HALO K9 Behavior
HALO K9 Behavior offers professional, science-based behavior support and training for pets and families statewide in Dayton, Ohio and beyond, grounded in decades of applied animal behavior research and compassionate practice. We strive to provide the tools and support necessary for every
adopter or foster to flourish.
Led by Regina Willen, Neuroscience & Physiology Scientist and Board-Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (ACAAB), our team specializes in understanding what drives animal behavior and empowering families with real-world, humane solutions.
We help dogs and their humans with:
Fear and anxiety (including noise and separation anxiety)
Barrier, fear, and resource-based aggression
Chronic stress responses and socialization challenges
Compulsive behaviors and environmental fear reactions
Household conflict and human–animal communication breakdowns
Our approach emphasizes positive reinforcement, evidence-based protocols, thoughtful assessment, and owner education — helping pets feel safe and confident while strengthening bonds with their humans.
In January 2018, HALO opened our doors with our state-of-the-art Transitional Shelter on over 5-acres of land in Xenia, Ohio.
Dogs who suffer from behaviors, such as aggression and resource guarding, are housed in the shelter with each having a 10×10 room and daybed. Each room has a TV for movies and music, and a camera for 24/7 monitoring. The shelter has a common area where the dogs can lounge with staff and volunteers on those not so friendly weather days.
Since 2018, we have grown and evolved as the needs of our community have changed. Our focus is dogs who are facing rehoming, surrender, and euthanasia in their homes and community animals shelters. We offer many programs and services targeting owners, shelters, and rescues to provide training and resources.
Our Story
Regina brings an uncommon depth of expertise to dog behavior work, grounded in both advanced science and rigorous professional certification. She holds a master’s degree in neuroscience, physiology, and cell biology, giving her a strong understanding of the biological and cognitive processes that drive canine behavior—particularly in cases involving fear, stress, anxiety, or confusion.
Regina is an Associate Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (ACAAB) through the Animal Behavior Society, a highly respected credential that requires advanced academic training in animal behavior, extensive hands-on experience with complex cases, and peer review by other professionals, reflecting true expertise in behavior assessment and modification rather than basic obedience training.
She is also a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) with the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, which confirms her ability to apply behavior science in real-world settings through humane, ethical, and evidence-based behavior modification plans.
Together, these qualifications mean Regina is uniquely equipped to help families understand why their dog is struggling and guide them through clear, practical steps to create lasting behavior change at home.
Regina Willen, MS, ACAAB, IAABC Certified Behavior Consultant
With a background in neuroscience and physiology and one of only a handful of board-certified applied animal behaviorists in Ohio, Regina brings science, empathy, and practical strategies to every case. She has extensive experience assessing and developing customized behavior plans — from novel environments like shelters to everyday family life.
Regina doesn’t just work with dogs — she has published scientific work on how human interaction affects shelter dog stress and behavior. This combination of academic research and hands-on practice makes her especially qualified to help dogs with:
Severe fear or anxiety
Aggression toward people or other animals
Separation distress
Compulsive behaviors
Resource guarding or territorial issues
These are not problems that simple commands or obedience lessons alone can fix — they often require a trained behavior specialist who understands why the behavior is happening and how to change it safely.
Published Works
Contact us
If you’d like to move forward, the next step is an initial behavior consultation, where Regina will take time to understand your dog’s history, environment, and challenges. Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!