Ethics
Dandelion Behavior uses positive reinforcement, choice-based, and force-free training methods, full stop. No matter your behavior goal, we’ll work together to find a holistic approach that meets everyone’s needs and follows the least inhibitive, functionally effective framework (LIFE, Fernandez, 2024). For more information on LIFE and ethical approaches to animal welfare check out our Recommended Resources!
Evidence
Decades of research in animal behavior and applied behavior analysis inform our practice. We will always be transparent with you when we are trying something new, or adapting an evidence-based concept in an unstudied context.
Education
We don’t rest on laurels at Dandelion Behavior. Continuing education and mentorship are key ingredients to professional growth and effective practice. As we continuously learn and grow, we bring you along for the ride, giving you the tools to understand and address behavior concerns in a compassionate way.
Equity
We believe that great training information belongs to everyone, regardless of household income. We offer sliding scale pricing and barter so that you can meet your family’s needs without compromising welfare.
Reference:
Fernandez, E. J. (2024). The least inhibitive, functionally effective (LIFE) model: A new framework for ethical animal training practices. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 71, 63–68. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jveb.2023.12.001
Team
Alli Holte, CSB-D, CPDT-KA, is the owner and operator of Dandelion Behavior.
As a shelter dog behavior consultant and professional dog trainer, Alli is committed to finding behavior solutions that improve quality of life, meet animals’ needs, and foster a strong human-animal bond. She’s committed to continuing education and takes every opportunity to learn from and practice with experts in the field — her favorite opportunities involve training with multiple species!
Before starting Dandelion Behavior, Alli was the Behavior and Training Coordinator at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, Virginia (AWLA), where she worked with dogs and cats in need of behavioral intervention to help them build skills to thrive in an adoptive home. During her time at the AWLA, Alli created the Alexandria Animal Academy, a low-cost educational program for dog guardians in the community that combines group class instruction with private consultation to target and modify problem behaviors using a blend of enrichment and positive reinforcement. She also overhauled the training and onboarding programs for all staff and volunteers handling dogs with a focus on safe and low-stress methods.
Alli has also volunteered with the Shelter Playgroup Alliance under the direction of Mara Velez. Through SPA, Alli had the opportunity to provide virtual and in-person coaching to shelter staff and volunteers around the world on safe handling, positive reinforcement-based training, and making ethical and compassionate outcomes decisions. She is deeply grateful for her experiences learning and growing with SPA.
Before moving into the shelter world, Alli spent a decade in public policy, serving three administrations and focusing primarily on K-12 public education policy.
Alli holds a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from The George Washington University and is pursuing a master’s degree in Agriculture and Life Sciences, with a concentration in Applied Animal Behavior and Welfare, at Virginia Tech University.
Alli lives in Keene, New Hampshire with her husband, Andy, and their dog, Gus. She loves to cook, listen to vinyl records, and volunteer in her community.
About
Dandelion Behavior provides virtual and in-person canine behavior and training services. Our home base is the Monadnock region of New Hampshire.
We believe every dog — and human companion — deserves the experience of slowing down to sniff the dandelions. Our mission is to meet each dog’s individual needs to thrive in the human world.
If you’ve got a dog with big feelings, we can help!
Read more about our philosophy, background, and practice below!