Reactive Pup Program
When out on a walk and you see another dog approaching, do you tense up - knowing that your pup is about to lose it? If barking, lunging, spinning and refusing to acknowledge your existence is your dog’s reaction- you’re not alone! These dogs are reactive. While typically not outright aggressive to all other dogs, on-leash anxiety or frustration can cause an uncontrollable situation.
This program is designed for you and your dog - you’ll both be students. You’ll learn management skills to get out of difficult situations, and the training skills for long-term behavioral change. The dogs will have the opportunity to practice calm responses to other dogs in carefully controlled situations. We will help your dog learn self-control, focus and that other dogs predict good things.
Our training includes both behavior modification and obedience skills. They key to lasting change is helping your dog learn to feel better about seeing other dogs. We’ll use a mix of food rewards, praise, games and other social interaction to build up better associations. Then we can use seeing other dogs as the start of a game - to check in for a reward each time your pup sees a dog! Shifting what other dogs mean to something neutral or a cue to check in with you means you no longer have to run the other way and hide on walks! Obedience skills we teach in the program are to help with communication and navigating our human world - not to mask or cover up how your dog is feeling around other dogs. We’re looking for deeper change so your dog can feel relaxed and confidant out in the world with you.
Reactive Dog Package options:
Online Training $450 Includes five 50min Zoom training sessions, email/text support as much as needed throughout, access to online modules on your custom client portal page, and custom training summaries after each lesson.
Hybrid Online/In Person: $850 Includes three 1 hour in person sessions, four Zoom lessons, email/text support as much as needed throughout, access to online training modules on your custom client portal page, and a written summary of skills/homework from each session.
We’ll start with an online meeting where I can learn more about your goals and your dog’s individual needs and begin training with the key foundation skills we’ll be building from.
Our next lesson will be at our private training location in Ben Lomond. We will practice each step together at a comfortable, controlled distance to one of my non-reactive dogs so you can both learn how to work together.
At our second lesson, we’ll meet out in the ‘real world’ to practice putting everything together.
Each lesson together we’ll be adding new training skills to build towards our goals. Since every dog is different, the specific training program is always tailored to exactly what your dog needs. We’ll be covering marker words, counter conditioning, engagement, loose leash walking, training games, recall, leash/long line handling and more.
In Person Only: $850 Includes five 1 hour in person sessions, email support as much as needed throughout, access to online training modules on your custom client portal page, and a written summary of skills/homework from each session.
Our first lesson will focus on foundation skills and marker words.
At our second lesson, we’ll practice seeing one of my non-reactive at a comfortable, controlled distance so you can both learn how to work together.
Our third lesson is usually at a local park to practice your new behavior modification skills in the ‘real world’
Our training together isn’t just during our lessons together. Sending videos of your practice at home, asking questions, sending updates, all help me as your coach guide you and make steady progress. This support is unlimited, and is the best way to learn how to be your dog’s guide for a calmer walk together.
Ideally we schedule each meeting about 1-2 weeks apart. Plan on about 2-3 months to learn the program. This doesn’t mean your dog will be perfect in that time - but that you’ll have a great tool box and understanding of how to help your dog navigate the world with you.
For long term, success, I highly recommend a training package of multiple lessons. Training for calmness instead of reactivity is like peeling layer of an onion. First working focus, then emotional responses, then obedience/communication, then relaxation. We have to go one step at a time, teaching both your dog what to do and you how to train and handle your dog though these new skills. Skipping or rushing a phase of learning can inhibit real behavior change. Many teams benefit from both the Reactive Dog Program to learn the foundation skills, and follow up lessons to continue practicing with coaching support, practicing around one of my neutral dogs, and learning new skills to build focus and communication together.
The most effective way to change a behavior problem is to ensure your dog can stay calm and think though how to make better choices on their own. Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast!
It’s important to remember these lessons will help give *you* the skills to work with your dog. Leash reactivity requires long term training and support, and cannot be ‘cured’ in a few weeks. I’ll be here to help with additional lessons and support as needed throughout your training journey together. Additional behavior problems/obedience goals may require additional sessions together. These are offered at a reduced rate of $125/session or $350/set of 3
Call, email or text (831 222 0211) to set up our next lesson together - or fill out the form below and I’ll be in touch within 48hrs