Our mission

Our mission is to provide a behavior analytic approach to dog training to support both families and professionals in living and working with dogs. Our services will help professionals incorporate evidence-based, data-oriented practices into their work with dogs and their owners, and empower owners to use the principles of behavior to improve their lives with their dogs.

Our story

The Dog Behavior Institute was officially formed in 2021 as two friends searching for the perfect balance of behavior analysis and dog training.

Ran and Stephanie both began working professionally with dogs in the early 2000s. They grew up in the same town and connected after college over a mutual interest in dog behavior. Both Stephanie and Ran completed their Master’s Degrees in Behavior Analysis in 2013 and are both Board Certified Behavior Analysts.

Through their Master’s program, both conducted research at the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA) shelter in Boston, and presented their research at national conferences.

Why work with
The Dog Behavior Institute?

Our training decisions are founded in science and in compassion. We have formal training in behavior, as well as decades of experience working with dogs and their families.

A lot of people love dogs and many have owned dogs for many years. Not a lot of people understand the science behind why dogs do what they do, how to help them be successful in their environment, and how to help you find success in making those changes, too! We are excited to help you figure out what is most important in how you live your life with your dog and leverage the strengths of your family and your dog to make a good thing even better.

As Board Certified Behavior Analysts, we have been required to meet a high standard of education and continuing education over the years. This includes participating annually in a minimum number of hours of ongoing training, with specific requirements in areas of ethics and supervision. Our education and experience, along with our long-term interest in and passion for dogs, combine to make us uniquely qualified to support people in implementing behavior change, both with their dogs and with themselves.