Canine Behavioral Services Incorporated

Brian Manning and his team at Canine Behavioral Services saved our dog’s life.
Spencer, a five and a half year old boxer beagle rescue, had been living with us for over three years. About 99% of the time, he had the sweetest, loving nature. But the random 1% of the time was bad. He would randomly demonstrate aggressive behaviors over the past couple years. He and our other boxer beagle mix, Chuck, had gotten into fights, growing in both frequency and in severity in recent months. Spencer had even bit me twice, both times when startled awake, one of the times requiring stitches. He had snapped at guests before too, and so the more time passed, the more we chose to separate him from others. We grew more and more anxious in our house, fearing that things would get worse, until they did. During the Fourth of July weekend, after becoming extremely anxious due to hours of fireworks at several of our neighbor’s homes, Spencer had an episode in which he bit my husband several times. We didn’t think we had any options left but to try to relocate him somewhere that may rehabilitate him, and find him another home. We did a lot of research, and we looked to our vet for support on relocation, but we continuously received the same response — euthanasia.
We were heartbroken. We love Spencer so much, despite the pain we were experiencing, and we experienced so much doubt as we tried to find the shelter that was least likely to resort to euthanasia. Three difficult days later, we were waiting for a return call from a location that we believed we would surrender Spencer to the next morning. Instead, we got another call– a trainer who pointed us in a direction that led to Canine Behavioral Services. By the end of that day, we were in touch with Brian, who was more than willing to help us all out. After all, we knew that Spencer had behaviors that needed correcting, but we knew that, as his owners, we absolutely did as well.
We brought Spencer to CBS in mid-​July. At the start, the hope was to have him rehabilitated within seven weeks. However by week four, it was determined that he was not making progress that was anticipated. After meeting with a vet upon Brian’s recommendation, Spencer began to take an SSRI called Fluoxetine (Prozac). This was to help with his anxieties and fearful, unsure nature. His stay at CBS was extended an additional four weeks, giving Brian and his team the appropriate amount of time to rehabilitate Spencer as his medication kicked in. The entire time, Brian kept us informed about Spencer’s progress via email and regular Facebook updates.
At the end of September, Brian brought Spencer home and worked with us for a few hours. Spencer was clearly a more relaxed, self-​confident dog looking to us for leadership. Brian took the time to demonstrate how to communicate with Spencer, and how to understand what his body language communicates to us. It was clear that the biggest obstacle we needed to overcome was letting go of our own fear. The last incident was so frightening to us, but we had to let it go if we were to build mutual trust with Spencer. If we continued to attempt leadership while displaying anxiety, Spencer would regress and feed off of our anxieties… then what would the point of sending him to training have been?
So we let it go. We have been working hard at being calm, confident leaders for Spencer. Brian returned for a follow-​up visit three weeks after Spencer came home, and advised us to allow Spencer more time to socialize with Chuck, while continuing to build on our socialization with him at a slow but steadily increasing rate. Spencer has now been home for seven weeks, and has been flourishing in what has become a comfortable environment. Brian continues to be available to us for anything we need, and happily had both of our dogs stay at CBS for boarding purposes during a recent vacation. Knowing we can board Spencer at the facility that trained him and will continue to focus on his wellbeing brings us such peace of mind.
We know that Spencer is not the typical social dog. He is not perfect, and may never be 100% balanced. But we know that as we continue, every single day, to use the practices and wisdom that Brian gave us, we are helping him to be a calm, well behaved dog with whom we are very comfortable living. Four months ago, we were on the brink of losing a dog we loved so dearly. Brian Manning saved our dog, and gave us a much brighter future! Thank you Canine Behavioral Services.
Eileen and Dino

Brian Manning is amazing, professional, and talented. He took our rotty to his in house behavioral program for 6 weeks. She came back extremely improved, in better shape, and well trained. Upon arrival for Layla to come back home, Brian spent hours with us in our home to train us on how to use the tools and training exercises needed to help continue our dogs progress. He truly cares about animals, and has a natural talent with dogs. We ran out of this special kind of dog food that is only available online (suggested to us by Brian) and because of the recent snow blizzard our shipment got stuck behind leaving us without food for Layla. Since Brian uses the same kind, we called to see if we could come over and purchase a bag… Brian brought it to our house even though the roads are a snowy mess and we don’t live close. He clearly goes out of his way for his clients. I recommend him highly, he is the best out there by far.

I contacted CBS when the dog I had recently rescued was showing signs of dog aggression. After meeting with CBS’s Lead Behaviorist, Brian Manning, it was clear that I had contacted the perfect people for the job. After the initial analysis of the problem, we had decided on the in house sessions (4 sessions totaling about 10 – 12 hours) and we were on our way. Brian provided invaluable advice, insight and coaching so that I was able to better understand and communicate with my dog and be the kind of consistent and confident «pack leader» that she was looking for. CBS even served as a neutral territory to begin introducing my dog to others and effectively socialize her. Brian Manning and the CBS staff are truly there for you every step of the way and are willing to do whatever it takes to give you the kind of relationship both you and your canine friend are looking for. In every way, shape and form, CBS has transformed my relationship with my dog from one where I was fearful of her attacking other dogs to one of a calm, well balanced dog/​owner. If you are looking for an extremely professional, knowledgable and successful person to help you with any dog issues, then you need not look any further than Brian Manning and CBS.

This is a re-​posting. Unilocal «filtered out» my first posting.
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Brian Manning is an amazingly gifted dog (and people) trainer. I found Brian when I was looking for help with persistent issues with my dog – he was reactive towards other dogs, going for walks was a nightmare, he was unpredictably snappy towards me, and he was a horrible resource guarder. These behaviors crept in and got worse over time. I consulted other trainers with little improvement. I became increasingly frustrated and thought there was no hope. And then I found Brian.
It was clear to me during our first consultation that Brian understands dogs at a level that most trainers don’t. His approach doesn’t just rely on clickers, treats, special collars, etc. It’s really about helping your dog find balance by developing the right relationship between dog and human and presenting the right kind of energy. Those other methods may be tools in the process, but it is ultimately the relationship between human and dog that creates balance.
After my initial consultation with Brian, I decided to send my dog, Scout, to Brian’s «in patient» program. Scout lived with Brian and his «pack» for 6 weeks, and he came home an entirely different dog. But even more important than training my dog, Brian then stared training *me*.
There is no doubt that Brian can resolve any behavioral issue your dog has. But in order for these changes to become permanent, you need to change many of your behaviors as the owner. In my case, I was absolutely not being the leader, which was the root of my dog’s issues. When Scout came home, I had to make A LOT of changes to the way I dealt with my dog. I won’t lie, it was a tough adjustment at first. But Brian gave me the chance for a «do over,» and I wasn’t going to blow it.
And let me tell you, it was so worth it. I now have the relationship with my dog that I always wanted to have. His resource guarding issues are behind us; he is no longer leash reactive; I can take him to dog parks and he has a blast; and most importantly, I learned how to be his leader. I am so much happier, and if Scout could talk, I think he would tell you that he is happier too.
What’s also really important here is that Brian is always there to support you. The re-​homing process takes a lot of adjustment for you as the owner. Your progress won’t happen in a straight line, because it is a significant adjustment for both you and your dog. Brian is ALWAYS there for your, he responds very promptly and thoroughly to any of your questions or concerns. He doesn’t just drop your dog off and then disappear. He genuinely wants to make sure that you and your dog succeed for the long-​term.
Brian has allowed me to have a relationship with my dog that I never thought I could have. Scout and I aren’t perfect, and we work on it every day, but the progress we have made is mind blowing. I know that some people think that overly glowing reviews are fakes. I can assure you that this is not. Brian Manning is the real deal. I am more than happy to speak to anyone who is considering Brian’s services, just ask him for my email address.

Just as a warning — Unilocal thinks too many good reviews about one business equals «too good to be true». Brian Manning isn’t one of those — he’s just really that good!
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Brian Manning is the man. No, he’s THE MAN. I wish I could get a huge billboard for him, because SOOOOOOOO many dog owners need his services.
How did I find him? I used the Cesar Millan website to search for local CM approved places, and found Brian Manning.
OK so as a background, my dog is one of those dogs that if it were anyone else, they’d say he was the best dog ever, and he has no problems. But because he’s a German Shepherd, I wanted to avoid any future problems, and hired Brian to be able to detect anything that might become problematic in the future. For one, my dog pulled the crap out of my mom and my boyfriend on walks, so I really thought this was necessary. Also, I wanted someone who would be there to help with evaluating my dog with other dogs and help us read body language to make sure there wouldn’t be any dog fights.
Basically, Brian was my preventative medicine for my dog. A sort of vaccine against any behavioral problems, and that’s what Brian has done for us.
He is incredibly knowledgable, and from the get go, he has been WONDERFUL with me, my mom, and my boyfriend (and of course, my dog!). He has taught us so much, and has been helping us with my dog’s confidence level.
For pricing, I really didn’t think he was too bad, but if you’re the stingy type, you might be upset. He’s so worth it though. He’s one of the few people out there that will take an aggressive dog, too. He’s just very calming in any situation.
As a warning, if you call him, you might think he’s a bit rude (I had to tell him off on day one on the phone), but he apologized and explained that he gets a ton of phone calls a day and it builds up (understandable, I do life coaching on the side and I can get that way sometimes). He is, however, incredibly friendly and insightful in person and in email.
I have been recommending Brian to everyone I met with doggy issues. If you have some serious behavioral issues with your dog, I don’t see who else you should go to.