training. Everything we do is designed just for you and your dog, taking your unique objectives and history into account.
How it Works
Evaluation: We start by evaluating the preferences of your dog and your family. What does the dog like in terms of food, attention, toys, and activities? How do those preferences match your family’s lifestyle?
Circumstances: We consider the unique circumstances of your dog and your family, looking at why this dog is engaging in this behavior in this environment, rather than assuming that all dogs participate in the same types of behavior for the same reasons.
Environment: We arrange an environment that will promote success for the dog and your family, including tools like clickers, treat pouches, toys, and long lines.
Data Collection: We collect and analyze data to design evidence-based training plans. We collect data throughout the training process, which allows us to assess how well the plan is working and make adjustments accordingly.
Our Story
The Dog Behavior Institute was founded in 2021, when we found a real need for the perfect blend of behavior analysis and dog training.
Although DBI is relatively young, both Stephanie and Ran have been working professionally with dogs since the early 2000s. We both completed Master’s Degrees in Behavior Analysis in 2013, and we are both Board Certified Behavior Analysts.
Meet Ran Courant-Morgan (they/them)
M.S., Behavior Analysis
I’ve been working with dogs professionally since the year 2000 (and as an amateur since age five). I even managed to volunteer at a vet clinic during a high school exchange program in Chile! Over a decade of work in veterinary medicine, I also volunteered at a wildlife center, worked with guide dogs at Guiding Eyes for the Blind, and even engaged with trained service monkeys at Helping Hands.
These experiences culminated in the realization that my heart belonged to dogs and behavior science. I wanted to work with animals, not on them. I’m especially interested in the intersections between dog and human behavior. The most rewarding part of my work is helping people find success by changing how they show up for and with their dogs.
Meet Stephanie Keesey-Phelan (she/her)
Ph.D., Behavior Analysis
As someone who grew up with a challenging dog (our beloved Rottweiler Rocky), I am all too familiar with the stress that a pet with behavioral needs can place on everyone in the home. I’ve combined my two passions—dog training and the science of behavior—in my work here at the Dog Behavior Institute, and am dedicated to helping individuals and families find harmony with the dogs they love.
I’ve worked formally in the field of behavior analysis since 2011. During that time, I’ve worked with lions, tigers, zebras, giraffes, bottlenose dolphins, and a range of farm animals—in addition to dogs, of course! These experiences were invaluable in teaching me about the science of behavior and how we can live our best lives with the animal companions we choose as family. (And yes—despite all that exotic work, dogs are still my favorite animal.)
Meet Beacon and Kerby
DBI spokesdogs
Stephanie’s dog Kerberos (aka Kerby) and Ran’s dog Beacon are an important part of the Dog Behavior Institute. They’ve helped ground our training practices and guide conversations about what works for us, for our dogs, and for other people.
Our goals for our dogs may not look the same as yours, and that’s okay! Kerby and Beacon remind us regularly that every dog is an individual with their own desires, reinforcers, and environment. Look out for Kerby and Beacon on our Instagram page and in our demonstration videos; they’re still helping us learn and play a big part in our teaching process.
Certifications & Credentials
We both hold degrees in Behavior Analysis, including Master’s degrees with a background in the principles of behavior, data collection and analysis, ethics, and more. Stephanie also holds a Ph.D. in Behavior Analysis.
We are both Board Certified Behavior Analysts. The requirements for Board Certification include a qualifying Master’s degree, 2,000 supervised field hours, and a written test provided by the Behavior Analysis Certification Board. We complete at least 32 continuing education hours every two years, including in the areas of supervision and ethics. Click here for our fundamental Code of Ethics.
We are both Certified Control Unleashed Instructors through Leslie McDevitt’s Control Unleashed program, which is designed to build confidence in uncertain dogs.
Other credentials:
Ran is an Accredited Dog Trainer through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (ADT-IAABC) and a Licensed Family Paws Educator
Stephanie is a Certified Fear Free Animal Trainer through Fear Free Pets and a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT)
After conducting Master’s-level research at the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA) shelter in Boston, we have presented our findings at national conferences.
Our Values
We are more than the sum of our services; we work to make a positive difference to the real people who live and work in our corner of the world (and the internet).
The Dog Behavior Institute is a woman- and queer-owned business, strongly rooted in the core values and ethics that drive us. We know we can have a broader impact beyond the services we offer, so we strive to set a model for what we hope small businesses can be and do around the world.
Accessibility
We make our services accessible to anyone and everyone who needs them, regardless of income level, educational background, race, ethnicity, gender identity, or other societal factors.
For our training services, we offer a set number of sliding scale slots each month. For our online courses (both professional courses and online group training classes), we also offer a free enrollment slot to a BIPOC participant.
As members and/or certificants of the professional organizations we belong to, we also work to request and support more inclusive practices within these organizations.
Anti-Racism & Inclusion
As white people, we are actively pursuing ongoing education around the history we were never taught in school, our own privilege, and anti-racism. We are committed to actively speaking out against racism and are happy to share the details of our continued education for all who are interested. This work is never done; it is, and will continue to be, ongoing.
Understanding
We work hard to make a positive difference for our clients and in the world. We believe that the act of working to understand another individual deeply, dog or human, is a force for good. Our methods are always rooted in compassion, empathy, and hope.
We strive to work with others who share these values. While we recognize and embrace that all individuals are different and have different goals, we will not tolerate ageist, homophobic, racist, sexist, or transphobic language in any capacity.
Support local
We donate 5% of our revenue to Massachusetts-based organizations on a quarterly basis. Recent recipients include the Trans Fund of First Parish of Malden, MA and the Juneteenth Committee of the National Center of Afro-American Artists.
Past recipients:
Thayer Memorial Library, Lucius Beebe Memorial Library, The Boston Alliance of LGBTQ+ Youth (BAGLY), SisterSong, Yellowhammer Fund, World Farmers, Transgender Emergency Fund, Rosie’s Place, Boston Center for Independent Living, and Massachusetts Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy Coalition
About Aversive Training Tools and Punishment Procedures
As certified Behavior Analysts, we operate with an expert knowledge of punishment, how and why it works, and its side effects. Our goal is to minimize, if not eliminate, the use of aversive training methods while helping our clients and dogs live safely and successfully together.
Many of our clients come to us already using these tools/procedures or having tried them in the past. In some cases, we will require clients to immediately stop using aversive tools or procedures in order to continue with a treatment plan that supports the dog appropriately. In other cases, we will work with our clients to minimize the harm that punishment-based training procedures can cause.
By working with us, you agree to follow our recommendations regarding aversive training techniques.
We will consider the use of punishment procedures when necessary, following a thorough assessment, risk-benefit analysis, and consideration of alternative procedures. Punishment-based procedures will never be a first option when developing a treatment plan, and we require thorough data collection before, during, and following any such procedure. Clients will be informed of possible side effects to any punishment procedures and will sign an acknowledgment of risks. This policy is consistent with our commitment to data-based decision-making and evidence-based training practices.
A Note about Applied Behavior Analysis
Behavior analysis is a science that incorporates the basic principles of behavior: reinforcement, punishment, extinction, stimulus control, and motivating operations.
Applied Behavior Analysis has been used in a wide range of practical cases, including animal training and behavior, organizational behavior management, medical training, sports performance, education for people with* and without disabilities, and more. The goal in each case is to improve socially significant behaviors.
But like all sciences, behavior analysis exists within the broader context of society and culture. This means there is no universal agreement on what it means to “improve” behavior or what qualifies as “socially significant.” Like many areas of scientific study, the history of behavior analysis is complex. In some cases, it has been problematic and harmful.
We acknowledge and recognize that Applied Behavior Analysis has been implemented in ways that cause harm to autistic* people and others. We actively advocate for client-centered services and the consistent integration of choice and consent in all behavior change programs.
*We recognize that many practitioners use “person-first” language, and many autistic people use “identity-first” language, though this varies across individuals. Our practice is to always use the language that someone identifies for themselves.