Reactive Dogs

The result you get will depend on a number of things including your dog’s background, genetics, learning history, and the time and opportunities you can offer them through training. All dogs respond differently. What you will know is that once we’re done working together, your dog will be the very best they can be. Don’t compare yourself to others. We will be thorough and have worked through all the possibilities, so you’ll know there’s no stone left unturned. You can be content knowing the dog you have has reached their full potential.

Working with your vet as part of a team allows us to address any potential underlying health issues which may be contributing to your dog’s behaviour. This is the most effective way to understanding your dog. Because it’s so important it is also a requirement of the organisations I’m a member of APBC and FABC.

As the proud dog-parent to a reactive dog myself, I know how much work you have to put in to supporting them. If you’re confident in your ability to do that work yourself then the basic programme will suit you. Most often though, you’ll need the support of an experienced trainer to help guide you as you move through the different stages of the training. That’s why I offer 1-1 bespoke training sessions as part of a full support programme, so we can work together to put the skills you learn in to practise.

Most of my clients come to me having seen several other trainers. Instantly this tells us something. Your issue is not a simple training issue. If it was, you’d likely have got to the bottom of it already. Your dog’s behaviour is complex and the reasons behind it will take real insight to unpick. Together we are going to deep-dive in to all the areas of your dog’s life, to find out why they do what they do, and what you can about it. This is not a one-size-fits-all training plan. We will take a holistic approach looking at physical, mental and emotional solutions for your dog’s behaviour.

I will always be honest about what I think is possible for you and your dog. I won’t know that until we’ve done the initial consultation. Your outcome will depend on how well you can manage your dog’s environment, how much time you have for training, and how your dog responds to it. Everyone’s journey is unique to them and it’s important not to compare your journey to someone else’s. What I can tell you, is that together, we will make sure your dog is the very best they can be.

You probably found your way here because you’ve been dealing with this problem for a while. If your dog is reactive; growling, barking or lunging, it’s very unlikely to go away on its own. In fact, what tends to happen is the more your dog practises the unwanted the behaviour, the more likely they are to do it again in future. As with many challenging behaviours, dogs tend to grow into them, rather than out of them! Seeking help sooner is always better.

You probably spend a lot of time preparing for walks, planning your schedule and avoiding certain days/parks/times of day with your dog already. The difference is, now, you’ll know what you’re doing is right and you’re working towards a goal. Yes, there will be some exercises to practise. But if you already spend a good part of your day thinking, reading and obsessing over your dog’s behaviour, it probably won’t add much time to your day. Instead, we’ll use the time you were already spending, and make it more constructive. You will have a structured plan, broken down into stages, and we’ll work through it together step-by-step. Outside of our sessions you’ll need about 15mins per day to prep and practise the exercises. And the rest will happen during walks or time you’re already spending with your dog.