For dogs who react to visitors, noises, people, other dogs, traffic or whatever, online training is better than in person help – and reactive dogs happen to be one of my specialist areas. One of our most highly valued courses is our live, online Reactive Rover Bootcamp and the next one starts on 30th September
I need help!
“I am at my wits end. Our dog has a bit of a troubled past and was never properly socialised. She came to us incredibly fearful of dogs which made walks a nightmare, she lunges, barks and bucks around like a broncho, in the house she is reactive to household noises, birds, people walking by and any unexpected sounds. It is making life miserable for us.”
This cry for help tugged my heartstrings. If you have a reactive dog, you’ll understand these emotions exactly. It’s debilitating, it’s hard and it wears you down, dealing with a dog who reacts to everyday things such as other dogs, people, places, traffic or visitors.
Dealing with reactive dogs is one of my specialist areas. It all started with a dog called Mack, my fourth collie.
Let me tell you about Mack
Mack was an apprehensive, fearful dog who was scared of his own shadow. He was suspicious of everything and everybody. He was reluctant to leave the house to go for walks, hated loud noises and sudden movements, and even had to be taught to play. Worse, he snapped at me often and bit me several times, seemingly out of the blue. So I know what it’s like to live with a reactive dog. And it’s not fun.
I was out of my depth with him – and scared of him at times. I wept with frustration nearly every day because I didn’t understand why he was doing these things or how to help him. I wanted – needed – to learn all I could about dog behaviour. Mack was the main reason I became the Doggy Doctor.
A long, long journey of learning, setbacks and successes followed, but I now recognise that the experience has made me what I am today – an expert at helping other people with reactive dogs.
That’s why one of our most highly valued courses is our live, online Reactive Rover Bootcamp.
Learning essential skills online
For dogs who react to visitors, noises, people, other dogs, traffic or whatever, online training is better than in person help. You learn the essential skills you need to help your dog in safety and comfort without leaving your own fireside. You’ll learn things such as:
- the importance of helping your dog calm down and stay calm,
- the three key things to train to help your reactive dog,
- how to teach your dog to focus on you instead of the things that set them off,
- what to do in emergencies and
- how to help yourself – having a dog who reacts to things affects you negatively, too.
Our next live Reactive Rover course starts next week, on Thursday 30th September – see the link for more details and to book. It lasts four weeks and we call it a bootcamp for good reason. It is intensive, with three sessions each week and lots of work to do – but it’s also fun. You’ll learn a lot about your dog and about yourself. We cover a lot (a LOT) in the twelve sessions over the four weeks.
Hearing back from previous clients
Here’s what the previous client said after their course:
“After completing Reactive Rover, life is thankfully much better. Most importantly what I gained from the course was the knowledge of how to help her and feel confident to do so, and it’s paying dividends. Now I know her limits (and mine), our walks are mainly uneventful and pleasant. Her reaction to household noises has decreased significantly and the birds nesting in our garden live in relative peace. She certainly still has a way to go, she’s by no means perfect, but we’re working on it. When we began, I felt quite hopeless but I’ve gained so much perspective and learnt to appreciate the small improvements she makes every day. It fills me with so much pride to see her becoming more confident, calm, and playful, her new confidence is even helping her (and I) feel more secure when she’s alone. I’d absolutely recommend the course to anyone with a reactive dog, it takes a world of patience but it does pay off. Penny also would like to give the course her own 10/10 based on treat quantity and frequency!”
If your dog turns into a raving lunatic at things, you need our Reactive Rover bootcamp. Click the link to find out more. I love running this course and I’d love to see you there.
Don’t keep struggling – let me help you and your dog have a calm, quiet, happy life together.
Keep training and stay safe,
Carol
