In our training program, led by skilled trainers here at Lizzi & Rocco’s, we believe the foundation of successful behavior modification lies in understanding and collaboration. Our approach is rooted in Margot's Method, developed by our certified head trainer, Jennen Herbst, and centers on three key pillars: 1) cooperative and choice-based training, 2) regulated and resilient response, and 3) empowered confidence. Margot’s Method fosters a true partnership, where both the dog and owner actively engage in the training process. It prioritizes emotional regulation and confidence-building to help dogs become calm, confident, and well-adjusted, respecting each dog’s individual needs. This approach not only drives lasting behavioral change but also strengthens the bond between dog and owner.
As part of our behavior modification offerings, we provide two specialized programs to address different needs: MEIA (Managing Emotional Interactions Appropriately) and MAC (Mastering & Achieving Confidence). Both programs have been carefully crafted by head trainer, Jennen, using scientifically backed methods to deliver real, lasting results.
Our MEIA program is designed for dogs facing serious, complex challenges such as severe reactivity, anxiety, or aggression. By combining online learning, one-on-one sessions, and group classes, this program rebuilds trusts and fosters lasting behavioral change. With a focus on regulated and resilient responses and choice-based training to reduce pressure in triggering situations, the MEIA program offers specialized, sustained intervention for deeply rooted behavior issues. Learn more about the MEIA program.
Our MAC program is tailored for dogs with mild to moderate anxiety and fear-related behaviors, focusing on emotional resilience and empowered confidence. By blending traditional training techniques with innovative methods inspired by approaches proven effective in humans, this program bridges the communication gap to help dogs overcome challenges. It fosters steady progress, empowering dogs to navigate everyday situations with calmness and self-assurance. Learn more about the MAC program.
Our training program goes beyond typical methods – it’s a transformative experience that nurtures the connection between dogs and their owners. By focusing on collaboration, choice, and empowerment, we ensure long-term success. Together, you and your dog will thrive, learning and growing as a team.
Before scheduling your initial consultation, please fill out our inquiry form. This form will help us gather important information about your dog's history, behavior concerns, and any past training experiences. It allows us to prepare for your consultation and ensure that we tailor our approach to your dog's specific needs.
Fill Out the Inquiry Form Here!
Our Initial Behavior Evaluation is required to begin in our behavior modification programs. This evaluation includes an in-person Behavioral Insight Meeting with head trainer, Jennen, our behavior modification specialist, and a Personalized Training Plan for your dog.
During the Behavioral Insight Meeting, you'll have the opportunity to meet Jennen, who will take time to understand both you and your dog. This session is designed to increase understanding between you, your dog, and Jennen.
What to Expect in the Behavioral Insight Meeting:
Virtual options available upon request.
After the Behavioral Insight Meeting, Jennen will crate a Personalized Training Plan tailored to your dog's needs. This plan outlines actionable steps to address the concerns discussed during the meeting, providing your with a clear roadmap to follow on your dog's training journey. It's a practical guide to help you begin making progress right away.
The cost of the Initial Behavior Evaluation is $250. This includes both the in-person meeting and the personalized training plan. The session typically lasts about an hour and covers everything you need to get started with your dog's training. By the end of the session, you'll have a clear understanding of how to move forward and the next steps to take.
Once you’ve had a chance to review the brief training plan, you can choose from several training options that best suit your needs and goals:
Training Blueprint
A thorough, personalized plan designed to guide you and your dog through the training process with clarity and confidence. Ideal for owners who prefer to work at their own pace.
Introductory Package
This package combines the clarity of the blueprint with practical, hands-on training time to ensure consistent progress. It’s perfect for those who want immediate support and a solid foundation.
Lesson Packages
Flexible packages of lessons tailored to your schedule and training goals. These packages offer ongoing support to address your dog’s specific needs.
For a more comprehensive approach that includes both lessons and group classes, we also offer Comprehensive Training Packages, available upon request. These packages provide a more extensive and supportive training experience.
If you have any questions or need assistance in choosing the right package for you, please feel free to email us at training@lizziandroccos.com for more information!
During the consultation, our goal is not to push your dog to their “full” reaction. Based on our discussions with you and observations of your dog, Jennen will provide training recommendations. We aim to avoid creating negative experiences for your dog during the first meeting, as this can lead to long-term negative associations. For this reason, we typically aim to end the consultation before your dog reaches their stress threshold.
Dogs are a lot like us. Every dog is unique and handles themselves differently in the multitude of situations and interactions they find themselves in regularly. There are times where we may feel that our dog’s reaction to a situation is not appropriate. This does not make the dog a bad dog, it makes the dog a normal dog using the form of canine communication they feel that they should be using in the situation. These situations trigger an emotional response in our dogs that makes them feel the need to have this type of reaction. It is our duty as the owner of the dog to change our mindset in these situations and how we manage the behavior of our dog.
Reactivity is commonly confused with aggression in dogs the occurs in response to a trigger. Many times, the dog is not intending to harm when triggered but they are using the behavior as a form of communication. Dogs cannot clearly communicate their emotions in a situation and tell us when they are scared, nervous, frustrated, angry, overly excited or over their threshold. They communicate this to us through their reactions and behavior. Common forms are barking, lunging, growling, and/or snapping but each dog’s behavior can look different. We should never punish our dogs for this behavior as they are only trying to communicate. Instead, it is our job to acknowledge the behavior and work on adjusting how we handle the situation with our dog to help them respond differently.
For us to achieve this, we can help our dog change their emotional response and teach them different behaviors that they can display when triggers are present. There are multiple ways that this can be done, and we discuss these in the MEIA program. The most important part of the MEIA program though is making sure there is trust between you and your dog, creating a strong relationship. You can help your dog learn to trust that you have all situations under control, and they do not need to feel the anxiety, fear, frustration, over excitement, etc. when in the situation. This will help them remain focused on the alternative behavior(s) you ask of them. Instead of focusing only on the situation, we hope that they will begin to look to you for guidance in how to act in the situation as well as make their own choices to display calm and stable behaviors.
The MEIA program has been designed to help build this strong relationship as well as in gaining your dog’s trust while teaching them alternative response behaviors to perform during these types of exciting interactions as well as switch their emotions in the situation. Every dog is a good dog. We set expectations for our dogs, so it is our job to make sure we communicate these to them in a way that they understand and is positive so that they begin to feel more comfortable. Not every dog will end up being extremely sociable and ready to make friends with every dog/person they meet. However, the end goal is that the owner and dog learn how to MANAGE and become more comfortable in the EMOTIONAL INTERACTIONS they find themselves in, leading to alternative and more APPROPRIATE responses.
Meia was an American Staffordshire Terrier who changed my life. She is the main reason that I went into training. When I adopted her in 2013, I did not know that Meia was selective about her canine friends until she had a negative experience with one. It was then that we tried multiple training methods to work with reducing her reactivity to other dogs. While old school methods did not work, I learned about positive reinforcement and did that for years with her and she became one of the best dogs, even if she still didn’t have a lot of friends, she could at least tolerate them. By the time she passed on Halloween of 2019 she was able to be around other dogs, even in exciting situations, but instead of reacting she looked to me for guidance. These training classes are in her memory and to make sure her legacy lives on. This is the reason the program for reactive dogs is called the MEIA Program.
