Reactive Dog Training
We understand the emotional journey of working with a reactive dog. The unpredictability of your everyday environment can amplify the stress and constant, looming fear that your dog could have a meltdown at any moment. Leash Reactivity is a very common behavior issue and it is something that we specialize in! We have helped many owners deal with this behavior and we can help you too.
Step One: Do you have a reactive dog? Please start by reading this article: Leash Reactivity
Step Two: Fill out a Behavior Questionnaire , then contact our office to book a private lesson. All clients will start with a private lesson so that we can assess and help with your individual needs. During the private lesson, we will teach you methods to make your walks more pleasant and set you up in a controlled environment to practice what you've learned. You will go home with homework to prepare either for a second lesson or for a Reactive Rover Class.
Step Three: After your first lesson, we might recommend either a second lesson (required if your dog shows any signs of fear at their first lesson) or our group class for reactive dogs called Reactive Rover. This is a very unique class we offer to our private lesson clients to help practice what you have learned. Class size is limited to 6 dogs and we will provide opportunities to practice techniques (the homework from your lesson, and new skills from class) in a controlled environment.
This class is designed to serve two primary purposes:
1. To provide owners with critical handling skills so that they are confident and equipped to deal with the triggers and challenges that may arise in their everyday environment
2. To provide the dogs with the coping skills necessary to exist more comfortably in the presence of triggers that previously provoked heightened levels of fear, anxiety, and reactivity.
Private Lessons:
Reactive Rover:
Prerequisite: One to Two** private lessons with Stephanie or Megan. After your lesson(s), you will be placed on a waiting list for class.
Details:
Classes are held on Tuesday nights
Classes are limited to 6 dogs to ensure personalized attention
The course fee is $310 for 6 consecutive, one hour classes (unless otherwise noted due to a holiday).
Proof of Rabies, DHLPP/DA2P, and Bordetella.
Policies:
**Possible need for second lesson: Fear and Leash Reactivity often go hand in hand. If your dog shows signs of fear in their first lesson, we will address this behavior first and give you training exercises and homework to address the fear. We will then recommend a second lesson to address the leash reactivity with a reactivity assessment included that will be your prerequisite for the Reactive Rover group class. We strive to cater the experience to each individual dog and family.
Missing Class: If you end up missing a class or two, simply keep up with the homework and reading and you should not need to make up the class. While we do not offer makeup classes, we do offer a 30-minute make up lesson for $55 to go over what you missed. Simply contact our office if you would like to set up a make-up lesson.
Cancellation Policy: As you can imagine, there is a great need, and a very high demand for Reactive Rover classes. Clients might wait a long time to get into class. Late cancellations waste valuable time that could be spent helping another client and dog. As such, you will be billed for class one month before the class start date. Should you need to cancel or reschedule your Reactive Rover class between 30 days before and 72 hours before the first class, there will be a 50% cancellation fee. Cancellations made less than 72 hours before the start of the first class will result in a forefeit of payment.