THE CHALLENGE
The Problem
Your dog loses their mind when they see other dogs—lunging, barking, pulling, spinning. Walks are nightmares. You cross the street to avoid dogs. You can't enjoy parks. Other owners judge you. Your dog seems aggressive but off-leash they're fine.
OUR APPROACH
The Solution
Reactivity is over-arousal, not true aggression—we teach impulse control, leash manners and calm behaviour around triggers. Through exposure, corrections and counter-conditioning, we rehabilitate reactive dogs to calmly pass other dogs on-leash.
RESULTS
What You'll Achieve
THE PROCESS
How It Works
Assessment: True aggression vs frustration-based reactivity
Threshold management: Distance where your dog can think
Impulse control: Teach waiting and self-control
Leash manners: Proper walking position reduces arousal
Counter-conditioning: Change emotional response to other dogs
Controlled exposure: Gradual proximity to calm dogs with corrections
FAQ
Common Questions
What's the difference between reactivity and aggression?
Reactivity: Over-arousal (barking, lunging, pulling) without intent to harm. Usually frustration—they want to greet but can't. Aggression: Intent to threaten or fight. Reactive dogs look scary but rarely bite. Aggressive dogs want to hurt. Both need training, aggression is more serious.
Why is my dog reactive on-leash but fine off-leash?
Leash reactivity—frustration from being restrained when they want to greet. Off-leash, they can move freely so no frustration. Also called 'barrier frustration.' Very common, very fixable through leash conditioning and impulse control work.
Can reactive dogs go to dog parks?
Not until they're rehabilitated. Reactive dogs at dog parks create incidents—they're already aroused, then surrounded by triggers. After successful training, some reactive dogs can handle dog parks. Others never will—and that's okay. Not all dogs need dog park access.
Will positive-only training fix reactivity?
Maybe for mild cases. Moderate to severe reactivity needs corrections—you can't treat away lunging. Counter-conditioning (treats near dogs) helps change emotions, but boundaries (corrections for lunging) are necessary too. Positive-only tries to avoid corrections and often fails.
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