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A reactive dog exhibits a response, such as barking, lunging, and/or growling, when on the leash. Triggers can be other dogs, people, bikes, scooters, kids running, etc. These behaviors, although they may appear aggressive, are natural responses that may stem from underlying feelings of fear, anxiety, or frustration due to feeling threatened or overwhelmed. Managing this behavior involves recognizing specific triggers and employing techniques like creating physical distance from the stimulus and focussing on helping the dog calm down. 

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We focus on teaching the dog an alternative behavior and provide you with management strategies should unexpected encounters occur. We will teach you and your dog to become a successful team by helping your dog go from reactive to calm one step at a time. 

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Important Information!

​Our group class is designed to fit the needs of dogs that do well with other dogs when off-leash but struggle with dogs when on-leash. The class is not designed for dogs with aggression issues towards people and/or dogs when on and off-leash. Such behaviors need to be addressed individually. Please visit our Anxiety, Fear and Aggression page (coming in 2026). Behaviors such as growling, jumping and lunging at the sight of another dog is not an uncommon behavior often caused by the restriction of the leash.